Toys

20+ Educational Toys For 5-Year-Olds For Fun Ways Of Learning

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educational toys for 5 year olds

 

What Do 5-Year-Olds Play With & What Toys Do They Really Want?

There’s a wide variety of toys that 5-year-olds play with, depending on their developmental milestones, interests, and other factors.

Some toys kids this age might find interesting:

  • Building toys
  • Crafting toys
  • Games and puzzles
  • STEAM or STEM toys (STEM = science, technology, engineering, and math; STEAM = STEM + arts)
  • Montessori toys
  • Musical toys
  • Ride-on toys
  • Stuffed animals
  • Toys for sensory learning
  • Toys for pretend play (e.g., dolls, figurines, costumes, etc.)
  • Toys for learning practical skills
  • Books (e.g., nursery rhymes, short stories, picture books, and activity books)
  • Outdoor toys
  • Smart toys and electronics (e.g., toy pianos with light-up keys, starter sets for robotic toys, etc.)
  • Wooden educational toys

 

The toys they really want to play with can be influenced by what they’re regularly using and the stuff they enjoy in school. At this age, they’re likely to enjoy copying what adults do, so tools that teach practical life skills might pique their interest.

 

Toys’ Influence In Your Child’s Life: Learning While Playing

Studies have shown that toys can contribute to children’s cognitive, psychosocial, motor, linguistic, and emotional development. (1)(2)

With educational toys, playtime isn’t just about play but can also be a learning experience for your little one.

 

What Skills Do Educational Toys Develop & What Are Their Benefits?

  • Cognitive skills (concentration, IQ, and problem-solving skills)
  • Imagination and creative skills
  • EQ (emotional quotient) and social skills 
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Language and reading skills
  • STEM skills


The 23
Best Educational Toys For Five-Year-Olds

STEM & Montessori-inspired Toys

Learning Resources All Ready for First Grade Readiness Kit (5+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Informative learning set
  • Product Safety: No sharp parts
  • Materials: Laminated paper and plastic
  • Age Range: 5-7 years old
  • Educational Value: Problem-solving skills, critical thinking, STEM skills (including subtraction and other math activities)
  • Extra Features: Includes a parent guide, card game, writing journal, and storage box
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Contains small parts (potential choking risks to younger children)
  • Customer Reviews:

I as a mom love that it is bright colored and engaging for children.” – Reviewer on Learning Resources

Very sturdy box with absolutely no content of educational value to anyone.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

KiwiCo Kiwi Crate (5-8 years old)

KIWICO BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired activity kit subscription
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic, child-safe materials and paint
  • Materials: Wood, child-safe plastic, and non-toxic materials
  • Age Range: 5-8 years old
  • Educational Value: STEM learning, fine motor skills, critical thinking, creativity, planning, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes a parent guide per kit
  • Certification: Passed independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

My 8yo doesnt realize hes learning but he has been retaining the knowledge learned.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

Didnt see the value. Child wasnt interested.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

 

Fat Brain Toys Surprise Ride – Make Dinosaur Fossils Activity Kit (5+ years old)

WALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Archeology-inspired activity set
  • Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards
  • Materials: Clay and plaster of Paris
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, hands-on STEM learning, cognitive skills, planning, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Includes instruction book
  • Certification: ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
  • Made In: Multiple countries
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Limited use after the plaster materials run out; can be choking risks to younger children
  • Customer Reviews:

This was such a fun toy for my 5 year old. Kept his interest for a long time!” – Reviewer on Walmart

The educational materials didn’t add to my sons knowledge as he already knows so much about dinos.” – Reviewer on Walmart

 

Little Passports Science Jr. (5-8 years old)

Little Passport ButtonAMAZON BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Science-themed subscription box for little ones
  • Product Safety: Designed by professional educators; no sharp parts
  • Materials: Cardboard and plastic
  • Age Range: 5-8 years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, STEM learning, fine motor skills, planning, concentration, and early engineering skills
  • Extra Features: Includes hands-on science experiment kits, crafts, adventure comics, stickers, and trading cards; also a great gift idea (can be bought as a birthday gift or stocking stuffer for Christmas)
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Includes small parts that can be choking risks to younger children
  • Customer Reviews:

There are many activities to complete and enjoy. The comic book is the hit.” – Reviewer on Amazon

The activity was flimsy and broke during the actual building. There was a little board game but after 1 play, the kids were over it.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Words, ABCs, Numbers, & Colors 

Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol See & Spell Pup Pad (3-5 years old)Macy's ButtonWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: PAW Patrol-themed spelling play set
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (a heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: FSC-certified wood (Forest Stewardship Council)
  • Age Range: 3-5 years old
  • Educational Value: Spelling, reading, cognitive learning, letter recognition, fine motor skills, planning, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Includes a wooden base for storing the letters
  • Certification: CPSIA compliant (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act); meets US, EU, and other quality and safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Has small parts (potential choking risks for younger children)
  • Customer Reviews:

I love this set for my preschooler! The blocks are easy to handle for small hands, and the word cards are very sturdy.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Great idea. Product needs revamping. Hard to keep everything together/poor design.” – Reviewer on Target

 

Educational Games & Smart Toys

Learning Resources Pop for Sights Words Bundle (5-7 years old)WALMART BUTTONMacy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Popcorn-inspired game bundle for learning sight words (for 2-4 players)
  • Product Safety: No sharp parts
  • Materials: Paper
  • Age Range: 5-7 years old
  • Educational Value: Vocabulary building, reading skills, concentration, early literacy skills, and social skills
  • Extra Features: Includes two games in two popcorn boxes
  • Certification: CPSIA
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the popcorn pieces being small
  • Customer Reviews:

This is a fun way to review sight words. Anything that looks like a game is much more engaging than flash cards!” – Reviewer on Learning Resources

The popcorn pieces with the world are pretty small. My Grandkids would have really liked them bigger.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Osmo Coding Starter Kit – For iPad Or Amazon Fire Tablets (5-10 years old)EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Smart toy with matching pieces for hands-on computer science learning
  • Product Safety: BPA-free (bisphenol-A, a toxic chemical used in making plastics)
  • Materials: Durable and dishwasher-safe silicone
  • Age Range: 5-10 years old
  • Educational Value: Cognitive learning, fine motor skills, logic and problem-solving skills, creativity and imagination, pattern recognition, and computer science skills
  • Extra Features: Includes stackable storage box
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; needs a smart device (iPad or Amazon Fire tablet); some complaints about the lack of instructions or guide book
  • Customer Reviews:

My kids love this game, I love how it progressively get’s harder the more they play it.” – Reviewer on Amazon

There are no instructions! This is a game for kids and it seems they should intuitively know how to code!!” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Educational Building Blocks & Sets

MindWare EVA Maple 200 Plank Set (5+ years old)EBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 200-piece construction and building playset
  • Product Safety: Meets toy quality and safety standards
  • Materials: Natural maple wood
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Early engineering skills, planning, logical thinking, problem-solving skills, fine and gross motor skills, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Includes two lightweight KEVA balls and a full-color idea booklet with instructions 
  • Certification: CPSIA, ASTM, and CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; some complaints about quality control (damaged blocks)
  • Customer Reviews:

These are excellent quality wood plans and inspire creativity. My grandson loves these.” – Reviewer on MindWare

Came as described, but there were a handful of damaged blocks in the mix.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Learning Resources Double-Six Wooden Dominoes (5-9 years old)WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful, 168-piece wooden domino set (for 1-10 players)
  • Product Safety: No sharp parts
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 5-9 years old
  • Educational Value: STEM (basic math and counting), sorting skills, logical thinking, planning, and social skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a storage box with a lid
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Hong Kong (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Contains small parts that can be choking risks to younger children; some complaints about quality issues
  • Customer Reviews:

My Grandson loves these dominoes. Purchased 2 sets and I may have to purchase 2 more.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Would not recommend. The dominos I received were missing many of the white dots or not painted on well/faded.” – Reviewer on Target

 

Miniland Eco Beams Building Set (2-6 years old)WALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Eco-friendly beam-themed building set (32-piece set)
  • Product Safety: Free from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), BPA, BPS (bisphenol-S), phthalates, and lead (heavy metal)
  • Materials: Fir wood fibers and eco-friendly materials
  • Age Range: 2-6 years old
  • Educational Value: Early engineering skills, planning, hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, fine motor skills, and visual or spatial perception
  • Extra Features: Includes a drawstring bag and a guidebook with 40+ suggested activities
  • Certification: PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the toy being frustrating to use
  • Customer Reviews:

The pieces are sturdy and smooth. My kids love to build things or make ramps for their toys. The possibilities are endless.” – Reviewer on Amazon

