Oh, how I love the age of Kindergarten and first grade. Five- and six-year-olds become wildly independent and can carry on conversations that make me feel like I’m chatting with a friend. Kids this age may attend an extended school day, and it’s extremely important that they come home to some play. Now is our chance to make the most of the unstructured downtime. Play is lifelong! Here are the best creative toys for 5-7-year-olds to keep the play going long after grade school.
Big Kids Need Time to Play
I cannot say it enough. After a long school day, our children must come home and play. Let’s remind our big kids that what they touch can quickly become more creative and involve movement.
We need kids of all ages to continue the momentum from the type of play we have worked so hard to maintain during the early years.
We must remind our elementary school children that they can learn through play and that their homes are safe places to explore new ideas. Kindergarten is the new first grade, and don’t get me started on what first looks like.
Let’s get these big kids some toys they can look forward to coming home to after school!
Related: Want to inspire more play at home? These BIG KID activity cards are great!
TOYS FOR 2025
Gah, these toys are the best. UPDATED for 2025. These are the best toys for kids.
Toys for 5-7 Year Olds
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GAMES IN EVERY WAY
If you enjoy board games, I also have a more extensive list of board games for kids. Check it out, along with our favorite board games for older kids.
Super Mario Monopoly
Have you played Monopoly with your kids? Super Mario Monopoly was our introduction to Monopoly, and I am so happy we started here. It simplified the parts and pieces needed to advance players and purchase properties with only two coins. My boys also love the Mario Brothers, so this game was a winner as soon as they unwrapped it!
DogMan Game
How many times have I played this game, you ask? Too many. But that is because my younger two love it. A win for your Dog Man fan.
Game Cubes
This electronic game cube has nine different games that I enjoy too! Who knew following a sequence and repeating patterns would be so much fun?!
Tapple
Tapple was my favorite game last holiday season, and it’s still a winner! Pick a category, set the timer, and see who can think of the most words that begin with the letter sound. You can play with or without the timer, and it will be great fun with relatives over the holiday.
Buildzi
Who knew you could play Tetris without a screen?! This game checks almost every box—it’s creative, has many problems to solve, can be played together or solo, and, as a parent of a certain age, the nostalgia factor makes me smile. You can combine these with additional sets or blocks for a new experience. Playing Buildzi is a great way to spend time and a creative way to develop strong math skills.
Pushpeel
This silicone fidget toy has proven to be a winning way to calm down after a long school day. If you have a child who enjoys tactile sensory toys, add them to the cart!
Plip Charms
No doubt about it. My five-year-old self is all about these charm bracelets. They remind me so much of the charm necklaces we used to wear! Does anyone remember the name?
Minecraft UNO
Minecraft meets UNO. Done and done. No further comments.
Nex Playground
Are your kids begging to stay inside because of the cold? Get the Nex Playground to keep them active indoors as you catch a break. (But warning-you may want to play, too.)
The Genius Square
Another winner suggested to us by a friend! Roll the dice and plug in the wooden circles. The goal is to fill in the missing spaces using the different puzzle pieces. Players can play this game alone or challenge a friend to see who can complete the puzzle in time. Genius Square is a fantastic board game for elementary-aged children and beyond to improve strategy and hand-eye coordination.
Ticket to Ride
A friend suggested this board game for my six and seven-year-olds to play. It has inspired lots of strategic thinking! The goal is to complete train routes by gathering cards of coordinating colors. We like to play this game before bedtime and get everyone involved. If you want a new board game for elementary-aged children, THIS IS IT!
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
It’s a fast-paced game for kids that follows a super fun sequence. Flip your card as you repeat the pattern. If it matches, be the first to slap the pile! It is so simple, yet so fun. My little guy loves this card game!
Cash Box
Okay, I have no idea which category the cash box fits into, so I added it to games. My seven-year-old loves his cash box for sorting Pokémon cards, cash from grandparents, and trinkets. You will know if this is for your child. As you scan this list, you will say I need this under your breath.
ART SUPPLEIES & CREATIVE PLAY
Schleich Eldrador Creatures
My youngest will find the Schleich collection at Barnes and Noble and sit there for an hour if I have the time. He goes all in full imaginary play mode, and last year spent his birthday money on this Lava Monster. He loves it!
