8 Best Toys at Five Below 2026

Dive into poolside magic with the SwimWays Barbie Dive Characters 3-Pack—a splashy trifecta of fun that turns any swim session into an underwater treasure hunt. These soft, flexible dive sticks feature beloved Barbie fashion dolls in vibrant pool-ready outfits, each designed to sink slowly and stand upright on the pool floor, making them perfect for young divers mastering breath control. With bright, eye-catching colors, they’re easy to spot even in deep or shimmering water, solving the classic problem of lost toys and keeping kids engaged longer. For parents seeking toys that blend imaginative play with subtle skill-building, this set delivers on both fronts.

In real-world use, these dive toys shine during family pool parties or swim lessons, where kids can race to retrieve them or play “Barbie Says” underwater games. Measuring approximately 7 inches tall, they’re large enough to handle with small hands but compact for travel—toss them into a beach bag without taking up space. They perform well in both chlorinated pools and calm lake settings, though strong currents or rough waves may dislodge them easily. While they’re not weighted for deep dives, their buoyancy and flexibility make them safe and fun for beginners, though older kids might find the challenge level limited after repeated use.

Compared to the Marvel Spidey Dive Characters, the Barbie set leans more into creative role-play, appealing strongly to fans of fashion and storytelling. While Spidey’s trio offers superhero action, Barbie’s charm lies in her stylish flair and broad appeal to young girls who love dress-up and themes. Both are made by SwimWays and share similar durability and portability, but Barbie wins for themed pool parties centered around princesses or glamor. It’s a stronger pick than Spidey if your child thrives on character-driven play, even if the core mechanics are nearly identical.

Meet the tangle-free tornado of fun—NUTTY TOYS Parachute Men, a pocket-sized blast that launches excitement skyward with zero setup and endless replay value. Crafted from a single piece of durable nylon and BPA-free plastic, these flying toys defy knots and survive crash after crash, making them a parent-approved win for stress-free outdoor play. With just a fold, toss, and watch, kids trigger a mesmerizing spiral descent that sparks giggles and foot-chasing frenzy—perfect for breaking screen addiction and getting bodies moving. Their lightweight design and indoor-safe flight (with high ceilings or stairwells) make them a rare toy that works rain or shine.

We tested these in backyards, parks, and even a two-story foyer, and they consistently delivered smooth, predictable glides every time. The 6-inch parachute spans open instantly, and the weighted base ensures stable, straight drops—ideal for games like “catch the paratrooper” or timing landings. Durable enough for rough landings on concrete or grass, they’ve survived drops from balconies and trees without fraying. However, strong wind can carry them into hard-to-reach spots, so supervision is wise. While they don’t offer advanced features like lights or sounds, their simplicity is their strength, keeping kids engaged through pure physical play.

Priced lower than most Five Below finds, they outshine flashier options by focusing on pure, accessible fun—a stark contrast to the high-tech LED gliders in the lineup. Unlike battery-dependent toys, these require no charging or replacements, making them a low-maintenance, high-reward pick. They’re especially ideal for families with multiple kids or caregivers stocking up on party favors. Compared to the airplane launcher, they’re less about precision and more about open-ended play, making them a better fit for younger children or mixed-age groups. If you want maximum fun per dollar, these parachute men are a sky-high value.

Unleash mess-free creativity with the bravokids 10-inch LCD Writing Tablet—a sleek, no-mess doodle pad that transforms fleeting ideas into visible art with the press of a stylus. This pressure-sensitive screen delivers a smooth, paper-like drawing experience, and the one-click erase button wipes the slate clean instantly, eliminating the frustration of smudged markers or crumpled paper. At just 0.27 inches thick and under half a pound, it’s ultra-portable and perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, or quiet time at home. For parents battling crayon-covered walls, this tablet is a vision-protecting, clutter-killing hero that keeps imagination flowing.

