Real Kids Say These Are the Best Toys for 5-Year-Old Girls
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They're 5 years old—goodbye, preschool! So long, toddler toys! At this age, they will start to be able to read and write, can handle more complex rules, and have more control over their bodies. The gifts for kids this age should follow suit."The best toys for this age group will stimulate movement in space, challenge a child's cognition, help develop balance and coordination, encourage pretend play, and foster early reading skills," says Magdalena Oledzka, P.T., Ph.D. She adds that anything in the realm of imaginary play, like dolls and vehicles, or in the creative sphere, like paint, molding dough, and markers, can help encourage these abilities.
Our top picks:
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Most popular gift: Gabby's Dollhouse Flutter-riffic Garden Play Set
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Best for animal-lovers: Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy
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Best for pretend play: Melissa & Doug Flip & Fry Grill Play Set
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Best STEM toy: Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
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Best game: Hurry Up Chicken Butt
To that end, these are the best toys and gifts for 5-year-old girlsthis year. These are the ones that have earned the highest marks from real kindergarteners during the Good Housekeeping Institute's rigorous toy tests , in addition to a few trendy best-sellers that kids are clamoring for. All of them will help them explore the world around them.
Spin Master Kinetic Sand Sweet Station
At our in-person tests, kids loved loading the Kinetic Sand into the machine, turning the crank, and rolling out chocolate bar-shaped creations (that even smell sweet).It also comes with molds for other treats, like Gummy Bears. "It's something different than the typical 'sand themed' sets," one at-home tester said. Ages 5+
Gabby's Dollhouse Kitty Fairy's Flutter-riffic Play Set
The world of Gabby's Dollhouse is getting a fairy-tale makeover ready to enthrall fans of all things mystical and magical. This eight-inch play set comes with a Kitty Fairy ring with wings that really flap,plus two fairy bears and lots of other accessories, for 12 pieces in all. Ages 3+
Melissa & Doug Flip & Fry Grill Play Set
This set uses color-changing technology to a neat effect: Squirt the play food pieces with water from the squeeze bottle, fry basket, or spatula, and it goes from looking raw to looking cookedbefore their eyes. And there's plenty to cook up, including burgers, chicken tenders, pancakes, and other goodies. "He really liked that he could cook me food and loved putting the food in the little pretend to-go bags provided," one parent tester said. Ages 3+
Mattel KPop Demon Hunters Singing Doll
Little Live Pets My Really Real Puppy
The next best thing to getting a real dog, this interactive friend has more than 60 sounds and reactions.Good Housekeeping Institute kid testers also liked the weighted paws, soft fur, and the fact that it comes with different combinations of eye colors and secret birthmarks. Caring for toy animals helps kids practice empathy, and this one definitely inspired kids to do so: "She has been bringing the puppy with her when we leave the house, sleeping with it, feeding it, and is overall so affectionate with it," one parent said. Ages 4+; two AA batteries included
Basic Fun Littlest Pet Shop Spin & Style Boutique
The Littlest Pet Shop brand is a hit with kids, and also pushes a nostalgia button for some parents. This play set comes with different glamorous settings—a dressing room, a boutique, and more—that kids can use to dress up three exclusive pets.It also has 14 different fashion accessories that the pets can wear. "My daughter thought the accessories and details were fantastic," said one parent tester, a father of a 5-year-old. "The boutique itself is really cute and I found her playing imaginatively with it several times." Ages 4+
Spin Master Hatchimals Bloomables Kittyfly Surprise
This year, floral-themed toys and dolls are a mini-trend in and of themselves, and this one fits right in. Kids can watch a toy transform from "Hatchipillar" to "Kittyfly," and then use it as an interactive toy with more than 100 sounds and reactions.Plus, it can be reformed and bloomed again and again. Ages 5+; three AA batteries included
Klutz Jr. Craft & Snuggle: My Pet Unicorn
For little DIYers, this kit comes with a plush unicorn plus instructions and materials to make five projects to dress it up.They can make a tutu, a necklace, a fuzzy flower crown, and matching bracelets, so they can let their creativity shine. Ages 4+
Mattel Barbie Dream Camper Play Set
An RV may seem like compact living, but this camper really packs in a lot. There are seven different play areas, including a living room, dining area, grill setup, and even a bathroom. And in addition, there are more than 60 play accessories that help spark imaginative play, like a little campfire, a swinging chair, and lots of play food. "My daughter loved that the Barbie Dream Camper included Play-Doh to create foodfor Barbie to make over the campfire," said one tester parent, a mom to a 4-year-old. Ages 4+
