Things 4 year olds like

The 26 Best Gifts for 4-Year-Olds of 2022

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1. Gifts
2. Gifts for Babies and Kids

By

Kelly Glass and Wirecutter Staff

Updated November 22, 2022

UpdatedNov 2022

Updates

Many 4-year-olds are learning to master their environments—and to negotiate boundaries, push limits, and question everything. Some of the best gifts for 4-year-olds engage their endless curiosity, rapidly developing physical skills, and desire to understand everything around them.

Early STEM toys—those that help develop skills related to science, technology, engineering, and math—allow preschoolers to experiment with the strength, size, and shape of objects, and to explore cause and effect (hopefully without breaking too many things). Along with classic wooden blocks, building toys that feature magnets, gears, curves, and wheels allow 4-year-olds to problem-solve independently.

Jena Olson, who was the president of the STEM educational nonprofit Kid Spark Education at the time of our interview, emphasizes other, lesser-known skills that STEM toys can help preschoolers develop: “Children learn language and cooperation,” she said. “They refine their physical skills, including fine motor skills, as they push and pull pieces apart.” Gifts that encourage art and creativity, as well as games and movement toys that allow for silly and energetic play, are also great choices for kids of this age. (You may have noticed that STEAM—which adds an emphasis on the arts to STEM’s existing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—has been picking up, ahem, steam over recent years.)

We relied on the advice of Olson and Ann Kienzle of Play toys in Chicago, as well as that of parents and other caregivers on our staff, to identify memorable and engaging gifts for 4-year-olds. Many gifts for kids are appropriate for a range of ages. If you’re looking for more kids gift ideas, check out our guides to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, and 10-year-olds, as well as crowd-pleasing stocking stuffers for kids. We also have guides to gifts for tweens and teens. (Just remember, since kids develop at different rates, all age recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt.) And please share your own best ideas in the comments below.

Under $20

A bouncy seat

The Waliki Hopper offers joyful bouncing for kids who have energy to spare—and it doubles as a comfy seat for those who like or need to wiggle and rock even when they’re sitting still. For my oldest son, who has autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, the Waliki Hopper served as a sensory-friendly seat for story time and more, allowing him to rock and bounce to stay alert and focused well into his middle-school years. Constructed of thick rubber, the Hopper is more durable than a yoga ball, which is typically made from vinyl; our Hopper has withstood years of indoor and outdoor use. A hand pump is included. The Hopper comes in six colors as well as plush-covered versions, and there are four sizes (the 18-inch Hopper is best for 4-year-olds).

—Kelly Glass

Dino rescue

Around the age of 4, many kids can really listen to, understand, and follow simple game instructions, said Keewa Nurullah, owner of the Chicago children’s shop Kido. To play Dinosaur Escape, players roll the die to reveal either a number or a volcano. The former moves the player’s dinosaur in any direction on the board, while the latter adds one piece to the five-piece volcano at the board’s center. As young dinosaur experts know, volcanoes are bad news for dinos. The object of the game is to get the dinosaurs to safety without completing the volcano—or being run back to the start by a T. rex token.

—Kelly Glass

Cold comfort

My aunt is an elementary school teacher, and she always manages to find the gifts that delight my kids the most, like this pretend ice cream maker. The Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Drizzy Ice Cream Playset lets my children live out their sundae fantasies—from lemon ice cream with gummy worms to a rainbow unicorn concoction with sprinkles. They push the Play-Doh through a lever to create creamy swirls, while the 31 molds on the contraption’s side produce faux candies, sprinkles, cherries, gummy bears, and other toppings. Squirting the alarmingly realistic strawberry and chocolate drizzle—pretend syrup goo—from the squeeze bottles is especially fun. (Don’t worry—it’s all washable.) Tulip-shaped serving cups are included, along with two spoons and a pair of recipe cards. The set also comes with six containers of Play-Do. It’s gotten so much use, though, that we’ve purchased replacements (any Play-Doh will do, but we’ve noticed that the fresher stuff works best). I’ll admit that this machine is a little clunky—it’s about the size of my forearm—so I stash it (along with all the accouterments) in a bin between sessions. But considering what a crowd-pleaser this has been, it more than earns its keep.

—Lara Rabinovitch

What a charade

When you have a wide range of ages to entertain, nothing beats a good old-fashioned round of Charades. Granted, you don’t need anything more than your imagination (and a willing audience) to play Charades, but Pressman Charades for Kids definitely helps get the game off the ground. The set comes with an hourglass timer, an optional die (for selecting which clue to act out), and 150 cards. Each card has three levels of clues to choose from: The easiest is represented by just an image (like a cat or a bee), so there’s no reading required, and the other two get increasingly difficult (eating spaghetti; hanging a picture).

—Caitlin Giddings

Classics for reading aloud and learning to read

Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad have amused generations of early readers—and their parents—with the silly and profound nature of their enduring friendship (you can find all four of the original Frog and Toad stories, with Lobel’s beautifully expressive illustrations, in Frog and Toad Storybook Favorites). We can all recognize a little of ourselves in the anxious, innocent, and tantrum-prone Toad or the patient, cheerful, and always-reasonable Frog (or both!). Although they offer some useful life lessons, the stories are never didactic: Their appeal lies in the joy these opposites find in simple acts such as gardening, sledding, and doing kind things for each other—as well as in the ridiculous things that Toad does all on his own. The Lobel-narrated audio collection is as beloved in our household as the books, and someday I’ll find the time to knit absolutely perfect, little stuffed versions of my favorite amphibian friends with the Frog & Cast Frog and Toad Pattern Download.

