The Best Toys for 4 year-olds: Gift Guide for Christmas 2020

Looking for toys and gift ideas that will stimulate and engage your 4 year-old this Christmas? These are my top picks of the best toys for 4 year-olds that will stimulate their imagination, create learning opportunities and will have them coming back to play again and again. 

How to choose the best toys for 4 year-olds this Christmas?

• Toys that can be used in different ways – these will keep your child’s attention longer because of the variety.
• Toys that will grow with your child, these will have different difficulty levels or varying options of how to play as your child gets older.
• Toys that encourage exploring, experimenting and problem-solving.
• Toys that focus on hands-on play – open-ended activities will engage your child’s creativity.

KID K’NEX – Oodles of Pals Building Set

Let your kids’ creativity and imagination expand with this building set. They will be able to build amazing models with colourful eyes, spinning wheels, tractor scoops, big feet, and curly tails. Sixty building ideas are included and will let your children construct structures of varying size and difficulty. The K’NEX Oodles of Pals contains 116 large and flexible parts and pieces that allow young builders to create designs of varying sizes and difficulty. 

Why do I love this toy? 

• It encourages a fundamental understanding of STEM subjects.
• Building helps to strengthen hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
• It promotes creative thinking as children can create their own unique designs.

Water Doodle Mat

This magical water painting pad allows your child (and friends) to paint on any large flat surface. Floors, tables, inside, outside…so many possibilities. Simply fill the magic pen with clean water and draw on the magic drawing mat. After 3-10 minutes, it magically disappears and children can paint on the drawing mat again. And again. The Water Doodle Mat comes with 1 large Doodle mat (100cm x 150cm), 6 magic pens, 8 drawing moulds, 4 drawing templates, 1 drawing booklet and 1 roller stamp set. 

Why do I love this toy?

• It can be folded to a small size so it is portable for outdoors and travelling.
• You’ll never make a mess – there is no ink, no paint and it is all non-toxic. 
• It helps with the development of colour and shape recognition, cognitive abilities and creative skills.

Marble Run

This great marble run set includes 100 pieces of colourful tubes along with regular-sized glass marbles. Your child will have endless building possibilities and then get to stand back and proudly watch the marbles run along their own tracks. The tracks are easy to stick together and stable, once built. Children will love this STEM-based marble run which also comes with assembly instructions. After they experiment with the recommended designs, kids will be able to build many different tracks using their imagination and creativity.  

Why do I love this toy?

• It helps develop kids’ hand-eye coordination and concentration.
• As they experiment with different designs, they will learn patience, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Children love the challenge of getting the marble through the run – it will keep them occupied for hours!

Pete The Cat: The Missing Cupcake Game

This Pete the Cat game, based on the popular book series, is a game of luck, memory, and cooperation, designed for younger kids. In this board game, players work together to get the missing cupcakes back from Grumpy Toad. Kids will love this engaging game with challenges that involve singing songs, acting out physical activities, and identifying favourite animals, food, and words. The game includes 14 cupcakes, 20 birthday present cards, game board, spinner, 4 game pieces, Grumpy Toad and Cupcake tray and instructions. Made for 2 to 4 players. Children will want to play again and again!

Why do I love this game? 

• It involves interactive singing and physical activities, perfect for keeping the attention of the little ones. 
• The game encourages cooperation, rather than competition. 
• The figures and cupcakes can be used in other imaginative play. 

What Should Danny Do?

What Should Danny Do? is an innovative, interactive book that shows kids that their choices shape how their days will unfold. This book is written in a “Choose Your Own Story” style, which follows Danny, a Superhero-in-Training, through his day as he encounters choices that kids face on a daily basis. Children navigate through the different story lines, realising that the choices they make shape Danny’s day. This is the perfect present for both boys and girls. Kids will relate to Danny’s choices, while enjoying the interactive style of the book. “What Should Danny Do?” empowers kids to make positive choices while demonstrating the consequences of their choices.

Why do I love this book?

• Children learn the benefits of being kind, responsible and standing-up to bullying.
• This book is a great teaching tool, without being boring for kids.
• It is a unique concept. Children will instantly be drawn into Danny’s life while having the power to make decisions for him. 

Choosing the best toys for 4 year-olds this Christmas doesn’t have to be difficult!

Remember that educational does not have to mean boring! If you get involved with unpacking and understanding how to use these fun developmental toys, your child will want to get involved as well. My recommendations for the best toys for 4 year-olds will allow you to have fun with your child, engage with them and enjoy spending time together – there is no greater way to bond.