Shopping for the 4-year-old in your life this holiday season? Shop TODAY has got you covered! We tapped the advice of early childhood education experts to find out what gifts are most suitable for this curious age group. We also gathered insights from our editors and analyzed customer reviews to bring you the top options.
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. During the holidays, 4-year-olds become excited with fun surprises and novelties such as Elf on the Shelf.
As they head off to preschool and kindergarten, 4-year-old boys and girls also become immersed with friends and start playing collaboratively, learning to now share their toys instead of just playing side by side.
“They tend to have clear preferences on what they like or want to do,” says 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, says 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 STEM gadgets, allow them to explore their world.
We rounded up several unique gifts and stocking stuffers for 4-year-olds that will keep both their minds and their bodies moving.
With Christmas just days away, don’t forget to check shipping dates to ensure your gifts arrive on time.
Holiday gift deals | Best gifts | Educational toys | Play sets | Creative toys | Active toys | Games and puzzles | Pretend play | Dolls and stuffed animals | Books | Meet the experts
Holiday deals on gifts for 4-year-olds
Skillmatics Found It Scavenger Card Game

This Found It scavenger hunt game will help 4-year-olds learn on the go as they search for objects. This game, which makes a great stocking stuffer, is designed for kids ages 4-7 and helps develop boosts their observation skills.
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, making it another great stocking stuffer idea.
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 spatial awareness.
Casdon Toys Dyson Ball Toy Vacuum

Have a little one who likes to clean? Get them their own Dyson inspired vacuum. This toy is just like the real thing from the twist-and-turn ball to the clear cylinder.
Melissa & Doug Cookie Bake Set

This cookie bake set puts a sweet spin on playtime. The set includes 12 sliceable cookies, 12 toppings, a toy knife, spatula, cookie sheet and kitchen mitt to learn kitchen safety through play.
Toyk Dinosaur World Road Race

With over 15,000 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.
Melissa and Doug Super Smile Dentist Play Kit

They might have just had their first dentist appointment, and whether it was tear-free or not, help them become more familiar with the tools and devices used with this play set that comes complete with braces, pretend teeth, examination tools and more.
Toss And Catch Game Set

This toss and catch game set is fun for the whole family, making it an ideal stocking stuffer for a 4-year-old. The waterproof material on the lining of the paddles makes it perfect for a summer day at the beach or the lake.
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. “We got this for my daughter and it really kept her busy for good stretches of time,” says Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown.
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set

This kit lets little ones play doctor on the stuffed animals that are included in every purchase. The set comes with everything they need to make “house calls” for their patients, including a stethoscope, thermometer, syringe, tweezers, clamp and more.
Barbie Dreamhouse

While they may have been too young sit still long enough to watch the cinematic sensation that took the world by storm this summer (and still is!), they’re not too young to send their Barbie dolls down the longest slide that the Dreamhouse has had to date. This house also features 10 different play areas, including a pet palace to host the included furry friend.
Best gifts for 4-year-olds
Mini Explorer Voice Changer

If you hear someone calling you with an alien voice, and hear a little giggle after, don’t be scared. It’s probably your kid. This rechargeable voice changer is a fun toy for 4-year-olds. It has five settings, transforming their voices to sound like a monster, alien, robot or ghost, and even acts as a regular microphone.
Barbie Skippers First Job Target Doll

Continue to play into their Target obsession with this Barbie doll that includes a cash register set-up. With a gift card and magazine end cap, a cash register, basket with foods and a reusable bag to place it all in, they can add this set to their pretend town.
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.
Learning Resources Coding Critters

Your 4-year-old can begin to learn to code with this fun set that lets them show a creature how to fetch, play hide-and-seek and more. There are 22 pieces that they can interact with to give them endless coding challenges.
Learning Resources 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. It’s perfect for keeping them entertained with less screen time.
Best educational toys for 4-year-olds
Mag-Genius Magnet Tiles

Let their creative side break free with these 3D Magna Tiles. Watch them build skyscrapers galore as they snap the tiles together while developing hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem solving techniques, and more.
Learning Resources Mini Muffin Phonics Activity Set

Build their vocabulary as they get ready for kindergarten with this muffin-themed set they won’t want to stop playing with. They’ll learn sounds, syllables and other phonic skills.
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register

