As your children grow beyond the busy toddler stage, the world of toys evolves with them. It’s easy to assume that older kids need complex, tech-heavy gadgets to stay entertained, but the truth is, the most valuable toys for 5- to 8-year-olds are often those that spark imagination, encourage hands-on play, and stand the test of time. Welcome to your guide for navigating the toy aisle and choosing gifts that truly enrich your child’s playtime – the Busy Toddler Gift Guide, reimagined for big kids!
While the term “busy toddler” might evoke images of younger children, the principles behind engaging and beneficial play remain the same as kids get older. Just like with toddlers, we want toys that are tools for development, not just fleeting distractions. This gift guide focuses on selecting toys that continue to be valuable, enriching, and fun for children aged 5 to 8, promoting screen-free play and fostering crucial developmental skills.
Many believe that as kids age, toys should become increasingly digital or trend-driven. We’re here to dispel that myth. Toys for this age group don’t need to be the latest craze or battery-operated to be exciting or beneficial. Instead, the best toys for 5- to 8-year-olds are those that tap into their burgeoning passions, introduce new skills, and broaden their horizons through engaging, hands-on experiences.
As parents, we remain the curators of our children’s play environments, even as they grow more independent. It’s our role to discern which toys offer genuine value and which are simply fleeting fads. Toys are more than just “things”; they are instruments that shape play, encourage learning, and support development. Even for older children, hands-on play is essential. They need to be the drivers of their play, exploring, creating, and learning without relying on screens or short-lived trends that can overshadow these critical developmental years.
What Kind of Toys Do 5- to 8-Year-Olds Really Need?
When it comes to toys, we often see two distinct categories: trendy toys and timeless toys. In this guide, we advocate for prioritizing the timeless. Here’s why:
Trendy toys often have a very short lifespan. They might grab your child’s attention quickly, fueled by hype or popular culture, but this interest is usually superficial and doesn’t last. Within days or weeks, the novelty wears off, and the toy is relegated to the toy bin, often forgotten. Trendy toys are designed for the moment, offering a flash of excitement but rarely growing with your child or fostering sustained engagement. This is the opposite of what we want for our kids.
We want toys that encourage deep, sustained play. Timeless toys excel at this. They foster longer, more meaningful engagement, leading to richer learning experiences. Furthermore, investing in timeless toys is more cost-effective in the long run. You’re choosing toys that your child will continue to use and grow with, not toys that require constant replacement as trends shift.
That’s not to say all trendy toys are bad. Some do possess staying power. If a trendy toy genuinely becomes a crucial tool in your child’s play or fulfills an important developmental need, then it certainly has value and is worth keeping around. Remember, toys are tools, and if a toy, trendy or not, supports your child’s growth and play, it earns its place in your home.
Building a Foundation with Timeless Toys
In previous guides, such as the “Best Toys for Toddlers” and “Best Toys for Preschoolers” lists, the focus was on establishing a strong foundational toy collection for younger children. While those guides are age-specific, the toys featured are not limited to those age ranges. Think of age labels on toy lists as a starting point, not a restriction.
Consider a board game like Monopoly, labeled “for ages 8+.” This doesn’t mean only eight-year-olds can enjoy it. Toy lists work similarly. A toddler might be the first to explore wooden blocks, but older children—even eight- or nine-year-olds—still find joy and creative outlets with those same blocks. The age recommendation simply indicates when a child might begin to enjoy a toy, not when they should stop.
A Reminder: Toys Are Gender Neutral
This gift guide, like all toy recommendations should be, is completely gender-neutral. Every toy listed here is fantastic for all children, regardless of gender. Let’s move beyond outdated stereotypes that limit children’s play and exploration. Girls deserve the chance to build and engineer just as much as boys deserve the opportunity to create and nurture.
Please avoid categorizing toys by gender. Instead, let’s offer all children every possible avenue to explore, learn, and grow through play. Choose toys based on the individual child and their unique personality, interests, and developmental needs.
