19 fun and educational gifts for 5-year-olds, with advice from a child psychologist

Best toys for 5-year-olds in 2020

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  • While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to gifting kids, 5-year-olds benefit from toys that challenge them physically, mentally, and creatively.
  • With the advice of a child psychologist, we rounded up 19 of the best toys for 5-year-olds.
  • To shop for everyone on your list, check out all of our 2020 holiday gift guides.
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By age 5, kids are typically in kindergarten and gaining influences from the outside world as well as from home. Their interests and abilities vary widely. What works for one child won't work for another, according to Roberta Golinkoff, child psychologist and author of "Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children."

"It's not a one-size-fits-all. You have to think about the particular child," said Golinkoff. "You might as well start by asking the parents 'What does the child like?'"

Look for toys that physically, mentally, and creatively challenge the child at their level, said Golinkoff. While 5-year-olds probably won't follow strict gameplay rules or deal in abstract concepts, they thrive on adult attention. "They can do anything alongside a caring adult," said Golinkoff. "A parent has to have patience to work with a child on something that's way over their head ... this is where you socialize your kid."

Below are 19 of our favorite toys for 5-year-olds:

A realistic appliance for budding cooks

Amazon

Hape International Fun Fan Fryer, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target, from $20.99

Pretend play is critical for childrens' development, according to Scholastic, but it's also lots of fun. Hape's Fun Fan Fryer is a Parents' Choice Award winner that ticks both of these boxes. It comes with play spices, food, pans, and a mini electric "stove" that pops and sizzles. No actual heat is used.

Recommended ages:3 years and up

A STEM brainteaser for any level

Amazon

AniBlock Puzzle Challenger Double Pack, available at Amazon, $31.99

When it comes to puzzles for 5-year-olds, Golinkoff recommends that gift-buyers assess the child and aim for one step up in terms of a challenge. The AniBlock Puzzle Challenger can be used on multiple levels, and is therefore a gift that keeps on giving for years. Children arrange puzzle pieces on a physical grid or on an app, allowing them to work on their spatial and creative skills.

Recommended ages:4 years and up

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