This cash register helps make counting fun, while encouraging pretend play. It comes with the register, play cash and coins, a credit card and an activity guide.
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 says. This kit is a great start to their Lego journey with hundreds of pieces for them to build and stack.
If you need to organize their Legos after playtime is over, here are five brilliant (and mom-approved) hacks for keeping them tidy and out of your bare foot’s way.
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. According to the brand, the toy can help with motor skills, problem solving and more.
Insect Lore Deluxe Butterfly Garden Gift Set

Klein and Conti both love bug jars or insect boxes for kids this age. It’ll get them to explore the outdoors and learn about critters.
Hot Wheels City Transforming T-Rex Ultimate Hauler

“This is more of a sanity saver for my sister-in-law since it helps organize my nephew’s expansive Hot Wheels collection, but he loves it because it’s a dinosaur that devours his cars like nobody’s business,” says Bender. “He also loves that it makes gnarly sounds and its tail turns into a race track!”
Lovevery Planner Play Kit

This Lovevery planner play kit gives kids practice in thinking ahead and understand the concept of time. It’s a subscription service that delivers 12 toys every three months.
Best arts and crafts and creative toys for 4-year-olds
Crayola Tie-Dye Chalk Eggs

“In an effort to get my nephew away from screen time, I retrieved some bold chalk for him and his sister to play with in the backyard during the warmer months,” says Bender. “Each chalk egg produces some pretty psychedelic patterns with each scribble and doodle, so I think he’ll be pretty impressed by that. Also, his parents will love how easily it washes off!”
Crayola 5-in-1 Dinosaur Creativity Kit

With coloring pages, paper to create origami figures with, pop-up story pages to decorate, crayons, markers and more, their creativity can take new heights via these dinosaur-themed crafts.
Ooly Chunkies Paint Sticks

All the fun of painting with none of the mess. These portable paint sticks require no water and are easy for little hands to hold.
Best active toys for 4-year-olds
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.
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. This toy is a shopper favorite, landing the number three spot on Amazon’s most gifted list for toy foam blasters and guns.
Target Toy Shopping Cart

Kids want to be part of the fun of shopping! This Target toy shopping cart is inspired by the real thing and even has some grocery staples like whole milk and some guilty pleasures like ice cream sandwiches. A target trip is not complete without a beverage in hand and this toy shopping cart has a slot for its portable coffee cup.
Best games and puzzles for 4-year-olds
Melissa & Doug Classic Card Game Set

They’re never too young to partake in family game night, and these classic card games allow them to join in the fun. With Old Maid, Go Fish! and Animal Rummy, introduce them to the simplest of games thanks to this set.
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
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars

The binoculars, or kidnoculars, will keep them busy indoors or outdoors. On a day in the park or even out in your backyard, your kid will bring out their explorer side and get really close up to nature.
Naturalistas Liya Deluxe Styling Head

For the child with beautiful textured hair, this styling head (considered to be the first all-Black, texture-specific kind on the market) provides them with the chance to learn how to care for their natural coif. Liya even comes with several regal accessories, including a tiara that can fit on their growing noggin.
Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter

Cooking, serving food and playing “restaurant” are key elements of a 4-year-old’s pretend play. And what’s better than an ice cream counter with all of the pretend materials? They’ll be able to scoop and serve their favorite dessert with this set.
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.
Best dolls and stuffed animals for 4-year-olds
Squishmallow Hugmee Bluey Plushy

The Squishmallow Hugmees plush is an A-plus gift for the 4-year-old who loves hugs. This stuffed toy is perfect for relaxing at home, watching a movie or as a comfort item while traveling.
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.
Warmies Weighted Sloth

This Sloth Warmies plush can provide 2-3 hours of soothing warmth and cool comfort. This weighted plush can be microwaved or put in the freezer and is scented with real dried French lavender for anxiety relief.
Healthy Roots Gaïana Doll

The Gaïana Healthy Roots doll was created with curly girls in mind. This doll has washable and styleable hair teaching kids about different hair textures.
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!
Best books for 4-year-olds
“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.
“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,” says Nina Lindsay, a director for the Association for Library Service to Children.
“Chester van Chine Who Forgot How to Rhyme,” by Avery Monsen

“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Meet the experts
- Marie Conti is Director of Regional Community Relations for American Montessori Society. She was the former head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.
- Tovah P. Klein, Ph.D., is Director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York, as well as the author of “How Toddlers Thrive.” She focuses on young children’s social and emotional development, as well as parents’ experiences raising them.
- Nina Lindsay is a former president of the Association for Library Service to Children.
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.