By the time your little one turns 6, they’re likely to have started school; learning how to read and write, and being exposed to different subjects that open up an entirely new world of toys and gifts to explore. Some of them have better control of their strength and balance, and are intellectually ready for different types of toys, games, and challenges.
When it comes to selecting the best toys for your 6-year-old, there are a plethora of factors to consider. Buying the wrong gift can be annoying, even if it’s one with benefits; no toy can aid a child if they don’t want to play with it. This is where we come in; this list is carefully curated considering the toys’ safety, usefulness and benefits, ease of use, and of course, age recommendation. Below, you’ll also find some useful tips to make gift-buying a piece of cake.
Choosing the best toys for 6 year olds
During these childhood years, kids transition from a play- to a work-based environment. They’re exposed to the larger world as they start school, and friendships become central to them. They’re now at the age where independence is important and they perform most tasks, like getting dressed, by themselves.
6-year-olds’ physical, social, and mental skills develop quickly, and learning to read and write, as well as being introduced to science and math concepts at school opens up a new world of toys to explore. They become increasingly better at following instructions and their mental agility increases, so toys, like STEM building kits, give them the opportunity to build and manipulate more complex materials, testing their skills. They can play with these types of toys independently or with friends. Fun but educational toys, such as language tools, will also help to facilitate what they’re learning in the classroom. They’re still kids, however, and need plenty of entertainment and exercise, so toys that will keep them active, moving, and that stimulate their imaginations are also ones to consider.
How we identified the best toys for 6 year olds
6-year-olds enter school for the first time, and it’s an age characterized by learning! They assert their independence and naturally gravitate toward forming friendships with their peers.
With this in mind, we selected toys that will facilitate and accelerate their learning. The games and STEM toys and activities will challenge them to follow instructions and follow through on completing projects. We also selected a number of educational gifts, like language learning tools, interactive toys, and items that will promote exploration of the world they’re discovering. These toys will really flex their critical thinking muscles in an engaging way, and they can be played with independently, or with the new besties they’re making at school.
While toys geared towards learning are important, 6-year-olds also need to stay physically active and have their imaginations stimulated. We chose toys that provide exercise, like trampolines and combo skates, and that are popular among their age group because of their entertainment and creative value. Many of the selected toys will also strengthen their motor skills and coordination.
Tips for buying the best toys for 6 year olds
- Make their learning experience fun
You want them to learn as much as possible, and because they’re absorbing information like sponges, it can be easy to forget the most important element: fun. Kids this age will learn more, and faster if the toys they’re playing with teach them things in a fun, engaging way.
- Consider their milestones
Every child develops differently, and it would be a disservice to them not to acknowledge this. Some learn faster than others, some get the hang of how to perform physical tasks quicker. Toys should facilitate their developmental journey, not put pressure on them to master something they’re not ready for.
- Talk to the parents
The child’s parents understand which toys would be the most beneficial to them even better than the experts do. Simply ask them and save yourself the trouble of trying to guess. If you’re buying for your own child, choose toys that focus on a particular area of learning, and that you feel would benefit him developmentally.
