Gift Guide for 5-7 year old boys
Ultimate gift guide for 5 - 7 year old boys
Fun, educational, and exciting ideas for that special boy!
Buying a gift for a 5-7 year old boy can be overwhelming. At this age, kids are curious, energetic, and eager to explore new interests. Whether you're shopping for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, this guide will help you find the perfect present that will bring joy and excitement while also encouraging learning and creativity.
STEM Toys for Young Explorers
If your little one loves to build, create, or experiment, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys are an excellent choice. These toys foster problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for discovery.
· LEGO Classic or Themed Sets – Great for imaginative play and fine motor skills.
· Magnetic Building Tiles – Encourages creativity and spatial awareness.
Our family loves Picasso Tiles- they are budget friendly, last for years, and keep all ages entertained. They are the most played with toy in our house of 3 boys.
· Beginner Robotics Kits – Simple coding robots like Botley or LEGO Boost make coding fun.
· Science Experiment Kits – Hands-on kits allow kids to explore chemistry, physics, and more.
I love gifting something “to do", this is a win-win for kids and their parents.
We love these Nat Geo kits on Amazon
Outdoor & Active Play Gifts
If your young adventurer loves being active, outdoor gifts are a great way to keep them moving and entertained.
· Scooters or Bikes – Helps with coordination, balance, and are always a hit
Favorite 3-wheeled scooter
· Kite or Flying Disc – A simple and fun way to enjoy outdoor play.
· Sports Equipment – Kid-sized soccer balls, basketball hoops, or T-ball sets encourage an active lifestyle.
We love our adjustable basketball goal from Amazon. It will grow with your kids.
· Obstacle Course Sets – Turns the backyard into an adventure playground.
Creative & Artistic Toys
For kids who love expressing themselves, art supplies and creative toys are perfect.
· Art Set with Washable Markers, Crayons & Paints – Encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
· DIY Craft Kits – Bead sets, sticker-making kits, or clay sculpting kits are great options.
Aqua beads (non-iron) that keep kids entertained for hours
· Musical Instruments – Introduce music in a fun way, or gift music lessons!
· Activity Books – Keeps kids engaged and entertained.
Sticker by number books. These are great for car rides or quiet time
Imaginative Play & Pretend Toys
At this age, pretend play is crucial for social and cognitive development.
· Dinosaur, Superhero, or Animal Playsets – Encourages storytelling and role-playing.
· Dress-up Costumes – Firefighter, astronaut, or superhero outfits spark imaginative adventures.
· Playhouses or Tents – Creates a cozy space for storytelling and make-believe.
Books for Little Readers
Encouraging a love for reading at a young age is one of the best gifts you can give.
· Picture Books with Engaging Stories – Books by Mo Willems, Dr. Seuss, or Julia Donaldson are great choices.
· Early Chapter Books – Series like "Magic Tree House" or "Dog Man" transition kids to independent reading.
· Interactive Books – keep younger kids engaged.
Funny “Would you rather” book
· Personalized Storybooks – A unique way to make reading more special.
Classic & Educational Board Games
Board games are great for family bonding and teaching strategy, patience, and problem-solving.
· Memory Matching Games – Enhances concentration and recall skills.
· Uno or Go Fish – Simple card games that teach numbers and strategy.
· Connect 4 or Jenga – Encourages logical thinking and fine motor control.
· Junior Versions of Classic Games – Games like Monopoly Junior or Clue Junior are fun adaptations for kids.
Tech & Electronic Gifts
If you're open to tech toys, there are great educational and engaging options.
· Kid-Friendly Tablets – Loaded with educational apps and parental controls, and an unbreakable case
Our family favorite (and life-saver) are the Kids Fire Tablets. We own 3 and have had them for years. They are perfect for roadtrips, flights, the doctors office, or when you’re waiting for your food at a restaurant.
· Interactive Storytelling Devices – Screen-free audio players for kids.
