As I mentioned in my babies and toddlers gift guide we have been past this under 5 stage (well little man is 4 but almost 5) so I’m pretty well versed in ALL THE TOYS. This is the age group where I really saw my son and daughter start to gravitate towards gender specific toys.
We did not have a single dinosaur in the house before my son and then all of a sudden dinosaurs were HIS FAVORITE! Now I understand all kids have their preferences which is why I didn’t really want to do a boy/girl list so here are ideas for all the kiddos under 5. If you are looking for babies or toddlers check out this list.
Also I have some great themed lists in my Amazon store front including dinosaurs, fairies, unicorns and cafe.

LCD Writing Tablet 8.5-Inch Colorful Doodle Board– Both my kids have a Boogie Board and still use them, this updated version with colors is a gift that will LAST!
Quercetti Kaleido Gears This gear set will challenge younger kids in putting together but we loved it for my older child to build and then younger brother got to spin.
PicassoTiles This is a GREAT age to start building your magnetic tile stash. We have had several sets and will say for the money Picassco Tiles are the best value. I would stay away from any knockoff brands (there have been reports of broken pieces and swallowing of magnets) and the Magformers are a smaller shape so not compatible with Picasso and Magnatiles. If you want to go with the gold standard that would be Magnatiles but we have been happy over the years with Picasso.
Mudpuppy Geometric Animals Puzzle Sticks These puzzles are perfect for little hands that tend to get frustrated with other puzzles. My son loves the dinosaur version.
Janod Story Box Farm, Circus, Safari & more My son LOVES these box sets so much that for about a year he would pull them out every day and spread them across the kitchen floor. Now I’m glad that he loves them but I finally mixed up all the boxes and put them in a giant bin for easy clean up.
HABA Unicorn Horse Pegasus with Detachable Wings and Horn I did an entire post on this unicorn because it is so cool with removable wings and horn that makes it a pony, pegasus or unicorn. It’s a soft plush so even when my daughter sleeps with Uni (as she has named it) I’m not worried about bonking her head.
Mini 3in1 Ride-on Micro Scooter This scooter is great for younger kids because it starts with a seat and easy to grip handle and has stages that kids can grow into. This is still used in our house DAILY!
Bruder MACK Granite Dump Truck Bruder trucks are so well made and we have 3 different ones but the dump truck always gets the most action. Second to the firetruck!
Learning Resources Jumbo Dinosaurs If you have a Dino fan these large size dinosaurs are a staple. My son loves the book series Harry and the bucketful of Dinosaurs (as well as the Amazon Prime show) and has toted these around for about 3 years now.
Mojo Backpack Playset Along with that Dino theme this backpack has a fold out mat and a package of dinosaurs to travel with. They also make a unicorn set as well.
PJ Masks Ultimate Vehicle Set These mini vehicles have been a huge hit at our house with some PJ Masks loving kids!
Little Adventures Dress UP Princess Dresses My daughter had about 6 of these dresses because they did not have glitter that comes off (hello Disney) and they are machine washable!
8 Piece Tegu Pocket Pouch Magnetic Wooden Block Set This smaller set is great for travel and the magnetic blocks are just addictive
HABA Bifino Soft Play food & Target Antsy Pantsy Play Food– We love our cafe and it’s the most played with area of our house when I found the HABA soft food when my son was a toddler is was perfect even when he was in that mouthing stage.
Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair– In my opinion one of the best “big” gifts along with the anywhere bean bag.

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