Need help with simple LED circuit for Arduino

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

I am attempting to make a nightlight project for my kids. Program isn't an issue, but the electronics side of things are over my head right this second.

I understand that the Arduino Uno by itself cannot drive a light of any wattage. The light that I purchased as a nightlight for the kids is 5V 5W (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PY0GD4S/).

Can someone tell me the transistor I would need to be able to drive this light and potentially dim it as well?

Thanks,
Randal Stout

2

The light that I purchased as a nightlight for the kids is 5V 5W

So 5V at 5W is a current of 1A. I suggest you use a power FET for this.
Something like this N-channel power MOSFET [30V / 60A] : ID 355 : $2.25 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits

3

It may not have been a good choice. At 5W it will be much too bright as a nightlight. If you could dim it, you could control the light level, fading down at bedtime and up in the morning. But it is not clear if that can be done with the lamp you have chosen. It is not sold for that purpose and may not be compatible with pwm dimming. You will have to experiment.