The best toys for 6-year-olds hold your child’s interest longer than expected—and sometimes they’re durable and intriguing enough to pass on to younger siblings. Open-ended toys are best at this age, which means there’s more than one way to play with them, and of course, they should be fun and developmentally appropriate. Bonus points if it helps 6-year-olds burn off a lot of energy.
“It’s an exciting time at 6, as a child at this age usually shows genuine interest and curiosity about the world around them,” says psychologist, parent and play expert Dr. Amanda Gummer mentions.
“They have an expanding vocabulary and are excited to explore their environment, ask questions and have improved memory and problem solving. Key milestones can include the development of fine and gross motor skills in writing, drawing and playing. So it’s imperative to find toys that are fun and engaging for your little one to further develop these skills.
While it’s certainly tempting to buy what’s on trend, Gummer recommends taking a step back from the most popular toy. “Look around if they need a toy that won’t get boring after an hour of playing,” she advises. “Thinking about toys that kids play with for months or years, like Monopoly or Playmobil, means they’re less likely to collect dust or sit on shelves untouched.”
From building sets and craft kits to Lego, bounce houses and bikes, we’ve rounded up the best gifts and toys for 6-year-olds that are fun to play with and encourage growth and development—or at least hours of play.
Fine Motor Skills Development Toys
Fine motor skills development toys are the toys which encourage child to work with their hands and fingers. It develops fine skills like writing, drawing, and buttoning clothes in the child. These activities not only enhance hand-eye coordination but also it will foster creativity and problem-solving while building a solid foundation for future academic and practical tasks.
1. Build Boundless Imaginations with LEGO Classic Creative Bricks
LEGO is a popular brand of construction toys known for its interlocking plastic bricks, specially designed to develop creativity of children. As a result of having fun while building with LEGO, the child develops fine motor skills.
The building possibilities are endless, with classic bricks in 29 different colors and special pieces including doors, windows, wheels, eyes and propellers. And if you don’t know where to start, you can find instructions with some ideas to get you going. This is an ideal set to help budding builders of all ages get creative, and would complement any existing LEGO collection.
2. Shape, Squish, and Create with Play-Doh Modeling Compound
Unleash Endless Creativity with Play-Doh: Versatile, Convenient, and Inspiring Fun for Kids, Perfect for 6-Year-Olds and Beyond! Whether shaping, squishing, or crafting, this modeling compound sparks imaginative play and artistic expression in every child, offering hours of joyful creativity with its durable quality and vibrant colors.
Introducing the Play-Doh Variety 24-Pack! This set offers kids a world of colorful creativity with 24 3-ounce cans. From shaping and squishing to mixing and molding, it’s perfect for all kinds of arts and crafts activities. Ideal for classroom prizes, stocking stuffers, and bulk party favors, each can provides endless fun. With its original Play-Doh quality dating back to 1956, this modeling compound is made with wheat, water, and salt, ensuring high quality and inspiring imaginative play for toddlers and kids alike.
3. Perler Multi-Mix Fuse Beads, the Perfect Crafting Companion!
Craft Colorful Creations with Perler Multi-Mix Fuse Beads! Whether you’re making jewelry, keychains, or pixel art, these versatile beads offer endless possibilities for artistic expression. With vibrant colors and easy fusion, creating unique designs has never been more fun!
Introducing the Mega Perler Bead Set! This comprehensive kit includes 22,000 assorted Perler fuse beads and reusable ironing paper, all neatly stored in a convenient plastic storage jar. With 30 vibrant colors, including parrot green, raspberry, cheddar, and hot coral, this set is perfect for ages 6 and up. Use Perler pegboards, ironing paper, and an iron to complete your craft and start your Perler bead collection. Ideal for sparking creativity and providing hours of arts and crafts fun for children!
Gross Motor Skills Development Toys
Gross motor skills are those which require whole body movement and which involve the large muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as standing and walking, running and jumping, and sitting upright at the table. When it comes to educational toys for 6 year olds, developing these gross motor skills is crucial for their physical growth and overall well-being.
They also includes eye-hand coordination skills such as ball skills (throwing, catching, kicking) as well as riding a bike or a scooter and swimming.
4. Razor A Kick Scooter: Lightweight, Foldable, and Fun for Kids!
Introducing the Razor A Kick Scooter: A top-quality aluminum construction makes it lightweight yet durable. Its original folding mechanism allows for quick and easy carry, transport, and storage between rides. With easy-adjust handlebars, riders can set it to the perfect height. Additional features include a rear-fender brake and urethane wheels, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Recommended for ages 5 years and older.
5. EzyRoller Classic: Ultimate Ride-On Scooter for Kids!
Introducing the EzyRoller Ride On Classic: Smooth sailing across playgrounds and sidewalks for hours of fun. Perfect for ages 4 to 14, this ultimate riding machine guarantees a blast. Ride in comfort with a comfortable seat that removes strain and pressure from your back. No pedaling required – just easy alternating leg movement on the foot bar. With extendable foot bar and steel frame, it grows with your child and lasts through the years. Lightweight yet easy to maneuver, safe for riders ages 4+ and under 150 lbs.