Animagic Let's Glo Axolotl
Ask any 5-year-old for their favorite animal, and a good portion of them would choose the axolotl. This one is better than the real thing, since it's stretchy like a fidget toy and lights up when it's in water.Or, if axolotls somehow aren't their favorite animals, you can also get a capybara . Ages 4+; batteries included
Crazy Aaron's Enchanting Unicorn Thinking Putty
No matter how much parents flinch at the idea, kids are still into all manner of slime, putty, and other sensory delights. This one at least stays contained in its tin, and kids will be amazed at how it glows pink in the dark. Ages 3+
Scholastic 'Millie Fleur Saves the Night' Picture Book
A follow-up to a previous GH Kids' Book Award winner, Millie Fleur's Poison Garden , this book finds the indomitable Millie on a mission to save her moon garden—and she forges a new relationship to the darkin the process. "The story helped my 5-year-old realize that there's beauty in all parts of the day," one parent tester said. Ages 2+
Sioloc Large Flower Floor Pillow
They'll feel like a fairy curled up onto flower petals when they lounge on this oversize, nearly 30-inch floor pillow.It comes in many different colors, and the petals have a soft, corduroy texture to them. There are also smaller sizes if they want to have a whole garden on their bed. No age recommendation given
Fiesta Toy 20" Slow-Rise Butter Plush
Yes, butter is a trend . (Don't ask us how these things get started.) But rather than settling for a small butter squishy , wow them with a big, 20-inch butter push—it's made of foam that slowly rises back into shape,just like the small toys do. It also comes in a variety of smaller sizes . No age recommendation given
hand2mind Numberblocks Add It Up Mini Market
Kids can practice early math concepts like counting, addition, and subtractionwhile they play store with this Numberblocks -themed play set. It comes with a Number Four figure, plus a shopping cart, baskets filled with fruits and vegetables, and an array of coins they can count out while they mind the store. "My 6-year-old actually did math with the toy, adding up how much two products would cost together," said one parent tester. Ages 3+
Exploding Kittens Hurry Up Chicken Butt Game
With this game, kids have to shake the chicken to see what color card they have to use, do the action on the card, and pass the chicken along—all before the time runs out. The fast pace of the passing game and the nature of actions mean that kids are sneakily getting in some active time.Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved the silliness of the game, and also how much energy it used up. Ages 4+
OMY Kawaii Nail Stickers
This set comes with a whopping 200 nail stickersin various adorable shapes, including happy cats, donuts, and bunnies. They're sized to fit little fingers, so they're the perfect addition to at-home spa days. No age recommendation given
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
Bindi Irwin lends her voiceto this talking microscope, which comes loaded with more than 100 scientific facts. The slides feature 60 full-color images, and kids can switch it to quiz mode to see how much information they retain. And, to make it a set, there's also the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope . Ages 3+; three AAA batteries required
RELATED: The Best STEM Toys That Make Science Fun for All Ages
Skillmatics Storybook Art Kit
For kids who love to make up their own stories, this kit helps them get their creativity flowing. It comes with two hardbound books, and also writing prompts, vocabulary lists, stickers, and markersto let kids fill them up. "She loved the about-the-author section," one parent tester said. Ages 5+
Two Sisters Bubble Bath Bomb Set
One of these bath bombs is all they'll need to level up their tub time. There are so many sensory experiencesin one bomb: It fizzes, it turns the water colors, each one has a different fragrance and—best of all—there's a surprise, squishy toy inside to collect. Ages 3+
Playmobil Puppy Care Center
This is the play set for those kids who just love the idea of taking care of animals. The groomer comes with a pretend wash station, a scale, a dog bed, plus eight puppies and loads of accessoriesfor imaginative play. More of a cat kid? There's also a cat café set . Ages 4+
Care Bears Caring Cuties Vinyl Plush Pendant
Yes, even kindergarteners have been known to say the dreaded L-word. While real Labubus can be pricey—if you can find them at all—these Care Bear collectibles just might fit the bill. They're also plush with vinyl faces and can dangle from a backpack, and they're also sold in blind boxes,but they're sold at a much lower price point. Ages 4+
LEGO Classic Magical Transparent Box
Kids who are into building with LEGO bricks can follow the instructions to build a mermaid, a star, a unicorn, a ghost, or a heart, all with cool, see-through blocks. Then, they can use the bricks—more than 300 in all— for open-ended constructionand build whatever they want! Ages 5+
MindWare Magic Potion Science Chemistry Set
