From this article you will learn:
- What toys does a 4 year old child need?
- About toys for a 4 year old boy
- About toys for a 4 year old girl
Children at the age of four make the transition from childhood to early preschool age. Children are actively developing, learning about the world around them, and developing as individuals. During this period of life, for the harmonious development of children, it is necessary to provide as much information as possible in a simple and entertaining form. In this matter, adults can be helped by toys, creative and play sets, necessarily selected by age. With the help of numerous exciting kits, boys and girls will be able to not only brighten up their leisure time in a playful way, but also gain a certain amount of knowledge in the field of mathematics, geometry, literature, Russian language, geography and many other sciences.
How to choose the right toys for a 4 year old boy
If you want to make sure you buy toys that your boy will understand, enjoy, and benefit from, there are a few considerations.
Think of it like age restrictions on movies. Some things are not meant for children because they are not emotionally or intellectually developed enough to process certain topics. The same thing happens with toys.
Toys are designed to stimulate a child's development, so it is important that they are suitable for your child's age range. This does not mean that all children progress at the same rate. Only you can determine what is appropriate for your child.
Where can I buy?
Many parents ask this question, because they want to buy a lot of things, but the funds do not always allow.
I admit, I don’t go to children’s stores in our city at all, since the prices for toys and other children’s goods are simply amazing.
Where do I buy games for children? The answer is quite simple and banal. In the Internet!
I buy books from the Labyrinth online store, sometimes from Ozone or Read.
I also purchase toys through online stores or joint purchases. I can suggest you several such stores. You may also want to spend less and buy more.
So, a list of the most popular online stores that I know (by clicking on the logo, you can get to the store page):
Perhaps you know of other online stores, please share them in the comments to the article, I will be grateful.
Some useful tips:
- Before buying, do not forget to compare prices in different stores and buy really cheaper.
- Be sure to read reviews from other mothers about the product you decide to purchase.
- Walk to a store in your city to touch the item you're looking for and compare prices.
- Read the methods of payment and delivery of goods in different stores and choose the one that is more suitable for you.
The main stages of development of children aged 4 years
By age 4, your son should be able to:
- Physical Skills: Jumping, balancing on one leg, walking up and down, hitting, throwing and catching a ball, walking backwards.
- Communication: understand simple grammar, speak in sentences of five or more words, communicate coherently, tell stories.
- Fine motor skills: use scissors, copy letters and shapes, draw a person with at least two body parts.
- Cognitive Skills: Identify colors, understand counting and identify even multiple numbers, have a point of view and follow three-part instructions.
- Emotional skills: Want to try new things, play with other children, pretend to be parents, negotiate, have a sense of independence and identity.
Types of toys for a 4 year old child
Generally speaking, toys that fit into the developmental stages listed above will also suit your son. You shouldn't give him anything too challenging, physically or mentally. At the same time, something too simple can quickly get boring for him.
Age-appropriate toys include:
- Practical toys: like Play-Doh, puzzles, dolls, building blocks and car or train sets.
- Simple board games: Although 4-year-olds are capable of playing well, they have not yet fully learned strategy or playing by the rules. Simple games are a great way to teach them cooperation and taking turns.
- Creative Toys: Basic art supplies and children's musical instruments are suitable for 4-year-old children. They will also develop fine motor skills and self-confidence.
- Mobility toys: These are always fun, especially for boys. Just make sure you take reasonable precautions, such as providing supervision and protective equipment.
- Popular toys: it's not just costumes. Anything that sparks your child's imagination (like figurines or props) will be made.
- Adventure, outdoor or sports toys: Boys this age have a lot of energy, so anything that keeps them active is great. If sports aren't their option, toys that allow them to explore will also be a hit.
What to give your baby
This question is sometimes confusing. After all, there are many holidays, but you can’t leave your baby unattended. Of course, the gift must be useful. Whether the tomboy will like it or not depends on how observant you are. The preferences of the little creature change very often as children grow. Remember that from 3 to 5 years old a fidget loves to study everything with special care.
One of my friends’ daughters abandoned dolls after 3 years, but the mosaics and construction sets went with a bang. Consider the interests of your child. In principle, all of the above will look great as a gift for a birthday or New Year. And, my advice to you, if you give an exciting trinket, dilute the surprise with any development!
