The ultimate guide to choosing the best toys for 5-year-olds in 2025

When was the last time your family roared with laughter without the distractions of phones or TV? For mine, it was while playing Hurry Up Chicken Butt. This game has quickly become a family favourite because everyone can join in (even my three-year-old loves it).

The rules are simple: pass the "Chicken Butt" as fast as you can while following hilarious challenges on the cards. From mimicking animal sounds to funny physical actions, the game guarantees giggles and gets everyone moving. The quick rounds and fast pace mean no one gets bored, and we often find ourselves playing over and over again.

What I adore most is how this game sneaks in a bit of exercise. All that jumping, wiggling, and laughing is a playful way to burn off some energy while having a blast together. The adorable, silly card illustrations are another highlight, keeping the mood light and fun for all ages.

While the cards are sturdy, they aren't laminated, so super-enthusiastic play could lead to wear and tear. We haven't had any issues so far, but it's worth keeping in mind for extra lively rounds.

If you're looking for a game that will bring your family together, keep everyone engaged, and fill the room with laughter, Hurry Up Chicken Butt is a must.

Connetix tiles are an absolute hit in our house. My children adore them, and it’s easy to see why. The possibilities for building are endless, especially if you expand your collection with additional packs. What started as a single set has grown into a family treasure, with enough tiles now to build entire towns and intricate designs.

These magnetic tiles are wonderfully simple for little hands to use. There are no strict instructions to follow, just an inspiration book filled with ideas to spark their creativity. It’s all about open-ended play, letting kids bring their own ideas to life.

While Connetix tiles are admittedly more expensive than other magnetic blocks, we’ve tried various brands and believe they’re worth the investment. They’re incredibly durable, with a sturdy construction that can handle enthusiastic play. The magnets are strong enough to keep even the tallest towers standing, avoiding the frustration of constant collapsing. Safety is also a priority, with the magnets securely encased so they won’t come loose.

This mini-pack is an excellent introduction for families new to Connetix or a lovely addition to an existing collection. It’s also the perfect size for travel or days out, giving your child an engaging, screen-free activity wherever you go.

The colours are vibrant, the shapes are fun, and the tiles are easy to clean, which is always a bonus. Connetix has become a favourite for creative, focused play in our home, and it’s clear to see why.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating for a five-year-old as a bubble wand that just won’t deliver the perfect bubble, and as a parent, nothing worse than stepping on discarded wands left on the floor. That’s why the Mega Bubble Blaster is our top pick for outdoor toys this summer.

This gadget is an absolute winner for bubble-loving kids. It’s easy enough for little ones to use on their own and produces an incredible 15,000 bubbles per minute, creating a magical cloud of fun in seconds.

One of my favourite features is that it comes with two bottles of bubble mix, which lasted about an hour of non-stop play in our garden. Once the mix runs out, it’s simple for adults to refill with standard bubble solution, so the fun doesn’t have to stop.

The Mega Bubble Blaster is a brilliant way to keep kids entertained, and it’s perfect for outdoor play, birthday parties, or just adding a little extra excitement to an ordinary day.

With a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 6,000 Amazon reviews, the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX is popular for young photographers. Designed with an 8MP sensor, this camera captures sharp photos and videos that kids can personalise using 80+ fun filters and effects. Whether it’s selfies, panoramic shots, or playful video edits, this gadget sparks creativity in every click.

It’s more than just a camera, featuring a music player, over 15 games and activities, built-in flash, 4x digital zoom, and expandable storage via a microSD card. Parents will also appreciate the easy-to-use parental controls for added peace of mind.

Our mum tester, Laura Healy, shared, “My kids love taking photos, adding silly effects, and making mini videos. It’s simple to use and keeps them entertained for hours.” Parents agree, praising the intuitive controls and rugged design built to survive drops and tumbles.

While it’s chunky and runs on batteries rather than rechargeable, Laura points out the benefits: “The sturdy design has saved it from many tumbles. For family outings, it’s perfect fun!”

Affordable, durable, and packed with features, the VTech KidiZoom Duo FX makes a fantastic gift for budding young photographers.

For more cameras for kids, please read our full roundup.

