Your child is growing up too quickly, and you can’t believe he’s a 4-year-old. He is outgrowing the typical toddler toys and wants to be more like the “big kids”. You’re not ready for that, and you’re not quite sure if he is either. How do you decide on a gift for this growing boy?
There are so many options for boy toys out there; how do you decide what is right for your boy? We have reviewed what we have found to be the best gifts and toys for 4-year-old boys. They are broken down into 4 categories: Creative Toys, Active Toys, STEM/Learning Toys, Imaginative Play Toys. These gifts and toys are high quality and proven to be loved by 4-year-old boys. So, embrace this great stage of life and find your boy the perfect gift!
Our Favorite Toys and Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Active/Outdoor Toys | |
LaScoota 2-in-1 Scooter Read Review | |
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Read Review | |
Firetruck Wiggle Car Read Review | |
Little Tikes T-Ball Set Read Review | |
Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper Read Review | |
RoyalBaby Kids Bike Read Review | |
whoobli Punching Bag Read Review | |
Hover Soccer Ball Set Read Review | |
Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kit Read Review | |
GeoSafari Binoculars Read Review | |
| Creative Toys | |
Water Doodle Mat Read Review | |
Drawing Stencil Kit Read Review | |
Playfoam Alphabet Set Read Review | |
Magnetic Drawing Board Read Review | |
Washable Dot Markers Read Review | |
Learn to Draw Dinosaurs! Read Review | |
Seckton Kids Camera Read Review | |
| STEM/Learning Toys | |
LeapFrog Scribble and Write Read Review | |
First Big Book of Why Read Review | |
STEM Building Kit Read Review | |
Magnetic Building Blocks Read Review | |
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday Read Review | |
Magnetic Letter Board Read Review | |
Critter Case Read Review | |
Melissa & Doug Vehicle Puzzles Read Review | |
Whack-a-Frog Game Read Review | |
| Imaginative Toys | |
Fort Building Kit Read Review | |
Take Apart Toy Racing Car Read Review | |
Superhero Dress Up Set Read Review | |
Toy Workbench with Tools Read Review | |
Transport Car Carrier Truck Read Review | |
Star Projector Night Light Read Review | |
Playz Rocket Ship Tent Read Review |
Active/Outdoor Toys
1. LaScoota 2-in-1 Scooter
Your 4-year-old wants to keep moving, and what better way than with a beginner scooter? LaScoota’s 2-in-1 Kick Scooter with Removable Seat is perfect for young kids. It gives the option of either sitting or standing, which is nice for kids just getting the hang of it. They can start by sitting and having a parent push them. Then, when they are ready, easily remove the seat (using the included allen wrench) and let them try pushing with their feet.
Not only is this a great beginner scooter, it also grows with your child. The handlebar has 4 different height option, and the scooter is made for kids up to 130 pounds. This means you can get many years out of this scooter, and I know I’m not the only one who loves that idea. Made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the LaScoota is sure to wear well.
Riding on 3 wheels makes it easier for young kids to learn balance and coordination. Additionally, this option has an extra wide deck, another bonus to help a learning child. One of the favorite features is flashing lights on the wheels that light up when the wheels turn. And to make it even more appealing, it uses no batteries. Instead, built-in magnets cause the lights to turn on.
The handlebars on this scooter don’t turn. Instead, tilt the handlebars in the direction you want to turn, and you will go that way. Kids seem to get a hang of turning pretty easily with this LaScoota. To stop the scooter, simply push down on the brake located on the back wheel.
2. Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow
A 4-year-old boy is often a ball of energy, and Stomp Rocket Jr. is a safe and fun way to release some of that energy. Simply place one of the foams rocket on the plastic stand. Then have your boy jump on the launching pad. He will love watching the rocket soar up to 100 feet in the air.With four rockets included, your boy can keep jumping and launching without having to collect his rocket after each jump. The rockets are glow in the dark, which adds another fun element.
This toy, while simple, affords hours of fun and active play. I love that it is easy enough for a 4-year-old to place the rocket and launch it without help. Initial set up is simple, and if shown how, your 4-year-old could even set it up himself.
3. Firetruck Wiggle Car
Why do little boys love the wiggle car? Because it’s so much fun! Why do parents love it? Because it’s safe, inexpensive and so quiet! Ok, the fact that you don’t have to replace batteries is pretty cool, too. And it’s so easy to operate; all you need is a driver and a smooth, hard surface.
