Image: MomJunction Design Team
Five years of age is the perfect age to introduce your kids to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toys. The best STEM toys for 5-year-olds have been tested to improve various skills like cognitive and motor skills and overcome problem-solving challenges. These toys are like learning resources that can help encourage teamwork, patience, and collaborative play. The lessons they learn will be helping them even when they grow up. Further, they help instill a sense of eagerness in the kids to learn new things (1).
Top Picks
11 Best STEM Toys For 5-Year-Olds To Boost Their Skills In 2024
1. Best For Learning Vocabulary: Osmo – Genius Starter Kit For Fire Tablet
Explore this interactive toy with the Genius Starter Kit by the award-winning brand Osmo, which facilitates hands-on learning in five different ways. This tablet has interactive learning games that allow a child to play with handheld pieces by watching the action on the screen. These skill-building and learning games motivate the child to do freehand drawing and also improve their spelling and vocabulary.
The set includes an Osmo base and reflector for the Fire tablet, tangram pieces, word tiles, number tiles, and much more. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Develops problem-solving and listening skills
- Provides stackable storage
- Stimulates curiosity and creativity
- Encourages spatial reasoning skills
Cons
- Directions may be a bit difficult for some
- Parent app may be slightly confusing
2. Best For Geographical Knowledge:PlayShifu Orboot Earth STEM Toy
Orboot Earth is an excellent educational toy from PlayShifu that takes your child on a journey around the earth. It makes an excellent gift and is compatible with iPad and Android devices. The set comes equipped with a ten-inch globe, stamps, passport, country flag stickers, and a help guide.
Connect your device with the Orboot Earth app and let your children engage in experimentation and exploration, using more than 400 highlights and 1,000 world facts covering animals, cultures, monuments, inventions, maps, and cuisines of the world in different modes such as storytelling, music, voice interactions, and quizzes. The award-winning STEM toy is designed for children aged between four to ten years and helps enhance their curiosity and geographical knowledge. Check out the review of this product for more information.
Pros
- Encourages independent play
- Stimulates imagination
- Develops linguistic and cognitive skills
- Doesn’t require batteries to operate the globe
Cons
- Downloading may be time consuming
- Globe may not be secured to the stand
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 13,276 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
3. Best For Creativity:Jasonwell STEM Toys Building Blocks
Suitable for multiple ages, this best-selling STEM toy from Jasonwell is a 116-piece engineering kit featuring creative activity games to develop children’s fine motor skills, fire their imagination, develop their creativity, and encourage teamwork. The learning toy set is equipped with several building blocks, nuts, bolts, and wheels that can be assembled to build different vehicles, robots, etc. All the pieces of this building kit are made of non-toxic materials.
Pros
- Easy to build
- Color and shape recognition toy
- Bolts designed with a built-in screwdriver slot
- Safety-tested and free of BPA, lead, and phthalate
Cons
- Some parts may not snap as expected
- Instruction manual may not be clear
"This construction set captivated my nephew with its realistic charm. The toy set seems durable, although a few small parts challenge hand dexterity. Its ability to foster creativity and growth makes it a worthy addition to his toy collection."
Do rememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 3,658 fine reviews on Amazon.
4. Best For Basic Math Skills:CozyBomB Monkey Balance Counting Cool Math Games
This measurement and counting toy game set from CozyBomB is designed to improve children’s basic math skills. The Monkey Balance toy introduces numbers in a fun way to enhance your child’s learning capabilities. Each toy set includes 19 cute monkeys, 30 cards, ten numbers, a monkey balance, and two monkey balance pans. As per reviews, the game can be played at different levels—including digital recognition, learning to count, and additional formulas—and the toy pieces are made of non-toxic material.
Pros
- Introduces children to basic concepts of math
- Strengthens problem-solving skills
- Improves visual and spatial learning
- Easy to set up
- Ideal for kids aged three years and up
- Promotes parent-child interaction
Cons
- Monkey may wobble slightly
- Paint may peel a bit
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,859 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
5. Best For Imaginative Play:Fundia Dinosaur Toys For Kids
Introduce your child to these cool dinosaurs to improve their imaginative skills. The entertaining Fundia dinosaur toy set includes a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, a Velociraptor, an electric drill, screws, and three manual screwdrivers. The STEM skill-building toys allow children to mix and match the three different dinosaurs to create new ones as per their imagination. Moreover, these toys are safety-tested, made with non-toxic ABS material, have smooth edges, and are CPSC-certified.
