Best Toys for 4 Year Olds: Top Picks for 2023

Are you navigating the overwhelming world of children’s toys, trying to find the perfect plaything for a lively 4-year-old? You’re not the only one. Parents and gift-givers alike often find themselves at a crossroads, attempting to choose toys that are not only fun but also beneficial for development.

Thankfully, there’s a treasure trove of toys out there designed to spark the imagination, encourage learning, and delight the senses of 4-year-olds. As a connoisseur of playtime and child development, I’ve curated a list of standout toys that are currently capturing hearts and minds in the world of early childhood play. Join me as we explore the top picks that promise to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

We found this toy set to be a great boredom buster and memory maker. The stacking pieces stick together for easy cleanup and compact storage. The portable pouch is perfect for on-the-go play, making it a great toy for road trips.

• Safety 5/5
  • The magnetic blocks are made from high-quality ABS plastic with geomagnetic material and have round edge geometry shapes without sharpness, which means there is no harm to the skin and no risk of swallowing. This makes them a safe option for toddlers to play with.
• Educational Value 5/5
  • These magnetic blocks are designed as educational toys that help build a child’s sense of creativity and understanding of color, geometrical shapes, and develop motor skills and creative thinking. They are great for spatial reasoning, architecture, STEM, and STEAM, providing a rich educational experience.
• Play Value 5/5
  • The product is described as a perfect boredom buster and memory maker, suggesting that it can keep children engaged for hours. It encourages parent-to-kid bonding play and is recommended for weekends, indicating high play value.

We have been using the Coodoo Magnetic Blocks Starter Set for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with the quality and safety features. The stainless steel security and stronger magnets make us feel more comfortable with our child playing with these blocks. We also appreciate that they are compatible with major brands, as we can add more tiles to our collection. Our child has been having a blast building and creating with these blocks, and we love that they are also educational. The only downside is that we wish the set included more pieces, as our child has been wanting to build larger structures.

• Safety 4.5/5
  • The product description emphasizes safety with stainless steel reinforced magnets and plastic housing to prevent corrosion and ensure the magnets remain secure, reducing the risk of swallowing.
• Educational Value 5/5
  • These magnetic blocks are designed as a STEM learning tool, promoting math, science, spatial, and tactile skills. They encourage problem-solving and teamwork, which are critical skills for preschoolers.
• Play Value 4.5/5
  • The versatility of magnetic blocks allows for endless creative play, making them excellent boredom busters and memory makers. They are also compatible with other major brands, increasing their play value.

We recently purchased Selieve Walkie Talkies for our 4-year-old daughter and we were impressed with how easy they were for her to use. The push-to-talk button is straightforward and the adjustable volume level ensured that we could hear her clearly. The backlit LCD screen and LED flashlight were also fun features that she enjoyed using.

We took the walkie talkies on a camping trip and found that the range was sufficient for our needs. However, we did notice that the battery life was not very long and we had to replace the batteries after a few hours of use. We also made sure to keep the walkie talkies dry as they are not water-resistant.

• Safety 4.5/5
  • These walkie talkies are designed with a small and light body, making them easy for kids to carry and use. The absence of small parts minimizes choking hazards, and the materials used are likely to be child-safe, although specific details on materials were not provided.
• Educational Value 3.5/5
  • While not traditionally educational, walkie talkies can teach children about communication and can be used to play games that involve problem-solving and teamwork. They also introduce basic concepts of radio technology.
• Play Value 5/5
  • With a range of up to 3 miles, 22 channels, and a backlit LCD flashlight, these walkie talkies offer a high play value. They can be used in a variety of settings, from indoor play to outdoor adventures like camping and hiking.

Our experience with the TEMI Dinosaur Truck Toys has been positive overall. The truck is well-designed and comes with a realistic T-rex head that adds to its overall appeal. The play set includes 8 dinosaur figures that can be captured into the cage, making it a fun and engaging toy for kids who love dinosaurs. The dinosaur park activity play mat is also a nice touch, as it allows kids to build their own dinosaur world easily.

One thing to note is that the truck is smaller than it appears in the photo, so it might not be suitable for kids who prefer larger toys. Additionally, some customers have reported that the plastic bits that make up the fencing are not very sturdy, so you might need to clip them in frequently.

