Being a parent is a wonderful blessing, and each phase of parenting comes with perks and unique challenges. The newborn phase can be draining as we run on less sleep than we're used to and getting to know a new human. The "terrible twos" phase is understood as being one that tests our patience and prepares us for the next chapter where the kids really start communicating. Those are the childhood ages we hear about until they hit the teen years, but there is so much more than just the challenging bits — like 6-year-old kids.
Six is fun age when children are mostly out of that tantrum phase and have gotten through the hardest parts of potty training (save for some random nighttime accidents) and their personality really shines through. They can communicate what they like, what they don't like, and have some really deep questions about the world at large. They start to make friends, have a favorite television show and understand the need for a good night's sleep.
For those of us with a 6-year-old in our lives, whether that be our own child, a niece or nephew (aka a nibling), or our BFF's child, finding the best toy or gift for a birthday, holiday, or just because can be a fun hunt. There are so many choices between ones that foster technology, help build up longstanding collections, or honor a favorite TV character.
We've rounded up 21 of the best toys and gifts for the 6-year-olds in our lives and there's bound to be one that will get their excitement up.
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets
There's a reason kindergarten classrooms are full of crayons: Because it's an activity that helps kids express their imagination and it's fun for them. Add in the benefits to practicing fine motor movements, and this Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets is the perfect gift to continue that love of art. These allow the kids to color on the pets that come with the set. They can scrub them clean to decorate again.
Castle Magnetic Blocks
Kids love being able to build things, which is why certain building blocks are so popular. This toy takes that love and interest to a new level, allowing them to explore new shapes in these blocks that lock together with magnets. It's a great STEM toy that encourages play while they're actively learning.
KidiZoom Creator Cam
Kids are fascinated with cameras, and that interest seemed to grow along the same time we started carrying a camera around in our phones. This kid-friendly camera comes with a greenscreen and a tripod and has basic on-screen editing features and a screen that can flip to allow for selfie mode. This toy is perfect for kids who already show an interest in making videos.
Thames & Kosmos Kids First Coding & Robotics Kit
The young ones are getting interested in "how the things work" by this age, and this coding kit uses that interest and points it into an incredible STEM direction. This will work with or without screens or devices, and kids can code the robot to move on its own, play sounds, and light up. It's a great first introduction to how amazing coding and robotics are.
Classic Guess Who Board Game
We're sure many of us remember playing this game at school and having a great time doing so. The board game is still around, and it's the perfect gift for 6-year-olds, now that they're able to pick out the identifying features needed to play the game.
'Fox & Chick: The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories' by Sergio Ruzzier
This book, written by Sergio Ruzzier, is an adorable story about a fox and a chick who go on adventures together, and it's the second book in the Fox & Chick series. This book is full of lessons without being in the face about them, and the friendship between these two unlikely pals is always rooted in good fun.
Jurassic World 15-Pack Minis
Kids don't have to have fancy and flashy gifts to find great joy with them, and that's what makes these plastic dinosaur toys so much fun. Kids can let their imagination soar while they play and roar with their 15-piece dinosaur set. These are big enough so they don't get lost easily and are small enough to fit in pockets while out on the go.
Rhino Hero Towering Card Game
Need more proof that kids don't need all the bells and whistles to keep their entertainment and help them feel engaged? This is a fun game that encourages kids to build and use their problem-solving skills to help the rhino become the hero. It's a game that they can play on their own or with parents' help.
'Pluto Gets the Call' by Adam Rex & Laurie Keller
Space and planets are fascinating for kids because they're literally otherworldly, but also about the universe in which we live. This book by Adam Rex and Laurie Keller follows Pluto as it receives a call from Earth, and we're all sure we understand what that call was about. The book is a wonderful story filled with facts and humor ideal for kids who love all things planets and space.
National Geographic Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Putty
Kids love slime, and National Geographic has found a way to use that to help teach kids about STEM as well. This glow-in-the-dark slime gift works well for curious kids who are fascinated with how and why things work and don't mind getting a little messy. It's so cool even adults will like it.
Roblox Feature Environmental Set Meme Pack
Memes have made their way into our kids' lives, and Roblox is where they're learning all about them. The video game is kids' favorite to play on their own or with friends, and this toy set will bring that interest into off-screen time. These six famous figurines will give the kids loads of stories to act out at home.
Walkie Talkies
There's a reason walkie talkies have been around for a long time – they're so much fun and a great gift for kids. These would be a fun present if their BFF didn't live too far away or if there are siblings in the house who could get some use out of these. There are loads of opportunities for kids to use their imagination with these toys.
Intex Jump-O-Lene Castle Bouncer
Kids love to bounce, and this bouncer trampoline takes that enjoyment to the next level. It's an inflatable kids' trampoline that is dressed up to look like a castle for imaginative pretend play but can also serve as a fort. It's got a soft cushioned floor and can accommodate two kids jumping at the same time with a climb-in door.
Hey Clay Animals
The only thing better than toys for the kids to play with is toys that they can play while making first, and that's what Hey Clay is. It's a high-quality clay kit that comes with app-based instructions. Kids can use the 18 cans of bright, non-sticky, soft clay that's the perfect consistency for little hands to mold into adorable critters. The clay hardens fully in 24 hours, and they then become permanent toys.
Blippi My Buddy Figure With Sound Effects
If we were to ask our 6-year-olds who their favorite person to watch on YouTube is, chance are we would hear Blippi. He's a fun-loving character who creates educational-based videos for kids on varying subjects, complete with catchy songs. Now he's got this figure with sound effects that will keep kids company while playing screen-free.
Interlocking Mini Puzzle Blocks for Kids
Building games are a fun way for children to build their imagination, fine motor movements, and problem-solving skills. This interlocking mini puzzle uses blocks to encourage kids to build what they see, and with 500 pieces, there are a lot of options to explore and many things to be built.
Scratch Art Box of Rainbow Mini Notes
$10
from
Melissa & Doug
These rainbow scribble art is great for kids who love to draw or scribble, but even the kids who are fascinated by cool things and we think this is pretty cool. The note paper itself is black but reveals words in rainbow color. The pack comes with 125 pages and a wooden stylus in a reusable box.
Make Your Own Unicorn Kingdom
$25
from
Oriental Trading
This kit is a kid-and-unicorn twist on a terrarium. Instead of designing one for plants and succulents, this one creates a little world for unicorns, hence the "Make Your Own Unicorn Kingdom." The set comes with sand, white rocks, a castle, plants and of course the unicorn itself. The instruction guide comes with "fun facts about unicorn history."
KiwiCo Chemistry Project Box
This pack of three KiwiCo chemistry kits is a great STEM gift to get for kids, especially 6-year-olds. They could use some assistance with the experiments but they'll have loads of fun doing it, and learn something in the process. The set has three kits in it: the Crystal Chemistry Garden, Colorful Chemistry, and Oil + Water Chemistry.
ToyVelt Kids Camping Tent Set
Kids love camping, even adults love camping. Even though kids can't go camping all of the time, they can still "camp" make believe with this Amazon camp set. It comes with the tent itself and plastic accessories like food, binoculars, a watch and canteen. The best part is this can be set up indoors or outside.
The Floor Is Lava Game
Kids love a good game and The Floor Is Lava is a great one. It's ideal for ages 5 and up, which is perfect for our 6-year-olds. Here's how it works: Players imagine the floor is made of molten hot lava and then spin the color wheel to jump to the correct foam pieces to reach safety. The game comes with a spinner, 25 colored foam tiles, and 27 cards.
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