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The Spruce / Kevin Liang
Picking out the perfect toy for the 4-year-old in your life is no easy task, especially when you're looking for something that's educational, entertaining, and durable enough for use in both indoor and outdoor settings. Toys at this age should focus on expanding kids' development of key skills, including color and number recognition—as well as being totally fun.
"Think about toys that have colors, numbers, and shapes embedded into the materials," Emily Stith, a licensed speech-language pathologist, shares with The Spruce. "We should be using toys to expose children to a variety of important concepts. Talk about the educational concepts rather than question them."
We researched and tested the top picks on the market—evaluating educational value, durability, and age range—and found lots of great products to entertain any sharp 4-year-old. Some of our favorites include a personalized seek-and-find book, the ultimate fort-building set, and a mini monster creation kit your child is sure to love.
Bluey 13" Talking Bluey Plush
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Amazon
Recognizable character
Well-made
Perfect size for toddlers
Have to manually turn on the additional phrases
Beloved Bluey is ready to play with your 4-year-old in this plush version! This talking Bluey plush is interactive, and your child can sing and dance along to the sounds and songs of the show. Reviewers note that their children are obsessed with this toy—one notes "
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 12.99 x 5.12 x 13.98 inches | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Intended Use: Indoor | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
FAO Schwarz Luxury Jet-Setter Pretend Play Luggage Set
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Target
Adorable design made for hours of play
Durable, wooden pieces
Though it's designed for real use, it's not sturdy enough for travel
Your toddler might not be old enough to start jet-setting around the world, but with this adorable set from FAO Schwartz, at least they can pretend. We can't stop smiling at its sweet design and thoughtful accessories, including a faux phone, passport, camera, and neck pillow.
Price at time of publish: $60
Dimensions: 5.5 x 10 x 17 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
SmarterKids Mighty Musical Playmat
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SmarterKids
8 different instrument sounds
Rolls up for easy storage
Doesn't come with batteries, requires 4 AA
Dance, dance! Your toddler will be able to dance to their own tune or to the pre-loaded melodies on this musical playmat. As they dance around, each key plays its own tune, and your child can learn to sing along. This is a great way to get your kids active and moving while striking a chord.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 6' | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 - 7 Years
B. toys by Battat B. Pet Vet
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Amazon
Engaging
Interactive
Easy to lose pieces
The Pet Vet Kit encourages imaginative play while introducing core concepts like animal care and responsibility. The brightly-colored set includes a clinic, two plush pet patients, and plastic medical instruments like a stethoscope, syringe, and thermometer.
The clinic, which has a fold-out exam table and four consultation rooms, acts as a storage container for the included accessories and has a built-in handle for portability. Our tester loved features like the keys that secure the doors and help promote the development of hand-eye coordination.
Through play, kids will become familiar with the various tools a vet uses on pets by performing check-ups on the cat and dog toys that come with the set. While the exam rooms are small, kids can use the medical instruments on any animal in their toy menagerie.
Price at time of publish: $27
Dimensions: 12.5 x 4 x 11.5 inches | Material: Plastic, plush | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
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The Spruce / Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis
Disney Encanto The Ultimate Sticker Book
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Amazon
Over 100 stickers
Engaging story
Can still read book after stickers are used
Book is short
Affordable and sure to be loved is this ultimate Encanto sticker book. If your toddler couldn't get enough of the Encanto characters this year, they will jump for joy receiving this gift. The book tells the story of Encanto with the addition of over 100 stickers. Amazon reviews laud the book for its great quality, clear color, and amount of stickers included.
Price at time of publish: $7
Dimensions: 8.56 x 0.1 x 11 inches | Material: Paper | Recommended Age: 3-6 years
KiwiCo Marble Run + Art Easel
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KiwiCo
Great quality
Easy assembly
Grows along with your child
Small pieces
Any budding mini-engineer will have a blast with this easel that includes two ways to play. One side is a chalkboard, and the other is a DIY marble run gameboard, which your imaginative 4-year-old can customize with 35 track pieces and spinners to transport the marble to the bottom successfully.