You might be wondering how this little car moves . . . well, it is really pretty simple. The little guy sits down on it and starts to wiggle and twist–no gears or pedals. I don’t pretend to understand the mechanics behind it, but it has something to do with inertia, gravity, and friction. In my mind, that translates into pure kid energy.
There are a lot of advantages to this toy. Your 4-year-old with be developing skills like balancing, coordination, and steering all while he is being active and independent. He can ride it inside or outside (although I would be careful on wood floors).
It is made of high-quality plastic, making it light but durable. And it is safe. They can’t go super fast (really, just as fast as they can wiggle) and it’s not likely to tip over. If you are looking for a gift that will be loved from the minute that it is open and lasts for years, then look no further than this Firetruck Wiggle Car.
4. Little Tikes T-Ball Set
This is a great addition to your arsenal of non-electronic toys. The Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set is sure to keep your kiddo entertained. Not only is it fun to play with, but it also improves motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and coordination skills in general.
I like that this is a basic t-ball setup, but it is the high-quality you would expect from Little Tikes and will last. The tee itself is adjustable, so it can be raised or lowered depending on your child’s height. Then as he grows, you can raise the tee.
Besides the hard plastic tee, this set comes with an oversize plastic bat and 5 oversize plastic baseballs. These are hard plastic, so they won’t dent and they won’t warp in the sun. I love that they are oversize because that means it is easier for kids to get the hang of hitting the ball with the bat. Then they become confident and excited instead of deflated and discouraged.
The Little Tikes tee is lightweight, but it stays upright when the ball is hit. The base of the tee stores 2 balls. It would be nicer if all 5 balls could be stored in the tee. With this set, you have the option of hanging it on the wall to store it.
This is a good toy to play alone or with a friend. It can help encourage turn taking and cheering on someone else. To find a little league tee-ball team near you, check out the Little League Baseball organization.
5. Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper
When I was a kid, my cousin fell off his pogo stick and knocked out two of his teeth. It made me terrified of pogo sticks. Fast-forward a *few* years, and now my views have changed. All because of the My First Flybar Foam Pogo Jumper.
This foam and bungee cord pogo jumper is safe and so fun to use. Rather than a solid stick in the middle, it has stretchy bungee cords. These cords allow the user to pull the handles up and down, helping facilitate a jump. The base is made of foam, which compresses as the jumper pushes down to jump.
Will this toy give you as high a jump as a regular pogo stick? Probably not, but it is a safer, still fun way of jumping. You can do tiny hops or larger jumps. This jumper has a weight capacity of 250 pounds, so even adults can try it. It comes in three color options (orange/red, green/blue, and pink).
6. RoyalBaby Kids Bike
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage, and age 4 is a great age for most kids to start riding a bike. The RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle bike is big kid bike in miniature. It comes with a quality, sturdy frame as well as 2.4″ wide pneumatic rubber tires with custom tread. These tires are heavy duty and will not pop easily.
Training wheels and both front hand brake and rear coaster brakes will help your boy learn to ride. A chain guard helps keep small fingers from getting hurt and keeps the chain from coming off.
I know what you’re thinking: how long will it take to assemble this bike? You are going to love this answer. It comes 95% assembled. All you have to do is put on the training wheels, pedals, handlebar, and seat. The tools you need are all included.
This is a very durable, high-quality bike. While it is a little more expensive than generic bikes available at discount stores, the RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle bike is superior. It will last through several children. This bike comes in 7 different colors and 5 different sizes.
7. whoobli Punching Bag
Does your 4-year-old son seem to have energy to burn? Mine does! That’s why I’m happy to invest in gifts like this punching bag. Not only does it let kids exert energy, it also is a fun way to exercise, release frustration, and learn self-defense. It comes with leather boxing gloves, a pump, and a free standing punching bag, which you can fill with water or sand so it doesn’t tip over.
If you’re worried your 4-year-old will outgrow it fast, don’t worry because you can adjust the height as he grows. It extends to 44 inches so it should work for kids as old as 8 years old. And since its built so tough, it will last long enough for years of play!
Trust me, if you give this punching bag to any little boy you will earn major points! They will be thrilled to practice their moves!
8. Hover Soccer Ball Set
Hover soccer balls are a current trending toy. Rather than an actual ball, this is a flat disc with a soccer ball picture on it. The game itself is like air hockey on the floor. You kick the soccer disc and try to get it into one of the two portable goals.
