25 best gifts for four-year-olds, to guarantee ‘cool mum’ status
While four-year-olds might still look very little, their personalities are very much developed, and they'll already have strong opinions on what they want.
Children at this age are growing leaps and bounds both physically and emotionally, which can make finding a gift for kids in between the toddler and big-kid stage (a.k.a. your four-year-old) particularly tricky. “At age four, kids are typically starting to get really imaginative and creative,” says Kelly Oriard, licensed family therapist, former school counsellor, and co-founder of Slumberkins. “They love to learn, grow, explore, and everything around them is interesting and exciting.” They’re also hopping, swinging, talking a million words per minute, showing more independence, and even starting to write their name, she adds.
Good news for shoppers like you: there are plenty of toys that lean in to all of these exciting milestones. “Many kids this age, regardless of gender, love a cute and cuddly toy or an open-ended toy that they can use and explore over and over again in new ways,” says Oriard. “They are also learning how to make friends and navigating big feelings, so any gift that makes learning new social or emotional skills fun will benefit this age group.”
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or just need something small to reward a full sticker chart, we tapped real parents to find out their opinions on the best gifts for four-year-olds – and to share their tester reviews.
From arts and crafts beads that help hone those fine motor skills to scooters and other outdoor toys that'll let them burn excess energy, these are the perfect gift ideas for 4-year-olds.
Our top gift picks for four-year-olds:
- Best retro gift: Sylvanian Families Red Roof Cosy Cottage
- Best construction gift: LEGO Classic 10698 Large Creative Brick Box
- Best investment gift: Yoto Mini (2024 Edition) & Starter Pack Bundle
- Best outdoor gift: Plum 4.5ft Interactive Lights Junior Trampoline and Enclosure
- Best personalised gift: Personalised 'Where Are You?' Book
More gift ideas for kids:
- The best gifts for 1-year-olds according to in-the-know parents
- Best gifts for five-year-olds
- Best gifts for tweens
- Best 18th birthday gifts
- Best gifts for teenage girls
- Best gifts for teenage boys
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
Ahead, shop our full edit of gifts for 4-year-olds endorsed by cool GLAMOUR mums.
All children like to see themselves as the hero of the story, so make that a reality with this interactive Where Are You book, which puts them at the heart of the story.
Tester notes: “I love all things personalised and this is no different. Really beautifully illustrated and great quality.”
Get creative without getting messy with this hairdressing set, which includes two pots of modelling clay, two “customers”, and scissors for styling. Whether you go for a short back and sides, something with layers, or an asymmetrical bob, there's endless fun to be had. A nice twist on the classic hairdressing kit for kids.
Tester notes: “I'd not seen anything like this before and was sceptical at first as to how well it would hold its shape, but it's wonderful!”
Calling all mini-Swifties! Your 4-year-old fan girl or boy will love this book from the Little People Big Dreams collection, which focuses on the Eras songstress herself. Would inspire even the least musically-inclined child to pick up a guitar.
Tester notes: “I love this series and this one is particularly cute, and my daughter (who I took to her first ever concert recently) loves it.”
Who doesn't want a toastie handbag? We love everything that Jellycat does, but this little faux fur bag is particularly cute. There's also a coffee cup version, if that's more your little one's jam.
Tester notes: “This is the age where my daughter loves carrying bags with her kid essentials in, so I knew she'd love this one.”
Unlock a core childhood memory with Blossom, one of My Little Pony's original line-up. The iconic toy brand is celebrating 40 years in 2024, with classic designs like this one reissued with the accompanying brushes for their pretty manes and tails.
Tester notes: “My daughter loves hers and it comes pretty much everywhere with us now.”
Jill Tomlinson's classic tale of an owl who is afraid of the dark has become a mainstay of childhood, and endures today as one of the finest examples of a book that will not only captivate but also instruct. Perfect for any little ones who are starting to get nervous about things to reassure them that all is OK.
Tester notes: “I'd been looking forward to reading this with my daughter and it didn't disappoint, it's a classic for a reason.”
Everyone needs a chic ice cream stand. This wooden set is beautifully finished with a pale blue stripe awning, and features everything you might need for a multiple-scoop cone, including various lollies, cakes, and of course, a price list.
Tester notes: “I'm a sucker for anything pretend for kids that is also aesthetically-pleasing, so this ticked my boxes!”