6. Jump into Fun with the Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline!
Introducing the Little Tikes Easy Store 3 ft Folding Trampoline: Perfect for toddlers to stay active, these outdoor toddler toys are easy to move so kids can bounce wherever and whenever they like! The handlebar on this mini trampoline folds down for easy storage. Ideal for kids 3 years and up, this 3 ft trampoline is sure to keep your kiddos active, featuring a large jumping surface with handlebars for stability. With great energy-burning potential and designed for home indoor use only, playtime has never been this exciting!
Cognitive Skills Development Toys
Cognitive skills are brain skills, not body skills like running or jumping. They help us think, like understanding books and solving math problems. These skills include knowing our own thoughts, making choices, and thinking deeply. Our brain gets better at these skills from simple ones, like seeing and remembering, to harder ones like planning and understanding ourselves. Isn’t it amazing how our brain can do so many things? Helping your child with puzzles or games can make these brain skills stronger. This is good because it makes learning and solving problems easier for them. Parents, try reading stories together or talking about your day to boost these skills.
7. Peaceable Kingdom Gnomes at Night A Cooperative Maze Game
Help your Gnomes go through the maze to find the Queen’s lost treasure! You may move your mover only along the paths on your side of the board. Communicating and working together helps you reach the treasure and win! Peaceable Kingdom makes cooperative family games, like Gnomes at Night, that age with the children playing. In a cooperative game, players work together as a team, not against each other. Everyone plays together, no one is left out, and everyone has fun! Kids will gain social development skills, learn about simple strategy, and have fun by playing Gnomes at Night. Parents, join in the adventure and help your little gnomes navigate the maze to uncover the hidden treasure – a fun action to do together! Playing games can teach children valuable life skills that will benefit them in the long run.
8. Osmo – Genius Starter Kit
Osmo is an interactive educational toy that designed to fun learning activities for children aged 6 to 10. Genius Starter Kit helps children develop important skills like problem-solving, math, language, and creativity with games like Tangram, Newton, Numbers , Words, and Masterpiece. The real-time audio and visual feedback make learning more enjoyable. This includes the Osmo Base & Reflector for iPad. You can simply connect it to your compatible iPad or iPhone and let the learning journey begin! Choose Osmo Genius Starter Kit for its ability to foster a love of learning while enhancing key academic and cognitive skills in 6 year olds.
9. Unlocking Mathematical Concepts: Introducing MathLink Cubes!
This MathLink Cubes set combines math skills with dinosaur fun. It helps learn kindergarten math like sequencing, addition, and subtraction. “Did you know your child can build with dino-themed cubes?” Challenges are solved using 15 activity cards. The gift of learning is given through 100 colorful cubes. Ideal for holidays and homeschooling. Puzzles and math skills improve. Every time, a new learning fun is discovered. Start with sequencing for easy learning. Addition and subtraction become fun with dinosaur games.
10. Crayola’s Inspiration Art Case Sparks Imagination!
Encouraging your child to paint unleashes their creativity. Painting activities, such as using a brush or sponge, boost kids’ self-esteem. “Have you tried painting with your child?” can help them express emotions. Improved motor skills are gained through holding brushes. Spatial intelligence is developed by understanding shapes. Painting teaches patience. Sensory development is achieved as children engage all senses. Every child is born with great creative prowess. Paintings are seen, felt, smelled, and heard. Encourage painting to help with color learning.
The Crayola Inspiration Art Case includes 140 pieces for drawing. “Did you know this set has 40 washable markers?” Organized trays make supplies easy to find. It’s safe and nontoxic, suitable for ages 5 and up. Colors range from bright to soft. The pink case is durable and portable. Art supplies are kept organized in compartments. Ideal for school or home projects. This art set is a perfect holiday gift. Creative projects are easily accessible. Start with coloring for a simple project.
11. Rory’s Story Cubes: Ignite Imagination and Storytelling Skills with This Creative Dice Game
Rory’s Story Cubes encourage creativity, turning simple images on dice into unique tales. “Imagine the adventures we can go on,” engages families in storytelling.
Rory’s insight in 2004 led to these cubes, which inspire stories of all genres. Players, including parents and teachers, have crafted hundreds of stories since 2006. Globally beloved, the game has gained fame in Europe and the United States. Its role is to guide users through epic, magical, and extraterrestrial adventures. To begin, roll the dice and embark on a narrative journey starting with “Once upon a time…” ❤️
12. UNO Junior Card Game: Family-Friendly Fun with a Simplified Twist for Younger Players
UNO Junior simplifies the classic game for kids as young as 3, with zoo animal graphics on cards 0 through 8 for easy matching. “Ready to play a game everyone can enjoy?” invites families to join the fun.
Three levels of play adapt to a child’s learning pace. Action and penalty cards are introduced gradually, keeping the game exciting. Instructions and 45 cards are included in the set. Players race to match cards by color or animal/number. Remember, yell “UNO!” when you’re down to one card. This game accommodates 2 to 4 players, offering a benefit of growth with the child.
As parents, we always seek the best for our kids, especially when it comes to toys that enlighten as well as entertain. “Have you seen how these toys light up their little faces?” is a question that echoes the joy educational toys bring. Fine motor skills are developed through play, a crucial benefit of such toys. Gross and cognitive skills are also enhanced, as noted by experts. A wide variety of toys, from LEGO to UNO Junior, have been introduced to cater to every aspect of a child’s development. These toys are chosen with care to ensure they’re not only fun but also beneficial for growth. Encourage your child to explore, create, and learn through these educational toys. Now, why not select a toy that promises to be a future favorite for your 6-year-old?