Best Toy Gifts for Early Elementary Kids

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Whether it’s the coolest toys in school or based on their favorite show, by early elementary school kids usually have an endless list of toys they “need.”  However, with a little persuasion and an amazing toy in hand, parents and kids alike will enjoy any of these timeless gifts.

Outside/Active Play

EzyRoller:  All the fast-action fun of a bike without the white knuckle fear from parents or kids.  If you’ve considered a PlasmaCar, RipRider or Green Machine, be sure to check out the EzyRoller first.  Related Post:  The Best Drifters, Sliders and Riders.  Price and Link to Purchase: $80, Red EzyRoller, Pink EzyRoller or Blue Ezyroller

Stomp Rocket Junior: These simple foam rockets shoot into the air with a simple “stomp” from your kid.  So basic, but oh so fun.  Price and Link to Purchase: $12, Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit. For indoor play (it doesn’t shoot as high) try the iPlay Stomp Launcher Pump and Rockets for $12.

Building and/or Pretend Play

Playmobil: From the smallest flower to the tallest castle tower, Playmobil is king when it comes to attention to detail.  With numerous themes to choose from and countless opportunities for imaginary play, Playmobil sets are guaranteed to bring hours of blissful play to your playroom.  Top selling kits themes include road construction, pony stables, Egyptian pyramids and suburban home.  Prices vary depending on sets.  Link to Purchase: Playmobil on Amazon or Playmobil.com.

Legos Brickmaster Books:  These masterfully designed books not only come with Lego pieces and figurines, it teaches kids step-by-step how to build with Lego’s and even encourages them to make their own designs.  Currently the books only come in Castle and Pirate themes, but they are sure to entertain for hours (as well as get your kids to read)!  Price an Link to Purchase:  $20, Lego Brickmasters Books.  Regular Lego are also a great buy.  To get the most out of play, stick to non-licensed sets (such as their Creator series), as they allow for more open-ended, unscripted play, as compared to the licensed set.  Links and Links to Purchase: $8 and up, Lego’s Creator Series.

CitiBlocs:  These small wooden planks allow kids to build countless creations.  If you kids loves a watch things “crash” these are bound to be a favorite, as countless YouTube videos of structures collapsing can attest to.  A true open-ended, choose-your-own adventure building set for kids.  Related Post: CitiBlocs, Kapla and Keva planks – the ultimate building blocks.  Price and Link to Purchase: $40, CITIBLOCS Original Wooden Building Block Set – 200 Piece.

Automoblox:  Half wood blocks, half toy car, these cars easily mix and match, allowing kids to design their own cars in a matter of minutes.  Related Post: Automoblox- Classic toy car meets wood blocks in a modern marriage of fun.  Price and Link to Purchase: $25, Manhattan Toy Automoblox Mini’s 3-Pack or $35 for full size, Automoblox Cars.

Games

Discovery Toys – Friendship Island: This unique board game teaches children how to be a good friend as well as how to resolve differences.  It has two different levels of play to ensure everyone is challenged.  $35, Friendship Island.

Cranium Hullabaloo: This high-energy game will get your kids moving and grooving to the music all while learning shapes and colors.  $20, Cranium Hullabaloo.

Rivers, Road and Rails: Connect road, rail and rivers tiles in attempts to use up all your tiles first.  This simple game can be played in many different ways to suit many different ability levels.  $20, Rivers, Roads, and Rails.

Alex Wash and Dry Bingo:  A clever and fun award winning version of Bingo.  Pick your washed clothes out of the Bingo bag then hang them up to dry on your clothes line card.  $15, Alex Toys Wash and Dry Bingo, Alex Little Hands Series.

Rush Hour Junior: With four different levels of play and 40 different challenge cards to conquer, this game is the perfect grab-and-go entertainment for kids ages 5 and up.  $15, ThinkFun Rush Hour Jr..

Other

Live Butterfly Garden: Grow you own butterflies at home!  This garden comes with a home for the butterflies as well as a mail-in-voucher for five butterfly larvae and their special food.  $15, Live Butterfly Garden.

Shrinky Dinks: A gift that keeps on giving!  Buy a set early to make personalized keychains or zipper pulls for friends and relatives as gifts.  Simply color, then bake in the oven.  Prices start at $8, Shrinky Dinks.

Magnificent Marvelous Me:  Part journal, part art portfolio, this book is the perfect keepsake for kids and parents to enjoy together. $11, Magnificent Marvelous Me.

Life Size Zoo: How do you fit a life-size zoo in a book?  You and your children will be amazed and intrigued by this clever book.  $12, Life-Size Zoo: From Tiny Rodents to Gigantic Elephants, An Actual Size Animal Encyclopedia.