The best educational toys for boys 4 years old
Excavator Double Eagle
The toy is great for imaginative play and will develop your child's sense of spatial reasoning and coordination.
This toy offers a lot of entertainment value. It comes with a functional and realistic double action lever and scooping bucket. The bucket rotates.
Its wheels are designed with extra grip for safety and this living toy can be used to dig out dirt, sand and even snow.
Stamp set
This art set includes eight different dinosaur stamps, two ink pads (red and blue), and five colored pencils. This is a surefire way to promote your boy's creativity. What's even better is that these stamps help develop fine motor skills.
The ink is washable so you don't have to worry about a mess, and everything in the set fits into a convenient storage box.
Giant Jumbo Building Blocks
Who would have thought that cardboard toys would sell so well these days? You'll be surprised how innovative this simple idea is. This is such a fun way to get your 4 year old to play actively.
Yes, there is nothing special here. These are giant cardboard blocks that can be used to build whatever your son's heart desires.
The set contains 40 colorful corrugated cardboard blocks in three different sizes. This product has a 100% quality guarantee.
Designer in a suitcase Bristle Blocks
Typically people lean towards Lego (see below), but these blocks are another classic option. The set includes 50 colorful bricks and a convenient carrying case that can lay flat and be used as a base.
This is a more affordable option compared to more well-known brands.
LEGO Juniors City - Central Airport
You didn't think I'd exclude Lego from this list, did you? Lego is legendary and for good reason. While you can save money by purchasing alternative brands for your bricks, their play sets are one of a kind and worth the investment.
This set of airport toys is sure to captivate your little boy. It has a lot of detail and will keep them busy for years. The set includes a functional conveyor belt, two planes, five character figures and a total of 376 pieces.
LEGO Star Wars Starfighter construction set
One more Lego and then I'll stop, I promise. I couldn't resist adding this Star Wars Starfighter. Boys - regardless of whether they are fans of the brand - will have a great time with this.
It comes with 62 pieces and includes two characters - the pilot and the beloved C-3PO. This set also includes a study guide to help you better understand the importance of such toys, as well as steps you can take to give your son the best experience.
It is age appropriate for 4 year old boys, but adults can have fun too.
Superhero PlayMonster
Superhero Buddy is described as a cross between an action figure and a stuffed doll to develop your child's imagination and emotional abilities. This 40cm action figure comes with a matching cape and mask for your son.
This toy has won the 2021 TOTY Doll of the Year title.
Inflatable trampoline JUMP-O-LENE
Adults dream about having bouncy houses in their backyards just as much as kids do. They are colorful, exciting and get your blood pumping. What a fun way to keep your child active.
This model takes up a bit of space, but if you have the space, consider it. It has mesh walls to keep your little one safe and is made of puncture-resistant material.
It is anchored to keep it strong. The trampoline includes a house, heavy-duty blower, repair kit, and storage bag. It can hold up to 113kg
Football goal Yoheha
If basketball isn't your thing, why not settle for some good old football? Like many of the other toys on this list, I think the soccer ball is underrated. It keeps kids fit and develops their coordination and motor skills, among other things.
This set has everything you need for outdoor play. The gates are colorful and easy to set up or take down, and the height of the net can be adjusted. It includes a goal post, one ball and a pump.
Tool set "Polesie"
I'm impressed with this set of toys. It's fantastic for imaginative play and works on your child's concentration and cognitive abilities.
The size of the set is what surprised me. It contains a whopping 68 realistic and functional parts. It includes an array of nuts and screws, a hammer, a saw and an electronic drill. Batteries for the drill are included.
This workbench and all its parts fit into a carrying case. Your little worker will be on the go in no time. Instructions included.
Wooden tool set Lucy&Leo
All boys love tool boxes, right? Now you can keep your little one away from daddy by getting his own adorable set.
This set contains 43 wood tools, including a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, saw, nuts and bolts, and even a sweet little ruler. They all come in a convenient wooden storage box to save you space when it comes to toy collection time.
Each piece is made from durable linden and pine wood and is considered safe for children.
