It’s a task that seems somewhat more complex than it really is. After all, the usual prerequisite bright colors and musical beeping sounds that were once sufficient to make them burst into peals of adorable laughter as babies and toddlers simply won’t do anymore.

They’re more discerning now thanks to endless curiosity and sense of adventure - the results of a growing awareness of the world around them. And even though they’re still charmed by the colorful and on occasion, the delightfully noisy, 5-year old boys also demand toys which will ensure they get to enact that same awareness they feel.

There’s also the safety factor too. Especially since a manufacturer’s attempt to imbue their offerings with the most desirable qualities might just result in certain dangerous chemicals finding their way into them, rendering them unsafe for your little angel.

So what exactly do you need to look out for when selecting the best toys for 5-year old boys?

We’ve enlisted a few handy tips below:

Premium pick

1. Board Game Set

9.75 / 10
Read Reviews

Board games have always had a very special place in our hearts. The proof lies in the fact that they have continued to hold their own — and rather capably too — in the face of stiff competition from more futuristic offerings.


And it’s pretty easy to understand why, since they seem to be the very embodiment of cozy family nights filled with hilarity, laughter, friendly competition and our favorite snacks.
And thanks to the Deluxe 15 in 1 Tabletop Wood-accented Game Center, you will be able to offer your favorite little person the opportunity to hone awesome analytical skills while experiencing such amazing memories too.


The board game ensemble which promises to “take gaming to the next level,” consists of two game tables which can be interchanged, three card decks, poker dice and a wooden storage drawer in which to keep them safely tucked away after play time.


Best of all, it’s the one game set which is an ideal choice for all age ranges from preschoolers to adults. Especially since the extensive selection of board games which includes backgammon, checkers, chess and snakes and ladders, means no one will be left out.
If you’d love to gift your cousin, nephew or grandson the opportunity to create more heartwarming memories, while sharpening their analytical skills, the Deluxe 15 in 1 Tabletop Wood-accented Game Center will most likely be a perfect choice.

Key Features
  • A board game collection consisting of 15 games
  • Ideal for a wide age range
  • Two interchangeable game tables and a storage locker
Specifications
  • For Ages: Preschoolers to adults
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: Not specified
Pros
  • Capable of improving analytical skills
  • Features suitable offerings for all age ranges (preschooler to adult)
  • A special storage locker for storing game pieces, dice and cards safely
  • Popular offerings such as backgammon, checkers, chess and snakes and ladders, featured
Cons
  • Small size of game pieces
  • Drawers may not fit properly
Editors choice

2. VTech Drill & Learn Toolbox

9.85 / 10
Read Reviews

When it comes to discovering new interesting facts, few things are as effective as a brightly colored, musical introduction. And thanks to the VTech Drill & Learn Toolbox, your child will get to learn all about a number of intriguing tools in the same way.

Those featured in this toy set include a drill, hammer, wrench and screws as well as a fix-it tray, which will also ensure your child gets to enjoy an especially immersive experience too.

And there’s much more to this colorful offering which is not only capable of improving your child’s motor skills, but also includes activity cards which will enable them to learn about colors and numbers. It also contains over 125 songs ensuring your child will be able to sing along too while also learning new phrases and tool sounds.

It is worth noting however that this toy set does require 2 AA batteries and some supervision may be required to ensure your child doesn’t play with them when they’re meant to be carrying out essential repairs with their trusty toolbox.

However, its ability to provide your child with a varied learning experience while keeping them entertained with loads of color and music, makes the VTech Drill & Learn Toolbox a superb option for their toy collection.

Key Features
  • An interactive learning tool
  • Over 125 songs and additional extras
  • Activity cards and quizzes
  • Toy tools including a drill, hammer, wrench and screws
Specifications
  • For Ages: 2-5 years
  • Batteries Required: Yes
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: Yes
  • Number of Pieces: Not specified
Pros
  • Capable of improving motor skills
  • Capable of improving language and math skills
  • Sing along melodies and new sounds
Cons
  • Tool box may be difficult to close
  • Toy tools may not fit inside box

Have you ever wished for a toy which would capture the sheer power and unparalleled cool factor trucks seem to embody?

If so, you’ll love the WolVol Friction Powered Oil Tanker Truck Toy. Manufactured to look just like a miniature version of those massive, thundering giants - and sound like them too - it’s bound to become a firm favorite in the heart of the very lucky five-year old who gets to unwrap it for their birthday.