Yoto player : equipped with stories, music, podcasts, white noise, night light, and ok-to-wake clock
The more travel-friendly version: Yoto mini is tiny and perfect for on-the-go. This is what our toddler has and loves.
Tonie Box is another similar screen-free story telling device that uses character figurines instead of cards
· Walkie-Talkies – A fun way to encourage communication and outdoor play.
· Kid-Friendly Digital Cameras – Lets young photographers capture their world.
These make a great gift for any kid, and really give a sense of independence
Final Thoughts
Whether they love building, exploring, creating, or playing pretend, there are plenty of great options to make them smile. Happy gifting!
Best Balance Bikes for Kids
Best balance bikes for kids and how to get your money’s worth!
A Parent’s Guide
If your little one is eager to start riding, a balance bike is the perfect introduction to two wheels. Unlike traditional bikes with training wheels, balance bikes help kids develop coordination and confidence by teaching them to balance from the start. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? We’ve rounded up the top balance bikes based on durability, weight, adjustability, and value to help make your decision easier.
1. Strider 12 Sport
Best Overall
The Strider 12 Sport is a favorite among parents and for good reason. It’s lightweight (just under 7 lbs), has an adjustable seat and handlebars (that don’t require tools), and features puncture-proof tires that you’ll NEVER have to inflate. The low stand-over height makes it easy for even the smallest riders to get started. Plus, it grows with your child, making it a great long-term investment.
We personally own (and love) two of these Striders! My big kids that have outgrown these still love to cruise around on them and always prefer them to a pedal bike. They have been great for our kids from age 2 to about 5.
Strider 12 Sport (4.8 stars with over 11,000 reviews)
8 fun colors to choose from
adjustable height for 12-18” inseam
2. Banana LT Balance Bike
Best Budget Option
For parents looking for an affordable yet reliable option, the Banana LT Balance Bike is a great pick. Its unique curved frame makes it easy for toddlers to step on and off, and its foam tires require no maintenance. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for little riders just starting out.
This bike does not have a spot to rest your feet. Otherwise, it’s a great option!
12.2-15.7” inseam
3. KaZAM v2e
Best Footrest Design
KaZAM’s unique footrest design encourages kids to lift their feet and practice true balancing. This model is sturdy, easy to assemble, and has air-filled tires for a comfortable ride. If you want a balance bike that naturally transitions kids to a pedal bike, this is a great option.
love the easy-to-use footrest and cute design
will need tools to adjust handle bars
12-17 " inseam
4. Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike
Best Classic Look
If you love the nostalgic look of Radio Flyer products, this balance bike is for you. It features real rubber air tires for a smooth ride and an adjustable seat to accommodate growing kids. It’s a bit heavier than some other models, but its sturdy build makes it a durable choice.
12.5-15” inseam
5. Chillafish Bunzi Balance Bike & Tricycle
Best for littles
If you have a little one and you’re not sure if they’re ready for a balance bike, this 2-in-1 tricycle balance bike is PERFECT! All three of our kids have absolutely loved this little bike. It is great for ages 1-3. Easily switch it from 2 to 3 wheels with no tools. It’s very low to the ground, reassuring for parents and kids. This budget-friendly option is a great one for indoors also.
only 4.2 lbs, easy enough to carry around with a convenient handle
the kids’ favorite feature is a storage compartment in the seat
What to Look for in a Balance Bike
When shopping for a balance bike, keep these key factors in mind:
· Weight: Lighter bikes are easier for young children to handle.
· Adjustability: Look at what age height your child is now and how much they need their bike to grow with them. Adjustable seats and handlebars are so convenient!
· Tires: Foam tires are maintenance-free, while air-filled tires provide a smoother ride.
Final Thoughts
A balance bike is one of the best investments you can make for your child’s early cycling experience. It teaches balance, coordination, and independence in a fun and natural way. Our family favorites are the Strider Sport and Chillafish Bunzi, but there’s no wrong choice here!