In real-world testing, the tablet proved surprisingly responsive, capturing fine lines and bold scribbles alike without lag. Kids loved drawing animals, writing names, and playing tic-tac-toe, while parents appreciated the lock function that saves artwork for show-and-tell. The included lanyard prevents loss, and the 100,000+ erase cycle rating means it’ll last through years of use. It performs flawlessly in bright sunlight—unlike tablets or phones—making it ideal for outdoor use. However, the screen lacks backlighting, so low-light conditions limit visibility, and the stylus is small enough to misplace despite the tether.

Stacked against the airplane launcher or binoculars, this doodle board excels in quiet, focused play, offering a digital alternative without screen time. While flying toys dominate outdoor fun, this one wins for indoor calm and cognitive growth. It’s a smarter pick than disposable coloring books or apps for kids aged 3–8, especially those needing sensory-friendly tools. Compared to similar LCD pads, it stands out with its dual-pack value and ultra-slim design, giving more play for less space. For nurturing creativity without chaos, it’s unmatched.

Web-slinging underwater action comes alive with the SwimWays Marvel Spidey Dive Characters 3-Pack—where superhero fantasy meets poolside fitness in a trio of bold, buoyant dive sticks. Featuring Spidey, Spin, and Ghost-Spider, each character is molded with authentic Marvel graphics and soft, flexible material that’s gentle on little hands and pool floors. Their vivid reds, blues, and purples pop against any pool tile, making them easy to spot and retrieve—perfect for underwater scavenger hunts or swim drills disguised as play. For parents wanting to sneak in swim training, these toys make breath-holding and diving feel like heroic missions.

During testing, the figures sank slowly enough for young swimmers to track, and their stable base design kept them upright on flat surfaces, reducing frustration. At 7 inches tall, they’re easy to grasp, even with wet hands, and their lightweight build makes them safe for indoor pool games or lake play. They’re equally fun as pool party favors or travel toys—toss them in a bag with towels and go. However, in deeper pools or moving water, they can drift or tip over, and serious collectors might note the limited character variety compared to full action figures. Still, for pure aquatic engagement, they deliver.

Compared to the Barbie set, Spidey leans into adventure and motion, appealing to kids who love action over fashion. Both share the same high-quality construction and educational benefits, but Spidey’s superhero theme often draws a broader age range, including older boys. While Barbie wins for themed parties, Spidey dominates in active play scenarios where kids reenact underwater battles or rescue missions. It’s a stronger choice than Barbie if your child craves dynamic, high-energy fun—even if the core mechanics are identical.

Adventure starts here—the LET’S GO! Shockproof Binoculars aren’t just toys; they’re a passport to exploration, blending rugged durability with real educational value in a pint-sized package. With 4×30 magnification, these binoculars bring birds, trees, and distant playgrounds into clear view, while the included North American bird guide turns casual gazing into a learning game. The non-slip grip and neck strap ensure they stay in small hands, even during enthusiastic jungle expeditions or car-window safaris. For parents craving toys that inspire curiosity over screen time, these binoculars are a vision-guided gateway to nature.

We tested them on hikes, in backyards, and during road trips, and they consistently delivered sharp, stable images with minimal distortion. The focus wheel is smooth and kid-friendly, and the lightweight design (under 6 oz) means no neck strain, even during extended use. They survived drops on concrete and grass without damage, thanks to their shock-absorbing casing. The included canvas bag and lens cloth add practicality, making this a complete outdoor kit. However, low-light performance is limited—dawn or dusk viewing isn’t ideal—and the magnification won’t satisfy older kids used to adult models.

Pitted against the airplane launcher or parachute toys, these binoculars offer a quieter, more thoughtful kind of fun—perfect for nature lovers and budding scientists. While flying toys dominate action play, these excel in observational learning and patience-building. They’re the best overall pick because they grow with the child, serving toddlers and early elementary kids alike. Compared to other Five Below finds, they offer exceptional value through education and durability, making them a smarter long-term investment than single-use novelties.