JUMP – Best Toys for 5- to 8-Year-Olds
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Marble Run Game
This is a standout toy, perfect for sparking imagination. It’s like a combination of a mouse trap, a marble run, and a pinball machine all in one! It has captivated kids from ages 5 to 13 in our home, providing hours of creative construction and engaging play.
Machines in Motion
First discovered in an 11-year-old’s robotics class, this gear set was an instant must-have. It empowers kids to build functioning, battery-free machines, exceeding expectations for educational and engaging play. This toy is fantastic for introducing basic engineering concepts in a hands-on way.
Magic Kit
While it might be hard to categorize, this magic kit is simply awesome! If you have a budding magician at home, this has been a phenomenal toy for our family. The tricks are genuinely doable for ages 5 and up, providing a fantastic introduction to the world of magic and performance.
LCD Microscope
This LCD microscope is a game-changer. Traditional microscopes can be challenging for kids to use due to the small eyepiece. This version removes that barrier, making it easy for children to see specimens clearly, and allowing multiple viewers to observe at once. It’s perfect for sparking curiosity about the microscopic world.
Roller Blades
Roller blades became incredibly popular in our neighborhood this year with the 6+ crowd. This brand is a great choice because they are adjustable, growing with your child so you don’t need to constantly buy new sizes. Rollerblading is a fantastic way to encourage physical activity and develop balance and coordination. Consider pairing them with knee, wrist, and elbow pads for safety.
BRIO Pinball
A solid 10/10 toy! My 6-year-old wanted this for a year before finally receiving it for his birthday. It was a wish fulfilled too late – we should have bought it sooner! The BRIO Pinball is simple, engaging, challenging, and perfectly suited for big kids. BRIO has truly created a winner with this timeless game.
Travel Watercolor Set
This travel watercolor set is a thoughtful gift for any aspiring artist. Recommended by an 11-year-old friend and a 10/10 hit with my then 7-year-old, it’s perfect for inspiring creativity at home or on the go. Its portability makes art accessible anytime, anywhere.
Gifts to pair with a watercolor set
Mancala
Mancala is simply a fantastic game. Timeless and engaging, it has been around for thousands of years and never gets old. It’s truly the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) when it comes to strategy games for kids and adults alike.
Dragons
Dragons have become a major fascination for my kids and their friends. This set of dragon figures is particularly magical, allowing children to immerse themselves in imaginative play, each taking on the role of a dragon. These have been incredibly popular with the 5 to 10 year old age group.
Gifts to pair with dragon toys
Hook and Ring Game
Looking for a simple yet captivating game? This Hook and Ring Game is it. Don’t let its simplicity fool you – it’s surprisingly addictive and fun for all ages. Give it a try and you’ll quickly understand its appeal for fast-paced, interactive play.
Electronic Slide Puzzle
This Electronic Slide Puzzle was gifted to my son for his 8th birthday and was an instant hit. While it might be pricier than expected, its engaging nature and replayability make it worth the investment. It’s a fantastic brain teaser that provides hours of entertainment.
DIY Fairy House
My daughter had this DIY Fairy House kit on her wishlist for years. Finally getting it for her was such a treat. Watching her build and decorate it added an extra layer of sweetness to playing with it. This kit, often found in smaller toy shops, encourages creativity and imaginative play.
RC Stunt Car
Searching for an RC car that can withstand rough play? This RC Stunt Car is incredibly durable and a blast to drive. Even preschoolers can easily control it, and its ability to flip and keep going makes it very forgiving and endlessly entertaining.
Polly Pocket
Polly Pocket is back and as amazing as ever! She’s currently my 8-year-old’s favorite toy and the envy of all her friends. This classic toy is just as big of a hit today as it was decades ago, proving its timeless appeal.
Art Kit
Two Christmases ago, I gifted this Art Kit to my daughter, and it was such a success that we bought a second one for the neighbor boy. This comprehensive art set provides big kids with “just their own” supplies, encouraging creativity and artistic exploration. Both kits are still in excellent condition and regularly used.
