Shopping for the perfect gift for a four-year-old can be a joyful yet sometimes overwhelming experience. At this age, children are bursting with curiosity, imagination, and energy. They are transitioning from toddlers to preschoolers, developing more complex play patterns, and solidifying their individual preferences. To help you navigate the world of toys and gifts, we’ve consulted early childhood education experts and sifted through countless customer reviews to bring you a curated list of top gifts for four-year-olds that are sure to spark joy and foster development.
Four-year-olds are captivated by storytelling, imaginative play, and exploring the world around them. This is a time when their pretend play becomes more elaborate, and they begin to understand narratives, differentiating between fantasy and reality. They are also becoming increasingly social, learning to share and play collaboratively with friends as they navigate preschool and kindergarten environments.
According to Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, “They tend to have clear preferences on what they like or want to do.” Marie Conti, head of The Wetherill School, adds that “Their pretend play is a little more complicated as they come to understand narratives and differentiate between fantasy and reality.” This makes gifts like dress-up clothes, outdoor toys, and STEM gadgets particularly appealing, as they encourage exploration and imaginative scenarios.
Our selection of unique gifts for four-year-olds is designed to engage both their minds and bodies, ensuring hours of enriching fun.
Bestselling Gifts for 4-Year-Olds
Barbie Skipper’s First Job Target Doll
Barbie Skippers First Job Target Doll
Skipper’s First Job Target Doll – $22.99
For children who are fascinated by retail play, the Barbie Skipper’s First Job Target Doll is an excellent choice. This playset taps into the familiar Target shopping experience, complete with a cash register, shopping basket, play food items, and a reusable shopping bag. It’s a fantastic addition to any pretend play town, encouraging imaginative scenarios and role-playing.
Mini Explorer Voice Changer
Voice ChangerMini Explorer Voice Changer – $24.99
Unleash laughter and creative vocal expression with the Mini Explorer Voice Changer. This rechargeable toy features five voice-altering settings, including monster, alien, robot, and ghost voices, along with a regular microphone function. It’s perfect for playful kids who enjoy adding a fun twist to their interactions and imaginative games.
Crayola Less Mess Painting Activity Kit
Less Mess Painting Activity Kit
Crayola Less Mess Painting Activity Kit – $24.99
For artistic exploration without the worry of spills, the Crayola Less Mess Painting Activity Kit is an ideal choice. This kit features innovative spill-proof paint, along with washable paint sticks, stencils, stickers, and more. It’s a comprehensive art set that allows four-year-olds to create freely while minimizing mess for parents.
Kinetic Sand Mermaid Palace Playset
Mermaid Palace PlaysetKinetic Sand Mermaid Palace Playset – $35.02
Bring the sensory fun of the beach indoors with the Kinetic Sand Mermaid Palace Playset. This portable sandbox allows children to engage in tactile play at home. Featuring three types of kinetic sand and shaping tools, it’s perfect for mermaid enthusiasts to build their own underwater sandcastles and explore textures.
Learning Resources Coding Critters
Coding CrittersLearning Resources Coding Critters – $45.99
Introduce early coding concepts in a playful way with Learning Resources Coding Critters. This set includes 22 interactive pieces that allow children to program a cute creature to perform actions like fetching and playing hide-and-seek. It’s a fun and engaging way to develop problem-solving skills and early STEM understanding.
Learning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew
Switcheroo Coding CrewLearning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew – $63.99
Another excellent screen-free coding option is the Learning Resources Switcheroo Coding Crew. This STEM set encourages children to solve coding missions and discover hidden tricks. It’s designed to be entertaining while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving without relying on screens.
Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds
Learning Resources Mini Muffin Phonics Activity Set
Mini Muffin Phonics Activity Set
Learning Resources Mini Muffin Phonics Activity Set – $18.89
Prepare your four-year-old for kindergarten with the engaging Learning Resources Mini Muffin Phonics Activity Set. This muffin-themed set makes learning phonics fun and interactive. Children will develop vocabulary and phonics skills through play, focusing on sounds and syllables.
Dynamo Wooden Domino Set
Wooden Domino SetDynamo Wooden Domino Set – $19.80
The Dynamo Wooden Domino Set offers hours of classic play with a twist. This set of over 100 pieces includes bells and other accessories to enhance domino creations. It’s an excellent tool for developing engineering skills, spatial awareness, and an understanding of balance.