Launch into sky-high thrills with the 3 Pack Airplane Launcher Toy—a dynamic flying set that combines DIY assembly, dual flight modes, and LED-lit night flights for nonstop outdoor excitement. Each 12.6-inch foam glider is lightweight yet durable, designed to fly up to 49 feet with a strong arm or the included catapult launcher. The real magic? Two flight modes: rotate for spirals, parallel for straight glides—offering kids a hands-on intro to aerodynamics. With bright LED lights, the fun doesn’t end at sunset, turning backyards into glowing flight zones. For families wanting to unplug and play, this set is a high-octane antidote to screen fatigue.

In real-world testing, the planes launched smoothly from the handheld catapult, achieving consistent distances on flat, open lawns. Kids loved experimenting with flight modes and chasing the light trails at dusk, while the easy snap-together design encouraged fine motor development. The foam construction survived crashes into trees and fences with minimal damage. However, wind easily disrupts flight paths, and the launcher requires two hands to operate, limiting solo play for younger kids. Assembly, while simple, may need adult help the first time.

Next to the parachute or binoculars, this toy delivers the most kinetic energy, ideal for high-energy kids who love motion and mechanics. It’s more complex than the parachute but less educational than the binoculars—perfect for active, hands-on play. Compared to other flying toys, it stands out with night visibility and dual modes, offering more variety than single-function gliders. While pricier than most Five Below picks, it delivers premium features in a budget frame, making it a standout for outdoor adventurers.

Step into the glamorous world of pretend play with the Topsolid Kids Makeup Kit—a compact, washable set that transforms little ones into mini makeup artists with zero parental stress. Packed with 18 pieces including lipsticks, eye shadows, blushes, and brushes, it’s a complete vanity in a handbag-style case that doubles as a dress-up prop. Everything is non-toxic, CPSIA-certified, and washes off with soap and water, so no stains on skin or clothes. For parents wary of messy beauty play, this kit is a controlled, creative outlet that nurtures imagination and fine motor skills.

In practice, the textures are soft and blendable, with the glitter eyeshadows and lip glosses being instant favorites. The mirror is large enough for self-application, and the brushes are child-sized for easy grip. Kids loved hosting “makeover parties” with siblings and dolls, while parents appreciated the compact, spill-proof design. It’s ideal for travel, sleepovers, or rainy-day play. However, the nail polishes require adult help to apply and remove, and the case, while cute, doesn’t lock—leading to accidental spills if dropped.

Compared to the Barbie dive toys or RC truck, this kit shines in social and emotional development, encouraging role-play, empathy, and self-expression. While other toys focus on action or skill, this one builds confidence and creativity through storytelling. It’s the best pick for kids who love princesses, fashion, or helping “mom get ready.” Even though it’s not tech-driven, it outperforms in imaginative depth, making it a richer play experience than many flashier options. For nurturing soft skills through fun, it’s unmatched.

Feel the rumble with the Monster Jam Grave Digger RC Truck—a pint-sized powerhouse that delivers realistic stunts, turbo boost, and ramp-crashing action in a 1:64 scale beast. Equipped with a 2.4 GHz dual-joystick controller, it offers precise steering and a 100-foot range, letting kids race up to six trucks at once without signal clash. The USB-rechargeable battery eliminates constant AA replacements, and the included ramp turns any floor into a demolition arena. With authentic oversized tires and graphics, it’s a die-hard fan favorite that brings arena energy home.

We tested it on carpet, hardwood, and grass, and it handled all with impressive torque and stability. The turbo boost launches it into mid-air flips off the ramp, and the sturdy ABS plastic survived repeated crashes. The controller is intuitive for ages 3+, though younger kids may need help with coordination. It performs best on smooth, open surfaces—thick rugs slow it down. While the battery life is solid (about 20–30 minutes), charging takes 60–90 minutes, so a second battery would extend play.

Next to the airplane launcher or binoculars, this RC truck wins on instant excitement and sensory engagement—lights, motion, and sound (via imagination) combine for high replay value. It’s more interactive than the parachute or doodle pad, though less educational. Compared to other RC toys at Five Below, it stands out with official licensing and ramp inclusion, offering a complete playset in one box. While pricier, it delivers premium features and durability, making it a top-tier pick for action-loving kids.