This game can be played on any hard surface, and it won’t damage your floors. The sides of the disc are made of foam, so you don’t have to worry about your walls being damaged, either. To make it even more fun, the disc is lit by LED lights.
Kids of all ages love this toy, and it is a great choice for your 4-year-old. I like that this game can be played indoors, so weather won’t be a factor. It is a fun game to play with other players or alone.
The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty and a money back guarantee.
9. Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kit
We are always looking for family bonding activities, and one of the best ones we have found is fishing. It allows us to unplug, enjoy nature, and relax a bit. I used to be nervous about taking my young kids out on adventures, but I found it is worth the extra effort. Fishing can be a great experience even for young kids who are just learning, provided they have the right gear.
The Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kit is a fun all-in-one character fishing pole. There are many options to choose from including Tinkerbell, Frozen, Barbie, Mickey Mouse, Cars, Avengers, and several others. It is pre-spooled with very basic line. The rod measures 2’6″.
While this is not the highest quality pole, it is a good one to get your young child excited about fishing and to teach him the basics of fishing. It comes with a rubber fish to help kids practice casting. This is for right-handed anglers (the reel is not reversible for lefties).
10. GeoSafari Binoculars
Most young boys love to be outside exploring the world around them. These GeoSafari Kidnoculars are perfect at helping these little explorers get close to nature. They can magnify a worm 2X larger than what the naked eye can see. And the best part is that they are focus free so there is no fussing trying to get the lenses to focus.
There is a break away strap so that he can keep them around his neck but will immediately release if there is something tugging on them, keeping him safe.
These binoculars are made from rubber that is durable and can withstand some tough playing. The eye pieces are large and soft, making them comfortable to use.
Creative Toys
Using creativity allows young boys to use their minds and bodies. Fine motor skills are improved as boys use their hands to manipulate writing utensils and other art supplies. Creativity also encourages early literacy. These toys will help your young son prepare for preschool or kindergarten by letting them use their creative brains.
11. Water Doodle Mat
Does your child like to paint? Do you love the mess that comes with your child painting? If you don’t love the mess, this is the toy for you (and your child). This Water Doodle Mat allows your child to paint without the mess of actual paint. Simply fill the included pen or brush with water and paint onto the mat. Color appears magically! Then, when your child is finished, simply let the mat dry. The colors will disappear within about 10 minutes, and the mat is ready to use again. No mess to clean up, no stained clothing, no paper.
This mat can be used on any solid surface–a floor, table or counter top work fine. It can even be used outdoors. The back of the mat is made of water-resistant nylon so whatever surface is under the mat won’t get wet. Once dry, the mat can be folded up for easy storage.
The mat comes with 6 pens as well as 4 sets of stencils, sponges, and more. Everything is non-toxic, and the mat is eco-friendly.
12. Drawing Stencil Kit
Drawing can be hard and a bit frustrating for a 4-year-old. With a stencil kit, kids can easily draw what they want without all the tears or asking you for help.
This stencil kit is large and loaded with stencils. Included are 14 large plastic stencils containing over 280 shapes. From animals to flowers to transportation to the alphabet, your child is sure to find something he enjoys drawing.
Also included are 14 colored pencils with a sharpener. Plastic clips help keep the paper and stencils in place as your little artist traces. There are 22 paper sheets in this kit, though you can use any paper with these stencils.
The heavy-duty storage case holds all supplies. It even has one hard side that can be used for drawing, which makes it perfect for travel.
I love that this quiet toy can be used in such a wide variety of places, whether it’s the park, his bedroom, church, the car, or anywhere else. Your child can trace the stencil images and then color them to his liking.
All products in this kit are BPA-free. Art with a Smile offers a 1-year warranty with this product.
13. Playfoam Alphabet Set
Kids love playing with PlayDoh, but a lot of parents aren’t big fans. It dries up easily and makes a mess. Enter Educational Insights Playfoam. This soft, shapeable foam never dries out. You heard me right. It doesn’t dry out!! You don’t even have to put a lid on it.
These beads hold their shape well and are easy to use. Even better–it doesn’t stick to anything. The texture is fun and different; kids and adults enjoy squishing the beads through their fingers.
Playfoam can be made into an endless number of shapes and creations. This set comes with 13 double-sided cards containing all the capital letters. Your child can use the letter cards to guide him in shaping the foam into letters. What a great combination of fine motor skills, cognition, and creativity!