Tomik building blocks
In this modern age, wooden toys have become significantly undervalued, so here is another option. This set has 100 pieces, in four different colors and with nine different shapes. The blocks are durable yet lightweight and safe for children to play with.
Building with these blocks can inspire imagination while also developing coordination and motor skills. The toy also comes with a 100 percent quality guarantee. Tomik is a well-known brand for a reason—you probably won't regret this option.
Set of musical instruments IBaseToy
Music is important for children, so if you can say goodbye to peace and quiet for even a short time, it's a great choice for development.
This toy helps develop their motor skills, rhythm and confidence. The set includes a xylophone, maracas, shakers, tambourine, drum and much more. There are 23 pieces in total, so your boy won't get bored easily.
It also includes a backpack that fits everything snugly.
Toy tent “LET'S PLAY TOGETHER”
My friend's son has a tent that he loves with all his heart. I feel like when he crawls into it, it's like he's entering a whole new world. Tents are excellent tools for free play.
The design of this tent is wonderful and will attract the attention of a 4 year old boy. If your son is going through his space phase, this tent will be a big hit.
It's easy to set up, waterproof and can fit up to three kids at a time. There is also a full satisfaction guarantee.
Wind Up Chatter Teeth Wind Up Toy
They are so simple and funny, but funny at the same time. Wind up this toy and watch them do a funny dance.
It all makes no sense, but I have seen first hand how much fun they are for little boys. The bonus here is that they are super affordable.
Floating airport for bath
I really like the idea of this toy set. It adds a whole new level to the bath by being innovative and creative. Foam building blocks are taken to the next level here with these floating little pieces.
As if seeing this float wasn't fun enough, you can design it any way you like. The blocks will even stick to the walls when they are wet.
Your son can learn more about geometry, patterns, and cause-and-effect relationships. They are also mildew resistant, which is important for bath toys.
The best interactive toys for 4 year old boys
Dinosaur Robot 1 TOY Robo Life
The only thing better than a dinosaur is a robot dinosaur. This toy may not be the shiniest, most complex robot, but it excels in its simplicity.
Your 4 year old will be entertained with LED lights that illuminate his scales, eyes and mouth in red, blue and green. It also roars (as dinosaurs do) and is easy to turn on and off.
This toy is 15cm tall x 30cm long and its batteries are included which is always a bonus.
Walkie Talkie "Our Toy"
They are great for imaginative play. Using these walkie-talkies, you can pretend to be cops, spies, pilots, Formula 1 racers and much more. These walkie-talkies look like simple toys, but their range can span two miles.
They also have a built-in LED flashlight for nighttime adventures and a headphone jack for when your boy needs a little more stealth. These walkie-talkies are also voice activated. They could be fun for the whole family and have a full quality guarantee.
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar
Coding a toy for little boys can be quite a challenge to find, but this can be a fantastic start.
Connect the segments of this toy to control the direction in which it moves. The goal is to get it from start to finish. This is a great way to develop your boy's problem solving abilities.
The caterpillar also lights up, has built-in sounds and blinking eyes, making it a fun interactive toy.
The most interesting and popular toys for boys 4 years old
Heavy truck Boley Mighty
If your boy is in his motor phase, where everything from garbage trucks to sports cars suits his fancy, this 22-piece toy set will grab your attention.
It includes a big rig, 13 small colorful vehicles and model road accessories. The gear has a handle for easy carrying and each vehicle can be inserted inside.
What's great is that it's not designed to fit just Boley toys. Other brands such as Hot Wheels will also fit inside. This toy set is 100 percent non-toxic and lead-free and comes with a quality guarantee.
Transformer - Bot Bumblebee
Transformers is one of those things that just never goes out of style. Dads will probably love this one thanks to its nostalgia. Little people use Transformers just like us.
This 10-inch Bumblebee transforms between robot, megabot, and vehicle forms. It also comes with two convertible pets that can attach to it in any mode. It's like having three different toys.
To top it all off, it has lights and sounds to keep baby occupied for longer.
Transforming robot letters
Your boy is at an age where educational play is important. This set of toys is a great idea. It's simple, effective, and promises to combine learning and fun with ease.
This toy set includes all 26 letters and each one transforms into a robot. If that's not enough for you, the alphabets can be combined to create three even bigger, badder robots.