—Winnie Yang

A goofy game

Go Away Monster is a silly, lightly competitive game that offers just the right challenge level for many preschoolers. Players have individual game boards showing a bedroom scene, and each person takes a turn by reaching into a bag filled with cardboard pieces, selecting (by feel; no peeking!) either a bedroom item—a bed, a lamp, a teddy bear, or a picture for the wall—or a friendly-looking monster. The goal is to add all of the bedroom pieces to your game board without selecting a monster. But if you do grab one, you should say, “Go away, monster!” and fling it away. The game challenges 4-year-olds to recognize and remember shapes by touch and to make choices about which pieces they need. And since the game doesn’t end until everyone completes their bedroom, no one really loses. Go Away Monster is a pick in our guide to the best board games for kids, where we also recommend the slightly more challenging Max (the Cat) for the same age group. (In that cooperative board game, players work together to help a bird, a mouse, and a squirrel escape the prowling advances of a hungry cat named—you guessed it—Max.)

—Courtney Schley

A better board game for beginners

As a huge board-game geek, I’ve spent the past three years impatiently waiting for my now-preschooler to age into games that involve even a modicum of strategy—versus, say, feverishly smashing a lever to make a hippo eat marbles. My First Castle Panic is the first game we’ve played together that suggests there’s hope on the horizon. The concept is fairly basic: You simply draw and trade cards with shapes on them (no reading required), and then play them to stop the monsters from encroaching on the castle. But it involves communication, cooperation, planning, and even some fantasy role-playing, when we really get into it. It’s much more engaging and re-playable for all ages than other games we’ve tried that are aimed at kids under 5. Perhaps we’ll launch that family D&D campaign together sooner than I thought.

—Caitlin Giddings

Write on

I like to think of the Scratch and Sketch Infinity Pad as magic paper. It resembles a plain black clipboard, but when you draw on this LCD doodling board, multicolor art magically appears. My 4-year-old daughter is dazzled by how its screen transforms from darkness into a neon riot every time she uses it. The kid-size stylus (included) helps her create precise lines, but she uses just her fingers, too. When she’s ready to start fresh, there’s a single button at the base of the screen that erases her work and replaces it with a blank canvas. This portable, shatterproof toy does require a coin-shaped battery, but it’s less an electronic device than an Etch-a-Sketch for the 21st century. Only instead of bulky knobs and a monochrome palette, my daughter has the whole rainbow at her fingertips.

—Lara Rabinovitch

Matchy-matchy fun

Simple, inexpensive, and endlessly replayable, this set of Mudpuppy Dominoes is a welcome take on the classic matching game, designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. The dominoes themselves are made of card stock—so you can’t set them up and knock ’em down or craft the beginnings of a Rube Goldberg device. But they’re made from recycled materials and are big and sturdy enough to be gripped by little hands. Playing with them doesn’t require any reading: On one side of each card, there are differing numbers of dots, so kids can practice their counting; on the other side, there are just pictures that can be easily paired up. The themes include unicorns, wildlife, and outer space. We’re a dino family.

—Caitlin Giddings

Bingo with a zing

My son begged me to get Zingo after he played several fun-filled rounds of it at his preschool. As with its predecessor, Bingo, the object of Zingo is to be the first player to fill your row or board—only in this game, the victor shrieks “Zingo!” with competitive zeal. Instead of numbers, the boxes on the laminated boards feature illustrations, like a tree, a cake, or a heart, along with the corresponding word in a bold, easy-to-read font. (My son’s preschool teachers loved how Zingo helped build vocabulary and focus along with a whirlwind of excitement.) Three years later, this game is still in rotation in our home, with my daughter, 4, joining in the fun. She and her brother, now 7, take turns pulling chips from the dispenser and calling out the images. My husband and I often play too, because it’s tough to resist the high drama and thrill of winning.

—Lara Rabinovitch

$20 to $50

Curvy creations

The Zoob BuilderZ kit is a building toy featuring connectable pieces with ball joints that kids can snap into U-shaped brackets. (We recommend Zoob sets in our guide to learning toys and STEM toys we love.) Instead of building static structures with traditional blocks or Duplo kits, this Zoob set allows 4-year-olds to experiment with hinges and joints, building open-ended creations with curves and bends that they can move, flex, and spin. There are Zoob kits for building robots or other projects, too. Per the box, the Zoob kit is recommended for kids ages 6 and up, though we’ve seen younger kids gravitate to it the most. The pieces fall between Duplo and Lego in size, and they require some manual dexterity and strength to snap together.

—Courtney Schley

Magnetic make-believe

Like a sturdier version of paper dolls, Petit Collage’s adorable magnetic animals come with over 35 mix-and-match costume changes. Young kids can use their imaginations to invent new jobs and identities for the included bear and fox. It’s a particularly convenient toy for long car rides, thanks to its magnetic box, which pulls double duty as a backdrop for the dress-up fun and a container for all of the small pieces. Once dressed, each animal can be displayed on a wooden stand to fully flaunt their new looks. Petit Collage also offers a selection of detailed play scenes, including outer space and a tree-house party.

—Caitlin Giddings

To the moon

If your 4-year-old is into dress-up, make-believe, and all things space, this simple yet sturdy astronaut costume offers ample opportunities for imaginative play. The main suit is made of hefty material and has a front zipper and an adjustable belt buckle. Festooned with official-looking stickers, it comes with its own accessories, namely a NASA cap and a little backpack that can store the costume when it’s out of commission. The best part? Its durability. Several members of the Wirecutter staff can attest that the suit will survive years of space-themed playtime.

—Caira Blackwell

For eagle-eyed kiddos

The world of legendary children’s illustrator Richard Scarry is crammed with industrious animal characters attending to the many particulars of their busy lives, so it’s the perfect setting for a gamified version of Where’s Waldo? To play Busytown Eye Found It!, players work together to move their characters though Busytown, searching for images in Scarry’s signature elaborate pastiches. The goal is to reach the blanket at the other end of the board before pigs swoop in and consume the picnic spread. (All the participants must reach safety as a group, so you win or lose together as a team—which helps foster camaraderie and minimize meltdowns.) You’ll notice right away that the board itself is huge—6 feet long once unfurled from its box. The jumbo size is great for toddlers crawling around to hunt for pictures, but it can be arduous for grownups when the board is on the floor. I’ve found this is a particular joy for kids ages 2 to 5 to play. And it introduces them to all the basic skills and concepts of board gaming: flicking a spinner, counting spaces, drawing cards, watching a timer, making decisions, working together, and yes, sometimes even losing to a horde of hungry pigs. (Note: While kids as young as 2 can handle the action, the small game pieces can be a choking hazard.)