Mag-Genius Magnet Tiles
Magnet TilesMag-Genius Magnet Tiles – $19.99
Foster creativity and spatial reasoning with Mag-Genius Magnet Tiles. These 3D magnetic tiles allow children to build various structures, from skyscrapers to abstract designs. Playing with these tiles helps develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register – $27.99
Make learning about money and math fun with the Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register. This toy combines pretend play with basic math skills. It includes play money, coins, a credit card, and an activity guide, making it a valuable tool for early financial literacy.
Best Play Sets for 4-Year-Olds
Lego Classic Creative Brick Box
Classic Creative Brick BoxLego Classic Creative Brick Box – $24.88
A timeless gift that encourages endless creativity is the Lego Classic Creative Brick Box. With hundreds of Lego pieces in various colors and shapes, this set is a perfect starting point for any four-year-old’s Lego journey. It promotes creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.
Toyk Dinosaur World Road Race
Dinosaur World Road RaceToyk Dinosaur World Road Race – $26.99
Combine dinosaurs and vehicles with the popular Toyk Dinosaur World Road Race. This bestselling toy train set features flexible tracks, dinosaur figures, and vehicles, allowing children to create their own prehistoric adventures. Its easy setup and lasting appeal make it a hit with both kids and parents.
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set
Squigz Starter SetFat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set – $28.99
Add suction-cup fun to playtime with the Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set. These silicone pieces with innovative suction construction can be stuck to almost any surface, making them great for bath time and general play. They help develop motor skills, problem-solving, and creative building.
Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set
Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set
Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set – $35.49
Encourage outdoor exploration and learning with the Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set. This set allows children to observe the butterfly life cycle firsthand, from caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. It’s a fantastic educational experience that connects them with nature.
Hot Wheels City Transforming T-Rex Ultimate Hauler
City Transforming T-Rex Ultimate Hauler
Hot Wheels City Transforming T-Rex Ultimate Hauler – $68.98
For Hot Wheels enthusiasts, the Hot Wheels City Transforming T-Rex Ultimate Hauler is a thrilling gift. This toy doubles as a car carrier and a T-Rex playset, complete with sounds and a racetrack tail. It’s a fun way to organize a Hot Wheels collection and provides exciting play scenarios.
Lovevery Planner Play Kit
The Planner Play KitLovevery Planner Play Kit – $120.00
Introduce the concept of time and planning with the Lovevery Planner Play Kit. This subscription service delivers age-appropriate toys every three months, with this particular kit designed to help four-year-olds practice thinking ahead and understanding schedules. It’s a thoughtful gift for developmental learning.
Barbie Dreamhouse
Barbie Dreamhouse 2023Barbie Dreamhouse – $179.99
The iconic Barbie Dreamhouse continues to be a dream gift for many four-year-olds. This latest version features 10 play areas, a pool with a slide, and a pet palace. With 75 pieces included, it offers extensive opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling with Barbie dolls.
Best Arts and Crafts and Creative Toys for 4-Year-Olds
Crayola Tie-Dye Chalk Eggs
Tie-Dye Chalk EggsCrayola Tie-Dye Chalk Eggs – $10.77
Get kids creating outdoors with Crayola Tie-Dye Chalk Eggs. These chalk eggs produce vibrant, psychedelic patterns with each stroke, adding an exciting twist to sidewalk art. They’re a fun way to encourage outdoor play and artistic expression, and are easily washable for parental peace of mind.
Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks
Chunkies Paint SticksOoly Chunkies Paint Sticks – $12.95
Enjoy mess-free painting with Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks. These portable paint sticks require no water and are easy for small hands to manage. They provide all the fun of painting without the spills and cleanup, making them perfect for on-the-go creativity.
Crayola 5-in-1 Dinosaur Creativity Kit
5-in-1 Dinosaur Creativity Kit
Crayola 5-in-1 Dinosaur Creativity Kit – $13.49
Dinosaur-loving kids will adore the Crayola 5-in-1 Dinosaur Creativity Kit. This set is packed with coloring pages, origami paper, pop-up story pages, crayons, and markers, all themed around dinosaurs. It’s a comprehensive kit to spark imagination and artistic expression through various crafts.
Best Active Toys for 4-Year-Olds
My Sweet Love Umbrella Stroller for Dolls
Umbrella Stroller for DollsMy Sweet Love Umbrella Stroller for Dolls – $11.97
Encourage nurturing play with the My Sweet Love Umbrella Stroller for Dolls. This lightweight, foldable stroller allows four-year-olds to role-play caring for their dolls, just like parents do. It fits dolls up to 18 inches and is perfect for imaginative walks and outings.
