Must-Have Toys for 5th-6th Graders

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Rainbow Picnic Game is a delightful way to engage young minds while having fun! Inspired by Eric Carle's beloved board books, this game invites preschoolers to explore colors, counting, and social skills through interactive play. As parents and educators, we know that games like this foster critical thinking and teamwork, all while captivating children's imaginations. It's the perfect blend of learning and laughter – a must-have for any early learning environment! 3-5 years

Funko POP Games: LOL - Viego is not just a stunning collectible; it's a great way for kids and adults alike to delve into the beloved world of League of Legends. This vibrant 3.75-inch figure can spark conversations around character backstories, storytelling, and even art appreciation as kids start to see the connection between gaming and creativity. Plus, displaying this figure encourages organizational skills and a sense of pride in their growing collection, making it a fantastic gift for any occasion. Let's build those fine motor skills as they carefully place Viego alongside their other treasures! 10+ years

Ridley's Games Star Wars: Survive The Sarlacc Card Game is an exhilarating way to sharpen critical thinking and strategic skills while diving deep into the iconic Star Wars universe. As our little ones navigate through tension-filled gameplay, they’ll learn the importance of decision-making and teamwork, all while having a blast! Perfect for game nights or family gatherings, this card game encourages communication and creativity. With stunning bespoke artwork that ignites the imagination, it’s a must-have for any aspiring Jedi fan! 8+ years

Labyrinth Wooden Maze Game with Two Steel Marbles is a fantastic way for kids and adults alike to enhance their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination! This classic puzzle game invites players to navigate through a challenging maze, sparking strategic thinking while having fun. As we gather around this captivating game, we can already see the excitement in our kids' eyes as they work together, learning patience and persistence. It's perfect for family game nights or even solo challenges, making it a must-have for developing critical thinking skills while sharing joy and laughter. 7+ years

The Number Party Game is an exciting and engaging way for families to challenge their minds while having a blast together! Designed for kids and adults alike, this clever mix of bluffing and risk-taking develops critical thinking and strategic skills as players decide on their unique numbers. Watching our kids think on their feet and consider their choices brings us immense joy, and we love how it sparks friendly competition. With quick rounds and endless possibilities, this game is a must-have for teaching math skills in a fun, memorable way! 8+ years

SEQUENCE for Kids is the perfect introduction to strategic thinking for our little ones! Designed for ages 3-6, this 'no reading required' game lets children enhance their logical thinking and decision-making skills while having a blast. As they play cards and place their chips on the board, kids develop critical thinking, patience, and social skills in a delightful, colorful setting. It’s not just a game; it’s an adventure where every child can shine, making it a must-have for family game nights or playdates! 3-6 years

The Mattel Games Pictionary Family Board Game is a fantastic way to bring families together while sharpening sketching and guessing skills. With three levels of clues tailored for various ages, including step-by-step drawing tutorials for younger players, this game not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also enhances critical thinking and communication skills. Perfect for family nights, it guarantees laughter and learning, making it a must-have for any educational game collection. 8+ years

Educational Insights Sculptapalooza, the Squishy, Squashy Sculpting Playfoam Party Game, is a delightful way to bring families together while encouraging teamwork and creativity. As children race against the clock to sculpt and guess in a lively setting, they develop important social skills like compromise, sharing, and graceful losing. This game not only sparks laughter but also nurtures connections, making it a must-have for family game nights. 10+ years

Hedbanz 2023 Edition is a fantastic picture guessing game perfect for family fun! As parents, we love that it's not just entertaining but also educational, helping our kids develop critical thinking and communication skills. With new intriguing categories like dinosaurs and robots, players ask yes/no questions to guess what’s on their cards, fostering creativity and social interaction. This game is a must-have for any family game night, making learning through laughter an exciting part of our day. 6+ years

Bendon TS Shure License Plate Games Magnetic Activity Tin makes learning on the go an adventure! This engaging game not only sparks joyful competition among family members but also sharpens observational skills and boosts memory. Each game turn encourages conversation and critical thinking as your little ones identify and match license plates from around the country. Ideal for family road trips, this travel-friendly game will keep kids entertained while enhancing their cognitive abilities, making it a must-have for every family outing! 3+ years

