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28 Toys From Walmart That Won’t Disappoint A 5-Year-Old

Because my 5-year-old has taste, opinions, and zero chill — and some of these still impressed him.

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 UTC

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by Ashley Schumacher BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping for over two years with an emphasis on home goods, parenting items and toys, beauty products, and anything that can make your day-to-day life run a little smoother.

1. A folding scooter for a STEAL of a price (less than $20!!) that will surely give any 5-year-old with energy to burn the zoomies the moment they receive it.

Walmart

Note: The max weight capacity for this scooter is 110 pounds.

Promising review: "So far, my daughter loves this new scooter! It's built well and the perfect size for her 5-year-old body. She's been up and down the sidewalk every day since she got it. :) Now I need to get another one for my niece because my daughter loves this one so much!" —jason

Price: $14.96 (available in two colors)

2. And a hide-and-seek Bluey game because sometimes kid wranglers just don't want to stuff themselves into a closet and wait a hundred years to be found, so let me introduce you to your new fave adorable sidekick. Just hide Bluey somewhere nearby, and she'll shout hints and sing that absolute bop of a theme song when found!

Walmart

Promising review: "Giving as a gift but looks like so much fun for the grandkids!! Hide Bluey and she keeps talking every so often to help you find her. Super fun idea!!" —SO

Price: $8.12

3. *Or* aBluey's Quest For The Gold PenSwitch game that is the PERFECT intro if your kiddo has been eyeing the controller. This family-friendly game gives even the youngest kiddos a great intro to the wonderful world of video games with the Heeler fam as their guides. FOR SURE going to keep them happy for longer than two minutes, so maybe grab a visual timer, too, so they can see exactly when screen time is done for the day.

Walmart, Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

Price: $24.88 (originally $29.99)

4. Or a Hot Wheels Infinite Rush steel book edition Switch game (a Walmart exclusive!) rated E for EVERYONE because that's who's going to be fighting for the controller when this pops up on the screen. They can race through four islands, build their rush squad, and have hours of Hot Wheels fun. 

Walmart, Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

Promising reviews: "Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is an amazing game and the Walmart exclusive being a steelbook makes it even better." —Mark

"Solid steel book and for that price, it's a great deal." —Edgar

Price: $49 (also available in astandard edition)

5. A Kinetic Sand pizza set every five-ish kid in your life will adore because who doesn't want to create squishy sand pizza in their very own pizza oven? Plus, the Kinetic Sand physics means that it really *does* look like the dough rises after being squished down, so this is BASICALLY an educational toy, too. You're welcome.

Walmart

Promising review: "Easy to use and never dries out. My daughter loves it!" —Ariana

Price: $19.97

6. A FurReal Maggie the interactive cow plush — Moo-ve over creepy robotics you might remember from the '90s: There's some new, improved 'bots in town! Maggie has over 50 sounds and reactions, drinks from her play bottle, moos, and even plays a little cowbell, all while still feeling like a REAL PLUSH.

Walmart

Promising review: "My kids, 3 and 5, both LOVE this adorable cow! It's been such a hit and much less annoying than other noise-making toys. Total hit with the young kids. Additionally, it feels sturdy and well-made. While we've only had Maggie for a few weeks, it feels like this will stand the test of time in our household. :)" —Maggie

Price: $44.97

7. A Hello Kitty Snack Shop game *technically* meant for six and up, but your Hello-Kitty-obsessed kiddos are going to manage to work together to serve special treats in the Snack Shop before closing time ~beautifully~. (Plus, the game pieces are 10/10 going to hang out with their Littlest Pet Shop friends while not saving snack time.)

Walmart

Price: $14.97

8. A cuddly, snuggly sleeping Pikachu Pokémon plush your resident Pokémon trainer will adore for bedtime snuggles, Pokémon-watching snuggles, and everything in between. Reviewers also say these make perfect travel companions thanks to their pillow-like qualities, so it might just be the ideal gift for a 5-year-old who's facing a bunch of holiday planes, trains, and automobiles.