Pros
- Features functional mouth and movable arms, legs, and head
- Promotes critical thinking skills
- Drill comes with low-speed operation
- Improves hand-brain integration ability
Cons
- May contain many small pieces
- Assembly may be time-consuming for some
"This animal-themed construction set is a hit with my toddler. I like that it promotes independent play and helps develop fine motor skills. Plus, once constructed, the finished models can be used for pretend play, ensuring endless fun. I am pretty satisfied with the quality and colors; you can go for it."
6. Best For Motor Skills:Soyee Compatible Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks
The pack contains 102 magnetic blocks, an idea booklet, and a storage bag. The transparent blocks are made of toxin-free materials, and have rounded edges, making them safe for children to play with. These magnetic blocks are easy to build and remain firmly held to each other. According to the reviewers, this building set is a great way to enhance children’s motor skills and spatial reasoning and let their imagination and creativity run free.
Pros
- Educational STEM and STEAM set
- Develops team-building skills
- Bright geometric shapes
- Open-ended design for hours of fun
- Convenient storage bag
Cons
- Should be used under parental supervision
- A few magnets may be weak
Did you know?7. Best For Team-Building Skills:Scientoy Build A Garden STEM Toys
Nurture a love of nature in children with this tried-and-tested STEM toy set from Scientoy. As children build a colorful garden, they would also improve their team-building skills and hand-eye coordination. This set includes 130 toy pieces made of eco-friendly materials and can be stored safely in a green storage box. The pieces are easy to wash, and hence, they can be used on a beach and in the garden. Each toy piece has smooth edges to protect the delicate hands of children. Moreover, it makes a great toy set to teach young children about the different parts of a plant.
Pros
- Safety-tested and ASTM-, CPC-, CPSIA-certified
- Non-toxic and BPA-free
- Encourages building, sorting, and matching
- Enhances fine motor skills development
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May not come with clear instruction
- Some parts may be a bit flimsy
"This garden set has become my daughter's favorite. She loves to play with it for hours, crafting imaginative displays. Although the small parts in this set concern me, overall, it's a charming find that seems both fun and durable."
Quick tip8. Best For Color Recognition:Kids Korner Peg Board Building STEM Toys
Equipped with a foam board, these skill-building plastic blocks from Kids Korner are creative construction toysthat can be played anytime, anywhere. The colorful connecting peg puzzle develops children’s color recognition, counting, stacking, and motor skills. In addition, the stack and lock design makes it an ideal toy to develop children’s hand-eye coordination and imagination as they build any shape they can think of. Besides, the fun STEM toy set is perfect for keeping your child busy when traveling.
Pros
- Suitable for children with autism
- Stimulates manipulative skills
- Doubles as a bath toy
- Teaches independent play
Cons
- Foam board may not be as thick as expected
- Some may have sharp edges
"The vibrant colors and interesting shapes of this toddler toy charmed my son, becoming his favorite toy for playtime. While we experienced some issues with peg insertion and the board's material, the toy's educational potential outshines these minor hiccups. A great find for challenging motor skills!"
9. Best Movable:Hahaland 5 in 1 Take Apart Robot Toy
Hahaland’s robot and vehicle toy set is one of the best STEM toys for five-year-old boys and girls as it encourages both solo and collaborative play. Loved by many reviewers, the STEM toy robot and vehicle set includes five take-apart military vehicles and a one-piece robot with easy-to-follow instructions. No batteries are required, and the set is equipped with a child-friendly hand screwdriver and a large screw for easy installation. The construction pieces meet all the safety standards and are made with durable ABS material for long-lasting use.