Price at time of publish: $130
Dimensions: 21 x 25 x 38 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Micro Kickboard Mini Deluxe Scooter
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If your toddler doesn't already have a scooter, now is the time to get them one. It's the perfect gift to help them work on balance and gross motor skills. Your 4-year-old can cruise around the neighborhood in style with one of these top-rated scooters. The design makes balancing easy, making this a great option for outdoor play in the driveway or at the park.
Price at time of publish: $110
Dimensions: 21.65 x 5.59 x 10.43 inches | Material: Aluminum | Recommended Age: Toddler
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set - 24 pc.
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Amazon
Encourages problem-solving skills and sensory stimulation
Fun, simple, and playful
Straightforward and easy to play with
Small pieces
Perfect for your 4-year-old's budding creative mind are Squigz, the sticky-suctioning-squiggly builders. Kids can sort and stack the Squigz in endless combinations for endless hours of fun. This starter pack comes with 24 pieces, which is a great start to a growing collection.
According to Colleen Mason, a K0/K1 Inclusion Teacher with a Masters's in Early Childhood Education, "STEM toys help children develop in so many different ways—logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and perseverance. They’re a worthwhile investment and the basics—Legos, blocks, magnetic tiles—will last well beyond the 4-year-old age."
Price at time of publish: $27
Dimensions: 21 x 25 x 38 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
B. Toys Pop Snap Bead Jewelry Set for Kids (150 pcs)
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Amazon
Promotes hand-eye coordination and creativity
Sturdy jar for storage
Thick, durable beads
A little difficult to put together
Small parts and pieces
A great toy for any play date, road trip, or party, this jewelry-making set from B. Toys is here to add a little glam to your toddler. With 150 pieces that easily pop and snap together, the color combinations and possibilities are endless. It includes 7 base bracelets and 5 rings to mix and match the fun.
Price at time of publish: $8
Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
KiwiCo Armadillo Bowling Set
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Amazon
High-quality design
Educational aspects while having fun
Doubles as a learning tool
Simplistic
What could be more fun than a desert-themed bowling set complete with a rolling armadillo "ball?" The setup of this game from KiwiCo is simple: roll up your armadillo pal and knock over the cactus pins to score points. Reviewers love the thoughtful design of this game, noting that the "pins" are a great weight for knocking over and that the learning aspect while you play is great.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 17.7 x 11.02 x 4.33 inches | Material: Plush | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Playz Kids Tent Crawl Tunnel and Ball Pit with Basketball Hoop Playhouse
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Amazon
Comes with storage bag
Easy assembly
Fun and playful
Ball pit doesn't come with balls
Until this one, we'd never seen a playhouse complete with two tunnels, a tent, and a ball pit equipped with a basketball hoop. This playhouse really has it all for hours of fun play. The pieces are also interchangeable to fit your space and your kids' imagination.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 2 inches | Material: Fabric | Recommended Age: Toddler
Cenove Flower Garden Building Toy
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Carrying case for easy storage
Smooth-surface pieces
Made with eco-friendly materials
Lots of little pieces
Any budding young gardener needs this fun flower play set. Your child can learn the parts of a flower in a colorful, engaging way by placing each of the plastic pieces in its appropriate spot, creating a lush, complete garden.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.51 x 3.35 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Mega Pack
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Amazon
Fun made to last for hours
Great quality
Suitable for various ages
Has to be washed right away for the ink to come off
With over 3,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, there's a reason that this Crayola set is so beloved by toddlers. Color, play, and wash it all away on these adorable, customizable pets. Reviewers noted that their toddlers played with these for hours and absolutely loved the characters—and the fun adjoining bathtub.
Price at time of publish: $44
Dimensions: 12 x 4.75 x 8 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game
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Amazon
Recognizable characters
Simple game setup
Encourages teamwork
Does not come with batteries
Even though it's almost time for bed, Bluey is ready for a scavenger hunt adventure—and you are invited to play along. The Bluey Scavenger Hunt game follows Bluey and her friends as they find and collect tokens. This is a perfect introductory board game for your four-year-old with familiar faces they will love.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 20 x 0.04 x 15.25 inches | Material: Multiple | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven
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Amazon
Great for many ages
Fun and playful songs
Easy to use
Strange lyrics—like adding an egg to pizza
The Leapfrog Number Lovin' Oven is a classic toy—there's a reason why it boasts tons of 5-star reviews on Amazon. This toy provides excellent preschool preparation toy for your little one. As they play, they are learning numbers, counting, serving, and sharing, and with all these new skills, you can be sure they'll approach preschool with ease.