Walmart

Promising review: "Excellent quality. It is very large, description says 18 inches, and it is actually a little bigger than that (which I consider to be a good thing). It's very soft and fluffy. Well-made, about the size of a standard pillow. The colors are very vibrant, and it is true to the images provided by the seller. My daughter loves it. Great quality and price for these size plushies." —Hailey

Price: $34.97 (also available in Flareon, Snorlax, Squirtle, and Vaporeon)

9. A real-life John Deere tractor they'll love for the bright colors and high zoomy potential, and you'll love it because it gets them outside! This is one of those "remember when" gifts your kids will still talk about around the holiday table decades after opening it.

Walmart

My child remains obsessed with this item, over a year after purchasing it. He hauls tons of stuff around and generally thinks of himself as the best farmer in Texas.

Promising reviews: "Our 5-year-old grandson has been asking for one of these since he was 4. We looked at lots of other vehicle types, but he always came back to "really wants a tractor with a trailer so he could pull his little brother around". Assembly was very easy. The 18-hour initial charge time worked out perfectly, as the vehicle was fully charged and ready to ride by lunch on Saturday. He was the happiest little boy in town. The trailer has a 20-pound weight limit, so it is not well-suited for hauling kids, but my little brother was riding it the second day. An excellent gift for tractor fans." —GrandpaGoofy

Price: $299 (originally $329)

10. A Pets Alive mommy-and-baby turtle robo water toy with turtles that really swim in water and *also* walk on land because this toy is heckin' accurate. And just plain charming??? Forget the 5-year-olds: I'm buying this for my desk.

Walmart

JK, I just put it in my cart for my human child. But I *am* going to ask nicely if I can play with him, tbh.

Promising reviews: "Such a great product that serves a wider age range. Both my 3 and 7-year-olds really enjoyed it! I love that it's unlike any other toy. It's unique." —Jessica

"My friend's daughter is obsessed with sea turtles, and she can't have a real one, so this was perfect. It's so fun and cute. She loves it. My son loves all the Robot Alive toys as well. It's a great toy and a good size." —Angie

Price: $19.97

11. A Walmart-exclusive remote-controlled flying Toothless toy so they can learn the important responsibility of training their own dragon. Yes, it really flies. Yes, this is going to please your 5-year-old IMMENSELY.

Walmart

Yes, I've already got this in my cart for my little Hiccup. Why do you ask?

Promising review: "OMG the best toy EVER!!!! I have four grandsons and I've bought a lot of toys in the past 10 years, but this one...There are no words to do it justice. It's incredible. It literally flies, looking like a giant bat flapping its wings when it actually flies. Be careful flying outside because it flew away onto the neighbor's roof. lol GET THIS TOY!!!" —Eva

Price: $30 (originally $35.98)

12. A splurge-worthy Nex Playground Active Play System, supposedly designed for the small human crowd, but adults also love this thing. If you remember the Xbox Kinect times, THIS IS THE SUPERIOR, CHEAPER, MORE COMPACT VERSION. With games like Fruit Ninja, a How to Train Your Dragon flight simulator, and dancing galore, this handy, size-of-your-hand device plugs directly into your TV or projector with an HDMI cable and is ready to go.

Amazon, Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

There are free games on the system, but heads up that to access the full catalog, you must make a separate purchase of a 3-month ($49) or 12-month Play Pass ($89). (TOTALLY WORTH IT, Y'ALL. TRUST ME.)

Suitable for all ages, but recommended for children aged 5 and above. (Though I can say from experience my own kiddo LOVED his at a young four.)