Also included in this set are 8 bricks of Playfoam, each in a different color. The Playfoam is non-toxic.
14. Magnetic Drawing Board
Who doesn’t love a magnetic drawing board? This classic toy is timeless and so much fun for kids of all ages. For a 4-year-old who is just learning to draw and write, it can be magical.
This isn’t the old magnetic drawing board from your childhood. No more plain black lines or shaking the board to erase. And no more straight black and white. Instead, the SGILE Magnetic Drawing Board uses 4 different colors to make pictures and words come to life. Erasing is easy–simply slide the tab across the bottom and everything disappears. In addition to a regular stylus, this board also has 3 stamps in different shapes (a square, a circle, and a triangle).
Another big bonus: this board is bigger than most magnetic drawing boards. At 13″ x 16″, it is the just the right size. It is a good option to use during any quiet time–on a plane, in the car, at church, at home or anywhere else. Lightweight and portable, it couldn’t be easier.
15. Washable Dot Markers
I was first introduced to dot markers when my daughter was in preschool, and I have come to love them. I bought a set to use at home, and my kids have really enjoyed using them.
Dot markers are kind of a combination of a marker, a stamp, and paint. However, a dot marker is so much less messy (but not totally mess-free) than regular markers, stamps, or paint. All the ink is inside the dauber stick. Simply dab the tip of the dot marker onto the paper and a colorful circle appears. This is great for kids who are learning to color inside the lines or just to have some fun. It also helps kids learn colors and counting.
The Dauber Dawgs Kids pack comes with 8 washable dot markers (yes, washable! Hooray!) in 8 different colors. It also comes with 10 coloring pages. In addition, you get 4 downloadable activity books with 100 pages of pictures and activities you can print.
16. Learn to Draw Dinosaurs!
Do you have an aspiring young artist in your life? Personally, I’m amazed at the talents my young son exhibits when I give him a crayon and a paper. If you want to help nurture your child’s interest in art, this is the gift for him!
With these easy step-by-step guides, your boy will be drawing his very own realistic triceratops, t-rexes, and pterosaurs. You’ll find that the instructions are simple and age appropriate, perfect for your 4 year-old son.
I like how big the book is, the colorful illustrations, and how it includes a place to practice. It really is a well-made book that is a must for any dinosaur loving artists!
17. Seckton Kids Camera
Ordinary outings will become adventures when your little guy brings a camera along! After all, exploring nature is more fun when you can take pictures of beautiful views, colorful plants, or interesting wildlife. He will also be delighted to be the one documenting your family’s big moments, silly faces, and happy memories.
This camera is brilliantly designed to accommodate the small hands of 4-year-olds. Since its dimensions are 3.3″x2.4″x1.9″ it is small enough to easily carry around. Also, it is surprisingly durable which is ideal for young kids who can be tough on their toys. Although it is equipped with a portable lanyard hang, a shockproof shell provides anti-fall protection just in case.
Best of all, the camera’s powerful battery allows your little guy to literally take pictures for up to 2 hours. When it runs out of batteries, simply charge it with the included USB cable. And with a 32GB SD card, this kid’s camera can hold thousands of pictures!
You really can’t go wrong with this camera for your 4-year old boy. It takes high-quality pictures and lets you decorate them with fun frames and stickers. Your little guy will love it!
STEM/Learning Toys
Nothing stimulates a child’s brain like a STEM or learning toy. Starting kids early with these types of toys gets them excited about learning and helps their brains develop more quickly. These toys help with cognition, dexterity, creativity, problem-solving, following directions, and understanding the world.
18. LeapFrog Scribble and Write
Four-years-old is a good age to beginning learning to write, and LeapFrog Scribble and Write makes it easy. This portable writing tablet helps kids learn to recognize and write letters A-Z (both uppercase and lowercase) and numbers 1-10.
Letters and numbers show up on the screen, and the child uses the stylus to trace each letter. Lights show where to start and how to form each letter or number. Since learning to write takes significant practice, the LeapFrog Scribble and Write has two different levels. The first level is for scribbling and getting used to the stylus. Once the child is ready, he can move on to the second level. This level focuses on accuracy. It gives instant feedback, helping the child learn the proper writing stroke.
In addition to teaching writing, the Scribble and Write has some fun activities as well. These activities help with visual letter recognition, hand-eye coordination, and letter sounds. Basically, this toy will have your child well on his way to being ready for kindergarten.
This toy can be used by both left-handed or right-handed users. It helps with dexterity, accuracy, and control.