Junior Learning JL481 Addition Dominoes is a fantastic way to introduce the joy of addition to our little ones! These thick plastic dominoes are designed for easy handling, making math feel like a game rather than a chore. The colorful set includes 28 pieces, perfect for matching numbers and mastering addition skills while having fun with friends and family. We love how this game not only fosters math skills but also promotes fine motor development, teamwork, and problem-solving—making it a must-have in any educational setting or home! 3+ years

The eeBoo Woodland Memory and Matching Game is a delightful way for children aged 5 and up to enhance their recognition and memory skills. With its beautifully illustrated tiles, this game not only fosters concentration but also invites imaginative storytelling and socialization among friends and family. Parents and educators will appreciate how this screen-free activity cultivates essential skills in a fun, interactive manner, making it a must-have for every playroom. 5+ years

The Algebra Game: Quadratic Equations is a fantastic resource for making algebra come alive for our kids! Perfect for students in grades 7-12, this interactive game fosters collaborative learning and critical thinking. As we work together in small groups, we can watch our learners develop problem-solving skills while enjoying a hands-on approach to quadratic equations. If we are looking to boost our children's understanding and confidence in math, this game is a must-have for our educational toolbox! Grades 7-12

Anti-Monopoly from University Games is a thrilling twist on the classic real estate game that teaches kids about economics and strategy. By choosing to play as either a monopolist or a free market competitor, players enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills while understanding concepts like competition and resource management. This engaging game is not just about fun—it's a valuable educational tool that sparks conversation about fair play and community roles, making it a must-have for family game nights. 8+ years

DART ZONE Pro-Series 3x15-Round Standard-Length Darts Magazine for Toy Foam Blasters & Guns is a must-have for any young dart enthusiast! As parents and educators, we know the value of play in developing hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. This highly compatible magazine ensures that whether our kids are new to foam dart battles or seasoned pros, they're equipped to make strategic choices on the battlefield. With three magazines at their disposal, children can focus on improving their aim and developing their game strategy, all while having an absolute blast outdoors or indoors! 8+ years

Red Light, Green Light, 1-2-3 is an exhilarating card game that transforms learning into fun! As we engage in fast-paced gameplay, children develop critical cognitive skills like pattern recognition and strategic thinking. Perfect for family game nights or playdates, this compact card game is easy to take along wherever we go. It’s not just a game — it's a playful way to foster cooperation and social skills among kids aged 5 and up, making it a must-have in our educational toolkit! 5+ years

The Learning Resources Dumpling Dash Fine Motor Math Game invites kids into a fun-filled world of math and fine motor skill development! With each round, children enhance their counting abilities and practice addition and subtraction while using chopstick tongs to grab colorful dumplings. Not only does this game keep little learners engaged, but it also transforms playtime into an exciting learning experience, making it a must-have for any homeschooling family or classroom. 4-7 years

AQUARIUS Space Invaders Dominots Tile Game brings an exciting twist to classic gameplay while enhancing family bonding! This space-themed tile game not only entertains but also encourages critical thinking and strategic planning as players connect their tiles to score points. With its blend of nostalgia and educational value, we find it's a fantastic way to spark creativity and collaboration among kids and adults alike. Perfect for game nights or educational gatherings, this officially licensed merchandise is a must-have for families looking to make learning fun! 8+ years

Exploding Kittens Grab & Game is the perfect blend of laughter and strategy, making it a must-have for family fun! This compact card game encourages critical thinking and decision-making skills as players dodge the dreaded Exploding Kitten using their best strategic moves. Packed with humor and creativity, it's not just a game; it fosters collaboration, social interaction, and friendly competition. Whether it's a road trip, family game night, or a spontaneous outdoor gathering, this card game provides instant entertainment that unites all ages in joyous play. 7+ years

The Ravensburger Othello® Classic Family and 2-Player Game is an exciting way to engage minds aged 8 and up. This beloved strategy game quickly sharpens critical thinking and decision-making skills as players flip pieces and outmaneuver each other on a beautifully designed board. With clear instructions and a fast-paced gameplay lasting around 15 minutes, it's perfect for quick family fun or those engaging game nights with friends. We love how it brings everyone together, challenging our competitive spirits while fostering valuable skills—an absolute must-have for family game time! 8+ years