• Safety 4.5/5
  • Crafted with robust, BPA-free plastics, this playset is designed to withstand rough play while ensuring a safe environment for children. The absence of small parts mitigates choking hazards, making it suitable for the recommended age group.
• Educational Value 4/5
  • The playset encourages imaginative play, allowing children to explore prehistoric worlds and scenarios. It also aids in the recognition of different dinosaur species, fostering an early interest in paleontology.
• Play Value 4.5/5
  • With a transport truck, dinosaurs, and additional play pieces, this set promises hours of engaging play. Its versatility in play scenarios makes it a toy that children will return to frequently.

Our toddler loved playing with this toy and spent hours stacking blocks, threading beads, and building models. The wooden beads are covered with water-based paint, which ensures safe play and also adds to the toy’s aesthetic appeal. We were impressed with the quality of the toy, which is made of solid wood and has smooth edges to prevent any injuries.

The toy offers multiple ways to play and learn, which kept our child engaged and entertained. We particularly enjoyed the bead sequencing game, which challenged our child’s recognition of color and shape. The game comes with 16 different arrays, so there’s always a new challenge waiting.

While we loved the toy, we do think it may be too simple for older children, and the small pieces may pose a choking hazard for younger children. Also, some children may find the lacing strings difficult to use.

• Educational Value 4.5/5
  • This toy is designed to enhance fine motor skills, color and shape recognition, and hand-eye coordination. It includes various play methods such as stacking, bead sequencing, and pattern matching, which are excellent for cognitive development and problem-solving.
• Play Value 4/5
  • With multiple ways to engage, including bead threading and block stacking, this toy offers sustained playability. It encourages creative play and can keep a child engaged with its colorful design and versatile use.
• Safety 4.5/5
  • Made from quality solid wood with smooth edges and water-based paint, it is designed to be safe for young children. The size of the pieces is appropriate for the age group, minimizing choking hazards, but as with all toys for young children, supervision is recommended.

We recently purchased these gloves for our 4-year-old nephew’s birthday, and he absolutely loved them! The LED lights are bright and colorful, and the gloves are easy to control with just a press of a button. They’re also very durable and have held up well to regular use.

One thing to keep in mind is that the gloves may be too large for younger children, so it’s important to check the sizing before purchasing. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the wires detaching easily, so it’s important to handle the gloves with care.

• Safety 4/5
  • The LED gloves are made with a soft and breathable polyester material, ensuring comfort during play. The elastic wrist provides a snug fit, and the mesh fabric enhances air permeability, reducing the risk of overheating. However, there is a choking hazard warning for children under three years due to small parts.
• Educational Value 3/5
  • While primarily designed for fun, these gloves can stimulate a child’s creativity and imagination as they explore the different light patterns. They can also serve as sensory toys, potentially beneficial for children with autism, offering a gentle introduction to light and color.
• Play Value 4/5
  • With six flash modes, these gloves provide a variety of entertaining light shows that can keep a child engaged for hours. They are suitable for various occasions, including birthday parties, Halloween, and Christmas, making them versatile accessories for play.

We have been using the Coodoo Magnetic Blocks Starter Set for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with the quality and safety features. The stainless steel security and stronger magnets make us feel more comfortable with our child playing with these blocks. We also appreciate that they are compatible with major brands, as we can add more tiles to our collection. Our child has been having a blast building and creating with these blocks, and we love that they are also educational. The only downside is that we wish the set included more pieces, as our child has been wanting to build larger structures.

• Safety 4.5/5
  • The product description emphasizes safety with stainless steel reinforced magnets and plastic housing to prevent corrosion and ensure the magnets remain secure, reducing the risk of swallowing.
• Educational Value 5/5
  • These magnetic blocks are designed as a STEM learning tool, promoting math, science, spatial, and tactile skills. They encourage problem-solving and teamwork, which are critical skills for preschoolers.
• Play Value 4.5/5
  • The versatility of magnetic blocks allows for endless creative play, making them excellent boredom busters and memory makers. They are also compatible with other major brands, increasing their play value.

Our 4-year-old daughter had a blast assembling the FREE TO FLY Dinosaur Building Kit with our help. She was fascinated by the moving joints of the dinosaurs and enjoyed creating her own unique dinosaur designs. The kit comes with clear and easy-to-follow instructions that even a 4-year-old can understand. We love that the kit is not only fun but also educational, as it helps our daughter learn about science and history. Overall, we think this is a great toy for parents who want to encourage their children’s creativity and imagination.

