30 Best Toy and Gift Ideas for a 4-year-old Boy in 2024

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30 Best Toy and Gift Ideas for a 4-year-old Boy in [year]

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When it’s time to choose gifts for a 4-year-old boy, there are many different types of toys to choose from. There are educational toys, outdoor toys, sports-related toys, the list goes on and on. We all know that toys aren’t created equally. That’s why it’s important to do your homework to see which toys are really worth your money and which toys kids will actually play with and not hide in their closets!

Let’s take a look at the 30 best toys and gifts for 4-year-old boys so that you can choose one that the special child in your life will love.

	Title	Price	Prime	Buy
Top	KKONES Dinosaur Toys-273pcs Create A Dinosaur World Road Race-Flexible Track Playset and 2 pcs Cool Dinosaur car for 3 4 5 6 Year & Up Old boy Girls Best Gift (Green)		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	163 Piece STEM Toys Kit, Educational Construction Engineering Building Blocks Learning Set for Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old Boys & Girls by Brickyard, Best Kids Toy, Creative Games & Fun Activity		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	YEEBAY Interactive Whack A Frog Game, Learning, Active, Early Developmental Toy, Fun Gift for Age 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Years Old Kids, Boys, Girls,2 Hammers Included		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids Fun and Safe Pogo Stick, Durable Foam and Bungee Jumper for Ages 3 and up Toddler Toys, Supports up to 250lbs (Blue)		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	VTech Write and Learn Creative Center		PrimeEligible	Buy Now

30 Best Toy and Gift Ideas for a 4-year-old Boy in 2020

#1. Dinosaur World Race-Flexible Track

When you start talking about dinosaurs, you really can’t go wrong with 4-year-old boys. Add in a race track as you have here, and you’re golden! This ranks as our favorite among gifts for 4-year-old boys for several reasons.

To begin with there are more than 270 pieces to keep kids busy. That’s a lot of pieces to keep track of mom and dad, we know. But, just think about how well your child will be occupied. It will make the clean-up easier to bear.

Also, because there are so many pieces, the possibilities are pretty endless with this toy. It can be made into several different variations so boredom should be at a minimum. It’s also easy to assemble and take down because the race track pieces are twistable. All of the pieces are also made from non-toxic materials, so moms and dads should be happy. This is also priced very well for all of the pieces you get. The only drawback is the fact there are so many pieces to keep track of.

Pros

• Plenty of pieces and variations
• Fun dinosaur figures
• Easy to assemble and take down

Cons

• A lot of pieces to keep track of for parents

#2. 163 STEM Toys Kit

Here’s another gift idea for a 4-year-old boy that has a lot of pieces, but a lot going for it at the same time. Yes, there are 163 pieces to this STEM kit, but that means that there many different variations for kids to try. In the process, they’ll also learn how to build things, which is very educational and STEM-related.

Kids won’t even realize they’re learning some STEM basics with this set as they pick up math and engineering skills in the process. It also works to develop their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and logical thinking. This toy is a real winner in our book. You just have to be careful of some of the smaller pieces if you have any babies around. Also, be sure they don’t get stuck in your vacuum cleaner! It does come with a bin to put all of the pieces in, so that should help with the clean-up.

Pros

• Wide variety of STEM-related projects
• Teaches coordination and fine motor skills
• Teaches STEM skills
• Handy storage bin for safekeeping

Cons

• Many little pieces

#3. YEEBAY Interactive Whack-a-Frog Game

This is a fun game that also teaches motor skills at the same time. The idea is simple. When the frog pops up, kids have to hit it with the plastic mallet that it comes with. Just be sure they aren’t hitting each other with it.

Besides working on their hand-eye coordination, it also works to help them to share and take turns. That’s an important social milestone that kids should be learning by this point. When it comes to gifts for 4-year-old boys, this one fits the bill because it should keep them entertained while teaching them something in the process. 

It can also grow with your child because there are 38 different speed changes that can get more difficult. So, as the child grows or even gets bored, they can change the speed and change the game. This game is priced a little high for what it has to offer, but it’s still a good pick.

