The Best 29 Toys and Gift Ideas For a 4-Year-Old in 2024
29 of the Best Gifts and Toys For 4-Year-Olds
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The ages of 3 to 5 are sometimes called the "magic years," and the age of 4 is smack dab in the middle. At 4, children are becoming more independent, using their mobility to exude a natural sense of wonder and desire to discover. Preschoolers are also more apt to share, making it the perfect age for playdates. It's also an age where children's specific and unique interests are formed.
So what can 4-year-olds play with during said playdates (or independently)? Fortunately, there are tons of toys for 4-year-olds that can encourage their imagination and help fine-tune motor skills through carefree, unstructured playtime.
To help parents and gift givers who are making holiday lists and checking them twice, we scoured retailers for top presents for 4-year-olds. Yes, toys, but also running shoes they'll want to wear on repeat, and a few sleep-related products their parents will love just as much as the child. As a mom and aunt, I've seen children's eyes light up from these products in real life. From Sesame Street to STEM toys that make at-home learning a blast, these are the best toys and gifts for 4-year-olds this year.
1 Best Art Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Skillmatics Sidewalk Chalk Activity Kit ($15)
This kit of 18 odorless, non-toxic chalk sticks is designed for creative outdoor play. It includes 15 original games and activities that promote strategic thinking and learning. Bonus: they are easy to clean.
2 Best Sesame Street Gift For 4-Year-Olds
ThinkFun Sesame Street Zingo! ($15)
Oscar, Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster are ready to play this Sesame Street-themed version of the popular Zingo! game. Kids will love playing this educational game with friends or family.
3 Best Socks Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Petit Maison Alice Lace Socks ($16)
Make dressing up more fun with these classic lace socks, which are very demure.
4 Best Bath Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Tubby Todd Bubble Bath ($17)
For splish splash in the bath, Tubby Todd bubble bath is hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
5 Best Card Game Gift 4-Year-Olds
Bright Littles Conversation Cards ($20)
This card pack, fun for both kids and parents, includes 100 questions and 25 activities. Created to provide a platform for children to understand the art of conversation, the pack has a diversity of topics with themes like "Family Time" and "Life Goals." With questions including: "if you're having a bad day, what can you do to feel better?" and "how can we be good neighbors?," these prompts are a meaningful addition to any family game night.
6 Best Water Bottle Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Camelbak Eddy Water bottle ($24)
Durable, insulated, leak-proof when closed and spill-proof when open, these water bottles are my go-to for my kids. With so many fun designs to choose from, everything from unicorns to biking dogs, these bottles will secure a valued position in their school backpack.
7 Best STEM Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Wondery Kids The Ultimate HIGH-Flying AIR Rocket ($25)
This STEM gift introduces the laws of physics and air pressure through a rocket kit. Perfect for the future rocket scientist.
8 Best Makeup Gift for 4-Year-Olds
Petite 'N Pretty 9021 Glow! Eye and Cheek Makeup Palette ($26)
For the child who's already dabbled in their parent's makeup bag, this non-toxic palette of their own is easy and fun to apply. It's dermatologist-, ophthalmologist-, and pediatrician-approved. I recently gave this to my niece who was over-the-moon excited when she opened it.
9 Best Drawing Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Bluey x Camp Heeler Family Car Doodler ($28)
This mess-free Bluey drawing toy is perfect for road trips.
10 Best Headphones Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Alpine Muffy Baby ($35)
Life gets loud. The Alpine Muffy Baby is designed to protect your little one's sensitive hearing from louder noises. It's a thoughtful gift to have on hand for the curious preschooler who may be attending their first sporting event, music performance, or fair.
11 Best Polly Pocket Gift For For 4-Year-Olds
Polly Pocket Portable Boat Playset ($39)
All aboard the Unicorn Dream Cruise. Children will love to fill the top pool with water to activate the rain feature and change the color of Polly's swimsuit. Guaranteed vacation vibes all year round.
12 Best Shirt Gift For For 4-Year-Olds
Cotopaxi Tapir Long-Sleeve Tech Tee ($40)
This lightweight long sleeve has UPF to keep their skin protected.
13 Best Book Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Slumberkins Bigfoot Snuggler & 2 Board Books Complete Set Bundle ($49)
Slumberkins was created by two moms to help children discover a world of feelings. Designed to support self-esteem, Bigfoot helps children learn self-confidence and reminds them they are kind, strong, and that the world is better with them in it. The story is sure to be a favorite of caregivers as well. A few other Slumberkins that are loved by the kids in my life are: Visual Schedule and Routines Set ($53 originally $88) and Feelings Adventure Board Game ($30).
14 Best Baking Set Gift For 4-Year-Olds
KiwiCo Bake-a-Cake Stand Mixer ($50)
Who knew baking and fractions was a dream combo? This pretend play set from KiwiCo encourages children to divide and count the ingredients and then match them with the recipe cards.