Pros
- Robotic sounds and flashing lights
- Movable vehicles with wheels
- Rounded edges make it safe for children
- Thick and sturdy
Cons
- Assembling may be a little challenging
- May have too many parts
"My little one is curious about building toys, and this transforming robot toy proved to be the perfect birthday gift for him. He did need my help, but it turned out to be a cherished bonding experience for us. I appreciate that it helps improve hand-eye coordination and mechanical insight. Overall, it's a pretty decent toy!"
10. Best Non-Toxic:Lukat STEM Toys Building Blocks Kit
The educational STEM toy from Lukat is a perfect gifting item for both boys and girls. This engineering building block kit lets your child build their own trucks, robots, helicopters, and more with blocks, tools, nuts, and bolts provided with the kit. It can prove handy for early childhood education.
This building toy set of 165 pieces encourages your children to plan and build several toys, thus promoting teamwork and social skills. Further, the toy pieces are made of non-toxic and BPA-free material and can be stored conveniently in a sturdy storage box.
Pros
- Boosts logical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Enhances creative thinking and imagination
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Assembling may be a bit hard
- May contain small parts
"I got this engineering construction kit for my children, and it provides loads of fun and quality family time. The finished models are larger than anticipated, which my kids love. Overall, this set helps to hone imaginative play and hand-eye coordination."
11. Best For Tactical skills:Plumia Magnetic Tiles STEM Toys
Plumia’s 52-piece translucent magnetic tile set encourages your child to come up with innovative creations using their imagination. The magnetic blocks are made of durable, food-grade ABS material that is non-toxic and free of phthalate and latex. These STEM toys can be a supplementary educational tool to develop children’s math, science, and tactical skills. Moreover, the colorful set can keep your children entertained for hours.
Pros
- Has burr-free edges
- Waterproof
- Convenient to store
- Develops parent-child interaction
- Enhances problem-solving skills
Cons
- Some may not snap together
- Magnets may not be as strong as expected
"I found these magnetic building blocks durable, inspiring my children's creativity. While the magnets could have been stronger, it does not dampen their playtime. Plus, the act of building different models provides the children with a sense of accomplishment."
How To Choose The Right STEM Toys For 5-Year-Olds?
Here are a few tips to guide you in choosing the right STEM toy for five-year-olds.
- Age-appropriate toys: Each STEM toy is marked with an age range. Construction-based toys and challenging puzzles are better for five-year-olds. Before you purchase the toy, check its label to learn the age group for which it has been designed.
- Safe material: Since these toys are meant for young children, always make sure they are made with non-toxic materials.
- Instruction manual: Purchase a toy that comes with an instructional manual for smooth play.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do stem toys strengthen a parent-child bond?
Stem toys encourage interaction as your child asks questions and you teach them. It reinforces learning and builds strong parent-child bonding.
2. Are stem toys worth it?
Stem toys are effective in improving cognitive skills. They also help your child build interest in core disciplines—engineering, mechanical, chemical, and more.
3. Do stem toys help the development of a five-year-old?
Introducing stem toys at an early age contributes to the child’s development as it improves gross motor, problem-solving, and cognitive skills and promotes creativity. These toys introduce math and science concepts to your child, encouraging an early approach.
STEM toys are designed to promote learning through play in toddlers, and when you invest in the right toy, it helps develop various skills. Learning becomes more fun when you introduce your 5-year-old to colorful and interesting toys. When buying a STEM toy for 5-year-olds, make sure it is moderately challenging to keep your toddler interested and occupied. Besides, the toy should be free of toxic materials and not have any sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
Infographic: Benefits Of Playing With STEM Toys For 5-Year-Olds
STEM toys are a fun way to introduce your children to science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts. Since a five-year-old child would soon begin schooling, knowing about these subjects would help and encourage them to do better. Check out the infographic below to learn more benefits of playing with STEM toys for children.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Important Milestones: Your Child By Five Years.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-5yr.html
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a product writer and reviewer who is passionate about finding the latest and most useful toys for children of all ages. Her systematic research approach involves analyzing several credible sources and gathering information about the products with the highest positive reviews. For this list of the best STEM toys for five-year-olds, she has followed the same process and put together a list of toys your children will love. She has also included a buying guide to help you make an informed purchase.
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