The oven is loaded with over 30 songs and phrases, so your child will be absorbing new vocabulary all while having fun with pretend pizza, pie, and cupcakes. Reviewers on Amazon did note that some of the lyrics can be a bit funny, like encouraging your child to crack an egg over their pizza, but noted that both they and their child laughed about it.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 5.31 x 14.88 x 9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 - 5 years
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
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Amazon
Easy to use
Bindi Irwin is your guide
Clear and detailed pictures
Slides can be difficult to insert
Get ready to be up close and personal with our ecosystem—this microscope is perfect for science lovers who want to glance into outer space or have an encounter with nature. The Talking Kids Microscope features up-close, quality images of nature, and the guiding voice is none other than Bindi Irwin, who is sure to be a fantastic mentor as your child expands their knowledge of animals and plants.
Price at time of publish: $55
Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 5.6 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4 - 8 years
SmarterKids Inspiring Growth Social Emotional Art Kit
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SmarterKids
Promotes emotional wellness
High-quality materials
Challenging if your child doesn't enjoy art
Art is a powerful mode of self-expression, and a great way to begin encouraging this at an early age is this art kit. Included are two vases to paint in any shade of the rainbow. Color is a great mode of expression for little ones, and they'll begin tapping into their creative sides with this painting set, which includes materials for 3 projects.
Price at time of publish: $30
Paint: 2 oz each | Material: Ceramic | Recommended Age: 3 - 6 years
Panda Brothers Wooden Geoboard
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Amazon
Well-constructed
Wide variety of shapes
Perfect for "quiet time"
No additional rubber bands sold separately
Some colors don't exactly match the card
Sturdy and durable, your four-year-old will find hours of fun with this wooden pegboard learning game. Your child can create endless shapes and patterns with the colored rubber bands, following the instructional photos given or creating something all their own.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 7.87 x 7.87 x 0.79 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
SmarterKids Creative Creatures Dough Builders
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SmarterKids
Great for tactile learners
Encourages creativity
Fun and playful
Lots of little pieces to keep track of
If your child is already a fan of Play-Doh, then they're sure to love this toy, which adds an additional layer of creativity and imagination to the activity. The set comes complete with hundreds of accessories to create fun little creatures out of the modeling dough—your little one will be scared of monsters no more.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: N/A | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 - 6 Years
Lakeshore Learning Materials Lakeshore Ultimate Fort Builder
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Amazon
Grows with your child
Easy to assemble
Fun for many ages
Pricey
Blanket not included
If you haven't seen your toddler in a while, chances are they're hiding out in their new fort. With strong, snap-together building materials, this is a dynamic toy that teaches children motor and problem-solving skills and allows their imagination to run wild. Users noted that although it is pictured, this doesn't come with a blanket to cover the top, so you likely will have to provide one for your little one as they build.
Price at time of publish: $97
Dimensions: 10.63 x 5.51 x 18.11 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 4-11 years
Little Passports Early Explorers 3-Pack
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Little Passports
Many diverse, hands-on activities
Step-by-step instructions
Unique and creative
A bit pricey
Not good for multiple uses
This immersive learning experience is perfect for the well-traveled toddler. There are three different kits included in this set: Worldwide, Oceans, and Food. Each comes with its own supplemental materials to take your child on an adventure through different places and cultures alongside penpals Max and Mia. And if your child enjoys this kit, Little Passports has tons more on offer, including subscription boxes that have additional adventures delivered monthly.
