• Give a 5-year-old a birthday gift that encourages his development.young gift image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
  
  At the age of 5, most children begin kindergarten, and many have already attended preschool. They have developed their own tastes and have a good sense of their own likes and dislikes. Imagination and activity levels are high. Select a birthday gift for a 5-year-old that reflects his favorites, fosters his sense of creativity and imagination and reinforces age-appropriate learning. Outdoor play gifts are also a good option, as 5-year-olds have energy to expel.
  
  

Dress-Up Clothes

• Dress-up is an activity enjoyed by children at this age. Give the little one some play clothes for role play. Complete dressing-up sets for this age group are available from toy retailers. Ideas include princess, fairy, pirate, super hero and rock star.
  
  

Crafts

• Give the birthday girl a craft kit she can use to exercise her creativity. Five-year-old children can enjoy simple jewelry making kits with snap-together beading, paint-by-numbers artwork or peel-and-stick decorating. Items they can personalize make great gifts for kids who are learning how to spell and write their names, so consider items such as a paint-your-own room sign or dinner plate.
  
  

Books

• Many children learn to read in kindergarten, and they enjoy books about kids their own age, animals and items they recognize from everyday life. Choose from picture books that tell a story and chapter books they will enjoy listening to as they learn reading skills, such as predicting outcomes. Look for chapter books that are available in series, which may start the birthday boy on a collection of books featuring his favorite character.
  
  

Electronics

• With computers in kindergarten classrooms and a home full of electronic devices, its no wonder many 5-year-olds are savvy enough to own their own gadgets. Miniature video gaming systems are available for this age range, along with games that are categorized as educational. Other electronic gadget ideas include a digital camera and MP3 player, both of which are available in child-friendly styles and designed to withstand rough handling.
  
  

Favorite Character Products

• Many 5-year-old children have a favorite character, whether it is the star of their favorite movie or television show. There are kid-friendly products available that bear the image of the birthday girl's beloved icon--choose from backpacks, apparel, bed linens and even umbrellas when shopping for a birthday gift that features a popular character.
  
  

Outdoor Play

• A new bike is a thrilling gift for any 5-year-old to receive. It is especially exciting if he has graduated from training wheels or has been learning to ride on his big brother's hand-me-down bicycle. Roller skates are another gift idea appropriate for the kid on the move. Other outdoor toys include sporting equipment, a backyard playhouse or a trampoline.