Have a favorite balance bike? Share your experiences in the comments!
Best Family Games
Family games that parents won’t hate!
Family game night is one of the best ways to create lasting memories, encourage teamwork, and just have fun together! Whether you’re looking for fast-paced action, strategic thinking, or silly challenges, we’ve rounded up some of the best games that kids and parents will both love.
1. Guess in 10 (Ages 6+)
Why You’ll Love It: This quick-thinking game encourages kids to use logic, reasoning, and clever questioning to guess the mystery item in 10 questions or less. With themes like animals, Disney, sports, it’s both educational and fun!
How to Play: One player picks a card, and the other players ask yes/no questions to figure out what’s on the card before they run out of guesses. It’s perfect for travel, car rides, and family game nights!
Notes: If your child can read they can easily play this. If they are 4 or 5 and can’t quite read yet they can sometimes look at the picture and figure it out from there but won’t be able to read the buzz words. There are several simpler ways we have played this game with our younger kids, even our 3-year-old. However there are “junior” versions aimed at 3-6 yr olds. Guess in 10 jr.
Our family favorite is the animal version: here
These are all around $15-20 on amazon.
2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (Ages 8+)
Why You’ll Love It: This silly, fast-paced card game is full of laughs and surprises! It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and great for kids who love action-packed games. This game has had our whole family in tears laughing.
How to Play: Players take turns placing cards in a pile while saying the words “Taco,” “Cat,” “Goat,” “Cheese,” and “Pizza” in order. If the card matches the word spoken, everyone has to slap the pile—the last one to slap takes the stack! Special action cards add even more fun.
Notes: Our 6-year-old can play, but it has been difficult for any of our younger cousins to keep up. This is one I really enjoying playing with kids.
$9.84 : linked on amazon
3. Trouble (Ages 5+)
Why You’ll Love It: The classic race-around-the-board game with the famous “Pop-O-Matic” die roller! Kids love the excitement of popping the dice and trying to send opponents back to start.
How to Play: Each player moves their pieces around the board by rolling the die. Land on another player’s piece? They go back to the beginning! First one to get all their pieces home wins.
Notes: This has been great for helping our 3-year-old count and take turns. We have to help direct him, but this is a game he can play fairly independently. Our older kids enjoy it too.
We have this $10.99 version that works great!
4. LCR (Left Center Right) (Ages 5+)
Why You’ll Love It: This simple dice game is perfect for all ages, making it a great choice for multigenerational family nights. It’s all about luck, so even the youngest players have a shot at winning!
How to Play: Players take turns rolling three dice marked with "L," "C," "R," or a dot. Depending on the roll, players pass chips to the left, right, or center. The last player with chips wins! You can even play with real coins or candy for extra fun.
Notes: You can’t beat the price on this $6.99 game. It is compact, great for travel and any age. We have played this with adults and swapped out the chips for lottery tickets or money. It is quick and fun!
5. Connect 4 (Ages 6+)
Why You’ll Love It: A fantastic two-player strategy game that helps kids develop critical thinking and planning skills. The rules are simple, but the gameplay is engaging for all ages!
How to Play: Players take turns dropping colored discs into the vertical grid, trying to connect four in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) before their opponent does.
Notes: Our kids start playing this around age 4 and start to develop a sense of strategy and it’s great for counting. It is a quick and easy game. My 8-year-old loves it as well.
6. Twister (Ages 6+)
Why You’ll Love It: Twister is a hilarious way to get the whole family moving, stretching, and tangled up in laughter! It’s great for active kids and perfect for breaking the ice at parties.
How to Play: Spin the wheel to see which body part goes on which colored dot. As the game goes on, players get twisted up until someone falls over—last person standing wins!
Notes: My kids 3-8 all crack up at this game! Younger ones love to spin the spinner, and everyone loves to see mom and dad stretch or fall over if we’re all playing!
Classic version $19.97
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of games your family enjoys, these picks are guaranteed to bring joy, competition, and togetherness. There's something here for everyone.