More art supplies big kids adore
Labyrinth Game
The Labyrinth Game was the most played-with Christmas gift of 2021, and three years later, it’s still a fixture in our family room. This game is fun for everyone from age 5 to 65 (grandparents included!), challenging dexterity and focus with its three mazes of varying complexity.
Rainbow Loom
The Rainbow Loom is a fantastic craft kit that’s both doable and rewarding, resulting in wearable bracelets. It took over our neighborhood for the past two years, making it a long-lasting hit for ages 5 to 14. The kit includes plenty of bands and a template to help kids learn the bracelet-making pattern.
Geomag
Geomag is simply a great toy. As a fan of building toys, I knew these magnetic balls and rods would be a hit with my kids as soon as I saw them. They have proven to be a fabulous open-ended building toy, encouraging spatial reasoning and creativity.
Flipslide
This single-player game, Flipslide, is reminiscent of Simon and Bop-It, which is definitely a good thing! My 7-year-old loves it, and my 11-year-old remains equally engaged, showcasing its appeal across a broad age range. It’s excellent for developing reflexes and memory.
Shut the Box
While it looks unassuming, Shut the Box is an incredibly addictive game! Technically a math game, players roll dice, add the numbers, and shut the box flaps that match the sum. It’s more than just math though; it’s a fun and engaging game for all ages.
Ribbon Ninja
A neighborhood favorite! Ribbon Ninja has been a hit with the kids on our street since 2022, providing endless outdoor fun and active play. It’s a simple yet engaging game that encourages movement and coordination.
Pop It! Game
Need a simple, stress-relieving toy or a small gift? Try a Pop It! Game. Reminiscent of the bubble wrap popping app craze, these simple silicone toys have been massively entertaining for all my kids, ages 7-11. They are great for fidgeting and sensory input.
Wooden Marble Run
This wooden marble run is a fantastic upgrade from plastic sets. While marble runs can be complex to set up, 5+ year olds are usually up to the challenge. This wooden version is durable and provides a satisfying building and play experience that plastic sets often lack.
Pocket Microscope
If a full-sized microscope isn’t feasible due to space or budget, this pocket microscope is a wonderful alternative. We love this portable version and bring it to the park frequently. It’s perfect for on-the-go scientific exploration for kids of all ages.
Hex Bugs
Hex Bugs are a unique and engaging toy. Their movement can be a bit “creepy” at first, but beyond that, they are excellent for kids who enjoy building, robotics-inspired play, and creating mazes. They encourage STEM skills and imaginative scenarios.
Spirograph
Did you have a Spirograph as a child? This classic toy is a fantastic blend of math, art, and creation. It’s wonderful that they are still being made! My 7-year-old rediscovered it at Grandma’s house and loved it so much, she bought him his own set for home.
Perler Beads
Remember making Perler beads as a kid? They’re still fun! Perler beads are a timeless craft that kids in our neighborhood, ages 5-13, consistently enjoy. They are perfect for creative expression and fine motor skill development.
Other “old school” art kits
Botley
While robot toys might seem trendy, Botley is a standout exception. This robot is a fantastic introduction to coding and robotics, holding the attention of big kids and providing a fun, screen-free way to learn basic programming concepts. My kids have genuinely enjoyed playing and learning with Botley.
Kids Pod Swing (indoor or outdoor)
Kids Pod Swings are simply wonderful. They create a cozy, cool space for growing kids to relax, read, unwind, or simply have a moment to themselves. Available in various colors, it’s a versatile addition to a bedroom or playroom.
Klask
Think of Klask as “air hockey with magnets.” This game is incredibly fun for a wide age range, even younger siblings can join in. Klask has some unique twists that make it surprisingly more fantastic and engaging than you might expect. It’s my personal favorite game to play with kids.
Paper Airplane Book/Kit
Paper airplanes have been a constant interest in our house for four years, all thanks to this Paper Airplane Book/Kit. The step-by-step guide is easy for kids (and less-than-proficient adults) to follow, making paper airplane construction accessible and fun for everyone.