—Caitlin Giddings

Tea for four

My daughter loves a good tea party (humans and stuffed animals are all invited). But when she started drinking out of the cheap, paint-chipped plastic set my sweet mother-in-law bought at a garage sale, I had to step in with an upgrade. The Green Toys Tea Set, made in the US from recycled plastic, meets FDA food-contact standards, so you can feel comfortable putting cakes on the plates and sipping from the adorable cups. The service for four comes in two color schemes (blue, red, and yellow; pink, purple, yellow, green, and blue) and is dishwasher safe, though I just give it a quick hand wash after use. In our house, a tea party is really just an excuse to drink sugar dissolved in water. The sugar bowl, oddly enough, has holes in the bottom that let the saccharine crystals fall onto the table. We quick-fixed that by adding a napkin liner before filling the bowl (and our bellies) with the sweet stuff.

—Annemarie Conte

A super friend

Researchers are beginning to study the social-emotional benefits of doll play for young children, but boys have often been overlooked by doll designers. Psychotherapist Laurel Wider developed the superhero-themed Wonder Crew buddies to address this gap. The soft-bodied buddies are available in four combinations of skin tones, hair styles, and eye colors, and will appeal to any child who loves exciting play and wants a friend to cuddle and care for. Each doll comes outfitted with a superhero cape and mask—with a matching, real-kid-size version—aimed at inspiring imaginative play related to friendship, adventure, and empathy.

—Julie Kim

Rainbows in their room

Many 4-year-olds are mesmerized by the magic of rainbows. The Kikkerland RainbowMaker is a happy little contraption that uses a solar panel to power a colorful geared motor, which rotates a hanging Swarovski crystal and sends rainbows swooping across your room. You simply attach the RainbowMaker to a window (it affixes via suction cup, so there’s no need to worry about sticky residue) that gets some direct sunlight, and then wait for the optics to work their magic. It’s particularly fun when you forget the Rainbow Maker is there until the sun reaches just the right angle and sets it into motion. My niece calls this “rainbow time,” and she enjoys chasing the colors across the room and seeing them slide over different objects.

—Erin Price

Great gears

The Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! building set is basically what you’d guess: a big box of colored gears that snap together with axles and extenders to create complex, movable structures. The challenge is figuring out how to align and order the gears so they’ll all turn in unison and not get jammed up. As preschoolers experiment with building spinning, whirring, gear-driven structures, they’re actually starting to understand the basics of complex machines. These gears have long been a pick in our guide to learning toys and STEM toys we love, and they’re a favorite among the kids of several parents on our staff.

The Lakeshore Turn & Learn Magnetic Gears set includes magnetized gears that you can attach to the fridge. You can’t build complex structures like you can with Gears! Gears! Gears!, but this set is still an engaging way for little kids to experiment with mechanics (the pieces are also a bit larger, which may be easier for some little kids to handle). My 3-year-old son loves to align the colorful, interlocking pieces on our refrigerator and figure out how he can make them all spin. A bonus: The magnets themselves are really strong and will keep all of your child’s refrigerator-worthy artworks firmly in place.

—Courtney Schley

An approachable intro to coding

Calling this a “coding toy” feels like a bit of a stretch—it’s essentially a jigsaw puzzle that forms a track that a cute, battery-operated narwhal automatically follows. However, the toy does encourage preschoolers to plan, count, and problem-solve in sequential order, as they reconfigure the pieces of the track to send the narwhal on simple missions (which match the story from a short activity book). My 3-year-old enjoyed those exercises only briefly and then moved on to the real fun: building and rebuilding the track to send the poor, persistent narwhal on an endless, tangled loop.

—Caitlin Giddings

Over $50

A monthly craft-box subscription

KiwiCo Koala Crate (about $70 for a three-month subscription at the time of publication)

The KiwiCo Koala Crate is our favorite subscription box for preschool-age kids. We tested five such subscriptions for this age group and liked this one the best for its thoughtful design, appealing themes, and fun, unique, and age-appropriate projects. KiwiCo, the company that makes Koala Crate, develops its projects with input from educators and child-development experts. Although children’s individual skills vary, many 4-year-olds will be able to complete some or all of each month’s projects independently, giving them a sense of accomplishment—and providing a reliable arsenal of rainy-day activities. Each box comes with instructions (including directions for the “grown-up assistant”), as well as all the materials to make two or three different craft projects. These projects challenge kids to explore skills like stitching, gluing, and arranging pieces. I tested these subscriptions when my daughter was 4, and she loved the projects we tried: dyeing a tote bag with tissue paper and water, sewing and stuffing a felt rainbow, and making a tissue-paper campfire. Every project is organized around a theme, such as reptiles, ocean animals, or doctor visits.

—Jackie Reeve

A wild ride

I was extremely skeptical about this unusual-looking contraption after my son received it as a gift when he was about 4. But over several years of use, the Cyclone—which you “pedal” with your arms, somewhat like you would a racing wheelchair—became one of my kids’ favorite outdoor toys, and it held up well to miles of rough rolling. From age 4 or 5, my older son was an ace on the Cyclone, speeding it down the sidewalk to a local park and performing spins and skids for littler kids once there. They tended to line up to give it a whirl, and I found that some kids as young as 3 can learn to maneuver the Cyclone in the dizzying circles that no doubt inspired its name.

