26 best toys for four-year-olds that make brilliant gifts (2025)

When it comes to buying gifts for kids in preschool, it's all about creating their own worlds. At this age, children can better distinguish between fantasy and reality, so the best gifts for four-year-olds include dressing-up costumes, puppets and even things like play scarves allow them to pretend and imagine a variety of games.

You might also want to consider age-appropriate puzzles with greater complexity, as they develop better fine motor skills, coordination and greater problem-solving skills. Construction-type toys, such as wooden or foam blocks, larger LEGO sets and magnetic tiles also further encourage problem-solving skills.

That might sound confusing, but luckily, we're here to help. Whether they love puzzles, building, games or art, there's sure to be something on this list for the four-year-old in your life.

For more gift guide advice: Best toys for one-year-olds | Best toys for two-year-olds | Best toys for three-year-olds | Best cameras for kids

For mini explorers who love to be outdoors, this kid-friendly magnifier should appeal. Kids can look with both eyes, so they don't have to try to keep one closed, and when they do, they'll be able to see their treasures up close. Ages 4+

Children love these strong Connetix magnets, which let them build tall towers that don't topple over. There are bigger sets if you already know they're keen, but this 60-piece starter pack include enough hexagons and triangles to get them started. Ages 3+

Orchard Toys makes a wide range of fun toys that stealthily teach them key skills while they play. Crazy Chefs helps your kids develop their matching and memory skills, and encourages turn-taking and discussion. There's a spinner to add suspense as players race to collect their ingredients first. Ages 3-6

Our little ones couldn't stop doing this unique art project — and adults told us it brought all the little ones together at picnics and meet-ups. Kids rub the foil sheets onto the puffy stickers included and — like magic — the shiny colours transfer over. They can then use the stickers to make different animal scenes. Ages 4+

This puzzle makes a big impact, covering a huge amount of space on the floor. It's 48 pieces (our experts recommend 20 – 40 pieces, so it's just a little bit of a challenge). Then, when it's all together, they can use the pair of wind up toy cars to race around the tracks. Ages 4+

Being able to use scissors is a sign of school readiness, and this activity set is designed to help kids learn how to use them safely (under supervision). Included in the kit are 25 activity sheets that require cutting, folding and sticking, as well as a glue stick and two pairs of plastic safety scissors that help build motor and cognitive skills. Ages 3+

The Sylvanian Families figurines have been loved for generations, so get them started on their own collection. This set includes a nursery with changeable weather and the Flora Rabbit Baby, as well as fun accessories such as a piano, swing, slide and cradle, giving kids plenty of opportunities for open-ended, imaginative play. Ages 3+

Whether they're starting school imminently or celebrating the beginning or end of another year, this sweet, rhyming picture book reminds kids that there are many ways to be special, and that our differences make us unique. It's a mini boost for the self-esteem. Ages 3+

This wooden 12-piece set has everything you need for a classic tea party, including the tea pot, two cups, two saucers, milk jug, biscuits, tea bags and a tray to serve it on. Pair it with Le Toy Van's Three Tier Cake Stand play set, and you'll have a delicious afternoon tea, all sorted. Ages 3+

The coolest cars are the ones you get to build yourself. With this clever kit, kids can make their own race cars and decorate them with stickers. They'll also learn about how wheels work and how race cars use them to go fast or slow. Ages 3+

They can practise their empathy and love of animals — and maybe ease a few of their own doctor fears — with this role-play costume set, which comes with accessories (a thermometer, stethoscope, bandage, syringe and even a soft toy dog in addition to the outfit). You can pair it with Melissa & Doug's Role Play Pet Vet Play Set for even more props (and patients). Ages 3+

If you have a Paw Patrol fan (and let's face it, what preschooler isn't?) they'll adore getting into the construction zone with Rubble and Mix. The set comes with two figures, plus kinetic sand and tools to roll, stamp and mould it. Ages 3+

This pineapple isn't just cute — it's a great tool for social-emotional learning. After kids use the pieces to make a face, they can compare it to a chart of expressions to try and identify and name the emotion. Then, they look in the pineapple-shaped mirror to see how the expression looks on them. An excellent way to help kids name their feelings. Ages 3+

Children love that this board game uses kinetic sand. At first, the colourful sticks hold up, but as the game goes on, players remove the sticks and the pieces go tumbling to the bottom level (similar to Kerplunk but with sand instead of marbles!). Ages 4+