What’s your family’s favorite game? Let us know in the comments!
Stress'-Less Bedtime Routine (ages 3-8)
Simplify bedtime with kids and stress less!
I was going to call this stress-free bedtime, but we all know that would be a lie! The goal is to stress less, right?!
Bedtime can be one of the most challenging or dreaded parts of the day for parents. Whether it’s endless requests for water, resistance to brushing teeth, or a last-minute burst of energy, getting kids to wind down can feel like a battle. A long, losing battle! But with a consistent and calming bedtime routine, you can create a smoother transition to sleep, ensuring your child gets the rest they need. Here are some tried-and-true tips for making bedtime easier. Here I focus on 10 strategies primarily aimed at kids 3-8 (since my three kids fall in to that range), but this can be applied to older or younger kids as well.
1. Set a Consistent Bedtime Children thrive on routine, and having a set bedtime helps their bodies recognize when it’s time to wind down. Choose a bedtime that allows for at least 10-12 hours of sleep and stick to it—even on weekends. We don’t stick to the minute, but stay within 30-60 minutes on weekends except for very rare and special occasions. Sometimes this means we’re the first ones to leave the party or miss out on movie night with friends, but it means my life is easier at bedtime (and all day long the next day), so it’s worth it for us.
Sleep-to-wake clocks can be a HUGE help!
Here are some of my favorites:
Stay-in-bed Clock —Affordable, started successfully using with 2 yr old
Changes red for bedtime and green when it’s ok to get out of bed in the morning. This is so helpful for kids who wake up in the middle of the night and assume its breakfast time!!
Hatch Rest 2nd gen —Does everything: sound machine, night light, sleep-to-wake, wifi/smartphone compatible
2. Create a Predictable Routine
A structured bedtime routine signals to your child that sleep is approaching. We like to keep it simple. Bedtime can already be drawn out way too long, so less steps is better in my opinion.
A simple routine could include:
· Bath time
· Brushing teeth
· Putting on pajamas
· Reading a book
· Saying goodnight
Some other items you may want to swap out or consider including: discussion about your day (ie: what was your favorite part?), family prayers, pick out a stuffed animal to sleep with, or pick out clothes for tomorrow (a personal must for me on school nights).
Keeping the order of activities consistent each night helps children feel secure and know what to expect. I often feel like my kids are old enough that they should know what to do to get ready for bed, but I find myself having to tell them every night. This is where a chart saves me!! I can just tell them to look at their chart to see what they need to do. This saves me from repeating myself, and also gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment.
Find my customizable bedtime chart here:
3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
We’ve all heard that blue light can interfere with melatonin production. I’m sure you’ve noticed yourself if you’re scrolling right before bed, it’s hard to fall asleep. The same is true for kids. Turn off tablets, TVs, and other screens at least an hour before bedtime to help their bodies naturally prepare for sleep. This can be a struggle. In our house, I like to let my kids have screen time while I’m making dinner. This gives me the freedom to move quickly and efficiently in the kitchen without so many interruptions, and the kids get their fill of screen time, but not too close to bedtime.
Consider playing a family game before bed. Here are some of our favorites:
Try sensory activities to regulate and calm the nervous system. This can seem counter-intuitive, but can be very helpful for some kids, especially those with sensory processing disorders, autism, or ADHD.
· Swinging in a hammock, platform swing, or sensory swing https://amzn.to/3CMzhDr
· Bouncing: sitting, bouncing, laying, or rolling on a yoga ball, jumping on a trampoline
(36”/40” trampoline), adults can use these trampolines as well!
· Deep pressure: kids smooshing each other (or you wrestle with them) with a bean bag, pillow, or lots of cushions can actually be very calming!