Transformer Fisher-Price Batbot Xtreme
All boys love Batman, right? . For starters, this giant toy (over 60cm tall) will get your boy excited.
It includes a small Batman character, Batcycle and Batbot. Batbot comes in two modes - normal and combat mode. In the latter case, the bot's wings and fists are extended, and your boy can handle it.
He can also speak in his own voice with a built-in voice converter. Perhaps its most impressive feature is its wingspan. It even shoots projectiles and has a lift for the Batman figure.
Hasbro Spiderman
If you prefer a more traditional "doll" for your son, the classic figure is the way to go. Everyone loves Spider-Man, and boys will love this model of him.
It is 30 cm high and has movable joints in the arms and legs. If you're willing to spend a little more he'll even say a few heroic words.
This is just one in a series of collectibles, so if your son is a Marvel fan, this is a good place to start.
Guide to Buying Toys for a 4 Year Old
Toys are meant to be fun, but you should also look for toys that teach skills. Let's face it, your little one is not going to play with a boring toy. Find a toy for 4 year old boys with bright colors and lots of ways to play to keep them busy.
Toys with lots of pieces will make your baby happy, but make mom panic about the mess. Plus, small pieces can also be a choking hazard if your 4-year-old still likes to put small things in his mouth. Loud toys drive mom crazy but make the kids happy, and as a result mom is happy as long as the noisy toy is in at least two rooms.
Subsequently, children should have toys that are fun but can also teach something. Even one skill set for a toy is a step in the right direction in teaching them all the skills they need to learn in life. Find educational toys for 4-year-olds that focus on the alphabet, numbers, and shapes to support learning through kindergarten. Also, cheap plastic toys may have a low price tag but may break and be a waste of money or fall apart and injure the child with minor cuts or bruises. Look for hard toys that are designed to withstand the test of tiny hands.
Your 4 year old boy is currently improving his gross motor skills and dexterity. In addition, his fine motor skills are developing. For example, he can probably dress himself, brush his own teeth, and now uses the potty all the time. During this age, you should continue to limit phone play time and encourage outside play. Also, encourage your boy to practice balance and explore the world around him.
In conclusion, we have selected the best toys for 4-year-old boys based on the desires of boys of this age, as well as the skills they should gain from playing.
First, we chose toys because they teach gross motor skills and begin to teach fine motor skills.
Next, we looked for high-quality toys in terms of price and quality.
Finally, we looked for toys that are guaranteed to light up your little boy's eyes and keep him entertained for hours.
Check out the best Play Doh sets
Check out the best Shopkins sets
Check out the best Barbie toys.
Consider the best troll toys.
Check out the best PAW Patrol toys
Objects that can hold attention
Like any mother, I want what my children do to be useful. So that these classes help improve skills characteristic of their age. Fortunately, stores now offer such items for every taste and budget. Toys should encourage imagination, mental work and intelligence.
List of interesting entertainment for toddlers:
- Developmental. Curious tomboys need educational smart kits. These include various puzzles and pictures with animals and seasons. Satisfy your curiosity through this.
- Brain teaser. At 4 years old, the toddler is already familiar with some numbers and knows something about the world around him. Try cutting the picture into several parts and numbering it. And ask your child to collect. Or ask which number comes before the number 3 and which comes after it. Get the most basic riddles for this age.
- Formation of speech, correct sound pronunciation. This includes various speech therapy exercises. Let them be in a fun way.
- Mobile activities. Stimulate mobility by purchasing balls of different sizes. Even a large one for fitness can be adapted for such activities. It's great to run and jump in the fresh air.
- Anything to do with fine motor skills. My godmother gave us something fun in the form of pictures for our birthday. There are two people involved here: the adult tells the story and shows the child the movements. And the baby reproduces these movements in the picture. For example, jellyfish are depicted, the baby shows them with his hands. Or a winding road, and several points on it: a store, a house, a restaurant. I ask you to come to one of the places. And the child leads with his finger along the drawn road to the designated point.
Of course, you need to select entertainment according to the age of the baby. This way you can develop his abilities in the right direction. But there are also selection criteria based on gender: for boys and for girls. I want to look at these criteria in more detail.