—Kalee Thompson

Marble madness

My sisters and I played marbles as kids, shooting our balls across the finish line to see who could knock the most marbles out of the circle. Shooting marbles lost its novelty eventually, and we outgrew the game. Marble runs like Marble Genius Marble Run Extreme introduce new energy to a childhood classic. This 300-piece set includes funnels, spinning wheels, tubes that snap together easily on three large bases, and parts that are translucent, allowing kids to see the marbles move from the top to the bottom and through all the spins and twists. In addition to giving kids the creative challenge of constructing a track—and the fun of watching the marbles spin and clatter through the turns—marble runs let kids observe the effects of gravity, speed, and direction. “Adults can help kids make predictions about how fast the marble will move and where it will go,” said Jena Olson, president of Kid Spark Education at the time of our interview.

The set comes with over 100 glass marbles, but it also accommodates the standard-size marbles you might already have. Some 4-year-olds may need adult help to get the hang of building the marble run, but it’s pretty irresistible even for grown-ups. (Note: The marbles in this set could pose a choking hazard for younger children. )

—Kelly Glass

An excellent easel

My son received the KidKraft Storage Easel from his grandparents for Christmas when he was 4. He’s serious about his artwork, and he would be happy to paint every day. But setting up for—and cleaning up after—a painting session on the kitchen table can be a bit of a project. I like that the KidKraft easel comes with an attached roll of art paper and built-in storage bins underneath that can be used to hold paints, brushes, and other supplies (three paint cups are also included). Though this easel requires assembly, it’s sturdier and has more features than less-expensive easels we’ve used in the past. And since we keep it in the kitchen and see it all the time, I appreciate the glossy, dark-wood finish.

Wirecutter kids have also created countless masterpieces with simpler wooden easels made by Melissa & Doug and IKEA. The cheap rolls of craft paper you can buy at IKEA or local art-supply stores should work with any of them. And if your kid goes through a ton of paint, you’ll save money in the long run by stocking up on bigger bottles of washable tempera, rather than buying tiny individual cups of paint from Crayola and the like.

—Kalee Thompson

Magnificent magnets

“If there is one constant of what preschool-age children are interested in, it may be magnets,” said John Dimit III, owner of the toy-and-game store Dr. G’s BrainWorks in Champaign, Illinois. Colorful Magna-Tiles, a pick in our guide to learning toys and STEM toys we love, combine the mesmerizing snap-together magic of magnets with open-ended block play. When my son was 4, castles were his go-to. Now 5, he’s always coming up with new creations, such as a robot or an oven to bake his toy cupcakes in. Classic Magna-Tiles include a variety of basic shapes. We also like Magna-Qubix, a 29-piece set of three-dimensional pyramids, prisms, and cubes. My son uses the Magna-Qubix to add more detail to his structures, and he’s working on making dinosaurs using the small pyramids and cube shapes.

—Kelly Glass

Turrets and arches

Note: When we first recommended this pick, the price for a 150-piece set was $30. 

My son got these cool castle-motif building blocks as a gift years ago. They came with instructions for building one fairly elaborate castle, which he enjoyed making. But after a week or two, the wooden blocks were added to our generic block basket. From then on, he just incorporated them into his other block creations. We now have three other kids who are old enough to build with these blocks, and this set has proved to be a well-loved, long-lasting toy in our house.

—Doug Mahoney

A family membership to a zoo or nature center

A family membership to a zoo or a nature center makes a great gift for families with preschool-age kids. Like many kids, my younger son was obsessed with animals when he was about 4. When we lived in Los Angeles, we had a membership to the LA Zoo (and once made a pilgrimage to the famous San Diego Zoo). When we moved to rural New Hampshire, we found a very different type of animal experience at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, where a lovely wooded footpath winds through exhibits that hold local native animals (many of them rescued after an injury). I like how smaller, local nature centers like this one can give kids a deeper knowledge of the creatures and ecosystems they encounter every day near their own homes. And similar to many of the best zoos, animal parks, and nature centers, Squam Lakes also has plenty of room—including fun outdoor play areas—for kids to run and use up energy.

—Kalee Thompson

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

—Additional reporting by Julie Kim

This article was edited by Ellen Lee, Ingela Ratledge Amundson, and Kalee Thompson.

About your guides

Kelly Glass

Kelly Glass is a writer and editor whose interests focus on the intersections of parenting and health. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, HelloGiggles, What to Expect, Livestrong, and more.

Wirecutter Staff

Further reading

• Great Gifts for Listening to Music

  by Grant Clauser

  Everyone loves music, so we researched and tested the best headphones, speakers, and audio gear to give as gifts.

• The 36 Best Gifts Under $10

  by Wirecutter Staff

  Useful, thoughtful, and editor-approved gifts, for less than you pay for lunch.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).

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51 best toys and gifts for 4-year-olds in 2022

The best gifts for 4-year-olds help their imaginations come alive. As they leave age 3 and turn 4, little ones are enthralled by storytelling, pretend play and exploration.

They are also immersed with friends and start playing collaboratively instead of just playing side by side, so the best toys for 4-year-olds can be shared.

“They tend to have clear preferences on what they like or want to do,” said Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.”

Their pretend play is a little more complicated as they come to understand narratives and differentiate between fantasy and reality, said Marie Conti, head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society. Capes and dress-up props, as well as outdoor toys or science gadgets, allow them to explore their world.

We rounded up several unique gifts for 4-year-olds that will keep their minds and their bodies moving.

To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all 51:

• Best gifts for 4-year-olds
• Best educational toys for 4-year-olds
• Best play sets for 4-year-olds
• Best arts and crafts and creative toys for 4-year-olds
• Best active toys for 4-year-olds
• Best games and puzzles for 4-year-olds
• Best pretend play for 4-year-olds
• Best dolls and stuffed animals for 4-year-olds
• Best books for 4-year-olds

Best gifts for 4-year-olds

Skillmatics Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom

Ask questions to guess the animal on the card in this problem-solving game that doesn’t require reading. With a handy storage box to keep the game organized, this game nurtures the curious nature of a 4-year-old.