Blowing up a balloon without using your mouth. Growing a crystal wand. Conjuring up a mysterious bubbling potion. Is it magic? It feels that way, but it's really science! This set comes with all the materials a 5-year-old needs to do five astounding science experimentsthat can amaze their family and friends. Ages 4+
Magna-Tiles microMAGS Spring Garden Travel Set
Good Housekeeping Institute parent testers loved the travel-friendly microMAGS tiles, since the smaller tiles can be packed up into a tin for easy on-the-go play.The Spring Garden set comes with fun, pastel colors and a bunny figure, but there's also a heart-themed set with curved pieces, a spooky set for Halloween, a winter set , or a set with primary colors , among others. Ages 3+
Disney Disney Princess Dress-Up Trunk
They can dress up as Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White with this 21-piece truck full of Disney Princess clothing and accessories.The trunk comes with everything they need, including tops, skirts, bracelets, rings, headbands, and stickers. There's also a second trunk option with outfits for Ariel, Jasmine, Tiana, and Rapunzel. Ages 3+
Battat Rainbow Ridge Balance Beams
When it's time for them to get their energy out, give them a colorful path to walk on, and challenge them to keep their balance.This set has 10 beam segments that can be separated, repositioned, and connected again, so they can change up the shape of their paths to keep things fresh. When they're done, the pieces stack for easy storage. Ages 3+
Learning Resources Coding Critters
Sneak in some science with these cute critters that help kids learn the basics of coding.These animals are a great screen-free way to introduce STEM principles, critical thinking, problem-solving, and other skills as kids go through story-based adventures and challenges. They come in different animal shapes, like a dog , dinosaur , or bunny , and there's also MagiCoders, which come in the form of mystical beasts like dragons and unicorns . Ages 4+; three AAA batteries required
RELATED: Best STEM Toys for 5-Year-Olds
Hearst Home Kids Good Housekeeping 123 Cook!
Aspiring restaurateurs can say this is where it all began. This easy-to-follow cookbook gives them 50 simple recipesthey can use to get started on their culinary journey. In addition to instructions for how to make things like Ooey-Gooey Glazed Cinnamon Rolls or Totally Twisted Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce, it also offers tips from Good Housekeeping experts on kitchen tools and techniques. Once they've mastered these, they can move on to Good Housekeeping Kids Cook! Ages 4+
LeapFrog Toy Story 5 Interactive Lilypad Tablet
Sure, Lilypad was sort of the villain in Toy Story 5, but this interactive tablet won't steal their childhood—they can just use it to play games, listen to music, and text the characters with emojis.They'll have fun as they practice letter skills and count to 100. Ages 3+; two AA batteries required
Gamewright Outfoxed Board Game
When they play this, they'll really have to work on their logic skills to figure out which fox stole a prized pot pie. The great thing about this game is that it's cooperative,so when the mystery is solved, everyone wins! Ages 5+
HopeRock Hover Soccer Ball
Rainy days don't have to mean being consigned to the couch. They can still work out their extra energy with this hover "soccer ball," which glides over smooth, flat indoor flooring.The foam bumper around the outside makes it easier on walls and furniture too. Ages 3+
Stomp Rocket Original Dueling Rocket Launcher
Stomp Rockets have long been a kid favorite because of the way they launch up, up, up into the air. Now they're fun on the way down too. This set comes with eight kid-powered rockets, which fly into the air when kids stomp or jump on the launcher, plus a net for trying to catch themwhen they return. Good Housekeeping Institute testers loved switching off who was doing the launching and who was doing the catching. Ages 5+
KiwiCo Volcano Science Kit
No baking soda and vinegar needed here—with this kit, kids can use air pressure to make a volcano that erupts pom-poms!In addition, there are activities that explore how different rocks feel, sound, and look under a magnifying glass. Ages 5+
Purpose Toys Liya Fashion Doll
Kids can really look up to Liya, whose backstory says she's a second-year engineering student who also happens to be an international model. She's from the line of Naturalistas dolls, which focus on natural hair.Each one comes with cute accessories, like Liya's bag and shoes. Ages 3+
Why trust us
Before including most of these picks in the article, the Good Housekeeping Institute does rigorous toy testing to ensure we're only recommending the best. Many of our choices come from our yearly Toy Awards, where we test each item for:
✔️ Safety:Our engineers and analysts check against the most recent safety standards, including checking for pinch points or small toys that could be choking hazards.
✔️ Ease of use:We ask parents, kids, and adults for feedback on how easy the toy is to assemble and how durable it is.
✔️ Kid approval:Aside from testing each toy for skill-building attributes, all of our final decisions are based on the feedback of hundreds of kids, ages 1 to 15, who assess the fun factor!
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