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Fresh off toddlerhood, 4-year-olds are blossoming into fully independent kids with lots of opinions. They’ve got their own interests and ideas and won’t hesitate to tell you exactly what they want as gifts. However, helpful as that may be, they’re also fickle little characters who change their minds every half hour. So it’s smart to do a bit of your own research, right?

The best Christmas gifts for 4-year-olds allow them to get lost in their creativity and imagination. They’re more independent now and providing them with toys and projects they can master on their own is a gift to both of you really. (I mean, what’s better than 30 minutes of peace and quiet with a cup of coffee that’s actually still hot?)

If choosing the best gift has you stressed, don’t sweat. We’ve rounded up some top-rated, tried-and-true toys and gifts that your preschooler is sure to love–even if it wasn’t on the list. From the outdoor equipment that gets them moving to STEM based toys that boost their brains, these are our top picks for four-year-olds this holiday season.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Our favorite Christmas gifts for 4-year-olds

Boppo Screen Free Learning Tablet - Motherly
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$139.99

If your kid has ever swiped the phone right out of your hand mid-text, you already know how strong the pull of a screen is. Boppo is the rare workaround that actually satisfies it. It looks and feels like their own little tablet, ten light-up buttons and a real speaker, with no screen anywhere in sight. It arrives loaded with 40+ games, songs and stories (no subscription, ever) and grows right alongside them, from the toddler mashing buttons to learn colors to the 8-year-old working through space trivia. You can pop on a themed Toppo (sold separately) like On the Farm or At the Symphony for a whole fresh set of activities, and because it runs completely offline, it’s the toy you’ll be most thankful for on a long flight or in a dragging waiting room. Consider yourself warned that you’ll be angling for a turn at Bop-a-Mole after bedtime.

Melissa Doug Water Wow Cast X Ray Play Set - Motherly
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$21.99

For reasons I’ve yet to understand, casts are an endless fascination among this age group. So it’s no surprise this Melissa & Doug set has been a hit since it first came out. The kit comes with a hard-shelled cast that changes color again and again with the Water Wow pen as well as a wrist brace, finger splint, and three self-stick bandages.

Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set
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$87.99

The allure of a vending machine is real–even when the snacks aren’t. Melissa & Doug have managed to tap into a zillion ways to capture kids’ attention but this one seems to have a particular resonance. From stocking the machine to dropping in their coins, the  Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set is a total hit. It’s designed to be accessed from both sides which makes it great for two to play together but still fun solo. There’s no batteries, no sounds–just a collection of goodies, coins, bank card and customizable sign that will keep them playing for hours.

Little Adventures Super Hero Cape and Mask Set
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$27.99

Make dress up super fun with this flashy Superhero cape from Little Adventures. It’s made from non-itchy fabric that’s free from pokey seams, buttons or ties and easy for little people to take on and off themselves. The best part? It’s machine-washable. Because even superheroes have to clean up once in awhile.

Glo Pals Light Up Sensory Jars
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$25

When it comes to 4-year-olds, the overstimulation is real. Calm-down jars can be a great tool to help them chill out, take a breath and recalibrate after a long day or your regularly scheduled meltdown. And yes, of course any jar filled with glitter or what have you will do, but we really love the thoughtfully-designed Light Up Sensory Jars from Glo Pals. The lantern-like vessels feature both easy-grab handles and a child-proof cap to keep everything inside. (Ask us how we learned this cap situation matters.) Each one comes with a themed filler pack of glitter, sequins, jewels and figurines which they can add themselves. Just fill with tap water and you’re good to go!

Kiwi Co. Water and Sand Sensory Table
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$179.95

It’s hard to say who loves a water table more–our kids who spend hours scooping, experimenting, and pouring, or us, the moms who get a few minutes of peace while they do it. Any style makes a great holiday gift, but we’re super impressed by this one from KiwiCo. In addition to a generously-sized basin which can be filled with water, sand, rice, you name it, the plexiglass divider offers a place to assemble custom water features with the included pipe set, or doodle with the paint crayons. It’s crazy easy to assemble (one reviewer said it best–”Kiwico should buy Ikea”) and can be adjusted to three different heights as they grow.

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
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$34.97

Every 4-year-old gets a thrill out of playing store, and most of that time involves ringing you up for things you already own. Lean in with the award-winning Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register from Learning Resources, which is about as close as a preschooler gets to their own storefront. The solar-powered calculator has big, easy-to-mash buttons (and no batteries to die mid-transaction), the drawer pops open with a very official cha-ching, and the 73-piece set comes stocked with life-size bills, plastic coins and a credit card for the inevitable tap-to-pay. It even reads real U.S. money, so it grows from “here are four dollars” counting into actual addition as they get older.