This giant yellow and silver offering has not only been designed to withstand any bumps and scrapes it might encounter in little hands, but is also capable of moving under its own friction-fueled steam.

And with its flashing headlamps and impressively convincing sounds, it’s the perfect choice for your little one to unleash their creativity as they play out various scenarios in which they get to save the day by delivering oil to keep families warm and cozy in their homes.

But perhaps the fact that the WolVol Friction Powered Oil Tanker Truck Toy is so amazing is no surprise since its manufacturer is well versed in the art of delighting little children the world over.

And there’s no doubt that this awesome miniature model has what it takes to achieve that same feat once again.

Key Features
  • A yellow and silver friction-powered toy truck
  • Realistic sounds and flashing headlamps
  • Impressively robust design
Specifications
  • For Ages: 3 years and older
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 1
Pros
  • A robustly designed offering
  • An impressive level of detail
  • Flashing lights and realistic sounds
Cons
  • The sound button may not work properly
  • Slightly lighter than expected

It isn’t that often that you get to come across a toy set which promises to ‘grow with your child’. And that is far from all that sets the ETI Toys Engineering Building Blocks Set apart from the majority of other building block sets provided by both online and conventional retailers.

Part of the manufacturer’s Lil Engineer series, this offering also promises to not only provide hours and hours of fun, but to also fine tune your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination while enhancing their creativity at the same time. And it’s not hard to believe either since your child will get to build trucks, robots, helicopters and transformers.

Thanks to a free eBook which comes with the set, they will also get to benefit from a total of 12 fun designs which will also improve their interpersonal and problem solving skills as well.

Because the best toys are those which provide the opportunity for entertainment and learning as well as safety, the manufacturer has taken the precaution to ensure that this block set just like all its other offerings has been thoroughly tested by third party labs and is free from BPAs, lead and phthalates.  What’s more, each block is also washable ensuring you will be able to keep the entire set germ-free.

And the proof of such unshakable faith in the quality of its wonderful learning and entertainment unit all rolled into one? The manufacturer’s 100 percent money back guarantee.

These impressive features make this awesome block set seem almost too good to be true - which makes it a superb option for your child and their favorite play time companions.

Key Features
  • A free eBook featuring 12 designs
  • Independently tested by third party labs
  • Free from phthalates, BPAs and lead
  • A play set capable of enhancing children’s problem solving and motor skills
Specifications
  • For Ages: 3 - 6 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 101
Pros
  • A toy set which is also a learning tool
  • Capable of improving children’s’ motor, interpersonal and problem solving skills
  • Capable of enhancing children’s hand-eye co-ordination
  • Free from phthalates, lead and BPAs
  • Suitable for washing to eliminate germs
Cons
  • Vehicle wheels may fall out
  • Bolts provided may not be the appropriate size

What is it about archery that makes us think of effortless grace, adventure and all our favorite superheroes all at the same time?

The answer to that question is most certainly an elusive one but we can all agree that a bow and arrow set does come with the promise of endless fun in the sunshine.

But more than that, the right kind can also enhance motor and hand-eye co-ordination skills too.

And that’s what makes the GoBroBrand Bow Arrow Set Kids an excellent choice in this regard since it does come with the required combo of development and adventure at the same time.

Complete with a futuristic looking, brightly colored bow; 6 suction cup, extra-safe arrows; an ultra cool quiver in red and grey and a target, this archery set also comes with three lighting settings and can actually be used at night.

And because it’s suitable for both genders and a wide age range (3 -12 years), it’s the perfect choice for an afternoon or evening of family fun.

All these qualities mean that the GoBroBrand Bow Arrow Set Kids is a superb choice for introducing that special hint of adventurous cool to family moments of leisure and creating unforgettable memories, too.

Key Features
  • An archery set with 3 lighting settings
  • An archery set featuring a premium bow
  • Safe, suction pad arrows
Specifications
  • For Ages: 3-12 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 9
Pros
  • Capable of enhancing motor and hand-eye co-ordination skills
  • Safe, suction pad arrows
  • Ideal for a wide age range (3-12 years)
  • Suitable for use at night or during the day
Cons
  • The target is slightly smaller than usual
  • The quiver may be too large for smaller children

If a toy came with the claim that it could take your child around the world in a matter of hours from the comfort of their home, it would be pretty difficult to believe. But that’s exactly what the Shifu Orboot Augmented Reality Globe promises to do.

Consisting of a 10-inch globe, this toy and learning tool also comes with country flag stickers, a detailed help guide as well as additional helpful extras.