Pros

• Fun game
• Promotes sharing and hand-eye coordination
• Has different speed changes that can grow with your child

Cons

• Be careful that kids don’t hit each other with the plastic mallet
• Bit expensive for a game

#4. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper

Four-year-old boys love to be active and jump around. That’s why this pogo jumper makes our list. Unlike other pogo sticks, this has a foam pad at the bottom, making it easier and safer for kids to jump. Balance is still an important part of the equation. So, some kids may have trouble with it while others will be bouncing around all day.

While this toy is advertised for indoor and outdoor use, parents may want to reserve this for the outdoors since it squeaks a lot and bounces. Once they do get outdoors, they’ll keep moving and stay off their devices which is another reason why we like this toy so much. Besides being fun and active, this pogo jumper also promotes hand-eye coordination, a skill that’s key at this age. It’s also very inexpensive, making it one of the great gifts for 4-year-old boys.

Pros

• Promotes hand-eye coordination
• Gets kids to be active
• Teaches balance

Cons

• Advertised for inside and outside, may just want to play outside
• Makes noise

#5. VTech Write and Learn Creative Center

It’s no surprise that VTech would make the list of the best gift ideas for 4-year-old boys. VTech toys are interactive and are educational at the same time. That’s one of the reasons why we love them so much. 

This toy has writing and drawing activities to keep kids busy and teach them at the same time. There are follow-along instructions that make learning to write easier. Since this toy is on the smaller side, it’s great for car rides or small trips. 

Some boys may get bored with this toy over a long period of time, but it should keep them busy for a while. It also doesn’t have much opportunity for sharing or group play if you were looking for something to promote social skills.

Pros

• Good for on-the-go and trips
• Teaches letters and writing
• Fun drawing activities

Cons

• Some boys may get bored
• Limited sharing capability

#6. LEGO juniors toy story 4 carnival thrill coaster

You can’t go wrong with a LEGO toy, especially when you add “Toy Story” into the mix. Kids will feel like they’re at the amusement park with this little carnival coaster. With the simple step-by-step instructions, your kids shouldn’t miss a beat when putting this together. Of course, you’ll probably have to supervise so that it’s put together the right way.

Put Buzz Lightyear or the alien character on the coaster for some fun. While this set should be fine for 4-year-old boys, keep smaller children away due to the small LEGO pieces. This isn’t a DUPLO set, so the pieces are larger. Otherwise, this LEGO set should keep kids busy for a while. Between putting it together and playing with it, boys should find this LEGO set entertaining.

Pros

• Easy to put together
• Fun to play 
• Teaches building skills

Cons

• Small pieces may cause danger for smaller kids

#7. WisToyz Kids Toys Hover Soccer Ball Set

This is another toy that gets kids moving and active, inside or outside the house. It comes with a hover soccer ball as well as an inflatable soccer ball for outdoors. Kids can kick the hover soccer ball around the house without parents having to worry that it will break something. Save the inflatable ball for outside.

It comes with two goals, so you can set up a small game anytime, anywhere. The hover soccer ball works great on hardwood or low-carpet flooring. It’s also great for coordination skills and promotes teamwork and sharing. It’s one of those toys that should keep kids entertained because they’ll be playing a game for a while.

The goals are easy to assemble and all of the products are made from non-toxic material. The only downside to this toy would be if parents aren’t big on playing sports inside the house. But, if you save the inflatable ball for outdoors, the hover soccer ball should make everyone happy.

Pros

• Promotes activity
• Hover soccer ball good for hardwood and low-carpet floors
• Easy to assemble goals
• Non-toxic materials

Cons

• Inflatable ball should be saved for outside if parents don’t want too many sports played inside

#8. Force1 Scoot Hand Operated Drones

Drones are very popular these days so it should come as no surprise that they make drones for small kids now. These are hand-operated drones that are controlled by hand, so there are no remotes involved. You don’t have to worry about kids flying them where they shouldn’t. There are sensors to help avoid obstacles. They even have a webbed shell to protect little hands and mom and dad’s walls.

Lights flash as kids navigate these drones through the room, so it should be easy to keep track of them. Kids will surely love to get these drones as gifts. Some parents may not like the idea of a drone, so you may want to check with them first. Also, the drone is a bit pricey compared to other toys on the list.

