The Best Toy Gift Ideas for a Five-Year Old Boy

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Five-year-old boys begin to feel like "big boys" and often want to get rid of their baby toys. The perfect toys for boys of this age help encourage their creative spirits, emulate adult activities and teach them a few lessons along the way that will keep them busy for hours at a time.

Building Blocks

This is the perfect time to splurge on a child's first set of building blocks. Five-year-old boys love to build houses, buildings, vehicles and other structures with these blocks. They love knocking them down just as much. LEGOs and Lincoln Logs have stood the test of time. The LEGO Harry Potter Knight Bus is perfect for the current generation.

Art Sets

Kids love to let their imaginations run wild, and art gives them the perfect outlet. A shirt with a graffiti paint set lets your child color outside the lines without any criticism. A puzzle set that your kid gets to color before putting the pieces back together is another great option. An easel, crayon maker, glow in the dark set or Play-Doh are all good choices. A large castle that they can color is also a gift that they will think is awesome. Crayola Model Magic Presto Dots to the Max was a Toy of the Year pick in 2011 and lets kids make critters with a marshmallow texture.

Imagination Sets

Five-year-old boys love to feel like big boys by copying their dads and other role models. Play tool sets, kid grills, play kitchens, doctor kits and mechanic kits will help them feel like grown-ups. If you want to let their imagination run wild, try a magic kit or puppet theater.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Little boys love cars and other vehicles. Wooden cars provide a sturdy option that will last for years. A wooden train set will keep them enthralled for hours. Wooden planes are also sure to be a favorite. Toy sets that allow them to build a track or stunt area like the Ball Track Ski Jump are also sure to please.

Board Games

Five-year-olds are learning to read and are better able to follow instructions than their toddler counterparts. Some favorites are Twister, Trouble, Connect Four and Operation. Many of these games are perfect for kids who are not quite ready to read. Matching card games, Candyland and Chutes and Ladders are also good choices.

Music Toys

Little boys love music, so channel their inner rock star. Try getting them a play guitar, drums, flute or keyboard that they can use to make their own music. These toys are repeatedly on Toys 'R Us' top picks for toys.

Educational Toys

Toys that teach are sure to be appreciated by the parents who want a break from loud and annoying toys. Alphabet blocks are a classic favorite. A play laptop can help the young one get a head start in a technology-filled world. A learning tablet, another electronic option, provides learning opportunities in the form of entertaining games.