Price at time of publish: $85
Dimensions: N/A | Material: Multiple | Recommended Age: 3-5 years
Wonderbly Where Are You? Book
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Wonderbly
Fun twist on classic game
Lots of personalization options
Ability to order a sequel
A bit pricey
In this search-and-find story, Waldo is taking a backseat, and the main character is...you! This customizable book from Wonderbly is one of our favorite picks for your four-year-old child. This book provides hours of fun playing along with the "I-Spy"-like games, and there are 750 customizable characters to choose from—so you are sure to find one that looks like your child.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 9 x 12 inches | Material: High-quality paper | Recommended Age: 4-10 years
BravoKids LCD Writing Tablet
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Amazon
Reduces waste
Durable
Suitable for various ages
Usable in various environments
Flimsy packaging
Battery life can be short
Four-year-olds can foster their creativity and release their inner artist with this mess-free tablet that can be used anywhere. Little hands can practice numbers, letters, colors, and more with the stylus or draw and color as they please without wasting paper or making a mess with paints or crayons. Bring the tablet on the go during long road trips or running errands to keep toddlers entertained and engaged for hours.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 11.22 x 7.68 x 0.75 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Just Play Blue's Clues & You! Check-Up Time Blue
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Amazon
Recognizable character
Interactive
Educational
Some users were disappointed by the number of phrases
Blue needs a checkup, and your 4-year-old can come to the rescue with this interactive plush of the iconic character. Toddlers can listen to Blue's heartbeat, take her temperature, give her medicine, and talk to her to make her feel better. The doctors in training can learn more about taking care of animals during hours and hours of engaging and educational play.
Price at time of publish: $38
Dimensions: 13.75 x 6.5 x 12 inches | Material: Plastic, Plush | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Crayola Table Top Easel Art Case for Kids
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Crayola
Portable
Includes multiple activities
Suitable for various ages
Can be messy
Whether the little one in your life has a knack for creativity or just wants to experiment with art, Crayola's Table Top Easel Art Case is a great option. The set is fully equipped with all of the essentials that'll make it easy for kids to create a masterpiece.
The case includes an assortment of paints and painting tools, as well as paper and a storage case. There's also a built-in double-sided easel, so it's easy to use if your little one wants to paint with a sibling or friend as well.
Price at time of publish: $25
Dimensions: 2.04 x 15.56 inches | Material: Plastic, Paint, Art Supplies | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Yookidoo Submarine Spray Station
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Amazon
Durable
Entertaining
Perfect for bath time
Some parts can stop working over time
This submarine spray station will have them begging to stay in for some serious splashing fun. The battery-operated toy (four AA batteries are required but not included) attaches to the tub. Water comes in through the submarine and is circulated up through the diver shower head, which can then be sprayed into two funnels that produce fun, mesmerizing effects with spinning wheels, fountains, and googly eyes.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 9.45 x 2.56 x 12.99 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Peaceable Kingdom Alphabet Bingo!
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Amazon
Great bonding activity
Educational
Easy to lose pieces
This is Bingo, but with a twist. Instead of a caller shouting out numbers, players reach into a bag and pull out a letter. If the letters are on their card, they mark them. Once someone gets four in a row, they should “Bingo!” and win.
Each space on the cards has a picture of something that starts with the letter. For example “F” has a flower and “O” has an owl, so not only is the game great for teaching letter recognition, but it helps with letter sounds as well.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 1.7 inches | Material: Plastic, Cardboard, Fabric | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
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The Spruce / Charlene Petitjean-Barkulis
Melissa & Doug My Magnetic Daily Calendar
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Amazon
Helps with learnings days and months
Suitable for daily, repeated use
More holidays than activities or uses
If you are looking for one of the best functional toys for a 4-year-old, look no further than this magnetic calendar. Here your child will learn more about the days of the week, seasons, months, holidays, temperature, and more. Besides being a fun way to teach your child, it also helps set up a daily routine for them, so they know what to expect every day.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 15.75 x 1 x 12 inches | Material: Plastic, Magnets | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Educational Insights Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Pick-It-Up Truck
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Amazon
Easy for kids to maneuver
Interactive
Long lasting fun
Some pieces are fickle
This innovative set comes with an operational drill. Of course, it's low speed and plastic, so while your child should always be supervised using it, it's intended for children. It also features a truck, wheels, bolts, and two toy figures. Kids can even use the drill to operate the truck's arm.
