Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a five-year-old can feel like navigating a whirlwind of emotions, pirates, astronauts and doctors - all before lunchtime. At this dynamic age, play isn't just fun; it's a crucial part of development that builds problem-solving skills, social confidence and creativity.
How We Tested The Best Toys
Our selection process combined professional expertise with real-world testing. As an experienced toy-tester with a decade in parenting journalism and educational backgrounds, we consulted childhood development specialists before putting theory into practice.
We hosted five consecutive days of playdates with groups of five-year-olds, observing which toys captured their attention longest and offered diverse play opportunities. Beyond immediate appeal, we evaluated whether toys would 'grow' with children and provide lasting value.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout - large plastic toys needed to offer serious play value, while durable, hand-me-down-friendly options scored highly. Screen-based toys only made the cut if they added genuine educational value rather than just screen time appeal.
The Ultimate Gift Guide For Five-Year-Olds
Yoto Audio Player: Storytelling Revolution
Priced at £69.99 from Yoto and Natural Baby Shower, this audiobook player stands out as an exceptional long-term investment. Children slot story cards into the device to access a vast library ranging from lullabies to Harry Potter and educational content like BrainBots.
The Yoto forms the backbone of bedtime routines with its colour-changing light that signals sleep and wake times. Free content including the excellent Yoto Daily podcast and remote playback via smartphone make it perfect for road trips and home use alike. Age suitability: 3+
Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Set: Creative Construction
Available for £23.30 at Argos and Amazon, these magnetic tiles offer endless open-ended play possibilities. Early-years specialist Laura Moore-Williams explains: 'Open-ended toys encourage creativity, problem-solving, imagination and adaptability across all ages.'
Testers built jails for action figures, train stations, houses and ball runs with the satisfying click-together tiles. The durable 32-piece set comprising squares and triangles stores easily and maintains appeal as children grow. Age suitability: 3+
Glitter Wand and Crown: Magical Role-Play
Priced at £19.99 from Etsy and A is for Alice, this UK-designed set sparked elaborate fairy, wizard and princess games. Sydney Piercey, author of Sustainable Play, notes: 'Open-ended toys last longer, are more sustainable and foster creativity, imagination and critical thinking.'
Exceptional craftsmanship using UK-sourced fabrics ensures these handmade pieces will likely become family heirlooms. Age suitability: 3+
Play-Doh Cake Playset: Creative Baking Fun
At £30 from Argos and Sainsbury's, this set kept testers immersed in bakery role-play for hours. Despite the inevitable mess and colour-mixing anxiety for parents, the playset develops fine motor skills while sparking imagination.
Eleven pots of colourful Play-Doh form into cakes that 'bake' in the oven mechanism, with rollers for icing decoration. Replacement pots ensure years of creative play. Age suitability: 3+
Le Toy Van Animal Vet Set: Compassionate Care
Priced from £23.96 at Scandiborn to £29.95 directly from Le Toy Van, this beautiful wooden set arrives in a cloth medical bag containing ten pieces including a stethoscope and medicine bottle.
Moore-Williams emphasises that 'imaginative play gives children a safe way to explore big ideas and practise real-life roles'. The FSC wood and fabric pieces with non-toxic dyes saw repeated play and integration into other games. Age suitability: 3+
Lego Medium Creative Brick Box
At £24.99 from Lego or £25 at Argos, this classic remains a go-to gift for good reason. Daisy Upton, author of Five Minute Mum, says: 'There are lots of possibilities to create endlessly with it.'
Testers built everything from jails to spaceships, with the plastic's durability ensuring years of versatile play. An ideas book makes an excellent companion gift. Age suitability: 4+
Staedtler Noris Jumbo Paper Figures Crafting Set
Priced from £6.71 at Ocado to £10.99 at Ryman, this quality craft kit includes crayons, scissors, glue and printed nets for making 3D animals.
Piercey advises: 'If you want to invest in fewer, better-quality toys, then I'd suggest craft materials.' The chunky, highly-pigmented crayons and durable tools outlast single sessions, while animal construction provides valuable adult-child connection time. Age suitability: 4+
Stapelstein Stepping Stones: Active Indoor Play
This premium set costs £139.45 at The Kid Collective or £166.45 from Scandiborn, but offers exceptional longevity. The recyclable foam stones stack for storage and transform into lava crossings, rivers and obstacle courses.
The wobble board builds core strength and provides sensory stimulation, making rainy days more manageable. Climate-neutral manufacturing adds to its sustainable credentials. Age suitability: 1 year+
Hornby Steam Goods Express Train Set
At £49.99 from Hornby and Amazon, this screen-free toy fascinates children with its workings. Easy-fit plastic track, rechargeable batteries and wire-free remote make it parent-friendly.
Testers expanded the play by building towns around the track with existing toys. Compatibility with Hornby's Playtrains range allows for future expansion. Age suitability: 5+
Yomo 16 Kids Bike: Outdoor Adventure
Priced from £305 at Tweeks Cycles to £340 directly from Yomo, this bike supports the crucial development of outdoor play. Designed specifically for young riders, the single-speed drivechain simplifies learning while the triple-butted alloy keeps it light yet robust.
The Yomo trade-in scheme offers up to 50% off when trading within 24 months of original purchase. Age suitability: 4+
Le Toy Van Bay Tree Doll's House
This beautiful flat-pack house costs £149.95 from Le Toy Van or £134.95 at Amazon. Made from FSC wood with non-toxic dyes, its three flexible floors encourage limitless imagination.
Left as an 'invitation to play', testers were immediately drawn to this heirloom-quality toy that promises generational enjoyment. Age suitability: 3+
Cotton Twist Allsorts Keyring Kit
Priced from £9.56 at Not on the High Street to £11.95 at Cotton Twist, this portable tin contains elasticated thread, wooden beads and fobs for creating five keyrings.
Perfect for restaurants or travel, it absorbed testers for 45-60 minutes while discreetly developing fine-motor skills. The mostly wooden components enhance its sustainability. Age suitability: 3+
What Five-Year-Olds Really Need From Toys
Moore-Williams explains that five-year-olds need toys supporting social skills, early literacy, numeracy development and fine-motor control. They thrive on pretend play, storytelling, construction and role-play with friends.
Avoiding 'babyish' toys while selecting stage-appropriate options is crucial. Toys that grow with children - like Lego, craft supplies and magnetic tiles - offer the best value and longevity.
All UK toys should carry CE or UKCA marks, with battery compartments securely fastened. Consider storage solutions and space requirements, especially when gifting to other people's children.
Ultimately, the best gifts for five-year-olds combine durability, developmental benefits and that magical ability to draw children back day after day, transforming everyday play into meaningful learning experiences.