Tee Turtle Reversible Axolotl Plushie

This stuffed animal turns inside out to change its mood from happy to angry and back. The original octopus was a hit on TikTok, but it’s also effective for a 4-year-old learning about emotions.

Dynamo Wooden Domino Set by Hape

Old-fashioned dominos can create hours of play, and this set includes some bells (literally) that a traditional set doesn’t. Comprised of over 100 pieces, this set helps develop engineering skills as they learn about balance and spacial awareness.

Crayola Less Mess Painting Activity Kit

This mess-free painting kit includes a genius innovation — paint that won’t spill, even if you turn it upside down. Washable paint sticks, stencils, stickers and more complete the Crayola kit.

Kinetic Sand Mermaid Palace Play Set

Sand boxes are always a hit with 4-year-olds, and this portable version lets them have sensory fun at home. With three types of kinetic sand and tools to shape it, mermaid fans can create sandcastles galore.

Slumberkins Yak

Each Slumberkins has a story to promote emotional growth, and they’re now at the center of an Apple+ series. Offered with two easy-to-read board books and an affirmation card, the Yak is all about self-acceptance!

"Jurassic World" Dominion Strike ‘n’ Roar Gigantosaurus

Based on the fearsome dinosaur in the latest "Jurassic World," this 21.5" articulated dino chomps and roars with the press of a button. A Jurassic World Facts app has augmented reality that can make dinosaurs appear in any room.

Squishville Squishmallow Ski Chalet

Their bigger counterparts have been a fan-favorite for a few years but the spotlight is now on the miniature Squishmallows. These mini figures get their own cozy ski chalet with this set that comes with four two-inch plush toys.

Imaginext Lights and Sounds XL-15 "Lightyear" Spaceship

Fans of the Disney movie “Lightyear” can fly their imaginations to infinity and beyond.

Purrble

Purrble is more than just a stuffed friend — it’s an interactive toy meant to help with emotional regulation and anxiety. With a dynamic heartbeat and a simple language of sighs, giggles and grunts, Purrble has sensors that respond to touch. If Purrble’s heart races, you can calm it into a purr by holding it tight, and see if your own heartbeat slows in the process.

Wonder and Wise Wooden Car Track

This small, wooden car track from Crate & Barrel is mesmerizing fun. Place a small car at the top, then watch it zigzag its way to the finish line. Parallel tracks allow races to the finish.

Hape Quadrilla Marble Run Set

This marble run is a hands-on building set that also plays a tune down the xylophone rail, with exciting twists to the finish.

Best educational toys for 4-year-olds

Switcheroo Coding Crew

Give your child a jump-start on learning to code without a screen, with this fun STEM set that lets kids solve missions and discover hidden tricks.

Learning Resources Cash Register

This calculator helps make counting fun, while encouraging pretend play.

Learning Resources Coding Critters

Your 4-year-old can begin to learn to code with this fun set that lets your little one show a creature how to fetch, play hide-and-seek and more.

Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller

This smaller audio device lets children select their own setting and characters to generate stories — perfect for screen-free entertainment.

KiwiCo Subscription

KiwiCo has a variety of subscription boxes for kids of different ages to inspire them to explore STEM activities from just a few months old through their teens.

Best play sets for 4-year-olds

Lego Classic Creative Brick Box

“If you’re buying Legos, just buy regular Legos. Don’t feel like you have to buy pink ones because you have a girl,” Conti said.

If you need to organize your Legos, here are five brilliant (and mom-approved) hacks for keeping them tidy and out of your bare foot's way.

Calico Critters Hopscotch Rabbit Family

Calico Critter figures fit perfectly in your home or in their own Cozy Cottage.

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set

Made with high-quality silicone and innovative suction construction, these little suckers make bath time (and play time!) so much fun.

Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set

Klein and Conti both loved bug jars or insect boxes for kids this age.

Brio Metro Railway Set

Train sets provide hours of entertainment and are great for building spatial skills, said Klein.

Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Set

These magnetic tiles are favorites among preschoolers and beyond. “Kids will play with those for hours,” Conti said.

Crate & Barrel Treehouse Play Set

This fun treehouse is great for animal figures or doll play.

Toyk Dinosaur World Road Race

With over 12,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, this bestselling toy train set is sure to please both kids and parents alike. The setup is easy and the fun lasts for months.

Best arts and crafts and creative toys for 4-year-olds

Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks

All the fun of painting with none of the mess.

Janod Confetti Ukulele

For the little musician in your life, this ukulele is sturdier than most toy versions at a similar price point.

Melissa & Doug Tabletop Paper Dispenser

Let your little one unspool for epic drawings and paintings or make your own highway that can cross the dinner table.

Boogie Board Scribble and Play

A fun way to work on letters and numbers or just sketch for fun.

Best active toys for 4-year-olds

Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow

As kids age, more of their toys become battery-powered and involve a screen which is why a toy that gets them moving outside is such a favorite. Conti recommends outdoor toys like this one for 4-year-olds.

Hedstrom Blue Striped Hopper Ball

Energetic youngsters will love bouncing around the backyard or around the house (hopefully away from fragile items!) on a classic hopper ball. It also promotes coordination, balance and exercise!

My Sweet Love Umbrella Stroller for Dolls

This stroller lets big brothers and sisters role-play before caring for the real thing. It's lightweight, foldable and can hold up to an 18-inch doll.

Little Tikes Trampoline

This three-foot trampoline from Little Tikes is the perfect gift for 4-year-olds. There's even a handlebar for stability so they can jump around and be safe.

Glovion LED Jump Rope

This modern take on an old-fashioned favorite promotes gross motor activity (aka exercise) and is one toy they won't age out of for a long time. With comfortable foam handles and a rechargeable multi-light rope, it's one all the kids (and adults) will want to take for a spin.

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Perfect for kids ages 18 months to 5 years old, this balance bike by Strider has an adjustable seat and handlebar to grow with kids as they're learning.