While these are made of a very high quality material they have caused nothing but frustration to my 6 year old.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Fat Brain Toys K’NEX Building Set Beginner (5+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 141-piece set of construction materials
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials
  • Materials: Child-safe plastic materials that meet toy safety standards
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills
  • Extra Features: Includes guides to 40+ unique models
  • Certification: ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) and ASTM
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Contains small parts that can be choking risks to younger children
  • Customer Reviews:

Connects are great you can’t even break down they are indestructible you can build anything with them use the instructions or your imagination.” – Reviewer on Amazon

There are hardly enough pieces to make anything and the idea that a kid could use it to work on math is a joke.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Matador Explorer Wooden Construction Set – 407-piece set (5+ years old)

AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Construction set with pre-drilled wooden blocks that can be used with connecting rods, pins, and wheels 
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials that meet toy safety standards and have low VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds); free from lead (heavy metal), phthalates, formaldehyde, PVC, BPA, and BPS
  • Materials: Solid, untreated Austrian beech wood sourced from sustainably managed local forests
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Early engineering skills, dexterity, fine motor skills, and creativity
  • Extra Features: Includes a template book with building ideas, three pliers, three hammerhead hammers, and a cotton bag
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Austria
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality and the product being too complicated for kids
  • Customer Reviews:

This product is 100% quality and worth the money.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Very bad and unclean workmanship! The instructions are very poorly written and barely readable for a child!” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Imaginative Play + Props & Dress-Up Clothes

PonyCycle Unicorn – Pink (4-9 years old)

AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONMacy's Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Motion-powered ride-on unicorn toy (moves when your little one bounces up and down)
  • Product Safety: Non-slip wear-resistant pedal and brakes
  • Materials: High-quality solid wood handle, stainless steel and thick plastic frame, and fabrics
  • Age Range: 4-8 years old
  • Educational Value: Imaginative play, gross motor skills, balance, and coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes a raised seat with memory foam; also has reins for “walking” the unicorn
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

a bit pricey for a kids toy , but well worth it after i see my grand daughters face.” – Reviewer on Amazon

I paid $329 and it is an awesome toy but I feel like it is over priced. The only complaint I have is that it will not go backwards.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Fat Brain Toys Surprise Ride – Design a Superhero Cape Kit (5+ years old)

WALMART BUTTON

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Customizable superhero cape
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials
  • Materials: Cloth; child-safe plastic materials that meet toy safety standards
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, self-expression, fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and pretend play
  • Extra Features: Includes parent guide and custom book with real-world photos and fun facts
  • Certification: ICTI and ASTM
  • Made In: Multiple countries
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about product quality
  • Customer Reviews:

I sent this to my 2 grandsons ages 5 and 9 thinking the 5 year old would choose that gift over the Chameleon Beads but the 9 year old really enjoyed it!” – Reviewer on Fat Brain Toys

The fabric was so heavy and stiff that although the design turned out ok, they hung heavy around their necks so they wore them for about ten minutes before asking them to be taken off.” – Reviewer on Walmart

 

Musical Toys

Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box – Clap! Clang! Tap! (3-7 years old)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Musical set for kids (Melissa & Doug bestseller)
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (a heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: FSC-certified wood
  • Age Range: 3-7 years old
  • Educational Value: Musical skills, 
  • Extra Features: Includes a wooden storage kit
  • Certification: CPSIA; meets US, EU, and other safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality and safety concerns
  • Customer Reviews:

I gave this to my 6 year old grandson and not only did he love it, my 6 month old granddaughter enjoyed it as well.” – Reviewer on Melissa & Doug

Our 11 month old managed to smash the tambourine – I found a piece of broken wood in her crib. Pretty scary.” – Reviewer on Melissa & Doug

 

PlayShifu Plugo Tunes (5-10 years old)

WALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONMacy's ButtonEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Interactive toy piano kit (works with tablets and smartphones)
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials that meet US regulatory authorities’ safety parameters
  • Materials: Non-toxic ink
  • Age Range: 5-10 years old
  • Educational Value: Musical skills, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and memory skills
  • Extra Features: Includes Plugo app for learning 50+ songs; available in 10 languages (English, French, German, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Swedish)
  • Certification: CPSC
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the defective app
  • Customer Reviews:

I’m shocked! My kids love this game. I have 8,6, & 3 year old boys. It keeps them interested and engaged all while learning.” – Reviewer on Play Shifu

This would be great if the app would stop crashing every single time you try and use it. It’s beyond frustrating.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

Creative & Sensory Toys For Learning New Skills

Melissa & Doug Disney Princess Wooden Stamp Set (4-10 years old)

EBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

 