The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet is a brilliant choice for five-year-olds. It offers a mix of fun, education, and peace of mind for parents. Its robust design and kid-friendly features make it a standout option for young tech enthusiasts.

With its durable foam case, the tablet is built to withstand the inevitable drops and bumps that come with playtime. Our parent tester Ed noted, “The two-year ‘worry-free’ guarantee is such a relief, I don’t have to stress if it gets broken.” This reassurance makes it perfect for kids who are still learning to be careful with smart tech.

The 8-inch HD screen is bright and clear, ideal for everything from watching cartoons to interactive learning apps. “The screen quality is more than adequate for young children,” said Ed, adding that the size is just right for little hands. The impressive battery life means fewer interruptions during long trips or busy days.

Our parent testers love the easy-to-use parental controls, which allow them to set screen time limits, filter content, and manage multiple profiles. “The parental controls are easy to set up and provide a good level of security,” said Ed, “giving him confidence that his child was safe while exploring the tablet. "

With access to Amazon Kids+, this device comes preloaded with age-appropriate apps, games, books, and videos, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Whether it’s learning activities or just some downtime entertainment, the Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet keeps kids happily engaged.

Read the full review of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet

If you’re looking for a Spider-Man figure that’s both tough and a favourite with kids, this Marvel action figure is a winner. My child has had this figure for four years, and it’s still going strong despite being dragged through all kinds of “battles.” Its sturdy build means it can handle plenty of rough play without falling apart and it's very easy to wipe clean.

While it looks great and feels solid in little hands, one downside is that it isn’t very flexible. The arms and legs don’t bend, which can sometimes make imaginative play a bit restrictive. But despite that, it still captures the spirit of Spider-Man perfectly and remains a loyal companion for any young Peter Parker fan.

It’s been through a few tumbles, once even falling down some concrete stairs. While it did suffer some damage (losing a bit of his finger), the figure is surprisingly durable and still in pretty good condition. There are many Spider-Man figures out there, but this one has been our family favourite for years.

Overall, it’s a robust, reliable toy that sparks hours of superhero adventures and holds up well over time.

For more Spider-Man toys, read our full round-up.

By the time your little one hits five, life's a whirlwind of discovery: new friends, new skills, and perhaps even a primary school uniform to wrangle. While classrooms can teach ABCs and 123s, some of the trickiest life lessons, like getting dressed, are best tackled at home. And if your morning is anything like my family's, shoe-tying during the morning rush is hardly the ideal learning scenario.

Learning Resource's Dressing Skills Bean Bags, the unsung hero of your child's toolbox. These sensory-packed bean bags transform everyday challenges like buttoning, buckling, and tying into manageable, pressure-free practice.

Sure, they might not be the flashiest addition to the toybox (they won't compete with a Bubble blaster or doll), but they're hands down one of the most practical, and we love that they can be stored neatly in a drawstring bag.

These bean bags help your child build confidence, dexterity, and independence, all while keeping your sanity intact.

This adorable playset lets little ones bring their favourite Netflix series to life and makes the perfect gift for any Gabby’s Dollhouse fan, just in time for the new movie release later this year. Packed with playful surprises, imaginative fun, and a generous helping of kitty love, it’s sure to delight.

With its charming design, the playroom includes everything your little Gabby enthusiast needs to pamper their feline friends. From cosy beds to interactive accessories, it’s all about sparking creativity and storytelling adventures.

My little one loved creating magical moments with this set. However, I noted that the cat baskets were flimsy and often needed reattaching. While this didn’t dampen my child’s enjoyment, it did get a little frustrating for me as the “official fixer.”

Compact, colourful, and absolutely purr-fect, this playroom offers hours of fun while nurturing compassion and care for furry friends.

For more Gabby's Dollhouse toys, check out our full round-up article.

The Miko Smart AI Robot is packed with personality and brimming with educational fun, making it a standout tech toy for kids.

Miko comes pre-loaded with games, math, coding activities, and interactive stories that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. What we liked most was that Miko’s sensors support games like Freeze Dance and Hide-and-Seek, encouraging kids to move rather than just sit.

This smart robot offers regular content updates, including stories and activities from Disney, SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and the Ninja Turtles, which keeps things fresh.

