Oh the magic of 4-year-olds! Ripe with energy, curiosity, and creativity, 4-year-olds are officially out of the toddler stage and on their way to becoming kids. Between the ages of 4 and 5, not only do kids start to enjoy being helpers, but they also learn to comfort others who are hurt or sad (heart swoon). Their burgeoning imagination, growing independence, and developing empathy are something special to witness and cultivate. And toys can support this growth.
So when it comes to birthday gifts for 4-year-olds, there are so many possibilities. Costumes and pretend props can enhance their play even more—and they’ll likely want parents or other caregivers in on the action. 4-year-olds can also participate in family game night and put together puzzles on their own. Their motor skills are developing from wobbly toddler to confident (although now slightly more cautious) kid. So active gifts to get the wiggles out are great buys as well.
Not to mention so much life happens at age 4. Perhaps they’re welcoming a new sibling or are attending preschool for the first time. Teachers will thank their parents for encouraging independence now—from tying their shoes to learning to put their own things away—and we even have gift ideas to help them become responsible little people, too!
Read on for 25 of our favorite gifts for 4-year-olds.
Gifts for 4 Year Olds Under $50
Top & Bake Pizza Counter
The high-quality wooden pizza counter has 34 pieces that simulate the entire pizza-making process from adding felt ingredients to delivering the yummy finished product in a pretend delivery box! It encourages hands-on pretend play and imaginative storytelling.
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Personalized Piggy Bank
Kids can learn the value of saving with this personalized bank for allowances, gifts, lucky pennies, and more.
Wooden Cafe Barista Coffee Shop
Teach your little one how to make mom's morning cup of to-go coffee with this cute barista play set that includes a built-in play espresso maker, drink dispenser and frother, wooden play food pieces, and more!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
See & Spell Learning Toy
Encourage fine motor and sight reading skills with this stamp set. All the pieces fit into one compact wooden storage case for easy clean up, too.
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Fire Chief Role Play Costume Set
Kids can live out daring rescues with this fire chief costume that comes with matching accessories. It includes a jacket, helmet, badge, fire extinguisher, bullhorn, and reusable name tag. Sized for kids ages three to five.
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Slime Kit
Yes, slime is polarizing for parents—but kids love it! And this extensive set is perfect to support their creativity.
Got slime stuck on clothes? We have the hack to get it out.
Fill & Fold Taco & Tortilla Set
Taco-loving littles will be obsessed with this taco-making set that includes 43-piece Mexican/Tex-Mex-inspired play food and skillet.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Smoothie Maker Blender Set
This adorable pretend smoothie set has 22 pieces including a blender, cup, jar, and multiple food ingredients.
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Hungry Hungry Hippos Dino Edition Board Game
Add easy-to-follow games to their gift list this year like throwback favorite Hungry Hungry Hippos—but with a dinosaur update.
Land of Dinosaurs Floor Puzzle
My family's toy cupboard is filled with Melissa & Doug floor puzzles that my kids have played with for years, like this dinosaur puzzle to support their curiosity about prehistoric animals.
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My First Foam Pogo Jumper
Four-year-olds love to move! We love how this pogo toy is a way to release all their energy and doesn't take up too much space.
many colors available
Prepare & Serve Pasta Set
Mamma mia! Littles can pretend to cook delicious pasta with this 50-piece felt pasta set that includes a pasta guide, instructions, cooking and serving utensils, and various different Italian inspired ingredients.
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Chef Role Play Costume Set
This chef costume set would pair perfectly with any pretend cooking toys you have your eye on. It's sized to fit kids ages three to six and is machine-washable.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Get Well Doctor's Kit Play Set
This pretend doctor's kit is great for helping littles develop empathy and nurturing skills. Plus, it's a fun way to help ease stress when visiting the doctor's office.
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Gifts for 4 Year Olds Over $50
Get Well Doctor Activity Center
This activity center continues with the doctor theme and further encourages imaginative play. It's multi-sided and has a waiting area, exam room, sink, and reception area. Pretend medical instruments are also included!
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron
This gift was made for little ones who love doing "experiments" and love stuffed animals. The spell book and potion creates a real mist to reveal an interactive Mixie creature kids can control with their magic wand.
Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel
The perfect wooden easel for tiny artists who love expressing their creativity. There are countless ways to use this easel with a dry-erase board, child safe paper cutter, four clip grips, and two plastic trays for holding drawing utensils.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Chef's Kitchen
If you're on the hunt for a big ticket item, look no further than a play kitchen. This one is easy to assemble, promotes imaginative play, all while fitting seamlessly in your home thanks to the modern looking design.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
150-Piece Marble Run Super Set
Watch your child build their engineering, science, and problem-solving skills with a marble run.
World By Us Doll
American Girl is always looking to set a good example for youngsters by modeling their dolls after real, inspiring girls.
Kids Play Castle Tent
This fun playhouse is suited for indoor or outdoor play, comes with twinkling lights, and can fit up to three children at a time.
Deluxe Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Set
Kids love to copy what parents do and with this deluxe child-sized cleaning set, they will be able to help you around the house. This set is great for teaching responsibility and independence starting at a young age.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Oak Indoor or Outdoor Swing
Another fun gift for indoor or outdoor use, this special wooden swing promises hours of active play.
Beauty Salon Play Set
All little ones need is their imagination to create their own spa day with this set. Wooden accessories include hair dryer, hair spray, hair straightener, comb, and more.
Use code EVERYMOM20 to get 20% off any Melissa & Doug product!
Rainbow Bounce House
This beautiful bounce house checks both the pretty aesthetic and active play boxes.
available in two sizes and multiple colors
This post was in partnership with Melissa & Doug® but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