Fabric Flower Bouquets
Again, my inner child is smitten. Making fabric flowers as I dream of warmer days feels so right.
BRIO Remote Control Train
My MIL got these for my boys when they were five and six, and they were a huge, huge hit. If you have a little train engineer, this will bring the wooden track back out for more play.
Switch-eroo Markers
Does anything beat a fresh pack of markers with a new sketchbook? I am going to say no. These color-changing markers are a big hit!
Scented Pens
Scented pencils and pens are another homerun with kids ages 5-7. They are the perfect gift for your little storyteller.
Lego Food Friends
Lego has a few mini sets like this, and they are under $10. They make the perfect gift for birthday parties or a thoughtful addition for someone on your list.
ChompSaw
My eyes are all over this ChompSaw. I can see my eleven-year-old jumping in for the fun too. Nothing screams ‘I still enjoy creating’ like being able to cut your own cardboard.
Minecraft Magnetic Cubes
If your child enjoys magnetic tiles, they will also enjoy these magnetic cubes. No need to be a Minecraft fan. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Musical Jewelry Box
Again. Be still, my six-year-old heart. This musical jewelry box comes in a variety of styles to choose from and is priced under $15.
Kids Knife Set
Do you have someone who enjoys helping in the kitchen? This is a great starter knife set.
Rail Racers
I spotted these Rail Racers at the New York Toy Fair and was instantly in agreement that these make a great addition to any magnetic tile collection. My only wish is that more rails came in the smaller pack.
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
If you’re familiar with my blog, all three boys love their Vtech point-and-shoot cameras. We don’t leave home without them. Now that my oldest is transitioning to upper elementary school, he has graduated to this super fun, creative Creator Cam and can now make short movies! The great thing about this toy is that he can start with an effortless creation but learn the elements of movie-making and use the more advanced features as he discovers them. Get ready for your close-up!
Yoto Audio Player
This is an audio player without the noise of YouTube or the internet. Use the Yoto to listen to your child’s favorite podcasts, songs, and stories. The face also shows a digital clock and has an alarm clock. My six-year-old has NOT put this down.
LEGO Road Ramp
I mean. ADORABLE. Add to cart for my middle.
Rainbow Loom
This Rainbow Loom was a HUGE hit with my neighborhood this summer. The kids would take the kit to the pool and design bracelets between jumping in. It makes an excellent kit for when siblings are at practices and need something to do while they wait.
Beads Kit
Like the Rainbow Loom, this bead kit will encourage the creation of patterns, counting, engineering, and problem-solving, and you can find opportunities for all of these skills within a bead kit. Give this early in the holiday season and give your big kid the tools to make gifts for their friends and loved ones!
Hey Clay Kit
This clay kit is similar to air-dry clay but is more suitable for children who focus on small details when creating. It will strengthen their hand muscles, improve fine motor skills, and enable them to spend quality time at home. This clay kit comes in 11 colors.
Air-Dry Clay
Like the bead kit, this material has endless possibilities for creating, problem-solving, and fun. Small hands can easily manipulate it out of the container, but you could also add some simple design tools—even cast-off playdough tools would work fine. The creation takes about three days to dry on your counter, and then the kids can paint it. This is another excellent way for kids to make unique holiday gifts, toys, and decorations!
Scratch and Sketch Books
You can take these to go or use them for quiet time before bed. Scratch off the black to reveal a colorful surprise. My creative six-year-old always looks forward to a new variation when his book is complete.
DIY Bracelets
Melissa and Doug know what’s up when it comes to kids’ toys. These DIY bracelets make perfect stocking stuffers, so your child has something to do over winter break.
Shrinky Dinks Jewelry Set
n! Take all those fun Shrinky Dinks and transform them into jewelry, barrettes, or even keychains! It’s so fun for kids to make their wearable art, encouraging them to express themselves and experiment with color and style.
TinkerTar
I learned more about this one-string guitar from attending the New York Toy Fair. This guitar was designed by Brian Calhoun, who makes guitars for big-name singers. He wanted to build a guitar for kids that was more manageable to understand and feel successful in sticking with the instrument.