19. First Big Book of Why
Kids are full of so many questions about everything they can think up. Sometimes it gets tiring answering those “why” questions, which you know will be followed by at least 10 more. National Geographic has you covered, though. In the book “Little Kids First Big Book of Why”, there are answers to all sorts of questions.
It covers why a soft ball of dough turns into a delicious, crispy cookie while it bakes. Your little inquisitive 4-year-old will also learn what makes a car go, why soapy water makes bubbles, why worms come out after it rains, and dozens of other fun facts. I guarantee you will also learn a thing or two as you read this book to your child.
This book contains 128 pages full of useful information as well as hundreds of beautiful photographs. You will love that this is a hardback book, and the price is so affordable (under $15)!
20. STEM Building Kit
This STEM Building Toy Kit is one of those toys that will be played with for years. I love giving toys that last! It’s perfect for a 4-year-old boy who is into trucks but he will still enjoy it as his interests shift into other things that move.
It comes with a guide to build 11 designs (tank, crane, car, rocket, forklift, plane among others) but kids will soon be building their own designs. The kit has 175 pieces, including the tools needed to build, and that is enough for a few kids to build at the same time. We all know that sharing is a great life skill.
What children learn from playing with this STEM toy are lifelong skills. First, it comes with a storage box that encourages organization habits. They will work on their thinking and problem solving skills as they build and their creativity as they build their own designs. Their eye hand coordination will improve as they put things together. Overall, this is a great STEM toy that will enhance your child’s toy box.
21. Magnetic Building Blocks
I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love magnetic blocks. There are also several adults I know who enjoy playing with them as well (2 of them live in my house). If you haven’t seen magnetic blocks before, they are colorful flat magnets in different shapes (squares, triangles, hexagons). They can be put together to form a variety of structures, vehicles, and other designs.
This set by Dreambuilder comes with 40 high-quality magnetic pieces in square and triangle shapes. It comes with a booklet showing you how to make several different creations.
I love that these pieces can be used to make so many different creations. One of my favorite things is that clean-up is so easy with this toy. Just pick up one piece, hold it over some of the others, and voila, clean-up is done!
22. How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday?
The “How Do Dinosaurs” series is one of my favorite children’s book series out there. It is a favorite of my children as well. I love that each of these books teaches manners in a fun and exciting way. There is humor throughout as the reader watches what a dinosaur might do at a birthday party.
This book is almost entirely made up of questions, which is perfect for reading with a 4-year-old. The child can answer each question as it is read. This allows the child to think about what would be the appropriate way to act in each situation. It also gives the reader the chance to discuss each question with the child. A book like this which gives so much opportunity for interaction is a bonding tool as well.
Colorful, exciting photos bring the words to life and help the child visualize the events in the story. This inexpensive book is 12 pages long and comes either as a board book or as a hardback book.
23. Magnetic Letter Board
This Magnetic Letter Board is perfect for a 4-year-old for a few reasons. A 4-year-old is old enough to be interested in writing his name. He is capable of learning to recognize and draw his ABCs, and the board is small enough to keep him entertained where ever he goes.
The board has 2 sides. On one side there are upper case letters and lower case letters on the other side. I love that the vowels are in red so that he can learn the difference between consonants and vowels.
There is a stylus that is used to trace the letter by following the arrows. As the stylus moves little beads pop up; kids love to watch and listen to this. When a finger traces the letter it “erases” the beads so he can practice the letter over and over. This is such a great tool to not only learn how to write the ABCs but also to practice sight recognition and pronunciation.
This board is great to take on an airplane, to the doctor’s, or in the car. It is small enough and light enough to carry or to stow in a bag. And it is the perfect size for little hands to hold on a lap or sit down and work at a table.
24. Critter Case
I don’t know about your boy, but mine loves to catch bugs and put them in a jar. Then the bugs end up on my kitchen counter so he can “watch” them. It’s not my favorite thing, so I was excited when I found the Backyard Exploration Critter Case.
Your child will have a great time catching bugs and putting them in this case. Then he can get a closer look at the bugs and watch them move around. This case would be great for everyday play or even for keeping a caterpillar, watching him build his cocoon, and finally seeing him emerge as a butterfly. What a hands-on science experience this toy provides!
This case has a plastic frame with mesh sides as well as a plastic carrying handle. The hatch door is made of plastic and opens and closes easily to insert plants and bugs. A flat base keeps the case from being tipped over.
25. Melissa & Doug Vehicle Puzzles
My kids have inherited my love for jigsaw puzzles. We have introduced each of our kids to jigsaw puzzles pretty early on, and they all have really loved putting puzzles together. Something about figuring out where things go helps the brain learn to sort and categorize, which is an important lesson for young minds to learn.
Wooden puzzles are my favorite for young kids because they hold up so much better than cardboard puzzles. My mom still has wooden puzzles I played with as a kid, and they are still in good condition after dozens of kids have played with them.
Melissa & Doug Vehicles 4-in-1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles are excellent quality. The puzzles include a race car, a school bus, a train, and a fire engine. Each puzzle contains 12 pieces. Many puzzles for younger children contain a picture of the finished puzzle on the bottom of the puzzle board so kids can see where each piece goes. However, this set is more challenging because it does not have those guide pictures. That makes it perfect for a 4-year-old.
This set comes with a sturdy wooden storage box which doubles as a puzzle board. Inside the box are four separate squares to keep the pieces of each puzzle. This keeps all the pieces together in one place (Hooray)!
26. Whack-a-Frog Game
I’m sure you want to raise a son who can concentrate and problem solve, like I do. This is why I seek out toys like this which help kids learn as they play. It’s a win-win!
To play, watch as the frogs randomly light up then whack as many as you can. This game works whether your son wants to play alone or with a friend since there are two hammers and modes for single or two-player. But don’t worry, the hammers are soft and the edges are smooth so no one will get hurt. And thankfully you can adjust the volume on this, which is a must if you ask me!
With its cute designs, sturdy build, and entertaining concept, this game is sure to be a hit with any preschool boy who longs to hit things!
Imaginative Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys
27. Fort Building Kit
Your son will take fort building to a whole new level with this one of a kind gift! It comes with 86 sticks, 44 connector balls, a carrying case, and instructions–everything he needs to create his own fortress indoors or outdoors. Simply insert the rods into the balls then lay a bed sheet over the finished product.
The possibilities are endless; he could create a mansion, pyramid, igloo, castle, bunker, or even a rocket! However, be prepared to spend a little time helping him put together the fort of his dreams since adult assembly is required.
But once its all set up you’ll be glad you pitched in because your little one will be occupied for hours in imaginative play, not even realizing that he’s learning about STEM skills! This toy lets him learn through play since he needs to plan, problem solve, and work together.
Keep in mind that while the pieces are durable and well-made, they are not intended to be climbed on. You may need to remind your younger children of this if they are anything like mine!
28. Take Apart Toy Racing Car
Here is the perfect toy for a budding mechanic or pit crew member. This toy allows the user to take the car apart and put it back together. The battery-operated drill is used to remove the screws. This teaches dexterity, control, and eye-hand coordination. The pieces of the car are removable as well down to the frame. All pieces are the right size for small hands to manipulate without frustration.
Your 4-year-old can also use his imagination as the lights and sounds of this car make it seem real. The engine makes noise, and the headlights turn on. Your boy can pretend he is working on a real car.
The only concern I have with this toy is that the pieces could easily be lost, but if you are careful in ensuring it gets cleaned up every time it is played with, that won’t be a problem.
29. Superhero Dress Up Set
What 4-year-old doesn’t want to be a superhero? Seriously, I want to have the power that comes with wearing a cape! One of the best part of being a kid is putting on a cape and pretending to have super powers. And this set is extra cool because it has 8 different costumes! Depending on his mood, the little guy can choose whatever Superhero he wants to be for the day!
Each set has a satin cape, a felt mask, and a cool wrist band (which snaps on and might be your 4-year-old’s favorite part). The colors are bright and fun and the material is so comfortable that he will want to wear it to bed. Did I mention the capes are glow in the dark (how cool is that!)?
What don’t I love about this set? That it is hand wash. But trust me, it is so worth it!
What do I love about this set? That it comes with 8 different costumes, which means your little guy can decide which superhero he wants to be for that day or you can plan a birthday party he will remember for a long time.
I also love that it is a risk-free purchase. If you don’t love it you can return it with no questions asked. But the thing I love the most is the opportunity this is to use the imagination, either by himself or with friends. I love gifts that can grow with a kid and for this reason I think this is a great purchase.
30. Toy Workbench with Tools
This play workbench with realistic tools is a high-quality toy that was built to last. It’s also such a fun toy for boys who like to imitate their parents. With 12 play tools and a total of 68 pieces (including nuts, screws, and hooks to hang the tools), this workbench is sure to keep your boy busy and happy.
Nearly all of the tools in this set actually function. The screwdriver can drive the included plastic screws, the hammer can drive nails, the wrench tightens bolts, and the battery-powered drill works as well. The saw does not work, however, which is a good thing.
The workbench itself is lightweight but sturdy. When it first arrives, there is some minor assembly required but nothing that takes more than a few minutes. The 2 AA batteries required to operate the drill are included in this set.
Your boy will enjoy using his imagination to build projects with this fun toy workbench!
31. Transport Car Carrier Truck
What’s even better than toy cars? How about a giant truck to carry them? The WolVol Transport Car Carrier Truck is a plastic 6-wheel semi truck that can carry up to 28 cars. The toy itself comes with 6 cars as well as construction cones, signs, and barrels. Most Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars will fit in this truck.
The front of the cab is detachable and can be played with separately. However, the cab can be difficult to detach; you have to pull pretty hard to separate it from the rest of the truck. It would probably be hard for your 4-year-old to get the cab detached without help.
The truck comes with a carrying handle on top, and the toy is pretty light, even when full of cars. Your child should be able to carry it around pretty easily.
Sometimes kids don’t love cleaning up their toys (unless my kids are the only ones). This truck makes cleaning up fun and easy, and you won’t have to nag your child to put his cars away.
32. Star Projector Night Light
A night light is a staple for a lot of young (and some older) kids. But a night light doesn’t have to be boring. The Jozo Star Projector Night Light provides more than just a night light; it gives a new imaginative experience every night.
This star projector dome night light projects stars, moon, and planets on the walls and ceiling of a child’s room. It rotates, making the objects rotate as well. Imagine the star show at a planetarium–it’s almost like that. Not only is this great as a night light, but kids love to take it in a dark place and play. It’s a perfect backdrop for sparking imagination.
Four different color options (soft white, red, blue, and green) make for an even more fun experience. Choose either just one color or multiple colors. You can choose either the star projector or a plain soft white night light.
One of the best features of this light is the option for a timed shutdown. In other words, you can program it to turn off after your child falls asleep. Or, if you prefer, you can set it to stay on all night long.
There are two power options with this light, DC power supply or 4 AAA batteries. I find this especially appealing because I get tired of dealing with batteries.
33. Playz Rocket Ship Tent, Tunnel, & Ball Pit
Expand your child’s imagination with this fantastic play rocket ship, tunnel, and ball pit. The pieces connect to create a large play area that will keep your child busy for hours. Or the sections can each be used separately if space is an issue.
Use this toy either indoors or outdoors, though be careful if it’s windy. When the pieces are connected, this toy does require a lot of space. It comes in a zippered bag, and when not in use, all the pieces collapse and can be put back into the bag.
Set up is easy and fast, and all needed pieces are included. However, no balls are included for the ball pit. You can use this toy without the balls. If you choose to purchase balls, you will need at least 400 balls to give a couple layers in the ball pit. Instead of balls, your child could play with stuffed animals or other toys in the ball pit.
The rocket ship play tent looks like a rocket ship. Buttons, knobs, vents, and controls are printed on the inside walls. A basketball hoop in the ball pit provides even more fun.
FAQs
What kinds of toys help young boys prepare socially for kindergarten?
Any toy that encourages side-by-side play will help a young boy prepare socially for kindergarten. For instance, an easel for two, puzzles, or even a building set would be appropriate. These types of toys promote sharing and taking turns, vital skills needed in a classroom setting.
Why do young kids like building forts?
There is something about building forts that has appealed to young kids for generations. Perhaps they enjoy the privacy and independence that comes with a fort. I suspect kids also love forts because of all the play possibilities they bring; a fort can be a palace, an igloo, or even a treehouse. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that forts are fun for kids!
How are puzzles beneficial for preschoolers?
In addition to being fun, puzzles provide valuable benefits for preschoolers. As they pick up and manipulate small puzzle pieces, preschoolers are exercising the small muscles in their hands. This simple activity develops their fine motor skills. Also, it helps children learn to concentrate on a task and problem solve as they figure out where to put each piece.
Gifts Ideas for Other Ages
- Gifts and Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys
- Best Gifts and Toys for 5-Year-Old Boys
- Best Gifts and Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys
Other Resources for Parents of 4-Year-Old Boys