Reading books- my bigger kids that can read LOVE to be able to “stay up” and read in bed by themselves
4. Create a Calming Environment A cozy, quiet, and dimly lit room sets the stage for restful sleep. Try:
Using blackout curtains
I have bought at least half a dozen blackout curtains. These are by far the best. We have these in black. I’m not sure if it’s because they are black or if all the other colors work as well! I suggest getting them much larger than your window for the full effect.
If you want to watch my full review here: watch
These are also nice, great quality, and look high-end.
Full review here: watch
Playing soft white noise or calming music: Hatch Rest 2nd gen
Keeping the room cool and clutter-free. Clutter-free, is that a joke? Trust me, as a mom of 3 boys I don’t mean it has to be squeaky clean. But I do like to have my kids spend 3-5 minutes before bed picking up their room if we aren’t in a big rush or having meltdowns. I know I feel much calmer lying down to rest without 100 toys scattered on the floor.
Keeping it cozy!
I’m not a huge fan of 50 stuffed animals in bed, but that’s what make my kids comfortable
Choose bedding that your child LOVES. It may not be your ideal color palette, but what’s more important? The bedroom aesthetic or your child wanting to go to sleep in their own bed?? Pick your battles here!
My kids love soft, fleecey, minky type materials like Beddy’s: BONUS: Let your child zip up their bed & easily keep it nice and tidy
5. Offer Choices for Independence Children love feeling in control, so give them small choices to encourage cooperation. I love starting this as young as possible. This makes a HUGE difference for toddlers and their “I can do it myself attitude”. For example, let them choose their pajamas, pick a bedtime story, or decide which stuffed animal will sleep with them. For the littles, I find it easier to give 2-3 options instead of a broad question like “which book should we read?”.
6. Keep Bedtime Positive and Calm Avoid power struggles by keeping the tone positive. If your child resists bedtime, use gentle reminders like, "After we brush our teeth, we’ll read your favorite book!" instead of making bedtime feel like a punishment.
Have you ever heard of making a positive sandwich for your kids?
It’s a communication strategy that involves giving negative feedback between two positive statements
Start with positive/praise, provide criticism or the “no”, end with more praise/positive/excitement
Having a meltdown over wanting to watch a show instead of reading a bedtime story? “I know you love to watch Bluey, it’s so funny! Right now we need to brush our teeth. After breakfast tomorrow you can pick which Bluey episode we watch!”
7. Address Fears and Nighttime Worries Many kids experience nighttime fears, such as fear of the dark or monsters. Validate their feelings and offer solutions, such as:
Using a nightlight- there are SO many options:
The hatch has a night light built in
Auto night lights, compact, 2 pack
Astronaut projector (We have had a few different projector type lights and they felt cheap, and didn’t last long. We’ve had this for several years, and my kids are obsessed with it. They fall asleep to it every night. It is very soothing, comes with a remote, and has a timer.)
Creating a "magic spray" (water in a spray bottle) to scare away monsters
Talking about positive dreams or things they are excited about before bed
8. Avoid Caffeine and Sugary Snacks Before Bed Foods and drinks with sugar or caffeine can make it harder for kids to settle down. Offer a light, healthy snack if they’re hungry.
My kids had mastered “I’m hungry!” whenever I announced it was bedtime. I grew very tired of making them a snack and delaying the inevitable. Then I started offering a snack about an hour before bed. If they are hungry they should eat then (depending on when we had dinner). If my kids are begging for food on the way to bed I allow them to have a quick fruit or vegetable. That usually weeds out the procrastinators! If they’re really hungry they will eat a banana or apples slices. If not, they’ll get ready for bed and I’ll know they only wanted a cookie.
9. Sleep aids
Some kids just have a hard time settling down. This is never my first approach, but I do have one child that is just overall very active and physical. He has a hard time settling down and lying still long enough to fall asleep. I use melatonin for him as needed.
We used melatonin for a few months when we first moved two of our children into the same room. They were taking hours to go to sleep and this helped calm them down and never left them drowsy in the morning.