Target Toy Shopping Cart
Target Toy Shopping CartTarget Toy Shopping Cart – $19.99
Let kids join in on shopping fun with the Target Toy Shopping Cart. Inspired by real Target carts, it even includes play grocery items like milk and ice cream. It also features a beverage holder for a pretend coffee cup, completing the shopping experience.
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Rocket
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow RocketStomp Rocket Jr. Glow Rocket – $22.67
Encourage outdoor activity with the Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Rocket. This toy gets kids moving as they stomp to launch glow-in-the-dark rockets into the air. It’s a screen-free, active toy that’s a shopper favorite and promotes physical activity and outdoor play.
Little Tikes Trampoline
TrampolineLittle Tikes Trampoline – $69.99
For indoor or outdoor fun and exercise, the Little Tikes Trampoline is a perfect gift for four-year-olds. This three-foot trampoline includes a handlebar for added stability, allowing kids to safely jump and burn energy. It’s a great way to keep them active and entertained.
Best Games and Puzzles for 4-Year-Olds
Melissa & Doug Classic Card Game Set
Classic Card Game SetMelissa & Doug Classic Card Game Set – $8.79
Introduce family game night with the Melissa & Doug Classic Card Game Set. This set includes child-friendly versions of Old Maid, Go Fish!, and Animal Rummy. These simple games are perfect for introducing four-year-olds to game rules and family fun.
Skillmatics Found It! Scavenger Card Game
Found It! Scavenger Card GameSkillmatics Found It! Scavenger Card Game – $14.97
Make learning an adventure with the Skillmatics Found It! Scavenger Card Game. Designed for ages 4-7, this game turns everyday surroundings into a scavenger hunt. It helps develop observation skills as children search for objects matching the cards, making it a great stocking stuffer.
Skillmatics Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom
Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom
Skillmatics Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom – $14.97
Nurture curiosity and problem-solving with Skillmatics Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom. This card game encourages children to ask questions to guess the animal on the card. It requires no reading and comes with a storage box, making it another excellent educational stocking stuffer.
ThinkFun Zingo Bingo
Zingo BingoThinkFun Zingo Bingo – $15.39
Introduce game rules with ThinkFun Zingo Bingo. This simplified bingo game is perfect for pre-readers and early readers, using clear images and easy words. It’s a fun way for four-year-olds to learn about game structure and matching, suitable for family play.
Petit Collage Floor Puzzle
Floor PuzzlePetit Collage Floor Puzzle – $18.00
Enhance hand-eye coordination and problem-solving with the Petit Collage Floor Puzzle. Designed for little hands, this jumbo puzzle is made from environmentally friendly materials like recycled paper and vegetable-based inks. It provides a large, engaging activity for preschoolers.
Best Pretend Play for 4-Year-Olds
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars
GeoSafari Jr. KidnocularsEducational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars – $9.69
Fuel exploration and curiosity with Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars. These binoculars are designed for young children, making it easy for them to explore the world up close, whether indoors or outdoors. They encourage an interest in nature and observation skills.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Cookie Bake Set
Wooden Cookie Bake SetMelissa & Doug Wooden Cookie Bake Set – $21.97
Sweeten playtime with the Melissa & Doug Wooden Cookie Bake Set. This set includes sliceable cookies, toppings, and baking utensils, allowing children to engage in pretend baking and serving. It’s a delightful way to learn about kitchen safety and role-play culinary scenarios.
Casdon Toys Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum
Dyson Ball Toy ReplicaCasdon Toys Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum – $23.08
For little helpers, the Casdon Toys Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum is a perfect pretend play gift. This toy replica of a Dyson vacuum features realistic details like a twist-and-turn ball and clear cylinder. It allows children to mimic household tasks and engage in practical life role-play.
Melissa and Doug Super Smile Dentist Play Kit
Super Smile Dentist KitMelissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Play Kit – $28.95
Ease dentist visit anxieties with the Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Play Kit. This set includes pretend dental tools, teeth, and accessories, allowing children to role-play as dentists. It helps them become familiar with dental instruments and promotes imaginative health-related play.
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set
Pet Vet Play SetMelissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set – $29.49
Animal lovers will enjoy the Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set. This kit comes with stuffed animals and pretend vet tools like a stethoscope and thermometer. It allows children to role-play as veterinarians, caring for their animal patients and fostering empathy and responsibility.
Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter
Wooden Ice Cream CounterMelissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter – $43.35
Perfect for restaurant and food-themed pretend play, the Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter is a delightful choice. This set includes ice cream scoops, cones, toppings, and a counter, allowing children to scoop and serve their favorite pretend desserts. It encourages social interaction and imaginative play.
All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape
Wooden DollhouseAll Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape – $119.99
For extensive imaginative play, the All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape is a wonderful investment. This sturdy, three-story dollhouse features open design and includes furniture and accessories. Its spacious layout and fun details like a slide offer ample room for solo or collaborative play.
Best Dolls and Stuffed Animals for 4-Year-Olds
Squishmallow Hugmee Bluey Plush
Hugmees Bluey PlushSquishmallow Hugmee Bluey Plush – $9.99
Offer cuddly comfort with the Squishmallow Hugmee Bluey Plush. This soft, huggable stuffed toy is perfect for four-year-olds who love plush companions. It’s ideal for relaxation at home, movie nights, or as a comforting travel buddy.
Tee Turtle Reversible Axolotl Plushie
Reversible Axolotl PlushieTee Turtle Reversible Axolotl Plushie – $13.29
Help children explore emotions with the Tee Turtle Reversible Axolotl Plushie. This plush toy flips inside out to show different moods – happy and angry. It’s a fun and visual way for four-year-olds to learn about and express their feelings.
Warmies Weighted Sloth
Weighted SlothWarmies Weighted Sloth – $28.95
Provide soothing comfort with the Warmies Weighted Sloth. This plush toy can be microwaved for warmth or frozen for cooling relief, lasting for hours. Scented with real dried French lavender, it offers anxiety relief and sensory comfort, making it a calming gift.
Slumberkins Yak Kin
Yak KinSlumberkins Yak Kin – $54.00
Promote emotional growth with the Slumberkins Yak Kin. Each Slumberkins plush comes with a story to support emotional development. The Yak Kin focuses on self-acceptance and includes board books and affirmation cards, making it an educational and comforting gift.
Healthy Roots Gaïana Doll
Healthy Roots DollHealthy Roots Gaïana Doll – $79.99
Celebrate diversity and hair care education with the Healthy Roots Gaïana Doll. Designed with curly hair in mind, this doll features washable and styleable hair, teaching children about different hair textures and promoting self-love and representation.
Best Books for 4-Year-Olds
“The Sour Grape,” by Jory John and Pete Oswald
The Sour Grape“The Sour Grape” – $9.99
From the popular “food group” series, “The Sour Grape” explores themes of forgiveness and letting go of grudges. This book follows Grape’s journey to realizing that negativity isn’t fun, offering a sweet and insightful story for young readers.
“The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
The Three Billy Goats Gruff“The Three Billy Goats Gruff” – $11.77
This modern retelling of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” brings humor and absurdity to the classic fairytale. It’s an engaging and funny book that captures the attention of four-year-olds, making reading enjoyable and entertaining.
“Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness,” by Maria Gianferrari and Pete Oswald
Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness
“Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness” – $12.99
Introduce mindfulness to children with “Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness.” This book encourages kids to live in the moment, featuring a guided breathing exercise. It’s a gentle introduction to mindfulness practices in a kid-friendly way.
“Luna’s Green Pet,” by Kirsten Pendreigh and Carmen Mok
Luna's Green Pet“Luna’s Green Pet” – $17.99
“Luna’s Green Pet” tells a creative story about pet ownership and problem-solving. When Luna can’t have a pet, she adopts a plant named Stephanie. This book highlights ingenuity and includes instructions for caring for a plant pet, appealing to both children and parents.
“Knight Owl,” by Christopher Denise
Knight Owl“Knight Owl” – $19.99
“Knight Owl” is a charming story about determination and kindness. Despite his small size, Owl dreams of being a knight and uses his smarts and gentle nature to overcome challenges, even facing a dragon. It’s a heartwarming tale of bravery and cleverness.
Choosing the right gifts for four-year-olds involves understanding their developmental stage and interests. This guide provides a diverse range of top gifts that are not only fun but also contribute to their learning and growth. From educational toys to creative art supplies, active play items, engaging games, and heartwarming books, there’s something here to delight every four-year-old and make gift-giving a rewarding experience.