• Educational Value 4/5
  • The STEM Dinosaur Toy is designed to engage children with hands-on learning, promoting their understanding of mechanical construction and fostering creativity as they assemble different dinosaur models. It encourages problem-solving and cognitive development, making it a valuable educational tool.
• Play Value 4/5
  • With the ability to mix and match parts to create unique dinosaurs, this toy offers a high play value. It allows for imaginative play and can keep children engaged for extended periods as they explore the various possibilities.
• Safety 4/5
  • The product description mentions that the toy is made from durable and non-toxic ABS material, with smooth edges to protect children’s hands during assembly. However, without specific safety certifications mentioned, it’s prudent to be slightly conservative with the score.

We recently bought this toy rocket launcher for our 4-year-old, and it has been a hit ever since. Our kid has had so much fun launching the foam rockets and trying to see how high they can go. It’s a great way to get them outside and active, and it’s also a great way to teach them about science and engineering principles.

The launcher is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any batteries or electricity, which is a big plus. The set includes six foam rockets in three different colors, which is great for playing with friends or siblings. The folding yellow stand is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to store the launcher when not in use.

However, we did notice that the rockets didn’t always soar up to 100 feet as advertised. Sometimes they would only go about 50 feet or so, which was a bit disappointing. We also noticed that the foam rockets weren’t as durable as we had hoped, as they started to show signs of wear and tear after just a few uses. Finally, the stand could be a bit sturdier, as it tended to wobble a bit when our kid was jumping on it.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the MotoWorx Toy Rocket Launcher to anyone looking for a fun and educational toy for their kids. Just be aware that the rockets may not soar as high as advertised, and that the foam rockets may not be as durable as you would like.

• Safety 4/5
  • The Toy Rocket Launcher is designed for children over 3 years old, suggesting that it has considered safety in its design. The use of foam rockets and a stomp pad for launching indicates a safer play experience with less risk of injury.
• Educational Value 4/5
  • This toy encourages active play and introduces basic principles of physics such as trajectory, force, and gravity. Children can learn about STEM concepts through play by adjusting angles and force to change the flight path of the rockets.
• Play Value 5/5
  • With the ability to launch rockets up to 100 feet, this toy promises high-energy fun that can keep children engaged and active outdoors. The inclusion of six rockets and the ability to adjust the launch angle adds to the play value, offering various ways to play and learn.

We love how easy it is to set up the MindSprout Dino Blasters, and our kids have had a blast launching the rockets and stomping on the volcano launcher. The foam-tip rockets are safe for indoor and outdoor play, and they’re sturdy enough to withstand rough play.

One of the best things about this toy is that it’s a great way to introduce STEM concepts to young children. By adjusting the angles and flight trajectories, kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way.

Overall, we think the MindSprout Dino Blasters are a fantastic toy for 4-year-olds. They’re easy to use, safe, and durable, and they provide endless entertainment for kids who love dinosaurs and rockets. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging toy for your child, this one is definitely worth considering.

• Safety 4.5/5
  • The toy is designed with soft foam heads, making it safe for children aged 3 and up. The absence of batteries or extra equipment reduces the risk of choking hazards, and the materials used are likely non-toxic. However, adult supervision is recommended to ensure that children do not launch the rockets at each other or themselves.
• Educational Value 4/5
  • This toy encourages active play and introduces basic principles of physics such as force, trajectory, and gravity. It also touches on STEM learning by allowing children to adjust angles and jump force, sparking curiosity about how these factors affect the rocket’s flight. Additionally, it includes dinosaur-themed rockets, which can be a gateway to learning about these prehistoric creatures.
• Play Value 5/5
  • The toy scores high on play value as it promotes physical activity and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is engaging, allowing for unlimited playtime, and the excitement of launching rockets up to 100 ft. will likely keep children entertained for extended periods.

We were impressed with the quality of the launchers and the foam airplanes. The improved snaps and elastic connecting strips make the launchers more durable and the foam airplanes are lightweight and impact-resistant. Our child enjoyed playing with the toy both indoors and outdoors and we appreciated the opportunity to teach them about launching airplanes and developing critical thinking skills.

While the foam airplanes may not be as durable as other materials, they are still a great choice for children’s outdoor play. The launcher may require some practice to use effectively, but once mastered, it is a lot of fun. We did notice that the foam airplanes may not fly as well in windy conditions, but this did not detract from our overall enjoyment of the toy.