STEM TOYS AND FIDGETS
Moon in My Room
My oldest had this in his room for years and loved it! He would flick through the different phases after reading—a core memory from him in the early years, for sure.
Clixco
These are super fun for kids who like to fidget and explore creative ideas. They are well-made and snap together. This is the Clixco wheel kit.
GYRO WHEEL
These light-up spinning wheels are just as much fun as we remember. Young kids get a kick from spinning the wheel and watching it light up.
HotWheels Raceway
Need a WOW gift for your Hot Wheels kid? This is it! Say no more; this is the best.
HotWheels Garage
I remember my oldest wanted this for his fifth birthday. I said no. My mom said yes. She was right. It was a hit and played with daily.
Stunt Car
Stunt cars keep my kids entertained for so long! They can stay indoors or head outside to play. This is the perfect gift for your child who enjoys movement and thrills.
Connetix Ball Run
If you are ready to add to your collection, this ball run is better than a marble run! Kids create loops, twists, and turns; the magnetic tiles are compatible with other brands.
Botley 2.0
If you are looking for a screen-free coding toy for your child, Botley 2.0 is it. With a few coding skills using lights and music, you can transform Botley into a train, police car, and more!
Space Rover
Another screen-free coding toy is Space Rover. I played with this at the New York Toy Fair and learned how children create a path for the rover by coding with the controls. Children watch as the rover follows the path they coded.
Snap Circuits
Warning: If you are anything like me, your kid is about to know much more about electricity than you ever wanted. As easy to use as LEGOs, Snap Circuits is a new world of experiments that range from simple to complex and encourage critical thinking at every turn. Snap Circuits are a big hit with my oldest.
Snap Circuits Arcade
This set is similar to the above, with more lights and whistles. It’s another fun starter set, and it’s another hit for tech-loving six-year-olds and older.
Super Mario Starter Course
We love Mario around here, and I am all for a cool toy that takes the fun off the screen in an engaging way. This LEGO set lets you create an actual, working Super Mario level! It’s challenging enough for an early to mid-elementary schooler to enjoy on their own, but so much fun that I’m excited to play with them.
Geodes
My seven-year-old’s dream came true with this Geodes kit. He recently told me it was his favorite gift from last year. Children break open the rocks to see the crystals inside. Each kit has a variety of colors. Listed for ages 8+, please judge what is best for your child.
ACTIVE PLAY
Zelda Swords
My boys and the neighbors love this Zelda sword and play with it daily. They meet on the front lawn and battle.
TOSY Flying Disc
The days are shorter, and the sun sets earlier. So rather than trying to tuck everyone in before they are ready, head outside to play with this flying disc. It lights up!
Hover Soccer Ball
My youngest has just discovered that he enjoys soccer. And since he insists on having the soccer ball inside, we will switch to the hover soccer ball as soon as possible.
Sticky Dart Board
A sticky dart board on the back of your child’s bedroom door? Say less. It is 1992 again, and I am loving it.
Rocket Copters
These are my son’s favorites! He brings them to soccer practice and spends countless amounts of time outside shooting the copters in the sky. Add these for your child who needs a little inspiration for outdoor play.
Over the Door Hoop
My seven-year-old asked for this hoop for his birthday and enjoyed tossing the ball in to make baskets. It is a fun way for him to practice his favorite sport and let energy out indoors.
Slingshot
A variation to the Rocket Copters is a traditional slingshot. Makes a fun stocking stuffer your child can use over the holiday break.
WOWmazing Giant Bubble Wand
Have a child that enjoys bubbles? This is the gift for them! This kit makes big and colorful giant bubbles. It’s an excellent toy for six-year-olds and older. See what happens when you try to make bubbles in the snow!
Climbing Dome
As the boys grow older, their energy level increases. (How could that be?) This climbing dome is a fantastic way to build strength and coordination or sit and chat with friends in the backyard.
Micro Kickboard
These kickboards now fold! They’re easy to store, and the wheels have LED lights. They’re great for ages 5-12.
Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
With the time change, now is a time to brighten up your sidewalk night rides! These LED lights make great gifts.