  • Product Safety: Free from lead (a heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: FSC-certified wood and washable ink
  • Age Range: 4-10 years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, creativity, and planning
  • Extra Features: Includes a storage case
  • Certification: CPSIA; meets US, EU, and other toy safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the ink isn’t vibrant and quickly ran out
  • Customer Reviews:

It’s a cute stamp set that my 4 year old loves using.” – Reviewer on Amazon

pretty worthless without a working ink pad.” – Reviewer on Amazon

 

GALT Toys Slime Lab (5+ years old)AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: DIY slime kit (includes seven experiments)
  • Product Safety: Meets and exceeds toy safety regulations, including EU toxicity standards (includes safety tests for boron, a restricted heavy metal)
  • Materials: Child-safe slime and plastic
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, fine motor skills, STEM learning, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Includes a guidebook, stickers, wiggly eyes, alien and bug mold, and a notepad
  • Certification: CPSIA, ASTM, EN71 (EU), and BTHA (British Toy and Hobby Association) code of practice
  • Made In: Taiwan (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the experiment set is boring
  • Customer Reviews:

What’s great, is it comes with a book of experiments so that the materials can be used many times over.” – Reviewer on Amazon

Literally no thought about developing scientific curiosity – condescending (though brightly coloured) booklet, rubbish activities (mainly pre-mixed/pre-measured), no explanation of the science behind each, no clear links to National Curriculum.” – Reviewer on Amazon 

 

KiwiCo Wind Chimes (5+ years old)

KIWICO BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: DIY craft set for making a wind chime
  • Product Safety: Rigorous tests to ensure all safety standards are met
  • Materials: Wood, metal, and strings
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and musical skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a guidebook with step-by-step instructions
  • Certification: Certified by independent, third-party product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Very easy to build! My son loved using it.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

Beautiful sound. Son and babysitter put it together without any issues. Loved it!” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

 

Little Passports Craft Discovery (5-8 years old)

Little Passport Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Craft-themed subscription box
  • Product Safety: No sharp parts
  • Materials: Paper and string
  • Age Range: 5-8 years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, fine motor skills, planning, concentration, and crafting skills
  • Extra Features: Includes hands-on crafting activities with a guidebook
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: As a craft kit, the set is no longer useful after your child completes the tasks
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

Educational Toys For Your Child’s Mini Library & Study Area

Kid Made Modern On-The-Go Coloring Kit (5+ years old)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONMacy's Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Set of coloring materials
  • Product Safety: Rigorously safety-tested materials that are also environmentally friendly
  • Materials: Paper, crayons, and washable markers
  • Age Range: 5+ years old
  • Educational Value: Creativity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and planning
  • Extra Features: Includes a carrying bag for keeping the items and taking on the go
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: No reviews yet to help potential customers learn more about the product from verified buyers
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

Toys For Learning Life Skills

MindWare Playful Chef: Deluxe Cooking Kit – 22-piece set (4+ years old)Macy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Child-sized, realistic kitchen set that can be used for real-life food preparation
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA
  • Materials: 100% polyester (apron), silicone, and stainless steel
  • Age Range: 4-10 years old
  • Educational Value: Practical life skills (cooking, measuring, etc.), motor skills, concentration, logical thinking, and self-confidence
  • Extra Features: Includes recipe cards with a full-color step-by-step cooking guide, parent guide, apron, and color-coded measuring spoons and cups 
  • Certification: CPSIA, ASTM, and CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
  • Made In: USA and imported (according to Target)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about some design issues (i.e., only one egg mold but three eggs are needed in recipe book)
  • Customer Reviews:

Recipes provided were simple and easy for a child to make. I would definitely recommend.” – Reviewer on MindWare

Unfortunately, only one silicone star mold was included for the egg recipe. The recipe makes three servings. One pan plus three servings equals a VERY long wait to complete one batch of delicious eggs.” – Reviewer on MindWare

 

Gardenuity Garden For Two (5+ years old)

 

  • Pros & Best Features: Real-life gardening sets (two garden packs)
  • Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, phthalates, herbicides, and pesticides
  • Materials: Reusable grow bag, nutrient packs, real and fully rooted plants, and popsicle sticks (for your child to label their mini garden)
  • Age Range: 5+ years old (for 3+ years, but requires adult supervision)
  • Educational Value: Practical life skills, self-confidence, fine and gross motor skills, planning, and cognitive skills
  • Extra Features: Includes fully rooted plants (depending on the season and your location) and a grow bag to prevent overwatering
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: US
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

What Are Common Toy Categories & Appropriate Toys For 3 To 5-Year-Olds?