There’s also the Orboot app, with which your child will be able to explore over 400 highlights and discover over 1, 000 intriguing facts relating to the cultures, fauna, inventions, maps, monuments, and climates of different nations.

They will also be able to test their knowledge with entertaining quizzes and earn rewards in the form of coins when they complete them.

And because it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, it can be used with 3rd generation iPads as well as later models and the iPhone (with the iPhone 6 being the earliest compatible model). And while we wish Amazon devices too were also suitable options, we must admit that the range of devices the app is compatible with is rather extensive.

Thanks to all these impressive features, the Shifu Orboot Augmented Reality Globe is an ideal option for enabling your child to learn about the world around them via an augmented reality adventure.

Key Features
  • A toy and learning tool capable of providing an augmented reality adventure
  • Fun quizzes and rewards
  • An entertaining introduction to cultures, monuments and history all over the globe
Specifications
  • For Ages: 4-12 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: Yes
  • Number of Pieces: Not specified
Pros
  • Capable of enhancing linguistic and cognitive skills
  • Free Android and iOS compatible app
  • Ideal for a wide age range (4-12 years)
Cons
  • Incompatible with Amazon devices
  • The product’s globe will not function without the app

The next item on our list comes with the opportunity for your child to be the boss of their very own multi-level garage and take over key aspects of car maintenance.

And it doesn’t disappoint in terms of just what they’ll need to carry out those all important tasks of repairs, towing, washing and refueling.

This impressively sized four-level garage not only comes with a tow truck but also comes with an elevator that actually works and a large-sized spiral ramp. It also features a gas pump, a crane and a track.

All these features mean that your child will be able to play out several scenarios of running their very own successful garage and towing damaged cars, repairing them, washing them and giving them a refill.

And that means they will be able to create adventures that will keep them occupied as they handle the demands of running a busy multi-level garage.

It is worth noting, however, that this set may not be suitable for every car provided by the manufacturer.

However, in light of the Matchbox 4-level Garage toy set’s amazing detail, there’s no doubt that it will keep your little one thoroughly entertained.

Key Features
  • An impressively detailed toy set
  • Ideal for providing an immersive playing experience
  • Robust and durable components
Specifications
  • For Ages: 3 - 10 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: Not specified
Pros
  • An impressively detailed toy set
  • Ideal for providing an immersive playing experience
  • Robust and durable components
  • Can be played with intuitively
  • Suitable for a wide age range (3 - 10 years)
Cons
  • Is not compatible with every Matchbox car
  • May feature different colors than those actually shown

Within every little child is an inner engineer waiting to be given free rein to create one marvel after another. And what better means is there of encouraging them to do just that than relying on a brand which has become a household name for generations of kids and adults alike?

Thanks to the LEGO Truck Building Kit with Trailer, they will be able to put together an impressively heavy duty truck complete with an extended flatbed and even a helicopter with its very own cockpit which can be opened, a chain and spinning rotors.

And because no vehicle - airborne or otherwise - would ever be complete without anyone at the helm, this pack also comes with a pilot and truck driver with a handy tool box and a comfy mug of coffee.

There’s even a chain and an oil barrel which will have to be hauled by the helicopter to the worksite.

Both the main pieces and extras have been so perfectly thought out and designed that your little one will have an amazing time putting them all together and also playing out various worksite-based scenarios.

If you’d love to present your nephew or godson with a delightful toy set which will encourage them to unleash their inner genius while having loads of fun, the LEGO Truck Building Kit with Trailer might just be the perfect choice, in this regard.

Key Features
  • A highly detailed construction-focused toy set
  • Ideal for five-year olds and even older children
  • Impressively detailed design
Specifications
  • For Ages: 5-12 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 310
Pros
  • A richly detailed toy set
  • Ideal for providing an immersive playing experience
  • Additional extras which will enhance playing experience
  • Impressively large, detailed truck and helicopter
Cons
  • Pieces can get lost easily
  • Doesn't always stay together well

What happens when you combine two cool themes that little dinosaur and automobile fans simply can’t get enough of? The answer is the ultra cool offering that is the Dinosaur Toy Set for 2-6 Year Old Boys.

This winning combo of scaled giants and wheels comes with a selection of options which are delightfully detailed. There’s loads of variety too with the most popular dinosaurs including a pterodactyl, brontosaurus, and tyrannosaurus rex all making an appearance.

They’ve also been designed from safe plastic and are both pliable and durable.

They’ll also fit right into your child’s palm and can be pulled to make them speed off on their own.