Paper Airplane Launcher
For the ultimate paper airplane enthusiast, elevate their hobby with this simple Paper Airplane Launcher. My 7-year-old has loved this upgrade, adding a new dimension of fun and distance to paper airplane play.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
Important Note: This Kindle Paperwhite Kids is NOT a tablet or gaming device. It’s a dedicated e-reader, just like an adult Kindle, but more affordable and designed for children. It’s a convenient way for kids to carry a vast library of books on the go. My kids love their Kindles and have discovered countless new books they might have missed in a traditional library setting.
Consider subscribing to Amazon’s digital library or connecting it to your local library system for even more reading options.
Magnetic Tiles
Magnetic tiles are fantastic building toys for older children. We didn’t get our first set until my oldest was 6, proving their appeal beyond toddlerhood. We have this Picasso brand, which is more budget-friendly and compatible with other brands. They have been a fabulous addition to our toy collection, encouraging spatial reasoning and creative construction.
Expansion packs for magnetic tiles
I Saw It First!
This game is truly awesome and has been a family favorite since 2021. “I Saw It First!” features 7 double-sided hexagons with over 300 animals. Players draw a token with an animal and then race to spot it on the hexagonal tiles. It’s like a super-sized, big-kid version of “Spot It!” and our family absolutely loves it.
BRIO Building Set
This BRIO Building Set is a fantastic construction toy. While the box says 3+, that’s misleading. It’s truly a minimum 5+ toy and it’s AWESOME for older kids. It allows for significant building projects, and expansion packs even include motors to bring creations to life.
Expansion packs for the BRIO Building Set:
Magic Clay
This Magic Clay is truly awesome – it’s unlike traditional messy clay or play dough. The texture is unique and appealing, and the creations kids can make are really impressive. It’s a great crafting supply set that we highly recommend for creative kids.
LEGO Bricks
By age 5, every child should have a box of LEGO bricks for building and creating. Nothing fosters invention and engineering skills quite like a classic set of LEGOs. They are the ultimate open-ended toy for imaginative construction and problem-solving.
LEGO Project Books
For big kids who are already LEGO enthusiasts, take their building to the next level with LEGO Project Books. These kits often include all the pieces needed to create various contraptions, elevating LEGO play to a whole new level of STEM learning and system building.
Other LEGO books we love
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies become genuinely fun for kids around age 5 – and also for adults around age 40! This set of four is perfect for group play, with a range of at least a mile. They are great for both indoor and outdoor adventures, encouraging communication and imaginative games.
Chemistry Kit
We have this Chemistry Kit and absolutely love it. I was initially skeptical, as other kits have been underwhelming, but this one is shockingly good. The supplies are high-quality, the instructions are clear, and my kids have genuinely learned a lot through hands-on experiments.
Gifts to pair with a chemistry kit
Real Tools
These are real tools, specifically sized for kids. You can decide if your child is ready, but there’s no substitute for learning to work with actual tools. Tools are for all genders, and learning to use them empowers all kids to build, create, and explore the world around them in a tangible way.
Logic Case
I love single-player logic games that keep kids quietly entertained, and the Logic Case is a fantastic, screen-free, battery-free option. It’s perfect for developing problem-solving skills and independent thinking.
Snap Circuits
Let your child explore the world of electronics by building circuits and systems with Snap Circuits. The easy-to-follow directions make it accessible for kids to learn about electricity hands-on. This is a go-to birthday gift for 6-8 year olds, regardless of gender, promoting STEM education in a fun and engaging way.
Other snap circuit sets we love
Snap Circuit Game
New for 2024, the Snap Circuit Game is a fantastic addition for kids who already enjoy Snap Circuits. This game version is incredibly cool and engaging. My kids (and even my husband) have a blast playing it together, making it a great family activity.