Best games and puzzles for 4-year-olds

Candy Land

While there's plenty of hot holiday toys to shop, sometimes a classic like Candy Land is enough to make them light up like a Christmas tree. “It’s just a fun game that kids love to play,” Conti said.

Petit Collage Floor Puzzle

Perfectly designed for little hands, this jumbo floor activity helps improve a preschooler's hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. As a bonus, this puzzle is made with environmentally friendly materials like recycled paper and vegetable-based inks.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Game

Four-year-olds are starting to learn about games with rules. This simple variation on bingo works well for pre-readers and early readers, thanks to the clear images and easy-to-read words.

Best pretend play for 4-year-olds

Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set

This kit lets little ones play doctor on the stuffed animals that are included in every purchase.

Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Counter

Cooking, serving food and playing "restaurant" are key elements of a 4-year-old's pretend play.

Best dolls and stuffed animals for 4-year-olds

All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape

This sturdy, open doll house has three stories and lots of room to play alone or with friends. Fun touches like a slide and enough space for imaginations to roam.

American Girl WellieWishers Willa Doll

“Dressing up dolls and figurines can help master the day-to-day chore of dressing oneself,” said educational toys expert Lauren Leisk.

Moon Pals Weighted Stuffed Animal

From the co-founder of the original weighted Gravity Blanket comes these weighted stuffed animals, designed to help with sleep and anxiety.

Best books for 4-year-olds

“The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

This modern retelling of the classic fairytale adds a dash of humor, a touch of absurdity and a hint of foreboding that together prove irresistible.

Funny books like this are great for 4-year-olds. "It’s important for kids to have fun with reading," said Nina Lindsay, president of the Association for Library Service to Children.

“Knight Owl,” by Christopher Denise

Owl is desperate to be a knight, despite his relatively diminutive stature. When he’s faced with a dragon, he’ll use his smarts and kind disposition to keep the peace.

“No Bunnies Here,” by Tammi Sauer and Ross Burach

A nervous bunny tries to persuade a hungry wolf that there are no bunnies in sight, despite the presence of incredible amounts of bunnies.

“Where Is Bina Bear,” by Mike Curato

Bina Bear is hiding in plain sight, but for good reason. He’s an introvert at a party, a relatable idea for many kids who don’t love the birthday party circuit.

“The Sour Grape,” by Jory John and Pete Oswald

In this latest installment of the “food group” series that includes "The Good Egg" and "The Bad Seed," Grape holds a lot of grudges. His revelation that feeling negative is no fun leads him to a sweet ending.

“Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness,” by Maria Gianferrari and Pete Oswald

This kid-friendly introduction to mindfulness encourages children to live in the moment, with a guided breathing exercise to help.

“Luna’s Green Pet,” by Kirsten Pendreigh and Carmen Mok

Luna’s family lives in a building with a strict no pet policy, so she finds a creative solution and adopts a wilted plant she names Stephanie. Parents who don’t want a pet might appreciate the ingenuity, plus instructions for caring for your own plant pet.

“Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme,” by Avery Monsen and Abby Hanlon

Chester Van Chime loves to rhyme, but one day he wakes up and can’t complete them. Children will love filling in actual rhymes that Chester forgets, with a winning message about finding joy in creation.

Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for every kid on your list including babies, 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds and 10-year-olds.

What to give a child 4-5-6 years old (boy, girl) | Games for children, didactic materials to borrow from a child's garden, porches and roses

27 July, 2016

Let’s first determine what is typical for babies at this age in order to better understand their needs.

Features of the development of children aged 4-6:

1. This is the age of why-cheeks. Questions, reflections, thoughtfulness, search for answers and solutions.
2. The communication skill is actively developing. Here the first friendship is established, small groups of friends, joint games, common interests appear.
3. Role-playing games are the basis for the development of communication and fantasy. “Daughters-Mothers”, “Rescue Cars”, “Hospital”, “Princess and Her Girlfriends”, “Brave Knights”, “Soldiers Rush to Battle” - this is how you can figuratively name the games that are born in children at this age.
4. Development of constructive thinking. Babies have ideas in their heads and they actively try to implement them from available materials. The easiest way to do this is with the help of the constructor, which is at hand.
5. High level of development of fine motor skills, allows you to do many things that were previously inaccessible. For example, draw what you have in mind, write words, glue, cut with scissors. Previously, the child also tried, but often he didn’t get exactly what he had in mind. Now the child is very happy that he is doing beautifully and is fond of this business.
6. Perseverance appears. Of course, not always and everyone is the same, but still the level of attention and concentration increases.
7. The child has a large vocabulary, even if he does not speak very well.
8. Movement and the child are inseparable. He moves a lot, his movements become more precise and he has very good control over his body. During this period, many children master the bicycle, roller skates, scooter, football, gymnastic exercises and dance moves.
9. The child feels old enough to help his parents, and he is very pleased when this is encouraged.
10. And yes, the most important thing: a fairy tale is real for him, close and very necessary!

And now we draw conclusions about what kind of toys a child of 4-6 years old needs:

1. Things that help to make discoveries, find answers to their questions, deepen the child's knowledge.

First of all, of course, books: children's encyclopedias, books on a certain rather narrow topic with pictures that help to understand the essence of the subject (phenomenon) being discussed. For example, a book about dinosaurs, a book about marine life, a book about space, a book about plants, etc. But it should not be too abstruse, without an abundance of text and light in weight so that the baby can flip through it on their own.

Secondly, themed games (DJECO, for example) and items for independent research: sets of thematic cards, maps of the world and individual countries, a globe, a magnifying glass, the simplest sets of a young chemist, a camera, a kaleidoscope, a flashlight.

2. Toys inspired by cartoons and other trends. Since the child is actively learning to make friends, he will most likely want to have the same toys as his friends. This is not always the case, but it happens. And if the hobbies of friends do not contradict your educational principles, then it is better to buy toys that will help the baby play with others together and on an equal footing. In our case, this was the case with the Paulie Robocar craze and we bought a set of rescue cars with which the children played both at home and in the kindergarten until this craze passed. However, in no case would I buy a Monster High doll for my daughters, since toys from this series are in sharp contrast to our principles of education.