Price at time of publish: $37
Dimensions: 7.5 x 12.4 x 5.9 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
HABA Little Friends Vacation Camper Play Set
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Amazon
Fosters imagination
Detailed pieces
Some pieces can be flimsy
Even if you can't physically take your little one camping, this play set will kinda make it feel like the real thing. The set includes a vehicle, camper, two chairs, and a toy figure. The camper door opens and closes and the awning is even detachable.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 16.14 x 6.69 x 8.07 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
VTech LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart
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Amazon
Multiple ways to play
Fosters creativity
Interactive
Easy to lose pieces
Kids can play ice cream scooper as they serve up delicious treats for their friends, family, and stuffed animals. It comes with four flavors of ice cream, three toppings, three flavors of syrup, and six order cards. There’s even a bell to let people know they’re coming or that their order is up. The cart also plays music and features more than 200 fun phrases.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 7.87 x 20.58 x 23.77 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 2 years and up
Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set
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Amazon
Great bonding activity
Fosters imagination
Multiple ways to play
Pricey
These transparent, multi-color magnetic building tiles are something your children will likely play with well into the tween years, with the structures getting increasingly complicated. The 32-piece set comes with a mix of two sizes of squares and three types of triangles, but you'll likely want to spring for an additional set to cut down on sibling squabbles and increase the design possibilities.
Price at time of publish: $50
Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 8.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
USA Toyz Glow Race Tracks
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Amazon
Easy to assemble
Durable
Users found inconsistencies in the cars
The only thing cooler than a race track is a race track that also glows in the dark. This one comes with 360 pieces in a rainbow of colors, two light-up LED cars, two balls (they can get pushed by the cars during races), and fun touches like a suspension bridge, gas station, and road signs.
Price at time of publish: $33
Dimensions: 16.8 x 11 x 3.8 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Think Fun Zingo! Family Board Game
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Amazon
Great for family bonding
Easy to follow instructions
Durable pieces
Some users were unsatisfied with the number of words included
Zingo features a "Zinger" box that kids can take turns pushing, and when they do, two tiles pop out. The tiles all have familiar words like "shoe" or "clock," with corresponding pictures for the kids who can't read yet.
Each child gets a bingo-like card with nine squares, and as the tiles show up, they can grab one if it matches a square on their board. As with bingo, the kid who fills their card first wins.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 8.25 x 3.5 x 10.25 inches | Material: Plastic, Cardboard | Recommended Age: 4 years and up
Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper
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Walmart
Quiet
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Suitable for various ages
Can be flimsy
A pogo stick for your 4-year-old doesn't have to sound scary or dangerous. The height adjusts to the child's size and features extremely durable foam and comfortable handles to grip. It can be used inside or outdoors and makes a fun squeak sound when kids jump.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 10.35 x 5.63 x 5 inches | Material: Foam | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
INPODAK Hopper Ball Bouncy Ball
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Amazon
Comes with a pump
Suitable for indoors and out
A bit large, better for kids 4-5
This bouncing ball is a simple, classic toy that your toddler will love. It includes an easy-to-grip handle for hours of hopping around the house (or outside). Plus, it's easy to inflate and deflate to store.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 8.31 x 6.73 x 4.88 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
BigShu Magnetic Blocks
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Amazon
Curved pieces to build a variety of creations
Fun and colorful
Engaging Montessori toy
Lightweight pieces
With 48 magnetic blocks, the possibilities are endless with this set. The pieces included are large, colorful, and allow your toddler to build unique 2D and 3D creations. Reviewers appreciate the larger pieces that avoid choking hazards and the curved pieces not seen in other sets.