Is it possible to buy complex toys for a 4-year-old child?
-Yes! Your little one is at the ideal inquisitive age and is smart enough to start boring his little brain with problem solving, an extremely important skill for the job. Although skills are limited now, complex toys can stimulate thought, and with a little help from Mom and Dad, he can begin to understand more complex topics. Therefore, you should find some toys from his range and teach your child to play with these toys. Also, if he is playing with them in the wrong manner, you can try showing him how to play. For example, if he is throwing blocks, then show him how to stack the blocks.
Volumetric book “Teremok” from Neknizhka
Child age: from 3 years.
Gift price: 2900 rub.
Where to order: neknizhka.ru
When we read the fairy tale “Teremok”, we always see the fairy-tale house only from the outside. But how interesting it would be to look inside! What kind of room did the frog have? Where did the little mouse live? Now there is such an opportunity. The children's project "NeKnizhka" offers a miracle of paper engineering - a voluminous book-house with paper fairy tale characters and additional elements for a fun game.
Can younger siblings play with these toys with my 4 year old?
Younger siblings can play with toys intended for children four years old or older, as long as an adult remains close to the child and watches. However, you must understand that younger children may not understand the concept of a toy intended for an older child. For example, a two-year-old may not understand a dinosaur footprint while a four-year-old is trying to build a train station. As a result, you may want to wait until both siblings are a little older to let them play with the same toys.
Consider popular Minecraft toys.
Consider the popular Spider-Man toys.
Consider the popular Optimus Prime toys.
Consider the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys.
Consider the popular Star Wars toys.
Consider toys from the cartoon Ben Ten.
Educational 4D cards Smarty
Child age: from 2 years.
Gift price: 1200 rub.
Where to order: 4dsmarty.ru
Smarty augmented reality cards will help you turn exploring the world around you into a game. As soon as you open the application and point your smartphone at the cards, the images will become three-dimensional, begin to move, and make sounds. Real magic!
Board game "Talking Cubes" from "Warehouse Uma"
Child age: from 3 years.
Gift price: 380 rub.
Where to order: www.instagram.com
You no longer have to rack your brains over which fairy tale to read to your child. After all, you can compose your own. Take the dice, throw them - and the fairy tale will begin! You can make up stories with your child, taking turns throwing the dice.
What toys are best for a 4 year old boy to buy?
Choosing the best toy for your 4 year old boy depends on the boy you're buying for, but it also depends on your budget and what the purpose of the toy is for the parent. Some parents want to focus on educational toys and gifts, and that's okay. Other parents want to focus on having fun, which is okay too. Therefore, try to choose toys that will teach and keep kids occupied.
With so many cool toys, your 4 year old boy is spoiled for choice. If you're looking to boost his confidence or coordination, you'll be sure to find a toy on this list to match his development.
As much as I'd love to pick each one as my favorite, I have to go with the beefy Boley truck.
The fact that it can be easily transported is also a plus that the carrier is compatible with other car brands.
Features of the development of a 4-year-old child
To understand what a 4-year-old baby needs, you need to analyze what stage of physical and mental development he is at. Ask yourself this question.
- Physical
At the age of 4 years, physical activity gives way to perseverance. I can tell from my son that before this period he was more active. Of course, perseverance is good. You can captivate your little one with useful creative work. But we need a balance, what do you think? It seems to me that the matter is in the development of speech function. Think for yourself, from 3 to 4 years old, conversational talent actively manifests itself. Now the little researcher can ask about the subject of interest. Than earlier, in 2 years, when the walking skill improves! And there is no word yet. And in order to appreciate any thing, you need to approach it, touch it, feel it, lick it, in the end!
- Mental
Because of the rapidly growing pace of the conversational function and unquenchable curiosity, the time comes for “why, what, how.” Thousands, no, millions of questions! Yes? And here we need our parental patience. If we evade answers and use standard phrases, we may disappoint the child. He will simply consider that no one needs him. Believe me, at 4 years old his mind is capable of achieving this. You probably recognized some of your tomboys here.
Now that we've briefly talked about the peculiarities of age, let's decide what toys should be in the arsenal of a fidgety 4-year-old.