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Turning six is a big deal. Kids feel like they’re out of the “baby” stage and moving into the “big kid” stage. This age brings much independence and newly founded opinions, so shopping for the best gifts at this age is exciting and challenging. The best gifts for six-year-olds encourage increasing educational development and offer engaging play time. Now is the best time to gift more than just toys. Think games, outdoor bikes, and building kits, which will have them in awe. We consulted experts to guide us while curating this list. Keep reading to learn more about what makes the best gifts for six-year-olds.
Best Gifts for 6-Year-Olds at a Glance
Best Overall: Mattel Disney Princess Toys, The Little Mermaid Ariel & Sisters Small Doll Set, $15 (originally $22)
Best Robot Gift: 4M Table Top Robot Science Kit, $15
Best Nostalgic Gift: Where’s Waldo? Deluxe / Anniversary Hardcover by Martin Handford, $11
Best Fidget Gift: Fpxnb 2 Packs Pop Fidget Toys, $8 (originally $10)
Best Interactive Gift: Furby Coral Plush Interactive Toy, $47 (originally $70)
Most Comfortable Gift: BTPEIHTD Kids Hooded Bathrobe, $25
Best Building Gift: Frozen Magnetic Tiles, $45 (originally $60)
Best Karaoke Gift: Jeefu Karaoke Machine, $17 (originally $25)
Best Splurge Gift: Barbie Hoverboard, $99
Best Gift for Aspiring Photographers: Dylanto Instant Print Camera, $40
What Are Good Gifts for 6-Year-Olds?
“As an experienced pediatrician, I understand the excitement and joy that comes with selecting the perfect gift for a 6-year-old child,” says Chelsey Borson, pediatrician, baby sleep coach, and the founder of Luna Leaps. “At this age, children are developing their interests, personalities, and cognitive abilities, making gift-giving a delightful opportunity to nurture their growth and foster their curiosity,” she adds.
And since they’re so curious at this age, Borson says that it’s essential to consider their interests, developmental stage, and attention span. Consider gifts that encourage creativity, physical activity, problem-solving, and imaginative play—all of which are not only enjoyable but also contribute to their overall growth and development. But “the most valuable gift you can give a child is your time and attention. Engaging with them while they play and explore their new gifts creates cherished memories and nurtures their emotional well-being,” she says.
What Are Popular Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls?
According to Borson, popular gifts for six-year-olds revolve around creative and imaginative play. “Art supplies, such as washable markers, crayons, and coloring books, allow them to express their artistic talents. Dress-up costumes and pretend play sets, like kitchen sets or dollhouses, encourage role-playing and storytelling,” she explains. You can also consider building sets and construction toys, Lego, or magnetic tiles that promote problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
What Are Popular Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys?
“For six-year-old boys, gifts that cater to their active nature and love for adventure are often well-received,” Borson notes. Look for outdoor toys like sports equipment (such as a basketball, football, or soccer ball), scooters, or bikes to encourage physical activity and gross motor development. “Building sets, action figures, and remote-controlled cars or trucks tap into their sense of adventure and fascination with movement,” she adds. You can also purchase science kits and educational games incorporating hands-on learning, which can captivate their inquisitive minds.
Books are always a fantastic gift for six-year-olds regardless of gender. Borson also says that age-appropriate storybooks, chapter books, or educational books on intriguing topics can foster a love for reading and expand their knowledge. Board games and puzzles that involve strategy and critical thinking are excellent choices for promoting cognitive development and family bonding.
Ahead, see the 20 best gifts for six-year-olds, staring at only $8!
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Mattel & Walmart are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Mattel Disney Princess Toys, The Little Mermaid Ariel & Sisters Small Doll Set
For those shopping for a Disney Princess lover, add this family of Little Mermaid Ariel & Sisters Small Doll Set! Each princess has a signature look and a gorgeous tail with details.
Amazon shoppers rave about the dolls. “Add to cart!” a reviewer wrote. “These are so cute and so durable! I was skeptical of buying ’cause we all know mermaid toys are usually flimsy and break so easily, but these are great!” They’re small enough to easily stow away on trips (perfect for summer), which is a major plus for us.
4M Table Top Robot Science Kit
Six-year-olds are pros at building now, so if they love robots, wrap this up. It’s an entire science kit that teaches the basics of robotics by constructing a working robot crab. The detailed kit helps kids build the “crab” step by step. When it’s completed, let them place it on a tabletop to see how it moves around.
Where’s Waldo? Deluxe / Anniversary Hardcover
Parents know and love the Where’s Waldo? books, and now you can give your independent reader a special deluxe copy. The book comes encased in a 25th-anniversary edition dust jacket that keeps it safe. And inside, there is a “spot-the-difference game between the jacket and self-cover designs,” the brand says. There is also a never-ending list of new items to search for, plus a never-before-seen section of artwork on every page. Better yet, you also get an original poster, too!