While Miko boasts impressive AI capabilities and interactive features, we initially struggled to get it to understand my child’s voice and commands. This led to some frustration, especially for a younger child expecting instant responses. It took a bit of patience and practice to find the sweet spot in how Miko interpreted words and tones.

If your little one knows the difference between Ladybug and Cat Noir, this is likely to be the toy for your little one. It's another toy from Netflix, but this time, it's the popular show Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

My little one truly loved this doll. Simply push the button on Ladybug's foot, and her polka-dot dress whirls into a sleek black satin Lady Noir outfit. He was delighted by this two-in-one doll. We had a bit of an issue trying to stick on the two removable masks, but it didn't take away from play.

If your little ones are constantly begging for a pet, but you’re not quite ready to take on the commitment or the mess that comes with it, this toy might be your answer.

The Pets Alive Mama Bunny & Baby Surprise delivers all the fun and nurturing of having a pet without any of the clean-up. My children are captivated by this toy, which goes beyond the usual pet role-play with its delightful interactivity.

Mama Bunny doesn’t just sit there looking cute; she wows kids by “hatching” two, three, or even four baby bunnies from her storage cage. My son loved feeding her with the carrot accessory, brushing her fur, and listening to her adorable repertoire of over ten sounds, including crunching, cooing, and giggling. It’s such a sweet way to introduce little ones to the joys of pet ownership.

The only downside is that the baby bunnies can be a bit fiddly to keep track of, so a little supervision is a good idea to avoid losing one of these precious baby bunnies.

This cube-shaped plushie measures approximately 20 × 20 × 20 cm and is filled with memory foam, making it delightfully “squishy,” according to my son.

Little hands will enjoy stacking towers or swapping out their plush lineup. Merkitty stacks beautifully alongside other Cubeez characters like the charming Cacti and the adorable Ice Cream for endless stacking fun.

While it doesn’t have the same engagement as Connetix or the thrill of Hurry Up Chicken Butt, my son loves building towering stacks of these plushies and then gleefully crashing into them. After a full day of being a human wrecking ball, he often snuggles up with them for some well-earned downtime.

Minecraft has taken the children’s world by storm, and if you thought it couldn’t get any bigger, the release of the Minecraft movie earlier this year proved otherwise. The buzz is real, especially among five-year-olds. Did someone say, "Steve’s Lava Chicken?"

While many official Minecraft toys are recommended for children aged 6+, this standout gem is perfect for younger enthusiasts. Featuring none other than Steve himself, it’s instantly recognisable to any budding Minecrafter and a sure-fire way to earn some serious parent points.

If you want to level up your gift game with block-tastic fun, check out our ultimate roundup of the best Minecraft toys.

When I first saw this toy, I was struck with a wave of nostalgia, not just because it’s Harry Potter-themed but also because it reminded me of the iron-on bead kits I adored as a child (though my mother wasn’t as thrilled about the mess it made of the iron). Thankfully, these kits have evolved significantly over the last two decades.

Unlike the bead kits of the ’90s, which required an iron to fuse the beads, this modern version uses water to bring creations to life. This is great news for your household appliances and busy parents alike.

The kit includes approximately 800 beads in 16 dazzling colours, including glittery “Star” and “Shiny” varieties that add an extra magical touch. Kids can use the layout tray to arrange their beads following templates of beloved Harry Potter characters like Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and Hedwig. There’s even a bonus Luna Lovegood design for added fun.

As a parent, I appreciate mess-free activities, and this kit delivers on that front. It’s the perfect rainy-day project, promoting fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity while being incredibly easy to set up and clean up.

Including keychain accessories is a lovely touch, allowing children to proudly display their creations on book bags, pencil cases, or as keepsakes. My five-year-old loved showing off their handiwork, which made the activity even more rewarding.

That said, the small size of the beads can be tricky for younger children, who might need a little help placing them precisely. Additionally, since the kit includes only one layout tray, it’s better suited for solo crafting unless you invest in additional trays.

Overall, the Aquabeads Harry Potter Keychain Craft Kit provides a delightful blend of creativity and fandom, making it an excellent choice for kids with developed fine motor skills. For those looking to build those skills further, a more tactile activity like Connetix might be a better fit.

