These Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes Are One of the Hottest Gifts for Boys This Year

While it may seem that the toddler years were here just a minute ago, your now-5-year-old is headed off to school. That means a whole variety of new skills to sharpen, new friends to make and play with and new interests to explore — something to keep in mind when shopping for gifts for kids starting their elementary school journeys.

"At this age, they should be able to maintain a longer play sequence with multiple steps and multiple partners," says Gayle Kligman, M.Ed, the executive chairman of Family of Kidz. "They can negotiate among themselves who will have specific roles. They are more verbal with each other and are able to do more symbolic play."

The best toys and gifts for kids in this age group will stimulate movement in space, challenge their cognition, help to develop balance and coordination, encourage pretend play and help them practice those early reading skills, says Magdalena Oledzka, PT. It's why they'll enjoy toys like sports equipment and outdoor toys, building blocks, activity books, art supplies, role-play items that encourage imaginative games and beginner board games.

With those growing brains and bodies in mind, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly tests and evaluate toys in all areas of interest. First, the Parenting Lab experts check the toys to make sure they're safe and well-constructed, then hand them off to kids who make sure they're fun to play with. Here's our picks for the best toys and unusual gifts for 5-year-old boys in 2022.

Many of these picks have earned top marks at the Good Housekeeping Institute's tests, and many are even past Good Housekeeping Toy Award winners. We've also added in a few editor's picks, bestsellers and hot toys of 2022 to keep the list as up-to-date as possible for the lucky kindergarteners out there. Add them to your carts before Black Friday, and you'll be at a huge advantage in your holiday shopping.