Little Tikes Creative Chefs Cookie Kit with Make It Mix Play Sand 11 Accessories Realistic Pretend Play Baker Set Boys Girls Ages 3 5fb3007c d5ac 4313 8d08 ee63dc66d749.88a7bf48f866fe26a3a671363f0adede - Motherly
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$7.98

Even as adults who have to clean it up, we admit that kinetic sand is super fun. (It also doesn’t grind itself permanently into the carpet like play dough, so there’s that.) And while a bin of it is great, the popular Creative Chef sets from Little Tikes are even better. The realistic Cookie Kit comes with two Make It Mix play sand “cookie mixes” as well as a baking sheet, rolling pin and two cookie cutters to serve up the prettiest treats this side of the bakery.

Bluey Rubbish Run Game
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$19.97

If Bluey is basically a member of the family and trash day is a weekly source of entertainment, you cannot go wrong here. Rubbish Run turns that particular episode into a game the whole crew can knock out in about 20 minutes. The centerpiece is the interactive garbage truck, which kids spin to see what rubbish to collect before loading it up with a satisfying press of the button. There’s some sneaky learning in here too, since sorting the tiles into the right bins is really recycling practice in disguise. The catch, and the part they’ll completely lose it over, is that a too-full truck randomly pops open and dumps everyone’s rubbish back out. First to empty their bins without getting spilled on wins. Simple enough for a preschooler, chaotic enough that you’ll want in.

Starry Night Air Fort
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$60

When you’re four, is there a better place to hang than in your own cozy fort? Not really. This dreamy design uses a standard box fan to inflate in seconds and features glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling for an extra dash of magic. It’s also machine washable!

Super Smalls Unicorn Makeup Play Kit
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$39

And here you thought they wouldn’t be raiding your makeup stash until middle school! 4-year-olds love imitating their mom more than anything, so it’s no surprise they’re begging to swipe on some blush with your fancy brushes. Imagine how you could blow their mind by gifting them their very own kid-safe version. The Unicorn Makeup Play Kit from Supersmalls includes a collection of low-pigment pastel and pearly kid-friendly makeup you can feel good about them using as well as a collection of gem stickers to decorate the compact and tubes.

Rebel Girls Little Library
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$54.99

Since the overwhelming success of their 2016 Kickstarter, Rebel Girls has graced the bedtime story routine of millions of young girls (and boys!) in 49 languages in over 85 countries. Their 10-book Little Library Collection offers the youngest readers a thorough introduction to 100 extraordinary women and girls from all around the world at an age-appropriate level. Spark the something that will ignite change, continue the fight for what is right and just, and carry us boldly into the future.

Stapelstein Rainbow Set
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$299

According to one Motherly mom of five, “This might seem like a seriously overpriced toy, but it is absolutely not—it’s the most versatile toy in our collection.” What are the German-made Stapelstein Originals? Well, a better question might be what aren’t they? The water-proof, stackable toys are everything from water and sand scoops to obstacle course and tower builders. They’re strong enough for full grown adults to stand on and light enough for toddlers to manipulate and maneuver. And yes, they’re definitely pricey but when you consider how much play time they offer and the fact they’re ideal for a wide range of ages, it’s easier to rationalize!

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chocolate Factory Play Set
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$70.99

The wooden countertop play sets from Melissa & Doug have topped our lists for ages. They’re incredibly thoughtfully designed, virtually indestructible and every editor who has had one insists their kids have played with them more than any other toy in the house. This year they’ve released a brand new chocolate factory version which is sure to be just as big a hit as any. Kids can mix and match the play candy shells and tops with a variety of fillings as they move the sliding conveyor, flip fidget switches, push a lever and turn a dial to drop the finished product right into place. The set comes with boxes to package up their confections, play money, a double-sided sign and a reusable activity card. And because it’s just as fun to order chocolates as it is to make them, it’s a great gift for siblings as well!

Caden Lane Colorable Pajamas - Motherly
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$36

Four-year-olds aren’t always enthusiastic about bedtime, but maybe upgrading their beloved long johns into a wearable art project can help. The illustrated jammies from Caden Lane are designed to be decorated with fabric markers however they see fit. Choose from a variety of patterns to suit their fancy. (Note the fabric markers are sold separately.)

Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center
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$249

There are tons of climbing domes out there, but this one comes recommended more than any other. Yes, it requires a good amount of space in a yard—it is 9 feet in diameter and 4.5 feet high—but the return on playtime is hard to beat. Not only will they tire themselves out without a trip to the playground the climbing activities this lends to can help improve a child’s spatial awareness, sense of balance, and motor skills. Throw a couple sheets over it and the interior of the dome makes for a great playhouse, too!

Mud Puppy Cosmic Dreams Search & Find Puzzle
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$17.99

The 64-piece Search & Find puzzles from Mudpuppy offer preschoolers two challenges. First they have to flex their problem solving skills to put it together. When they’re done, they can use their eagle eyes to find 40+ space-related images and animals that surround the puzzle edge.

Stomp Rocket Jr - Motherly
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$27.99

Of all the toys we’ve ever bought, none have gotten more use than Stomp Rockets. The simple foam rockets and launchers keep kids running, catching and jumping for hours, and sometimes, siblings even get along while doing it. This set is particularly well suited for the younger set with eight colored rockets that are easy to spot in the grass after they blast them 100 feet in the air.

