Holiday Gift Guide: Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)
Where Toys + Activities Win Every Time - kids ages 5 to 8 are in that magical sweet spot — old enough to build, experiment, imagine, and get totally absorbed in play… but still young enough that toys > clothes every single time (unlike tweens who suddenly care about uggs, underwear and hoodies!) This age is pure fun, and holiday gifting should match that energy — colorful, creative and filled with play.
November 24, 2025
This guide delivers: the very best toys, games, science kits, pretend-play sets, and cozy favorites for kids.
From stomp rockets to Magna-Tiles race tracks, from Bluey activity books to fashion plates, from plush s’mores to early-reader chapter books — these gifts spark joy the moment they’re unwrapped (and keep kids busy long after the tree has come down.
And as always, you can find most of these items right here in the Gorge. Even if you can’t track down the exact same toy, our local shops always have something similar. Shopping local matters — and the Gorge is full of gems.
Perfect for ages 5–8, and parent-approved for durability, creativity, and long-lasting fun.
1. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Space Roller Coaster
A build-it-your-way LEGO set that kids actually use — not just display. The 3-in-1 design lets them build, take apart, and rebuild again and again, keeping play fresh, imaginative, and endlessly hands-on. If this exact Lego is not available locally G Willikers has a wall full of legos for every age and interest.
🔗 Link → Space Coaster Lego and a wide variety of legos available locally at G Willikers
2. “Who Would Win?” Book (Lion vs. Tiger)
Fast, fun nonfiction kids love— perfect for animal-obsessed readers and reluctant readers alike.
🔗 Link → search locally at Waucoma Books or G Willikers
3. Bluey Christmas Sticker & Activity Book
Who isn't Bluey obsessed at this age? I mean...my kids still are (and me too if I'm being honest). Packed with stickers, puzzles, and Bluey holiday fun — ideal for quiet time, car rides, and stocking stuffers.
🔗 Link → available at Waucoma Books
4. Mad Libs Junior
Silly, easy-to-read fill-in-the-blank stories that get kids giggling while practicing reading and vocabulary.
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers
5. Yoto Mini Player
My absolute favorite gift my kids every received! This could go even younger around preschool age and last year several years. Screen-free audio magic — kids listen to stories, music, and podcasts using swipeable cards they can control themselves. This thing is seriously the best!
🔗 Link → Buy it here
6. Tin Can Phone
A throwback to real 90’s childhood — no screens, no apps, just pure kid-to-kid communication. It’s a playful, low-tech way to spark imagination and reinforce delayed tech use while giving your kids the landline experience we all grew up with.
🔗 Link → buy it here
7. Stomp Rocket Ultra
Run, jump, STOMP! These rockets launch up to 200 feet and burn off all that winter-break energy.
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers and Hood River Hobbies
8. Mega Cyborg Hand Kit
A STEM build that lets kids assemble a real working hydraulic cyborg hand — great for curious makers and science lovers. Some parent participation required!
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers
9. Moose Warmie
A super-cozy Warmies moose that can be heated in the microwave for comforting warmth and lavender-scented snuggles. The perfect cozy companion for bedtime, sick days, or soothing winter nights.
🔗 Link → Warmies available locally at Lucky Littles
10. Fashion Plates Classic Styles
A nostalgic favorite! Mix-and-match plates so kids can design outfits, color them in, and create their own fashion books.
🔗 Link → avilable at G Willikers
11. Squishables Marshmallow Trio Stick Plush
A super-cute plush stacked with happy marshmallows — a cozy, whimsical addition to playrooms and beds.
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers
12. Hot Dog Jelly Cat Plush
Again...jelly cat plushie for the win at any age! Adorably squishy and guaranteed giggles — this silly hot dog plush is a hit with kids who love quirky toys.
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers
13. Magna-Tiles
The ultimate building toy — kids can create ramps, towers, racetracks, animals, trains, or entire cities with these colorful magnetic tiles. They even come in compact travel sets, perfect for restaurants, road trips, plane rides, and keeping little hands busy on the go.
🔗 Link → Magna tiles available locally at G Willikers
13. Paint-By-Sticker Kids
A calming, creative activity where kids “paint” pictures using stickers — perfect for travel or quiet mornings.
🔗 Link → available at Hood River Stationers
14. Two Bros Bows Archery Set
A kid-safe bow and arrow set that encourages outdoor play, coordination, and confidence (and it’s made in the USA!).
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers
15. Comfrt Kids Cozy Hoodie + Sweatpants Set
COMFRT has been all over social lately, and for good reason — their sizing runs from toddlers and kids all the way up through tweens, teens, and parents, so the whole family can get in on it. My son got a COMFRT sweatsuit for his birthday and we’re officially obsessed.
Special offer code: use this link and you will receive 15% off your order! Discount will be added to your cart.