Moon Ball
This Moon Ball is a lot of fun to play with! It bounces super high, and kids love testing its limits. This makes a fun gift that gives kids something to do after unwrapping. (wink, wink)
LED Light Up Bike Bell
Every bike needs a bell. Your child’s bike has a bell that lets others know they are biking and coming up close. Makes a great stocking stuffer for the holidays!
GIRO Youth Bike Helmet
Need a new bike helmet? We love the way the Giro youth bike helmet fits. This bike helmet has MIPS. MIPS Brain Protection System is integrated with the Roc Loc Sport Fit System for an added measure of protection in certain impacts, plus market-leading fit and comfort.
Bike Cup Holder
One more bike essential is a bike cup holder. My boys like to bike to their friends’ houses with a water bottle. Now they can bike more safely with both hands on the handlebars.
Count Clicker Counter
Sounds simple, but my boys love the tally counter. I included a six-pack, so you have a gift for your child and the next birthday party you attend! These make great toys for six-year-olds (and older).
FAUX BOW
What kid sees a bow and arrow and DOESN’T want to try it?! This Faux Bow reduces the injury potential and maximizes the fun, making it a budget-friendly way to try archery. It shoots pretty far once you get the hang of it, and we have had a lot of fun creating silly, safe targets out of leftover cardboard and craft supplies.
Obuby Kids Walkie Talkie
We might be a digital society now, but walkie-talkies will ALWAYS be awesome. Age up a game of hide-and-seek, take them camping or hiking, or come up with a whole secret language—there are so many ways to have fun with these. I like this brand because they can take a beating, which is a huge plus, even for older kids.
Rocket Launcher
Power a rocket by jumping up and down? Yes, please. One kid can spend hours practicing this independently and then challenge all of their siblings and friends. By trying different combinations of running and jumping, kids can problem-solve and exercise themselves to greatness right in their backyard.
Swurfer Outdoor Swing
By the time my oldest was in elementary school, all he wanted to do on the swings was stand up, so I figured, why not just go with it? This swing is good quality, sturdy enough for a person up to 200 lbs to try, and engages almost every muscle in the body. I love that it extends the life of backyard swinging – and it’s okay for sitting on it and standing so that younger kids can get in on the fun, too.
What toys do six-year-olds like?
Once children hit kindergarten and first grade, their love for learning can soar or feel deflated by the high expectations.
Good, thoughtful toys for big kids remind children that they are intelligent, kind, and funny. The best toys offer a safe space to be themselves without social pressure.
When choosing a toy, we look for toys that remind children that being creative allows them to feel safe and learn more.
Let’s find toys without strict boundaries on what button to press to make it go.
Older kids must continue the momentum of open-ended play to develop the habits they need to thrive and enjoy being at home.
You know your child best. If they are ready for it, go for it!
Toys are essential because they:
- Allow a child to create.
- Allow a child to be mindful of the team around them.
- Assist with self-control and focus.
- Encourage building, designing, and early engineering skills.
- Encourage cooperation.
- Expand a child’s vocabulary.
- Help a child retell a story and express emotional needs.
- Soothe anxiety and tension.
Do you see? You cannot get that deep with a worksheet or a video game (both have another place). We know this. To deepen our children’s understanding of life, we must allow them to use open-ended, hands-on toys.
We can do this with well-thought-out new toys and time to play.
What are the best gifts?
Remember that putting ages on toys can sometimes put us in a box. Good toys for six-year-olds allow them to feel comfortable connecting to prior knowledge and encourage curiosity.
A good toy for any age matches their love of play. This may mean the arts, outdoor play, loose parts, pretend play, or rough and tumble play. Your child may also enjoy action figures, building sets, or educational toys about outer space. (P.S. Enjoying a favorite book also counts as play.)
More Toys for Kids:
Frequently Asked Questions
Think about what your child enjoys doing. Rocket Copters are great for a child that loves being outside. Watercolor paints are fun for an artistic child. STEM learners love programmable robots.
Engage large muscles with the ninja course, running with the walkie-talkies, bike riding, and faux bows. Playing indoors with a family board game such as Monopoly and Snap Circuits is fun.
YES! Unstructured play and time to be bored are vital to child development. Dedicate a time each day to unstructured free play where your child takes the lead. Doing so allows children to work through thoughts, events in the day, and emotions.