3. Thematic sets of toys are a very welcome gift at this age. Doll House, Garage with Cars and Car Workshop, Carpenter's Toy Tools, Doctor/Barber Set, Treehouse and Fairy Figures, Garbage Truck with Waste Bins, Pirate Ship, Castle with Princesses, Formula 1 Race Track, Figures people of different professions, cuisine, thematic worlds, children's railway, constructor track for cars.

4. Constructors. At this age, there is no way without them. The only rule for constructors: you need to enter them from simple to complex. That is, you can’t immediately buy a huge Lego set if the child didn’t have a smaller set before. From this amount, he will be confused and feel not very confident.

Building sets that 4-6 year olds will love:

Large Lego Duplo sets, Lego Classic sets and Lego themed sets (Friends, City, etc.) that fit the age or slightly for growth.

Magformers . I already wrote about this constructor. It is very cool, kids play with it all the time.

Wooden constructor “Town” . This is a classic that will live forever. It is better if it is colored and with various details in shape. As much as we would not like eco-minimalism, children still love and choose bright colors :)

Needle building kit “Bristle Blocks”. What complex funny figures you can create from it, just a feast for the eyes and massage for fingers;)

Zoob is a construction set that looks like joints. It is good to make various robots and other creatures out of it.

Gear set. Mmmmm, how interesting it is to rearrange and scroll them!

Wooden and plastic mosaics. Develop fine motor skills, creative, imaginative and logical thinking.

As a variation of mosaics - plastic tube-beads “HamaBeads” , from which a drawing is made according to the mosaic principle, and then with the help of an iron it is heated through a special film and the drawing becomes solid.

Constructor pipe for water or balls. This is a fascinating sight not only for a child, but also for an adult. Such a constructor will give you more than one hour of joint games.

The game "Jenga", in which a tower is first built of bricks, and then you need to very carefully pull one brick out of the tower so that the structure does not fall.

Jewelry making kits for girls, eg “Battat B. Pop-Arty”. The feature of this set is that the beads do not need to be strung on a thread, but they have special fasteners, with the help of which the beads cling to one another. The set keeps my girls busy for a long time. And what decorations are obtained from these bright beads!

We also include all kinds of puzzles (from 30 to 100 pieces). The complexity of puzzles depends not so much on age, but on the experience of the child in collecting them. The same rule applies here as with constructors: from simple to complex. If for the first time, then we take it easier, and if the child is an expert in collecting puzzles, then you can safely take more than 100 parts. 9

creative tasks, children's creative notebooks, books and games with stickers, soap bubbles with various accessories for blowing, and of course, various options for children's furniture for creativity.

6. Simple board games, games with letters, words.

7. Sports equipment for active play: balls, roller skates, bicycles, bike runs, scooters, children's bowling alleys, masks, swimming fins, accessories for dancing and gymnastics.

8. Equipment for mother's assistant. Kitchen apron to help mom cook, kids cooking utensils, kids recipe book, baking molds, kids cleaning kit (broom and dustpan, dusting mitt, fluffy whisk for dusting, water pail), garden supplies , own plant that needs to be looked after, personal bed or container for growing plants, watering can.

9. Costumes and attributes of fairy-tale characters (crown, magic wand, magic hat, dinosaur tail, fairy wings), pendants and home decor with fairy-tale characters, soft toys they will be small in size so that it is convenient to take them with you), unicorns, superheroes, kings and queens, shining stars for the ceiling, a “Starry Sky” projector lamp, a lava lamp and similar cute and “magical” things.

Most likely, I remembered only a small part of the toys that can be presented to a child of 4-6 years old, but it seems to me that I managed to describe how a child lives at this age. And yes, I completely forgot to write that this is the very age when the first serious hobbies and hobbies appear, so it will always be more pleasant for a child to receive a gift that matches his hobby. And it's not scary that he already has 35 horses, the 36th will not be superfluous;)

If you liked this article, share it with your friends on social networks. I'll tell you from personal experience - it will make their life much easier!

And in order to regularly receive useful materials and ideas for activities with children, feel free to subscribe to the news of the blog “Grow smart!”

I wish you to easily choose gifts for children and always, always please them!

This article was published by Grow clever in section 4-5 years old, 5-6 years old, Mom's Notes

35 entertainment for children when they are bored.

Boredom is a natural part of childhood. No matter how many toys they have or the activities you have scheduled in your schedule, they won't be interested in what they have. Boredom is also characteristic of children who have unplanned and unstructured days. Interestingly, boredom is good; it gives children the opportunity to find creative ways to keep themselves occupied and overcome stagnation when it inevitably hits them. Here are 35 fun things to do when the kids are bored at home:

1. Cycling.

Few activities can be as easy and rewarding as cycling through the neighborhood alone or with friends. If your child is old enough to drive himself, invite him to ride a bike with his friends in the neighborhood. Physical activity lifts your spirits and clears your mind of boredom.

2. Write a story.

Have the children write a story about any topic they choose. Maybe it's a story about the adventure of their favorite toy in the house when everyone is asleep, or a funny story about a family dog ​​that gets into trouble all the time. Writing a story sparks their imagination and develops a flow of creative forces.

3. Art on the pavement.

Sketching on paper is fun, but drawing on the sidewalk lifts the mood a few notches higher. Give the kids a set of crayons and let them unleash their creativity. You can come up with an interesting topic or ask them to come up with their own.

4. Wash the family car.

Many children enjoy doing tasks that make them feel like adults. You can turn washing your car into a fun pastime by turning it into a role-playing game. For example, children are the owners of a car wash, or whatever you can imagine together.