In summary, we highly recommend the Wesfuner Foam Airplane Launcher Toys as a great outdoor activity for children. It is a fun way to learn about launching airplanes and developing critical thinking skills while also being good for children’s health.

• Safety 4/5
  • The toy is made of foam and ABS plastic, which are typically safe and durable materials for children’s toys. The manufacturer also mentions improved snaps and elastic connecting strips for durability. However, without specific information on any small parts or choking hazards, a perfect score cannot be given.
• Educational Value 3/5
  • The toy encourages outdoor play and can help with the development of hand-eye coordination and understanding of aerodynamics. It also promotes physical activity, which is beneficial for children’s health. However, it does not seem to have a direct educational component such as teaching numbers, letters, or STEM principles.
• Play Value 4/5
  • With the ability to fly up to 33-49 ft and the inclusion of LED lights for visual appeal, this toy seems to offer significant play value. It encourages active play and can be used in various games and activities. The inclusion of three different colored planes adds to the play experience.

Buying Guide

When choosing toys for 4-year-olds and young kids, it’s important to keep in mind their developmental needs and interests. Here are some features to look for when selecting the best toys for your child:

Age Appropriateness

Make sure the toy is appropriate for your child’s age. Toys that are too advanced can frustrate and discourage your child, while toys that are too simple can bore them quickly.

Safety

Safety is always a top priority when it comes to children’s toys. Look for toys that are made of non-toxic materials and have passed safety standards. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard.

Educational Value

Toys that promote learning and development are great options for 4-year-olds. Look for toys that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and imaginative play. Pretend play is vital in this age group so the best gifts for little kids are those which allow kids play whilst developing their skills, whether the toy helps develop fine motor skills or creative play.

Durability

4-year-olds are still developing their fine motor skills, so toys that are sturdy and durable are a good investment. Look for toys made with high-quality materials that can withstand rough play.

Interactivity

Toys that encourage interaction and socialization are great for 4-year-olds. Look for toys that can be played with alone or with others, and that promote teamwork and cooperation. Whilst stuffed animals are great for developmental skills, look at other toys to keep kids busy like a board game or fat brain toys. Children play in a varierty of ways so when looking for gifts for 4 year, as well as the classic toy, add in some new open ended toys or even a coding toy to help with your child’s education.

Variety

4-year-olds have a wide range of interests, so it’s important to provide them with a variety of toys to choose from. Look for toys that cater to their interests, whether it’s building, pretending, or exploring.

By considering these features when selecting toys for your 4-year-old, you can ensure that they will have fun, learn, and stay safe while playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some practical gift ideas for a 4-year-old boy?

If you are looking for practical gift ideas for a 4-year-old boy, consider items that can help improve his physical and cognitive abilities. Some great options include building blocks, puzzles, art supplies, and books. You can also consider outdoor toys such as bikes, scooters, and sports equipment.

What are the best outdoor toys for 4-year-olds?

Outdoor toys are a great way to encourage physical activity and exploration. Some of the best outdoor toys for 4-year-olds include trampolines, swing sets, sandboxes, and water tables. You can also consider ride-on toys such as balance bikes, scooters, and wagons.

What are some educational toys for a 4-year-old girl?

Educational toys can help stimulate a child’s curiosity and creativity. Some great educational toys for 4-year-old girls include science kits, building sets, musical instruments, and language learning tools. You can also consider toys that promote problem-solving skills, such as puzzles and board games.

What are some learning toys for a 4-year-old boy?

Learning toys can help improve a child’s cognitive abilities and prepare them for school. Some great learning toys for 4-year-old boys include alphabet and number puzzles, educational games, and building sets. You can also consider toys that promote fine motor skills, such as playdough and coloring books.

What are some unusual gift ideas for a 4-year-old boy on Amazon?

If you are looking for unusual gift ideas for a 4-year-old boy, Amazon has a wide range of options. Some unique gifts include a remote-controlled car, a robot building kit, a magic set, and a spy kit. You can also consider personalized gifts such as a customized superhero cape or a name puzzle.

What are some popular toys for 4-year-old girls in 2023?

In 2023, popular toys for 4-year-old girls include interactive dolls, dress-up sets, and building blocks. Other popular options include STEM toys, such as coding kits and science kits, and outdoor toys such as playhouses and sandboxes.