Fpxnb 2 Packs Pop Fidget Toys
Kids have love fidget toys since they’re so entertaining. They make the best anytime gifts (or bribes). This set includes two shapes with plenty of rows for them to pop in and out while trying to focus or watch their favorite show. Plus, they’re under $9!
Furby Coral Plush Interactive Toy
“This Furby is soft, adorable, and funny!” one Walmart shopper wrote. “It’s not loud and annoying like some of the older generations of Furbies. Its light-up ears are beautiful and entertaining. The accessories are fun and cute, and Furby really helps with mood and self-esteem with its guided meditation and affirmations!” And you can snag it for over 30% off right now.
BTPEIHTD Kids Hooded Bathrobe
Comfortable gifts are also welcomed for six-year-olds, and this one is just $25. The cozy robe comes in 30 colors and prints that appeal to any style choice.
Frozen Magnetic Tiles
These Frozen Magnetic Tiles are so colorful and fun! The set comes with 101 pieces that build a frozen fantasy ice palace. It also comes with two Frozen miniature dolls and a case. The tiles are compatible with other major brands and have a five-year warranty.
Jeefu Karaoke Machine
Let them belt out their favorite tunes with friends with this karaoke machine. It comes prepped with dancing lights, voice-changing effects, and a long battery life. It also comes with two mics and a charging base, so you never run out of power.
Barbie Hoverboard
Ok, how fun is this Barbie hoverboard? It’s suited for kids ages 5 to 12 and will be a massive hit with them. The board has light-up wheels to make it even cooler. Now, for the parents. Safety is key with hoverboards, and this one features active balance technology to give it stability and balance. The hoverboard lasts up to three miles on one charge and doesn’t go faster than six miles per hour.
Dylanto Instant Print Camera
Other camera options may be a bit too advanced for six-year-olds, so we recommend the Dylanto Instant Print Camera. The camera has an instant printing function that prints in color and black and white. The camera set also comes with three rolls of printing paper, a 32GB memory card, one lanyard, and a USB type-C cable.
Lip Smackers Hello Kitty Makeup Tote
You’d be surprised how many six-year-olds are already beauty enthusiasts. And instead of making them a Sephora kid, head to Target to indulge them in an age-appropriate beauty gift. That’s where the Lip Smackers Hello Kitty Makeup Tote comes in. The adorable bag is filled with a mixture of two moisturizing lip balms, two nail polishes, and hair accessories.
Marvin’s Magic Neon Glow Craft Kit
Arts and crafts are always fun, and it’s even better when it glows. Kids will love unleashing their inner artist with this convenient art tablet that allows them to draw and create at home or on the go.
Qyntelix Store Kids’ Pickleball 2-Paddle Set
Encourage plenty of outdoor time with a fun pickleball paddle set. Each board is crafted with adorable designs they will love sharing with friends.
Fotoumgl Store Roller Skates
“My 6-year-old is learning to roller skate with these skates, and I think they were a great purchase,” an impressed parent said. “The colors of the skates look great, and the wheels light up brightly when spinning. My daughter has not complained about any comfort issues and they are easy to get on her.”
Dinopintu Smart Robot Dog Toys
If they’re not ready to take on the responsibility of a real-life puppy, gift the Dinopintu Smart Robot Dog instead. It wags its tail, barks, and moves just like any other dog. Kids will love how the cute dog sits, shakes, lays down, and does other tricks.
Polkoliye 2-Pack of Kids Bow and Arrow Set
Sports lovers will appreciate this kid-friendly bow and arrow set, which includes 14 suction cup arrows and a standing target that can be used indoors or outdoors.
Bedmoimo Rainbow Wooden Balance Board
This 35-inch Montessori balance board acts as a swing, a bridge, a seesaw, a boat, a stepping stone, a racetrack, a bed, a lounge chair, and more! It’s an exciting way to enhance their coordination between hands and feet, even at six.
JOWHOL Store Pink Globe
Pick up this world globe if you’re looking for a unique gift. It has every country and city labeled so that kids can hardly see and learn about different places. It’s also a neat idea to give them stickers to note the places they’ve been.
Tender Leaf General Store Wooden Playset
Tender Leaf toys provide hours of play fun for kids of all ages. This General Store Wooden Playset is expensive, but it is worth every penny since it goes with them through the toddler stages until they no longer want to play with toys. The store includes a market stall with two interchangeable platforms, a canopy, three lights, metal hooks, one blackboard, markers, and a tote bag. You can also purchase additional play food like this adorable bread basket.
Astronaut Starter Kit
This Astronaut Starter Kit is the best STEM activity for kiddos who love space. They’ll be able to “build and launch a pair of model orbiter spaceships using the power of pumps,” the brand says. Once finished, the rocket blasts off!
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