Promising reviews: "This game keeps the 4, 5, and 7-year-olds entertained for hours. They love it and really burn a lot of energy. I did one Barbie dance, and it wore me out. Easy to install and use. Kids caught on right away. YOU DO NEED TO BUY THE GAME PASS! There are tons of games to play...I would give more than five stars if I could." —Patricia

"This thing is great for kids who love games but need motivation to be more active. My daughter uses it a lot; she's obsessed with the camera apps, but it's better than nothing. She really tires herself out using it. There is a subscription required. You get a small selection of included games, but the bulk of them are in a sub." —Sassypants

Price: $299

13. A Strider balance bike for the littles in your life who have a need for speed but aren't quite ready for pedals just yet. These bikes are all the rage for a reason: They're the perfect fun transition tool to take your kid from scootin' to peddlin' in the neighborhood big leagues in no time.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

Psst — there is also a 14-inch version that can be upgraded with a kit to attach pedals when your kiddo is ready for some big-kid zoomies! Basically, this company will grow with you (and the products are strong enough to get handed down to siblings/cousins/friends).  I 100% credit this bike for being the reason my kiddo was able to go from this bike to a big kid bike without ever needing training wheels. Seriously. He learned in under A DAY.

Promising review: "It's lighter and the foot rest is less intrusive than other manufacturers. My 20-month-old has no problem picking it up or placing her feet on the ground. There are no brakes or rubber tires, but after using it, I now see no need for them. Saves weight and simplifies the operation. Less distraction." —Bman

Price: $149.99 (available in seven colors)

14. A National Geographic Build Your Own Volcano kit so your kid can take part in the time-honored tradition of "let's make that thing explode" to learn some hands-on science facts.

Walmart, Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

My five-year-old just got this for his birthday, and you would've thought someone had handed him a real volcano; he was so excited about it. It now sits proudly on his dresser, post-explosion, because he insisted we keep it.

Promising review: "Was such a fun little project. My 4-year-old LOVED this. We kept the volcano mold to do as many volcano explosions as we want." —erica

Price: $14.97

15. A Jurassic World interactive Bitzee that will appeal DEEPLY to any parent who remembers Tamagotchis fondly, but with the 21st-century twist of the little characters interacting with the motion of the box, too. Give this to your little dino fanatic or the kid in your life who needs their own touchstone small tech toy (that isn't a tablet) to look back fondly on from their future.

Walmart

Promising review: "Kids play with this for hours! Always trying to level up!!" —Ashley

Price: $31.19

16. A Backyard Discovery cedar playhouse because there is no better investment in "put the tablet down" in your five's life than a little outdoor (or indoor!) home they can call their very own. This playhouse comes with a kitchen and cookware, a chalkboard, and a mailbox, so they're fully equipped to kick the iPad to the curb for many hours.

Walmart

Promising review: "This playhouse is beautiful! My husband was able to put it together in a few hours on his own. The instructions were easy and thorough, detailing exactly what pieces and hardware were needed and when they were required. All wood pieces were easily labeled, and holes were pre-drilled for easy assembly. Our daughter already loves the house and requests to play as soon as she sees it on our drive home. The house is of good quality, and I believe it will withstand the cold winters and hot summers well due to this. We look forward to using it more in the years to come!" —Larz

Price: $329

17. A Peppa Pig interactive Baby Evie doll if your kiddo is OBSESSED with Peppa's new lil' sis and wants some hands-on cuddles. Evie makes over 20 sounds when she's given her bottle or pacifier, when she's bounced up and down, or when she's laid down for her nap time.

Walmart

Promising review: "This baby Evie doll is so cute, I love the little duck detail on her binkie, bottle, bib, and outfit. Loved by all my girls age 4-7!" —Mic

Price:$20 (originally $29.99)

18. A MindWare elevator marble run for those rainy fall days when "just go outside" is ~not an option~ and you want to entertain your kid with some good ol' fashioned "watch the marble go!" until the sun comes out. Let them learn three-dimensional thinking, fine motor skills, logic, and have a ball — all without *you* losing your marbles.

