Birthday present for 5yo boy

[twopinknoblue]

DD was invited to a birthday party for a boy turning 5 next week. I have 2 very girly girls and no idea what boys like. I want to get something of good quality that won't end up in the landfill next year.

DD has this felt play book that she really loves. It's a dollhouse, with felt furniture, people, and accessories. They make boy one's too that are constructions sites, railroad stations, outerspace, etc. Does this seem like something a 5yo would like, or will he have outgrown that by now?

I need help!!!!

[LookMommy!]

My standard gender neutral, cheap, all ages, functional gift is a calculator or a flashlight. HTH

[Ceili]

I'd call and ask the mom what he's into.

[bdavis337]

If you're going to buy something, go with art supplies. Even something as simple as a coloring book and some new crayons. Or, you could pick up some Crayola Color Wonder markers and blank paper. You just about can't lose with art supplies, regardless of what they're "into" at the moment.

[Babytime]

My DDs love those felt books and some of their boy friends enjoy them, too. I also agree that art supplies make awesome gifts for kids of all ages and genders. Another idea is (depending on where you live) a child-sized beach chair with a new bucket and shovel. Or the Klutz bubble book and some fun bubble making supplies.

[towsonmama]

My DD has a good friend (boy) who just turned 5. He wanted Legos more than anything else.

[UUMom]

Many children this age are strarting to enjoy board games. Chutes & Ladders, Parcheesi, Candy Land, Pictionary Jr, Trouble, etc are some my children enjoyed. If you like more cooperative games, they have those as well, and also Cranium, or something like Jenga. My kids are playing Risk right now. (Not coorperative nor nice for a 5 yr old-- but their playing reminded me how much some kids enjoy board games).

[ThreeBeans]

I'd call and ask. I'm going to guess he's probably 'outgrowing' a felt board book.


Art supplies and board games are always timeless

[sugarmoon]

Asking the mom is probably the best bet , but here's what my almost 5 y.o. boy is into:

pirates
thomas trains
books
lego or duplo
drawing
those magnet ball/stick toys
board games
books on tape
dress up
sticks, rocks, worms.....:

[becoming]

I agree with the PP who suggested art supplies. Crayola makes some really cool art sets.

My 5-year-old also loves Legos and board games.

[jillmamma]

My DS is 4.5 and also loves puzzles. I recently got him a 60 piece Thomas puzzle that he loves to do with my help. I also like the books or art supplies ideas.

[mackysmama]

My son just recently turned five and I strongly second the previous poster who suggested LEGOS! The big kid kind, just a plain set. Or, they have great lego sets to build things - construction, robots, star wars, knights kingdom, etc. My son really likes those and enjoys following the instructions to do it himself (all picture instructions). Board games are also great - Uno, Sorry, Trouble, etc, - things that they have to start thinking of strategy. He also likes getting cool shirts with things on them - bats, lizards, bugs, etc. Books are also great for this age, especially chapter books or books with lots of info. and pictures (DK books are great, bug encylopedias, etc.). Craft kits are fun too. Oh, and anything pirate (dress-up, pirate box, etc.), spy, walkie talkies, etc. Hope that helps!

[A&A]

My almost 5 yo. boy LOVES Play-doh. He also likes books on tape.

[ewe+lamb]

You could make your own play doh and give him cutters, lego is a timeless favourite, bionicles etc, and the art supplies is a great idea, I'm giving my nephew who turns 6 in August an aborigine (sp? - sorry) painted rain maker made out of bamboo, it looks really cool my dd has one too.

[TereasaT]

All the previous posters gave some great ideas. One of the favorites around here and is always a hit as a birthday present is a stomp rocket. It's so simply made yet all the kids love it.

[zaftigmama]

My daughter got a headlamp - like a flashlight you wear on your head. She loves it, and her brother covets it. Kids love gadgets - Target has some cool stuff like a metal detector, or other science-type stuff made by (for?) National Geographic.

Also, we always love to get outdoor toys this time of year - a new soccer ball, stomp rockets (as someone else suggested), a sprinkler or water toy, etc.

Good luck!

[l_olive]

Originally Posted by twopinknoblue

DD has this felt play book that she really loves. It's a dollhouse, with felt furniture, people, and accessories. They make boy one's too that are constructions sites, railroad stations, outerspace, etc. Does this seem like something a 5yo would like, or will he have outgrown that by now?

I need help!!!!

I'm sorry that I don't have more help, but I'd love to hear more about these felt books!

[twopinknoblue]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. This is what we settled on.....

http://www.gummylump.com/front/f_product.php?id=2163


It's a bit pricey for the average birthday gift, but it's for a close family friend, so the extra money was justified. And, it's a good, quality, wooden toy, that I don't mind spending the extra bucks for.

[twopinknoblue]

Originally Posted by l_olive

I'm sorry that I don't have more help, but I'd love to hear more about these felt books!

I can't remember the name of the felt book that DD has, but she has several of the felt board scenes called felt creations...........DD is a felt junkie

[bdavis337]

Originally Posted by zaftigmama

My daughter got a headlamp - like a flashlight you wear on your head. She loves it, and her brother covets it. Kids love gadgets - Target has some cool stuff like a metal detector, or other science-type stuff made by (for?) National Geographic.

Also, we always love to get outdoor toys this time of year - a new soccer ball, stomp rockets (as someone else suggested), a sprinkler or water toy, etc.

Good luck!

We LOVE our headlamp! It was my 6 yo's favorite christmas gift, and we ALL use it. DH uses it when he's fixing things and needs extra light but doesn't have a 3rd hand for the flashlight, I use it to look in corner for lost toys and of course The Boy uses it to read in the dark.

I also wanted to add that gift certs are really, really popular in my house. My son LOVES to get certs to our local bookstore, which also sells puzzles, activity books, science stuff, etc. Even one to a B/N Bookseller, or the like, would be a fabulous gift for a girl OR boy.