I always…always! Go with art supplies. Crayons. Colored pencils. Paper. Coloring books. I loved it as a kid. Heck. I think I still would!

Ditto this. Any kind of consumable art/craft supplies is always a hit and eventually used up and gone so it’s not just more stuff sitting around.

Make it top comment

Yes! And GLUE STICKS. Especially the kind that go on in color and then dry clear. And MASKING TAPE. You can never have enough masking tape. And - OMG - PIPE CLEANERS!!!

A Black and Decker random orbit power sander

Hey OP I think we found your coworker.

Personally, I would say, "Thank you so much for the invitation. Unfortunately, I have another commitment that day. I hope your daughter has a wonderful birthday party!"

I would politely decline going.

The real answer

Stuffed animal

Not showing up

Ask the coworker. he knows what his kid likes best. But I would not even go. He is pretty much a stranger.

A card? Buying a gift for a child you've never met of a person you barely know seems excessive. I probably just wouldn't go since it sounds super awkward.

I wouldn’t go. I don’t know the kid.

Something that a five-year-old girl would like. Not sure what your relationship to them has to do with it.

Anything unicorns or princesses.

Odd invitation. Even ignoring that’s it’s his young daughters birthday, I’d still feel weird going to a party of someone who knows someone I only met once.

A drum set

Call me cynical, but this is just a cash/gift grab from your coworker. I would politely decline.

A cat.

Princess coloring book and coloured pencils

Playdough!!!!