Price at time of publish: $47
Dimensions: 9.33 x 6.26 x 2.36 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Play-Doh Peppa's Ice Cream Playset
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Amazon
Adorable characters
Great value
Hard to clean
Who doesn't love Play-Doh? Peppa Pig is the star of this set, and watch as your 4-year-old helps her serve up unique ice cream combinations. Your child can make Play-Doh ice cream cones, ice pops, and teddy bear treats with the molds included—and we know your little piggies will adore this set.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: 3.19 x 10 x 8.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
TEMI Dinosaur Truck
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Amazon
Multifunctional
Built-in storage
Smaller than its pictured
This toy comes with it all: a truck to transport all the little dinosaurs, a themed play mat, and even dinosaur eggs. The best part is this toy is recommended from ages 3 all the way to 12, so this gift is sure to last for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 15 x 6 x 11 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
iHaHa 236 PCS Construction Toys Race Tracks
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Amazon
Great value
Easily reengineered
Batteries need to be replaced often
An "Amazon's Choice" pick, we adore this comprehensive construction track set—and know your toddler will too. This set comes with 200 flexible pieces including tracks, race cars, construction vehicles, trees, and a bridge. There are a ton of was to DIY this set, making for endless hours of fun that can be redone again and again.
Price at time of publish: $46
Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 8 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Yuham Gifts Kids Cornhole Game
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Amazon
Portable
Takes up very little space
Difficult to get back in the bag
From the beach to the backyard to the playroom, this cornhole game brings the fun just about anywhere. We love how the design is perfect for kids and comes complete with fun dinosaur characters. Plus, there are several learning benefits, from hand-eye coordination to number recognition.
Price at time of publish: $26
Dimensions: 3.86 x 3.86 x 0.62 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Peppa Pig All Around Peppa’s Town Playset
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Amazon
Recognizable character
Imaginative play
A bit pricey
Educational and playful, your little one can travel around town with Peppa Pig with this play set. As you drive along the track, the narrator reveals interactive stories to listen to and play out for hours of imaginative play. Kids can build the track and take it apart again and again for a completely unique experience each time. Add in other figures and locations for even more fun.
Price at time of publish: $67
Dimensions: 5.31 x 18.25 x 15 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Ozlife Adventure Kidz Outdoor Exploration Kit
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Amazon
Real, working toy binoculars, whistle, and compass
Great for multiple ages
Plastic feels cheap
This kit includes everything your little one will need to explore the great outdoors. Whether you plan to go hiking or just roam the neighborhood, this kit includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass, and a flashlight. Another great bonus? Everything fits conveniently in the accompanying drawstring backpack.
Price at time of publish: $30
Weight: 14 ounces | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Costzon Ride-On Motorcycle
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Amazon
Motor sounds realistic
Perfect size for toddlers
Assembly proved a bit difficult for reviewers
We've never seen a cooler toy! Your toddler will be riding around in style on this motorcycle-shaped option that actually has three wheels to ensure ultimate safety—but will still make them feel cool and grown up. And your kids won't be traveling too fast—the max speed on the bike is only 2 miles per hour, so no need to worry.
Price at time of publish: $110
Dimensions: 32 x 13 x 21 inches | Material: Plastic | Recommended Age: 3 years and up
What to Look for in a Toy For a 4-Year-Old
Age Range
Four-year-olds are at a tricky age, as they’ve officially graduated past the “toddler” stage, yet they might not be ready for big-kid toys. It’s important to check the age rating on the toys you’re considering, as these will help you purchase one that’s appropriate for their level of development, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association.
Educational Value
Some 4-year-olds might be headed to school, so it’s always beneficial to get them toys that reinforce the important skills they’re learning. You might consider getting them toys that teach basic counting or reading skills or games that help them practice taking turns.
“Providing toys that allow for real-world play strengthens the developmental skills used for social connectedness and critical thinking,” says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. “Although playing with a kitchen set, for example, may not seem very complicated to an observing adult, the skills a child uses during pretend play are foundational for social and emotional growth.”
Longevity
At 4 years old, kids are still toddlers but on the cusp of early childhood. To get the most mileage out of any toy you purchase, look for items that will keep their interest as they progress. Toys that encourage open-ended play and can be tailored to a child’s development level are perfect, as they can often be used for several years. Similarly, look for toys like bikes and scooters that have adjustable seats and handlebars, so they can better grow with your child.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Additional research and reporting was conducted by Mia Ingui, an editor at The Spruce. Several experts were consulted in order to compile this list, including:
- Emily Stith, a licensed speech-language pathologist
- Colleen Mason, a K0/K1 Inclusion Teacher with a Master's in Early Childhood Education
- Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association
- Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas