“Think about toys that have colors, numbers, and shapes embedded into the materials,” Emily Stith, a licensed speech-language pathologist, shares with The Spruce. “We should be using toys to expose children to a variety of important concepts. Talk about the educational concepts rather than question them.” We researched and tested the top picks on the market—evaluating educational value, durability, and age range—and found lots of great products to entertain any sharp 4-year-old. Some of our favorites include a personalized seek-and-find book, the ultimate fort-building set, and a mini monster creation kit your child is sure to love. Here are the best toys on the market for 4-year-old toddlers. Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $60 Price at time of publish: $40 The clinic, which has a fold-out exam table and four consultation rooms, acts as a storage container for the included accessories and has a built-in handle for portability. Our tester loved features like the keys that secure the doors and help promote the development of hand-eye coordination. Through play, kids will become familiar with the various tools a vet uses on pets by performing check-ups on the cat and dog toys that come with the set. While the exam rooms are small, kids can use the medical instruments on any animal in their toy menagerie. Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $7 Price at time of publish: $130 Price at time of publish: $115 According to Colleen Mason, a K0/K1 Inclusion Teacher with a Masters’s in Early Childhood Education, “STEM toys help children develop in so many different ways—logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and perseverance. They’re a worthwhile investment and the basics—Legos, blocks, magnetic tiles—will last well beyond the 4-year-old age.” Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $8 Tested by The Spruce, our reviewer notes, “Each pack of Spelly Straws can spell 300,000 words, which should keep kids busy for a long time. Don’t be surprised if your little one keeps asking for refills since it’s so much fun to watch the liquid filter past the words they’ve created.” Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $45 Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $55 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $95 Price at time of publish: $85 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $24 Price at time of publish: $38 The case includes an assortment of paints and painting tools, as well as paper and a storage case. There’s also a built-in double-sided easel, so it’s easy to use if your little one wants to paint with a sibling or friend as well. Price at time of publish: $23 Price at time of publish: $35 Ideal for ages 4 and up, the set includes six figures, a selection of animals, and tons of other accessories to enhance the experience. From walking the penguin habitat to viewing giraffes, all you and your little one have to do is grab and map begin the adventure. Each space on the cards has a picture of something that starts with the letter. For example “F” has a flower and “O” has an owl, so not only is the game great for teaching letter recognition, but it helps with letter sounds as well. Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $28 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $34 Each child gets a bingo-like card with nine squares, and as the tiles show up, they can grab one if it matches a square on their board. As with bingo, the kid who fills their card first wins. Price at time of publish: $22 Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $33 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $47 Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $46 Price at time of publish: $25 Price at time of publish: $67 Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $110
Educational Value
Some 4-year-olds might be headed to school, so it’s always beneficial to get them toys that reinforce the important skills they’re learning. You might consider getting them toys that teach basic counting or reading skills or games that help them practice taking turns. “Providing toys that allow for real-world play strengthens the developmental skills used for social connectedness and critical thinking,” says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. “Although playing with a kitchen set, for example, may not seem very complicated to an observing adult, the skills a child uses during pretend play are foundational for social and emotional growth.”
Longevity
At 4 years old, kids are still toddlers but on the cusp of early childhood. To get the most mileage out of any toy you purchase, look for items that will keep their interest as they progress. Toys that encourage open-ended play and can be tailored to a child’s development level are perfect, as they can often be used for several years. Similarly, look for toys like bikes and scooters that have adjustable seats and handlebars, so they can better grow with your child.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. Additional research and reporting was conducted by Mia Ingui, an editor at The Spruce.
