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!
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!