Here are some ideas for kids around ages three and up:

  • STEM toys (science, counting, early math, etc.)
  • Shape and color recognition
  • Sight words
  • Stacking blocks & building toys
  • Vocabulary and phonics
  • Storybooks
  • Alphabet and number blocks
  • Learning about money basics
  • Social skills (sharing and taking turns)
  • Drawing or copying shapes
  • Drawing simple recognizable objects

 

Factors To Consider When Choosing Educational Toys for 5-Year-Olds

Toy Safety

Harmful chemicals and toxins can be everywhere, even in baby food and toys. It’s important to keep kids safe by reducing their exposure to these toxic substances.

Read and bookmark “Our Family Health & Safety Philosophy” for your guidance.

Your child is less likely to put things in their mouth at five years old than younger kids, babies, and toddlers. 

It’s still important, however, to check for other aspects that might harm them – for example, risks and hazards of laceration, burning, poisoning, or accidental choking and strangulation.

 

Toxic Chemicals & Substances To Avoid

Studies show that certain chemicals can cause cancers, premature puberty or fertility problems, behavioral problems (e.g., aggressiveness and hyperactivity), liver or kidney dysfunction, or other health concerns. (3)

Some of these chemicals include: (3)

  • Asbestos
  • AZO dyes
  • BPA and BPS
  • Flame retardant chemicals
  • Formaldehyde
  • Heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, and cadmium)
  • Phthalates
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polystyrene (such as Styrofoam)
  • PVC
  • Radon

 

Try to avoid plastic and glass toys. Several plastic types can contain harmful chemicals, especially PVC, while glass toys can break, potentially causing lacerations or other injuries.

 

Safer Toy Materials & Alternatives

Choose natural, ethical, organic, and sustainably sourced materials if possible.

These can be safer choices:

  • Cotton
  • Food-grade silicone
  • Natural rubber (however, be sure to check for allergic reactions such as itching, nausea, hives, runny nose, and trouble breathing) (4)
  • Polypropylene (a type of plastic with a “green circle” rating from the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency, given to non-toxic or less toxic chemicals verified to be of “low concern”) (5)
  • Stainless steel
  • Toys made of washable fabrics
  • Unfinished wood
  • Wood finished with natural oils and waxes (e.g., beeswax or walnut oil)
  • Wool

 

Your Child’s Milestones

At five years old, most children have achieved these milestones: (6)

  • Recognize rhyming words
  • Answer simple questions
  • Understand simple stories
  • Count to 10
  • Know and write some letters in their name
  • Understand and follow simple instructions
  • Do simple chores at home
  • Dance, sing, or act
  • Keep a conversation

 

Other Factors To Consider

  • Your child’s likes and interests
  • Durability and longevity
  • Learning and entertainment value

 

FAQs

Can My Child Benefit From Smart Toys?

Electronics and smart toys can promote learning opportunities that your child might not encounter with traditional toys.

These toys can, however, increase your child’s risks of internet-related issues, including data breaches and exposure to sensitive content. (7)

Also, regular overuse and prolonged use of electronic devices can negatively affect their language development and social skills. (7)

The US PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) recommends limiting screen time and monitoring your children’s on-screen playtime activities. (7)

 

How Many Toys Should My 5-Year-Old Have?

You can buy your kids as many toys as you want. However, it’s good not to overwhelm their play space with all these toys.

Studies show that kids can find more creative ways to use a toy when they have fewer toys (e.g., 4 toys vs 12 toys) during playtime. (8) 

Some tips to consider:

  • Keep most of the toys in a space they can’t access (you can add child-proof locks).
  • Create a system to rotate the toys each week or when they might need to learn something new, but let them keep their favorites.
  • Try to offer more toys for open-ended play, such as Montessori toys.

 

Where Can I Buy Learning Toys For My 5-Year-Old?

Other Gift Ideas & Learning Toys For Different Age Groups

 

Toy Recalls To Monitor

 

 

 

References 

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8430366/

(2) https://www.childpsych.co.za/the-importance-of-toys-in-a-childs-development/

(3) https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/resources/resources_pdf/Plastics_and_Plastic_Toys_7_14.pdf

(4) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20374287

(5) https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/168413#section=FDA-Indirect-Additives-used-in-Food-Contact-Substances

(6) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-5yr.html

(7) https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/smart-toys/

(8) https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/smart-families/202302/how-many-toys-should-your-toddler-have

 

 

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