There is something incredibly fun about binoculars and they seem particularly magical at this age, when their little brains are starting to be amazed by science. This bright green pair are designed for using in the garden and are a must-have for any camping trips.
Tester notes: “The quality of these is really good for the very low cost. They've definitely been dropped multiple times (once from a climbing frame) and no cracks… yet.”
Passive reading is so passé; this “look and find” book is really great for encouraging a little bit of inquisitiveness and exploration – not to mention cultivate an attention span. With 32 pages and loads of animals, it's great for developing vocabulary, too.
Tester notes: “We took this with us recently on the way to visit a farm and it made the trip all the more fun.”
If hairdressing isn't their thing, then what about dog grooming? This Play Doh set allows you to care for and groom your dog, playing vet at the same time. It's got pretend fleas that you can mould, plus tweezers to then remove them with, not to mention collars, bandages, stethoscopes and a carry case.
Tester notes: “This was one of those gifts that I couldn't help but get involved with too.”
Kids of all ages love dens, but four-year-olds in particular like to feel that they've got their own space as they come into their personalities. This aesthetically-pleasing one, in neutral shade, luxe fabric and with pom-pom details, will fit in nicely with your nursery decor too.
Tester notes: “We've filled ours with woodland-themed pillows and toys and call it 'Evie's tent', she's obsessed.”
Little Dutch has a great selection of play village pieces, including this salon set, featuring toy scissors, a blow dryer, straightener, clippers, comb, shampoo, hair spray and styling gel. Great for when friends come over or for siblings to enjoy, or even mum or dad (if he's got any hair left that is…)
Tester notes: “I love how pretty the Little Dutch pieces are, and they don't seem to get much wear and tear either.”
If you're looking for a “big” gift, then the Plum Play trampoline might just be it. Featuring an enclosure so that your 4-year-old doesn't just bounce right off, it's guaranteed to provide hours of outdoor fun. You might just be able to have a cup of tea in peace (inside)!
Tester notes: “Small enough for our little garden and not too offensive to look at either.”
Mud kitchens are sadly a fact of life at this point. Now you've accepted it, you may as well indulge it. This wooden set features stainless steel pans, a whisk and a working tap, for hours of disgusting, horrible, messy fun.
Tester notes: “I caved and bought this after seeing how much my eldest liked playing with his cousins and I'm glad I did.”
This is one for animal-lovers. Jack Brock is a real-life miniature pony, who travels the length and breadth of the nation to bring joy to those who need it. Here, his owner Ali has written a children's book about his life, with beautiful illustrations to accompany it.
Tester notes: “I've followed Jack on Instagram for a while so had to have this on pre-order!”
You've got the princess, the doctor and the construction worker, but what about the chef? Indulge your little one's culinary whizz with this sweet (and chic) fancy dress from Zara, perfect for wearing while baking cakes.
Tester notes: “Fits true to size and washes nicely, really unique in my opinion, not seen many fancy dress outfits like this one.”
Yoto players are a great, more affordable alterantive to the ubiquitous Tonie Box. This starter bundle comes with loads to get you started. Simply load up and listen!
Tester notes: “The only downside is you have to keep buying more stories, but this set starting with a comprehensive playlist of songs and lessons is pretty great value to be honest.”
Everything you might need for your pet pooch, this aesthetically-pleasing Zara kit comes with food with a bowl, raincoat, soap and comb and a dog ID tag… but no dog. So remember to buy the dog, too.
Tester notes: “I've not seen these anywhere else and love it, especially if your little one isn't so into dollies etc.”
Mimi and Lula is renowned for making the prettiest children's fancy dress outfits and this princess-style crown is no different. We particularly like the medieval-queen vibes it gives, slightly more unusual.
Tester notes: “This was a particular hit on her birthday, as she was centre of attention, but she's worn it since then too.”
This little red house is the perfect intro to the world of Sylvanian Families. With all the furniture and characters that you'll need to get started, you can play with it on its own or as part of a bigger Sylvanian family set.
Tester notes: “Repeat after me: must not recreate Syvlanian drama Instagram with my child's set…”
A large toy kitchen really is a must. Great for individual and group play, your 4-year-olds will either use it properly for pretend play or just go mad with it, putting the hot dog in the washing machine etc. Either way is totally acceptable and normal.
Tester notes: “Much better to have on show in our living room than the alternatives which can be a bit naff.”
