Gifts for kids 5 to 8
Between five and eight, children go from pretend play to real projects. They like to build, collect, draw, and show you what they made. The best gifts give them something to do with their hands.
Check the age range printed on the box, and think about who will be around to help. A kit with a hundred tiny pieces is a joy for one family and a chore for another. Open ended toys, such as blocks, craft supplies and balls, tend to stay in rotation longer than anything that does only one trick.
If you are buying for a child you do not know well, ask a parent first. They know what is already crowding the shelf and what the child keeps asking for.
A set of building bricks
Bricks reward patience and imagination, and they work as well on the floor with a friend as they do alone.
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An art kit with markers and paper
A box with everything inside means a rainy afternoon becomes a drawing session with very little setup.
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A beginner board game
Simple rules and short rounds make a game the whole family can play, and children learn to win and lose gracefully.
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A jump rope or playground ball
Cheap, sturdy and made for being outside. Pick bright colors that are easy to find in the grass.
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A first science kit
Growing crystals or mixing safe ingredients gives a curious child a reason to ask questions.
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A picture-filled chapter book
Books with short chapters and plenty of illustrations help new readers feel like they are really reading.
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A dress-up costume
A cape, a doctor's coat or a pair of wings can fuel a week of pretend play.
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A jigsaw puzzle with big pieces
A puzzle of 48 to 100 pieces is a good challenge that can be finished on a table in one sitting.
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