The Brainstorm Toys Horseshoe Magnet isn't just a toy; it's a gateway to discovery. We love the large size and durable design, which makes it accessible for young learners. At the same time, it remains engaging as children grow and learn more about physics and magnetism.

It is perfect for science experiments, STEM-based activities, or simply exploring everyday objects to discover what is magnetic. The oversized design enhances engagement, allowing children to immerse themselves in hands-on learning and explore the fundamental principles of attraction and repulsion.

When we tried this toy, we genuinely loved playing with it. There are countless ways to play with this toy, and it genuinely makes learning fun.

The Numberblocks 1–10 MathLink Cubes Activity Set has been an absolute game-changer in our house. It's designed for one or more players, so it works perfectly whether my little one wants to explore on his own or with his brothers. It's lovely to watch him snap cubes together and build his favourite characters from the show; he's completely engrossed.

The set comes with 100 colourful MathLink cubes, faceplates, stickers, and those cute "Numberlings" that sit on top of each character. There are also activity cards with exercises that help with counting, adding and subtracting. It's all based on the BBC show Numberblocks episodes, so he's learning without realising it.

What I love most is how it ties into what he's learning in his reception class. His teacher often uses Numberblocks to explain maths concepts, and now, he can bring that magic home. Watching him recreate "Five" or figure out how "Three" and "Two" combine to make "Five" is so heartwarming; it's like seeing him put the pieces of a puzzle together.

As a mum, I'm amazed to see how much he enjoys maths. It's not just a subject at school for him; it's become fun. It's a win-win for both of us. This little set has made maths come alive for him, and I couldn't be happier.

The Godzilla x Kong 11-inch Giant Godzilla Action Figure has been an instant hit in our house. At 11 inches tall, it's the perfect size for little hands to hold and big imaginations to run wild. Its detail is incredible, from the textured scales to the iconic dorsal fins.

My little one spends hours recreating epic battles, building entire cities for Godzilla to stomp through, and making up his own adventures. It's sturdy enough to handle all his excitement, and seeing his face light up every time he roars along with his favourite monster is priceless. My son was slightly disappointed that his mouth didn't open, so he was unable to eat Spider-Man; otherwise, he couldn't find a fault.

It is worth noting that the tail is initially a little tricky to get on, but once attached, it stays on through very enthusiastic play.

If your child loves to draw, this book is a fantastic way to nurture their artistic skills. It offers clear, step-by-step instructions for a variety of illustrations, making it easy for young artists to follow along. While some of the pictures could be simplified even further, it’s still an excellent guide that inspires creativity and builds confidence.

The book is packed with diverse drawing ideas, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. Although a few drawings might feel a little advanced for certain skill levels, my child has enjoyed the challenge and loves learning how to draw different things. Overall, it’s a wonderful resource to encourage budding artists and help them improve their abilities while having fun.

The Campfire Chatmallows Storytelling Set is a charming way to spark your child’s imagination. It comes with twelve squishy foam Chatmallows, each printed with 48 fun story-starter icons, four wooden “roasting” sticks, and an LED campfire for a cosy, camping-inspired vibe.

Kids can stack their Chatmallows, flip them to reveal different icons, and create tales full of twists and turns. It’s a delightful way to encourage creativity, sequencing, and confidence. Whether it’s a group activity or family bonding time, this set promotes speaking and listening skills, boosts vocabulary, and nurtures self-expression and empathy.

The playful campfire setting makes storytelling even more engaging; sometimes silly, sometimes spooky, but always full of smiles. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day or a screen-free break, turning downtime into an adventure in imagination.

It doesn't always have the appeal of smart tech like Miko. So, if you want your child to play and learn independently, this may be a better choice.

The Skillmatics Guess in 10: Animal Kingdom game is my go-to when mum guilt kicks in after a day of too much screen time. It’s super simple to pick up, and everyone in the family loves it, from my youngest at four to my seven-year-old.

The idea is straightforward: Guess the animal on the card by asking up to ten questions. It’s quick, fun, and keeps everyone engaged without any complicated setup. The kids love the challenge, and it’s great to see them learning and using their thinking skills without even realising it.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the little basket they include feels unnecessary, but that’s a tiny flaw in an otherwise brilliant game. It’s a rare find that’s both fun and educational, making it perfect for breaking up a screen-heavy day or winding down in the evening.