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Volcano Bean Bag Toss Backyard Game Set is a fantastic way to blend fun and education for the entire family! Perfect for kids and adults alike, this game encourages strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and friendly competition. With multiple play modes and adjustable difficulty levels, learners of all ages can enjoy practicing their tossing skills while enjoying the great outdoors. Easy to set up and transport, it's a must-have for family gatherings, playdates, or educational camp games! All ages

The Mud Pie Kids Roll a Santa Christmas Game is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations that combines fun with learning! Kids will love taking turns rolling the foam dice, fostering their turn-taking skills and social interaction. As they complete Santa's face with their successful rolls, they're also developing fine motor skills through the handling of the Velcro pieces. This engaging game not only encourages creativity but also builds excitement and inclusiveness during the festive season, making it a must-have for family gatherings and classroom activities. 3+ years

Petit Collage Cats & Dogs Magnetic Four in a Row Travel Game is the perfect way to engage young minds while on the go! This delightful game invites kids to strategize and think critically as they connect four of their favorite furry friends – cats and dogs. Not only does it promote friendly competition, but it also fine-tunes essential skills like turn-taking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Housed in a travel-friendly tin, it’s a must-have for family road trips or playdates, ensuring hours of enjoyment and learning. 4+ years

MY ARCADE Tetris Pico Player is a delightful way to introduce kids to the magic of retro gaming! With 101 engaging games packed into a tiny, fully playable arcade, this portable toy encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The vibrant 2-inch color display and built-in speaker ensure an immersive experience that captivates young minds. Perfect for game rooms, educational play, or just a fun break, this little gem combines entertainment with learning, making it a must-have addition for any family or classroom! 5+ years

Hoot or Toot Interactive Preschool and Children Game is the perfect blend of fun and learning! Imagine the joy on your child’s face as they shake the adorable owl and listen closely for its delightful sounds. This game not only sharpens memory and attention skills but also encourages young minds to follow directions in a playful way. It’s a fantastic way for kids to engage with each other while developing essential cognitive abilities, making it a must-have for any learning environment or family game night! 4+ years

Mathological Liar Game is a fantastic way to engage our third graders while they develop essential math skills! As we watch our kids become math detectives, they will not only practice solving math problems but also improve their critical thinking and reasoning abilities. This game turns learning into an exciting adventure, with each round featuring intriguing plots where players must analyze clues and suspects' alibis. It’s the perfect addition to any math center or for small group play, ensuring that children are aligned with Common Core and state standards while having a blast! Grade 3

UNO Despicable Me 4 Card Game for Kids, Adults & Family is not just an entertaining activity; it's a fantastic way to enhance strategic thinking and color recognition! Inspired by the beloved characters from the movie, this version of UNO brings a delightful twist to a classic game. As we match colors and numbers, kids learn to think ahead and develop social skills through engaging interactions with family and friends. Perfect for 2 to 10 players aged 7 and up, this game encourages laughter and connection, making it a must-have for any game night! 7+ years

The Original Fraction Dominoes is an incredible hands-on learning tool that transforms the way our kids grasp fractions! This engaging game lets them visualize parts of a whole while honing their skills in addition, subtraction, and equivalent fractions. Whether played individually or in groups, these colorful dominoes foster math practice with creativity and collaboration, making it an absolute favorite in our home and classroom. Perfect for enriching math lessons or adding excitement to family game nights, it's a must-have for parents and educators alike! 6-12 years

Puzzle Matching Game 24-piece set is a delightful journey into learning for our little ones! This charming game encourages children to develop their memory and motor skills while exploring shapes and colors in a fun, interactive way. With four puzzles and 12 coordinating wooden pieces, kids can match and layer, sparking their imagination and critical thinking. It’s the perfect blend of play and learning, making it a must-have for parents and educators alike who want to nurture creativity and cognitive growth. 2-4 years

Asmodee Survive The Island Monster Pack Board Game Expansion takes family game night to a whole new level of excitement! This thrilling addition brings three new monsters—the Pterodactyl, Whale, and Octopus—each designed to spark imagination and strategic thinking. As kids navigate these new challenges, they’ll develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, all while enjoying cooperative play with friends and family. It’s not just about escaping the island; it’s about learning to adapt and strategize under pressure, making it a must-have for any educational game collection! 8+ years