And who knows, you might just be tempted to join in the fun too and get to create some awesome memories together.

If you’d love a set which ticks a number of amazing boxes, the Dinosaur Toy Set for 2-6 Year Old Boys might just be what you’re searching for.

Key Features
  • A dinosaur-themed automobile set
  • Amazingly detailed and varied units
  • Manufactured using suitable plastic
Specifications
  • For Ages: 2-6 Years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 6
Pros
  • A varied dinosaur automobile set
  • Impressively detailed design
  • Pliable without any sharp edges
Cons
  • Appear slightly smaller than advertised
  • May not be as robust as expected

When it comes to presents for the gender and age range we’re interested in, you can never go wrong with the childhood staple that is LEGO.

Having delighted youngsters for decades in various incarnations, this particular offering revolves around a conflict between one of Marvel’s most loved superheroes and a rather potent arch-nemesis: Spider Man vs. Scorpion.

This time your five-year old will get to recreate an adventure on their own terms complete with an alley wall with its very own rooftop and special spots for Spidey’s webs (a large web as well as flexible web string).

There are even action cars for both of them with Peter Parker’s set of wheels featuring movable legs while his sting wielding antagonist’s features a set of pincers and a tail.

And because no tale would ever be complete without the presence of the hero and the villain themselves, both Spiderman and Scorpion make an appearance in living color in the form of two miniature action figures.

With instructions which are easy to follow, your child will be able to give their imagination free reign and create their very own Marvel-based tale of adventure and intrigue.

And that we think is the stuff five-year old boys’ dreams are made of.

Key Features
  • A Marvel-themed Lego set
  • May be used with other Marvel action figures
  • Spider Man and Scorpion action figures
Specifications
  • For Ages: 4-7 years
  • Batteries Required: No
  • Assembly Required: No
  • Interactive: No
  • Number of Pieces: 125
Pros
  • A popular Marvel-themed toy set with instructions which are easy to follow
  • Immersive features such as a large web and flexible web string
  • An adventure kit consisting of a rooftop, window and more
  • May be used with other Marvel action figures
Cons
  • Children might need help assembling

Choosing the Best Toys for 5-Year-Old Boys: Helpful Tips and Pointers

Selecting toys for the favorite young people in our lives has never been easier. Thanks to a sector with extreme levels of competitiveness, the possibilities are simply endless.

And yet there are a few essential rules to follow in order to ensure you get it right and are rewarded by heartwarming squeals of delight from your adorable nephew, grandson or godson as you present them with a gift which might just turn into one of their favorite childhood memories for years to come.

And to ensure you’re able to start off on the right footing — and end on such a high note — we’ve provided a few helpful tidbits which we hope will prove invaluable.

Product guidelines

A 5-year-old boy’s world is one of constant discovery and quite often they do their very best to recreate what is around them.

And that means that the very best toys are those which let them do just that by providing features which will enable them to:

  • Recreate adventures with their favorite cartoon or movie characters: action toys
  • Imitate their favorite real-life professions: dress-up kits, transportation toys
  • Indulge in their love of creating things: crayons, drawing pads, coloring pencils, Lego sets
  • Explore their curiosity about the world around them: toy dinosaurs, toy zoos

Safety

With an extensive selection of toys available for purchase, knowing which substances to avoid when making a choice has never been more important, from the time you are choosing toys for your baby or toddler up through early childhood and beyond. Chemicals which seem to pop up everywhere yet generally spell bad news include:

Bisphenols

These chemicals are an essential component of plastics. And since these exist just about everywhere, they’re just as ubiquitous too.

And although experts remain somewhat mystified about the effect they have, they’re generally believed to have an adverse effect on hormones.

Flame retardants

Popularly used in toys to make them less flammable, this extensive family of chemicals consists of members such as HBCD, OFRs, OPFRs, and TBBPA.

According to scientific experts, they’re believed to prevent the endocrine system, the liver, and the thyroid gland from functioning properly and may even be carcinogenic.

Phthalates

Another group of chemicals which shows up just about everywhere - cosmetics, beauty products, food packaging, and raincoats, etc. - phthalates also have health experts somewhat uncertain as to the exact dangers they pose. However, they’re believed to affect the ability of hormones to function normally.

Now you have an idea of what to look for and what to avoid, it’s time to take a look at some of the very best toys for 5-year-old boys which will add a splash of color and excitement to your little one’s world.

Resources— John Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Parents.com, The Guardian, Thoughtful Parent

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