Now I will use it typically on a Sunday night, a school night, where maybe he didn’t get enough exercise or slept in that morning and I can tell he’ll keep his brother awake
melatonin gummies we use
we have also used and loved this liquid melatonin. Mine just prefer gummies these days!
Please consult your child’s doctor before giving them any sleep aids.
10. Be Patient and Flexible Some nights won’t go as planned, and that’s okay! Stay patient and adjust as needed. If your child is struggling with sleep, assess whether they need an earlier bedtime, more physical activity during the day, or extra comfort at night.
· Also know it’s okay to change the routine. You’re the parent, you’re in control
· If something isn’t working, it’s okay to go another route
· If you can’t seem to manage a routine that works or you feel like you’ve exhausted your options and your child is still not sleeping well, please contact your pediatrician!
Conclusion: A well-structured bedtime routine can turn evenings from chaotic to calm. By staying consistent, creating a soothing environment, and making bedtime enjoyable, you’ll help your child develop healthy sleep habits that benefit the whole family. What bedtime tricks work best for your little ones? Share your tips in the comments!
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Best Sleep-to-Wake Clocks for Kids
Fun and functional sleep-to-wake clocks for little ones.
Top Picks for Restful Nights and Easy Mornings
If you’re a parent struggling with early wake-ups or bedtime battles, a sleep-to-wake clock could be your new best friend. These kid-friendly devices help teach little ones when it’s time to sleep and when it’s okay to get up, using visual cues, gentle sounds, and sometimes even interactive features. Here’s a roundup of the best-rated sleep-to-wake clocks for kids that parents love.
1. Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen – Best Overall
Why Parents Love It: This all-in-one device is more than just a clock. It functions as a nightlight, sound machine, and time-to-rise clock, all controlled via an easy-to-use app. Parents can set custom sleep schedules, choose from a variety of soothing sounds, and even use a two-way audio monitor.
Pros: Customizable settings, app control, grows with your child
Cons: Pricier than other options
2. LittleHippo Mella – Best for Young Kids
Why Parents Love It: With its cute design and simple color-changing face, Mella helps toddlers understand sleep schedules in an engaging way. A happy face with a green glow means it’s okay to wake up, while a blue glow signals bedtime.
Pros: Fun and easy for kids to understand, built-in sleep sounds
Cons: No app control
3. OK to Wake! Alarm Clock & Nightlight – Best Budget Option
Why Parents Love It: This affordable clock is perfect for teaching sleep habits to little ones. It features a simple green-light wake indicator and an optional alarm for older kids.
Pros: Budget-friendly, simple to use
Cons: Limited features, no sound machine
4. Hatch Rest Go – Best Portable Option
Why Parents Love It: Ideal for travel, this compact version of the Hatch Rest offers a nightlight, white noise, and a time-to-rise feature in a lightweight, rechargeable design.
Pros: Portable, rechargeable, versatile functions
Cons: Limited customization compared to Hatch Rest+
5. Stay in Bed Clock for Kids – Best for Playful Learning** & my personal favorite for toddlers +
Why Parents Love It: This clock uses simple lights to teach children when it’s time to sleep and wake. It also features a fun bedtime book to introduce the clock and make bedtime fun.
Pros: simple and easy to use, nap timer, budget friendly
Cons: No app connectivity
How to Choose the Right Sleep-to-Wake Clock
Age of Your Child: Younger toddlers may benefit from simple color-coded cues, while older kids might appreciate extra features like alarms and sleep sounds.
Additional Features: Decide if you need extras like a sound machine, nightlight, or app connectivity.
Ease of Use: Look for a clock that is simple enough for your child to understand and for you to set up.
Final Thoughts
A sleep-to-wake clock can be a game-changer for your child’s sleep routine, making mornings smoother and nights more restful. Whether you want a tech-savvy option like the Hatch Rest+ or a budget-friendly pick like the OK to Wake! Clock, there’s a perfect choice for every family. Happy sleeping!
Have you tried a sleep-to-wake clock? Share your experience in the comments below!