15 Best Pajama Set Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Petit Plume Kid's Twill Pajama Set in Antique Red Ticking ($58)
Never too young for luxury sleepwear.
16 Best Hat Gift For For 4-Year-Olds
Lack of Color Kids Wave Bucket Hat ($59)
PS editors rave about Lack of Color hats. For a mommy-and-me gift that's both stylish and practical, look no further than a Lack of Color bucket. Sun protection has never looked so cute.
17 Best Sweater Gift for 4-Year-Olds
Pink Chicken Apples Sweater ($59, originally $98)
If school picture day is on the horizon, this apple sweater will have them looking sweet and sharp.
18 Best Magnetic Play System Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Clixo Rainbow 42 Piece Pack ($60)
Clixo's magnetic pieces have flexible shapes so kids can click, snap, fold and flex them into endless creations. Designed for on-the-go fun, they are lightweight and easy to pack for playdates and trips. These are a hit with kids in my family.
19 Best Pillow Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Astro Kids Pillow + Bonus Pillowcase ($60)
I recently tried out a few pillows for my son, and this was his pick for most comfortable. The Astro Kids pillow is soft and has conforming support to help sculpt itself to the child's shape. I also noticed he's sleeping better since using it.
20 Best Doll Gift For 4-Year-Olds
American Girl WellieWishers Kendall 14.5" Doll ($65)
American Girl dolls tend to be loved for years to come (seriously, don't we all know at least a few millennials who still have their collection more than 20 years later?) The WellieWisher collection is designed for children as young as 4 years old. Kendall loves to be creative and turn upcycled objects into art for her friends.
21 Best Portable Mattress Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Barbie and Funboy Kids Air Mattress ($67, originally $80)
This portable mattress is perfect for their first sleepover at a grandparents' or to take on a family vacation.
22 Best Audio Player Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Yoto Mini ($70)
This screen-free speaker is perfect for trips, play dates, and on-the-go. I recently used it on an international trip with my son, and it was our MVP no-screen product. With more than 1,000 card options, including Make Your Own cards where you can record your own audio, this is a gift that will provide entertainment for years to come.
23 Best Magnetic Tiles Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Connetix Rainbow Square Pack, 42 Pieces ($75)
Connetix tiles provide hours of open-ended play as children build patterns, towers, and anything they can imagine. They present an opportunity to lay a foundation for imaginative play and STEM skills. These tiles are BPA-, lead-, and phthalates-free.
24 Best Shoe Gift For 4-Year-Olds
On Cloud Play Shoes ($100)
PS Editors love On running shoes, and now, kids can test their stride in one of On's best-selling styles. Keep their feet safe and supported as they sprint. Kids will love the no-lace system.
25 Best Jacket Gift for 4-Year-Olds
The North Face Denali Jacket ($120)
Keep the tiny explorer warm on their excursions with this durable, water-repellant jacket.
26 Best Subscription Box Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Lovevery Playkit ($120)
Lovevery's development toys are a top pick of PS editors. The Connector Playkit is a standout among their subscription sets. From a STEM-based microscope to a routine-building board, this set of toys helps foster a child's independence and allows them to practice flexible thinking.
27 Best Open-Ended Play Gift For 4-Year-Olds
Stapelstein Original Rainbow ($229)
One of the most used-toys for my son, these durable stones come in handy for sitting, jumping, drumming, and spinning. When not in use, they can be stacked vertically so they don't take up too much floor space.
28 Best Indoor Jungle Gym For 4-Year Olds
Avenlur Indoor Chestnut 8-in-1 Foldable Wooden Jungle Gym ($530, originally $700)
For the child who's always on the move, this indoor play set includes monkey bars, a climbing wall, and swing. They'll build strength, stability, balance, and motor skills along the way. Parents will love that it is foldable for easy storage. This is perfect when it's too cold (or hot) to even think about opening the door.
29 Best Mattress Gift for 4-Year-Olds
Helix Mattress for Kids ($600, originally $749)
Prior to becoming a parent of a pre-schooler, I would have thought spending over $700 on a mattress was excessive. Now, knowing how elusive sleep can be for children (and, as a result, their parents), I've changed my tune. On a practical level, this mattress is water-resistant, includes two sizes (2-to-7 and 8-and-up) for extended use, and is greenguard-certified. On a personal level, I recommend it because it feels as comfortable as a luxury grown-up bed. So, if the child in mind for this gift has noticed that their grown-up's bed is a lot more comfy than their own, this mattress may just help them sleep in their own bed again.
—Additional reporting by Beth Ann Mayer
Genevieve Farrell Roston (she/her) is an award-winning filmmaker and the director of fitness and wellness video at PS. She oversees the Webby-nominated PS Fit video series, which makes fitness fun and accessible. She has more than 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. A certified personal trainer, she loves running, Pilates, and rest days. As a mom of two, she is an avid reviewer of children's gear and products.
Beth Ann Mayer is a former PS contributor.