Raddish Kids - Motherly

Got a budding chef on your hands? With Raddish Kids, the all-ages cooking club, each month’s themed box contains three recipe guides and culinary skill lessons, grocery list, quality kitchen tool, creative kitchen project, a colorful apron patch and four table talk cards (great for getting a conversation going around the dinner table). They also offer free “bonus bites” on the website with things like extra recipes and playlists to inspire your little chef as they cook up a storm. You can also check out their single kits or even opt for a cook-along kit that includes exclusive access to a cook-along class taught by a Raddish Culinary Coach. Prices vary.

Screen Shot 2021 11 10 at 2.39.36 PM e1636573259646 - Motherly
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$14.99

My First Flybar offers kiddos who are too young for a pogo stick a frustration-free way to get their jump on. The wide foam base and stretchy bungee cord “stick” is sturdy enough to withstand indoor and outdoor use and makes a super fun addition to driveway obstacle courses and backyard races. Full disclosure—it squeaks when they bounce, but don’t let that be a deterrent. One clever reviewer noted that with a pair of needle-nose pliers, you can surgically remove that sucker without damaging the base.

LEGO® Large Creative Brick Box
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$59.99

While we love a good themed LEGO kit, we’ve found that our 4-year-olds get the most joy and use out of a plain ‘ol pile of colorful bricks. This new set is a great way to start their collection with a wide selection of shapes and sizes that are not only pre-sorted by color, but can easily be stored in the convenient plastic bin between play sessions. There are endless ways to create and plenty of bricks for the entire crew to get in on a family build session.

Screen Shot 2021 11 09 at 11.55.18 AM - Motherly
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$24.95

This ready-made sensory bin comes with everything your construction-loving kiddo needs to entertain themselves for hours. When they’re done, just snap the lid back on and store for next time. Honestly, I’d pay double. (And if diggers and dump trucks aren’t thing, they offer a bunch of different themes that are sure to please.)

Connetix Magnetic Tiles Travel Mini Pack
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$25

I hope and pray that my kids never outgrow magnetic tiles, because they’re *my* favorite open-ended toy to play with. Whether your household is new to them or already cultivated a collection, this new set from Connetix is a great add. The travel-ready set comes neatly packed with 32 mini-sized tiles as well as two sheets of reuseable stickers to decorate the tin and their creations. The possibilities are literally endless.

Yeti In My Spaghetti Game
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$17.99

If your child has trouble picking up small things, try playing this game to strengthen hand and eye coordination. It’s a short enough game that even young kids are able to maintain attention and focus through everyone’s turn.

Screen Shot 2021 11 10 at 2.43.01 PM - Motherly
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$89.99

Whether you’re zipping through city streets or riding up and down your suburban driveway, a good scooter is a must-have for outdoor fun. Our top pick is the genius three-wheeled designs from Micro Kickboard. Not only are they super easy for even the smallest daredevils to master, but they’re made to last and hand down. It’s a great way for little ones to improve their balance and coordination while also having a blast!

ThsdJR helmet sosilver - Motherly
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$49

With the guidance of over 100 kids, Thousand created a helmet that every kid will not only tolerate wearing, but ask to wear even when they’re not on wheels. Each helmet includes a pack of super cool reflective stickers so they can easily customize it to their own personal style. As far as fit, it comes in one size and adjusts via a dial at the base of the head. Details like the integrated visor, comfy vegan leather straps and extra ventilation are the icing on the cake.

Bijou Mainstay with Wood Included
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$799

This one is spendy for sure, but a sturdy, beautiful playhouse is an investment that will pay off in years of imaginative play for everyone from young toddlers to school-aged kiddos. And Bijou Build is more than just a playhouse–it actually turns your yard into a kid-friendly oasis. Designed by a toy industry expert and mom of three, Bijou Build’s modular play structure is all at once a place to play and relax, with endless possibilities for expansion. The standard package includes the Clamber Climing Wall and a cozy 5 foot hover platform for inside. Want to expand? You can add another and connect with a rope bridge. Or hang the Bijou Sway swing inside and sip your coffee in the shade. It’s truly an investment for the entire family!

Pop the Pig Toddler Game
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$10

The premise of Pop the Pig is simple and goofy, which makes it a hit for preschoolers. To play, you roll the die, pick a burger of a certain color and the push the pig’s head down the number of times shown on the bottom of the burger. Whoever causes the pig’s belt to pop is the winner… But really everyone is the winner since each game is a great lesson in color and number recognition. (Saying “pop the pig” is even great for articulation skills!) As one editor says, “I’m easily influenced into buying games that could be fun for my three young kids and, hands down, this is the best one we’ve purchased. They actually play together. Peacefully! 10 out of 10 recommend.”

A version of this story was published October 10, 2020. It has been updated.