5. Build a fort.

Building a fort is probably one of the most fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you use furniture, blankets and pillows, or cardboard boxes from your attic, you can learn a lot from building forts for kids. A great one awaits at the end, the reward is to sit in the fort and play games while sipping a cool drink.

6. Rearrange the room.

If you are willing to provide a good reward, the children will not suffer because of the cleaning and reorganization of the room. Try moving a few things, replacing something old, or putting in something that will freshen up the place. If the room is too boring, ask them to help you in the kitchen.

7. Color your stone collection.

If you love hiking, make it a habit to bring home smooth or interesting rocks. You can clean them up and color them when you are bored to make the collection of stones more interesting. Show the best stone in the room.

8. Write a letter to a relative.

Writing letters is outdated and that's why it's so much fun. When the kids are bored, ask them to write letters to their grandparents, aunts, or even friends who live in another city. Letter writing is an art that is rapidly disappearing among the younger generation, so it's not only a fun experience, but also a learning experience.

9. Make a "When I grow up" poster.

One of the best ways to get rid of boredom is to be creative and imaginative. Open your mind and make a list of everything that kids would do as adults. The best of them can be turned into a drawing in which they will be depicted in costumes, and the rest of the family will be next to them.

10. Make a time capsule.

Nothing better than opening a time capsule for nostalgia. Have your child collect items of the year, such as toys, collectibles, or anything that reminds them of the time they live in, and put them in an airtight box. Hide the crate in your basement, attic, or somewhere else to keep it safe for years to come. Write the date you all agree to open it.

11. Learn how to make slime.

While you can buy slime from the store, making your own is a rewarding experience. Your child will learn all about the basics of chemistry and learn why materials behave the way they do. On the Internet you can find several recipes for making slime with interesting properties.

12. Art collage.

This is one of the best activities for kids to get rid of boredom by bringing back old memories. Pull out the old coloring or drawing books your child used when they were younger and choose drawings that you can cut out for a collage. You can choose a theme or make it random and stick them all on cardboard.

13. Go hunting for items.

Hunting for things, whether near the house or outdoors, can be fun, especially as a group activity. Find 10 or 15 items of a similar nature, such as rocks, leaves, or anything that will fit in a jar. If you have a metal detector, the activity can increase several times.

14. Bake something.

The kids will really need your help with this, but it's a very rewarding activity. Ask them to help you make a cake or pizza, let them work with the dough, toppings or cream so they learn everything they need to know.

15. Play a treasure hunt.

Treasure hunting should not turn into a party or a family holiday. When your child is bored, choose something they would like to find, such as a chocolate bar or favorite toy. Hide the toy where he will least look and leave clues to find it.

16. Dance party.

Prepare a playlist of your kids' favorite dance songs for this situation and play it when they get bored. There is nothing better than dancing to cheer up and get rid of boredom.

17. Create an obstacle course.

This is quite a fun activity, especially if you have small children. Help them build an obstacle course out of cardboard boxes, play tunnels, or whatever suits the game. Older kids will love building their own obstacle course and showing you their progress.

18. Fun yoga classes.

You can hear a few protests at first, but once classes start, yoga becomes quite refreshing. If you have the space for it, aerial yoga is a great pleasure for kids. You don't have to follow the rules, just go with the flow.

19. Lego hunting.

To make this, you will need sets of Lego blocks in different colors and four pieces of paper in matching colors. Hide the blocks in different places around the house, or ask your older sibling to hide them while your younger one looks for them. Having found them, he must put each block on a sheet of the corresponding color.

20. Write a story about your week.

Ask your child to remember everything that happened during the week and make a story out of it with more pictures and words. You can also make the cover of the storybook of the week and tie the sheets together to make a book.

21. Make up a play.

Discuss an interesting story with your children and put on a play for family or friends. Make costumes and record dialogues. This may take some time, so make sure you don't have anything else planned for the rest of the day.

22. Accept the challenge of art.

On the Internet you can find a number of art activities that will keep children entertained. Find ways to use new tools and materials to create complex artwork and spark creative thinking. You can also download art challenge templates to get more ideas.

23. Stargazing.

If your children are bored on a clear evening, stargazing can be a very rewarding activity. Use any of the available celestial apps that will show you the constellations and where to find them. Find the stars, planets, and patterns used by astronomers in the sky and sketch them in a sketchbook. It's great if you have binoculars or a telescope as they can give you a whole new perspective on the sky.

24. Play-Doh art show.

The more children involved, the more fun the class will be. Make plasticine sculptures and decorate them with glitter and colored paper. Put them on public display. You may even have prizes for the best sculptures.

25. Expert presentation.

Choose a topic your child likes and ask them to search the internet for all the information they need to make a presentation. He can choose any tool he wants, make a slideshow and show it. Give him enough time to explore and choose interesting topics such as space, dinosaurs, oceans, or the moon.

26. NERF or water pistol combat.

A lot can be said about the water shootout. This is great outdoor fun during the holidays when kids get together while playing. You can divide the children into teams and give prizes to the winners.

27. Take a mindful walk.

A mindful walk differs from a regular walk in that you walk with a plan. During your mindful walk, take the time to notice small details that you might not otherwise notice, such as sounds, animals, birds, and the smell of the air. You could also observe the pavement, the clouds in the sky, the direction of the wind, and walk while studying your surroundings.

28. Garden camping.

Set up tents and camp in nature, barbecue. Let the children help you set up the tent and make a fire. Stay overnight in tents to get the most out of it.

29. Balloon games.

A simple game like keeping a balloon from touching the ground is very enjoyable because it requires a lot of team work and effort. Set a time limit for how long the balloon will stay in the air and reward the kids at the end for extra time.

30. The floor is lava.

One of the oldest games that always works. Collectively decide which furniture is stone and which is lava. When one person yells, “The floor is lava,” everyone runs to find a safe place before time runs out.

31. Interview with grandparents.

Make a list of questions for grandparents and interview them. You will never guess how many useful and interesting things you can learn about the past.

32.

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