Walmart

Promising review: "I bought this marble run to supplement a set I had bought several years ago for my grandchildren. Having a set twice the size has supplied hours of fun for the kids." —Diana

Price: $44.99

19. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel preschool board game to make matching, counting, and fine motor skills FUN to practice. This is a perfect intro to the big world of board games, so you can get younger kids ready to compete in the big leagues of family game night down the line!

Walmart

Promising review: "This comes packaged in a sturdy tree-shaped box that is also used as a game board. It is a favorite game among the preschool-aged children I care for. The 3- and 5-year-olds could teach the 2-year-olds fairly easily how to play the game. Taking turns is not easy, and it was definitely a skill that was learned through this game. They learned matching and counting skills by collecting the correct number or the specific acorn color to the spot on the cute little tree stump. They also develop fine motor skills by spinning the spinner and picking up the acorn with the fun 'squirrel squeezer' (their favorite)! Sometimes, they have to skip a turn, which also helps them develop good sportsmanship. We love this game. I think It would make a good gift for either boy or girl between the ages of 3–7." —Emily

Price: $44.53

20. A 26-piece Magna-Tiles travel set perfect for car rides, restaurants, and waiting rooms at a fraction of the price (but not the quality!) of their big sets. Motor skills and building skills get used with this set, and this is now a staple in my son's toy bag.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

Because the tin isn't joking when it says for ages 3–99, let me tell ya. AND this year they've introduced a new winter wonderland version that I've already snapped up for my own fiver!

Promising review: "My son loved these. I keep them in my bag when we go to restaurants. We let him play with them at the table before the food comes. They are like normal magnetites, but mini. The price point is a little high, but the quality is there. Also love that they come with a high-quality travel case. Would buy again. And an easy toy to bring on the go." —Keri

Price: $19.97+ (available in five styles)

21. A Melissa & Doug dentist kit because practicing dental hygiene should absolutely include an all-blue matching color scheme and teeth that actually wiggle. (BRB. Buying this to teach my kid AGAIN how to brush the back teeth properly.)

Walmart

The set includes pretend teeth set (the four back ones wiggle and lift to practice extractions!), "cavity" stickers, examination tools, a toothbrush, a toothpaste tube, a dental rinse bottle and cup, two gauze pads, two toothpolish cups, top and bottom retainers and braces, mask, a reusable ID tag on a lanyard, and a double-sided reusable activity card.

Promising reviews: "A highly educational toy! Both my 5-year-old and almost 3-year-old love playing dentist and are engrossed in the idea for about an hour. I would for sure recommend this toy!" —Jess

"My 7-year-old grandson loves his set! The entire set is well-made. Big, bulky items that their hands can grasp. It comes with a variety of dental tools. Even fake cavities to 'repair.' He has played with it every single day. Great quality and purchase!" —Shae

Price: $29.97 

22. A Crayola light-up tracing pad that will give your kiddos hours of entertainment and pencil-holding practice as they trace and draw their way to the outer limits of their ~imagination.~

Walmart

The set includes a blue coloring board, a graphite pencil, 12 short colored pencils, 10 tracing sheets, and 10 blank sheets. 

Promising reviews: "My daughter loves to draw. This gives her creative ideas, and she can also trace other things, not just what is given. Keeps kids entertained, enjoyable activity." —Melissa

"My nephew fell in love with this toy. He loves drawing and this was the perfect addition to his art supplies." —CajunNana1972

Price: $27.28

23. A Crayola Bluey Scribble Scrubbie set so they can color Bluey and Co. to their heart's delight and *then* get to scrub them clean in the lil' working pool sprayer. *Basically* a 2-in-1 kinda toy that they can use over and over again, thank GOODNESS.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed, Walmart

My five-year-old son was so obsessed, we had to get one for my three-year-old niece, too. If you were a small child who loved those washable doodle bears, maybe the need to doodle and re-doodle got passed down in the genes like it did with me and my kiddo.

