One of the most important things to remember when choosing toys for children is that they change rapidly, particularly in the first few years, and that a toy which entertains a 2 year old, will not entertain a 5 year old and vice versa. It is very important that the toy chosen for a child is appropriate to his age as children need different stimuli as they develop.  If the toy is too advanced, he will not know how to play with it.  If the toy is too primitive, he will be easily bored.

Contrary to what parents expect, sometimes the more basic a toy –like simple cars or plastic dinosaurs- the more possibility it leaves for a child’s imagination as they help develop his creativity.  Remember that one of the ways in which you can encourage your child’s development is fostering creative play; after all, the natural way for a child to learn is through play.  The best toys are ones that fascinate a child, and to which he will return again an again. 

The five year old boy shows and increasing interest in reading, writing and simple sums.  He also is curious about the world and the way it works, and likes to engage in “grown up” activities.  Five year old boys are also more interested in social activities and like to play with friends. 

In a couple of months my boy will be 5 years old and these are the toys that he already has and enjoys the most and some of the toys that he has requested on his Christmas letter for this year.

Manufacturer Recommended Age: 4 - 8 years

Inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar movie, Cars, the Mack Truck Playset expresses the racy personality of Lightning McQueen, the leading car in the film. In the movie, McQueen gets waylaid on his way to a big race, and ends up in Radiator Springs. It's a little run down for this flashy hot rod, but the eccentric small-town folk-mobiles teach McQueen all about friends, family and love.

Now kids can bring these loveable characters home and recreate their favourites scenes from the movie with this detailed play set.

The play set opens to reveal a truck bed pad packed with play features (including a carwash, a video game area, a weighing scale and more), where McQueen™ crashes after a long day of racing.

Lightning McQueen vehicle sold separately.   

Simba Nature World Dinosaur Playset

Recommended Age: 6 years and up.

Nature World Dinosaur Playset includes dinosaurs, plants, and trees for hours of prehistoric fun! The Set includes 16 assorted dinosaurs, 6 palm trees, 2 plants and a "stone" platform. Dinosaur figures range from 1.5" tall to 5.5" tall. Stone platform measures 15"L x 4.75"W x 12.25"H.

As long as imagination is there the kids will have fun with this set.

Dozen Jumbo Dinosaurs up to 6 inches long

This was another hit with my boy who is dinosaurs mad.

Manufacturer Recommended Age:5 years and up

Fisher-Price Imaginext Systems Raider the Allosaurus

My boy had this Allosaurus for his 4^th birthday. He loved it and still plays with it almost a year later. A very sturdy, unbreakable toy.

This dinosaur features realistic head motions, tail motions and roaring. It looks very realistic, specially when he walks towards the Lego castle ready to eat king and knights!

Recommended Age:36 months - 5 years

You are more certain to create in your child a desire to read if he finds reading books an enjoyable experience.  Choose books of the appropriate interest level for your child, books that are visually appealing with good illustrations.  A good example is this Dinosaur book.  What boy is not interested in dinosaurs?  Children of these age like pictures of animals.  Encourage your child to notice things in the pictures, question him. 

If your child is already reading, do not stop reading to him as he will continue to enjoy the luxury of having you spending time with him sharing his favourite subject.

The Big Book of Dinosaurs

This is a highly informative book. The text is brief and succinct, only conveying facts that children aged 4 to 7 find interesting.  It has lots of pictures with short, quick captions which makes it a perfect read-aloud for young children, or a browsing item for older kids who want good illustrations with little text.

My boy loved it!

My boy had this last year and it has provided him with endless hours of play. Soon it became his favourite toy along with his dinosaurs that he sticks in the castle!

The Lego Castle (974 Pieces) is recommended for children from 7 to 12 years old but if your child has good manual dexterity or an older brother to help, this is a fantastic gift. The castle has moveable walls for multiple build and play scenarios, working drawbridge, firing catapults and boulders and knock-down bridge. It includes heroic king and knights, skeleton warriors and constructible dragon.

The Castle measures 12" (31cm) tall and 15" (38cm) wide

For this year, my boy wants a Lego Pirate Boat to add to his castle.

This is a fantastic stocking filler for boys aged 4 to 7.