31 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds
Parents say these are the best gifts for 4-year-olds, perfect for hours of fun well after Christmas or the birthday is over! We're sharing games for preschoolers that you'll play over and over, creative and versatile toys, and more favorites to inspire imagination and active play. Toys for this age group can get used for years, so check our lists for 3-year-olds and 5-year-olds too.
What makes Upparent gift lists unique? The gift ideas for 4-year-olds that you see here are submitted by regular parents in our community. You won't find a one-size-fits-all list compiled by an editor, or recommendations that seem legit but are actually paid for by brands. We're just sharing the toys and gifts that our 4-year-olds have gotten and loved, that we've discovered and are excited to give, or that are on the wish list. Help us build a list of imaginative, creative and educational gifts for 4-year-olds by adding your picks and reviews below!
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Marble Genius Marble Run
Age 4+
Marble runs are wonderful educational building toys for kids of all ages, with endless possibilities for creating structures of all sizes. The connectors in this Marble Genius set fit together snugly, ensuring a stable structure, and are easy for kids to put together.
Micro Mini Scooter
Age 2-5
Kelly R: The 3-wheel design of this scooter is perfect for younger kids who are still working on balance. No turning required - just lean the handles to steer.
Magna-Tiles
Age 3+
Tim Ponisciak: These magnetic building toys for kids are endless fun. Kids can try to make what they see pictured on the box, or they can let their imaginations run wild and build anything they can dream! This set comes with a lot of pieces so it is a good toy that can be shared by multiple kids.
Hoot Owl Hoot!
Age 4+ (2-4 players)
Jaclyn Keifer: My son is 5 and we love playing this together. I appreciate that this is a cooperative game and he’s learning that in this game, we work together to win!
Melissa & Doug Police Officer Costume
Age 3+
Erin P.: Melissa & Doug makes a lot of great costumes which come in handy on many a rainy or snowy day. It is great fun to see just how observant children truly are once they start playing doctor, police officer, fire chief or construction worker. These costumes are great gifts for 4 year olds with a big imagination.
Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!
Age 3+
This popular line of construction toys for kids includes colorful gears, axles, bases, and other building elements that can be combined to create a variety of moving machines and structures. They make excellent STEM toys for toddlers.
Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Cone Play Set
Age 3+
Vanessa M.: Scoop up some fun with this adorable ice cream play set. This toy has been in our family for over a year and still gets played with almost daily! I love that it comes with two scoopers and two cones; this makes it a great toy for 4 year olds to share with a friend. Magnets inside the scooper and ice cream make it easy for little hands to assemble their ice cream cones. I'll take a double scoop, please!
Match It! Spelling Puzzle
Age 4+
Chrissy OGorman: A great activity for when your child is ready to start learning how to read and spell simple 3 and 4 letter words.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
Age 3+
Vanessa M.: This is one of the best games for preschoolers (and their grownups) because it is easy to learn and each game plays quickly. The little squirrel and all the game pieces are also too cute for words! Spin to collect acorns, but watch out for Squirrel Storms that blow your acorns back to the tree, and also keep an eye out for that Sneaky Squirrel who likes to steal acorns!
Melissa & Doug Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles in a Box
Age 3+
Kristy Pepping: My 4 year old loves puzzles. The hard part about this age is that they are too old for the pieces that go back into a cut-out board, and they are too young for puzzles with tiny pieces. These Melissa & Doug puzzles are nice gifts for 4 year olds and perfect for this age group. They come with four puzzles that each contain 12 pieces. Kids can use the top of the box for constructing the puzzles. Choose from several different puzzle themes like construction, dinosaurs, princesses and more.
Kidoozie Foam Pogo Jumper
Age 4+
Chrissy OGorman: A great introduction to pogo sticks for your 4 year old. This can provide them with a great fun chance to work on their balance and eye-hand coordination. It can be used as an indoor or outdoor toy for hours of fun.
Pop Up Soccer Goals
Age 2+
Tim Ponisciak: These transportable goals are fun gifts for 4 year olds who are just getting started with the sport. There are different sizes depending on your child's ability level. They are also small enough to be used inside if you have a room safe from breakables!
Grimm's Large Rainbow Stacker
Age 1+
Jennie Utsinger: This gorgeous hand-carved rainbow offers endless play possibilities. It's one of those perfect versatile toys for 4 year olds, but delights kids of all ages - and grownups too! Balance the pieces on top of each other, create bridges for cars, rock your dolls, or practice your colors.
Butterfly Growing Kit
Age 4+
C. Wal: Exploring the life cycle of the butterfly will be a fun science experiment that is not quickly forgotten. Note that live butterflies will need to be released into a mild climate outdoors, so this is not a year-round gift for areas that experience all seasons. The container and tools can be reused with additional purchases of new caterpillars.
Primary photo: Umanoide on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.