Promising review: "This is a super cute gift for any Bluey lover, especially for the 3 to 5 year-old range. I highly recommend for hours of play." —Heather

Price: $15.59

24. A throwback-tacular Dora Casita play set with sound effects, furniture pieces, Dora and Boots figurines, and all the interactive elements kids want from a magical animated playscape. Get ready to hear delighted kids say, "C'mon! Vamonos, everybody!" the minute they open this gift.

Walmart

Promising review: "The multi-area playset and dollhouse furniture really kept my kids engaged. They enjoy moving the figures around and exploring different parts of the rainforest. The sound effects add a fun touch. It's a great toy for encouraging imaginative play for children 3 and up." —roshonda

Price: $32.88 (originally $53.99)

25. A Step2 modern kitchen play set if they're favorite thing to do is help you stir in the kitchen and they could use some free play space to expand on their culinary skill set.

Walmart

Promising review: "This kitchen set is great. Our two granddaughters absolutely love to play with this kitchen and cook on this set. There is enough room for two to play. And plenty of storage to put things. Hours of fun with all the accessories that even we adults get into playing with the kids. Great value and quality." —Wendy

Price: $189.99

26. Or a Step2 Pro Tool Bench set is likely to turn your burgeoning "I do it" sidekick into a DIY enthusiast. I know from experience that the screens will all be forgotten when they undertake their first "big project."

Walmart

My son's first self-assigned project with this bench set was sawing our brick fireplace. He's still working on it some years later. (And yes, he's most certainly a-whole-hand-old.)

Promising reviews: "I got this for my grandson for Christmas, and from the day it was put together, he has loved playing with it." —dab82

"My 3 and 4-year-olds absolutely loved this tool bench, and they hardly like many toys or play with them for long. I would buy this again and again. *I also purchased a tire on a Roy car at the same time, and they have been working on their car with this tool bench nonstop since receiving it! They absolutely love the water painting toys that it comes with. It was a hit!" —Jennifer

Price: $139.99

27. A LeapFrog learning bundle to give your little reader a delightful boost. The smart stylus and book set comes loaded with activities and read-along functions that'll keep your learner eagerly turning the pages. LeapFrog readers today, BookTok readers tomorrow.

Walmart

Promising reviews: "Ordered this product for my granddaughter who graduated from preK, and she loves it and could not put it down! She loves reading and really enjoys sitting quietly with a book, and the Leapstart bundle has really sparked her interest even more. We love it!" —Walmart Customer

"Bought for my son who is going into Kindergarten. He is learning to read, and the book that came with it was so helpful that he can sound out the words he knows, and when he has a hard time with one he doesn't know, he can click it and it will help him." —JHAA

Price: $39.97 (originally $44.99)

28. An Elphaba and Glinda Care Bears set if the kiddos in your life are still singing the entire soundtrack from Wicked. These will give them all those good Ozian vibes, but WITHOUT any buttons that actually sing, so their parents will still love you, too.

Ashley Schumacher/BuzzFeed

My five-year-old kiddo is very obsessed with "the green baby show" and even though I got these for my own adult self to put in my office, I should've known he would immediately take them into his stuffy hoard. 

Promising review: "These are very cute and nice size. My Wife and daughter both really loved Wicked and Wicked 2 and have these on their trinket shelves for display." —Walmart Customer

Price: $17.99 for the pair

Want to see even *more* of our recommendations for parents? Try these:

* Toys So Fun Your Kids Might Forget That iPads Exist

* Affordable Parenting Products You’ll Be Happy To Have On Hand

* Reviewers Say These 27 Products Make Feeding Kids So Much Easier

* Finds That Will Help You Kid-Proof Your Home

* Parenting Products That’ll Save You Money Over Time, According To Reviewers

Plus, the parenting products we gave a 2026 Buzzy Award to, durable toys, high chairs, and finds from Amazon, Uncommon Goods, and Walmart.

Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.