Light-Up Tracing Pad
A Light-Up Tracing Pad is a thin, lightweight board that helps kids trace and create their own art. My older kids, ages 7 and 9, really enjoy drawing with this. It’s been a big hit for developing artistic skills and providing a creative outlet.
Stilts
Yes, Stilts! These height-adjustable stilts work for a wide range of ages and heights. My 5-year-old neighbor uses them and then hands them off to my 42-year-old husband! They’ve been a massive hit in our neighborhood, providing active outdoor fun for all ages and developing gross motor skills.
Wooden Pattern Blocks
If your child has been in a classroom, they’ve likely played with Wooden Pattern Blocks. Having them at home is fantastic! These classic blocks are great for spatial reasoning, shape recognition, and creating patterns. Anyone else remember making giant flowers with these as a kid?
Binoculars
A good pair of Binoculars is essential for everything from bird watching to jungle explorations to spy missions. Available in 6 different colors, you can find the perfect style for your child to encourage outdoor exploration and observation skills.
Gifts that pair well with binoculars
Smart Farmer
Smart Farmer is a fantastic solo-play gift, especially for kids who enjoy or need independent activities. It’s a great puzzle and brain teaser game with a booklet of logic puzzles that increase in complexity. We’ve had this for five years, and my kids still haven’t tired of it or solved all the puzzles!
Other single player logic games
Bop It
The skills and reflexes needed to play Bop It! coupled with the thrill of the game, make it incredibly addictive – trust me, I’m as hooked as the kids are! Bop It! can be played solo or with a partner, offering fast-paced fun and developing coordination and reaction time.
Super Stadium Baseball Game
Oh my goodness… Super Stadium Baseball Game is SO much fun! This is one of those hidden gem toys that not many people know about. One player is the batter, the other is the pitcher, launching little marbles while the batter actually swings a bat. It’s hard to describe how engaging this game is – you have to experience it to believe it!
Mini Simon
I loved Simon as a kid, but Mini Simon is even more fun! It’s a great small gift or stocking stuffer. While it’s labeled 8+, it was a gift for my 4-year-old who loved it just as much as the older kids. Mini Simon is perfect for memory and sequence skill development.
Razor Trike
Don’t let the word “trike” mislead you – this Razor Trike is epic! It spins 360 degrees and is incredibly cool. Being able to ride it has become a rite of passage for big kids in our neighborhood. This beloved “trike” has been in almost daily use for seven years, providing wild, big-kid excitement.
Fox Tail Ball
A Fox Tail Ball is a GREAT way to help kids learn to catch and throw successfully in a fun way. I highly recommend fox tails for developing hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. For larger groups or families, consider this 6-pack set: Lakeshore’s Soft and Safe Comet Balls.
Labyrinth Balance Board
Think of a balance board combined with a ball maze – that’s the Labyrinth Balance Board. This toy is excellent for gross motor development. My kids often use it for balance practice while I’m reading aloud. It’s a toy we’ve had for years and plan to keep for many more, supporting balance, coordination, and focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best educational gifts for kids? Remember that children learn through play, so in reality, all toys are educational and learning toys. Ironically, toys specifically marketed as “learning” toys often support less genuine learning than simpler, open-ended toys like a set of wooden blocks. Terms like “educational” and “learning” are often more of a marketing tactic than a distinct, meaningful category.
How many toys should a child have? This is a personal decision for each family, depending on factors like home size, location, and the number of children. If you’re concerned about toy overload, observe your child’s play habits. A key indicator of too many toys is when a child struggles to “find their play.” Similar to struggling to find tools in a cluttered kitchen, too many toys can be overwhelming and limit a child’s focus and engagement.
How many gifts should a child receive for a holiday? This is also a personal family decision. Instead of following arbitrary guidelines, work within your budget and consider what the child will genuinely enjoy opening without feeling overwhelmed. Preset holiday gift guidelines can be limiting, and it’s often better to trust your parental instinct rather than external rules.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has a community of over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and advocate for early childhood education, Susie is also the author of the parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting,” available on Amazon.