Pros

• Fun toy
• No remote involved
• Includes sensors to avoid obstacles around the house

Cons

• Some parents may not like the idea of drones
• Slightly pricey

#9. Fun Little Toys Kids Play Tent

For some reason, kids love to play in tents and with tents. That’s why this toy makes the list of great gift ideas for 4-year-old boys. They can play with this toy inside or outside, depending on the weather.

We like this toy because besides the tent it also includes 18 camping necessities like a battery- powered pretend gas stove and oil lamp, binoculars, utility knife, multi-functional whistle, cooking pan, plates, shovel, and pop up tent.

The tent easily collapses so kids can probably put it up and down themselves. While they can bring it outside with all of the accessories, they can also just put the tent up inside for some fun hide-and-seek games. 

This can make a great gift because it comes with many pieces for the price.

Pros

• Tent is easy to put up
• Comes with all camping necessities
• Can be played with inside and outside

Cons

• Keep small pieces away from little children

#10. Think Gizmos Take Apart Toy Racing Car

We all know kids love to take things apart, so it should come as no surprise that this toy racing car makes the list. Kids can act like a real mechanic with the engine battery, toy, drill battery, and 30 other parts. 

When they turn the engine light on, they’ll hear realistic sounds and see real-life lights. The interactive part of this toy is one of the reasons why it’s so great. Kids can also work on their fine motor skills while they take things apart and put them back together again.

While this toy is a great gift idea for a 4-year-old boy, it may not be one to leave around if there are smaller children around. Some parts could pose a danger. 

Otherwise, this toy should keep kids entertained for quite a while. Plus, it’s so reasonably priced that it’s a great gift idea.

Pros

• Fun toy with realistic lights and sounds
• Kids will feel like they’re real mechanics
• Should keep them occupied for hours

Cons

• Small pieces may cause a hazard for smaller kids

#11. Toyk Aqua Magic Mat

If you have an artist you’re shopping for, this magic mat can make a perfect gift.  It comes with a magic pen that gets filled with water. Then kids can just draw whatever they want on the mat. After about 3-10 minutes, the drawing magically disappears and kids can draw again.

This is a mess-free way for kids to draw since it’s non-toxic and there’s no paint or markers involved. All kids need is some water and their imagination. This toy can be played with inside or outside. The mat also folds up easily so it’s good to bring along if you’re going for a visit. 

Kids can also play together which enhances their sharing skills and teaches them to play together. Some 4-year-old boys could get bored with this toy after a while. So, keep that in mind when shopping. Otherwise, this is a fun gift that is reasonably priced and should be enjoyed by many kids.

Pros

• Mess-free art
• Non-toxic materials
• Erases in minutes so kids can draw again
• Promotes sharing

Cons

• Kids may get bored easily

#12. Sopu Talking Robot

We like this toy because it’s interactive and talks back to kids. It can repeat everything it hears, so parents be careful if the robot is around you too. It will repeat what you have to say too. All of the pieces are also able to be rotated 360 degrees.

The robot is made from durable material, so it should withstand even the roughest play. The eyes also light up and the robot is interactive when you touch his head. There are three different colors. Kids can collect all three or you can buy more than one for a gift because they are so reasonably priced. 

There are no real drawbacks to this toy except for the fact that you need to be careful what you say around it because it does repeat everything. Kids should find this toy entertaining because of all of its interactive features.

Pros

• Interactive toy
• Repeats what it hears
• Made from durable material

Cons

• Be careful what you say because it does repeat everything

#13. VTech Paw Patrol Pups to the Rescue Driver

Here’s another VTech product that makes a great choice when looking for gifts for 4-year-old boys. Plus, it has the Paw Patrol characters which many little boys love. Kids can feel like they’re on a Paw Patrols Rescue Mission with this little driving toy.

Pretend to go on adventures with all of the characters and steer the pretend vehicle. There are also turn signals, a review mirror, and a horn. When kids honk the horn, they can learn numbers and about road safety. They’ll be having fun with the toy while learning.

Parents will love this toy too because it can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. This may not keep all kids entertained for the duration, but it should keep them occupied for a good amount of time. This is a good pick if you know the little boy you’re buying for is a Paw Patrol Fan. It’s also reasonably priced which makes it a great gift.

Pros

• Fun Paw Patrol themed toy
• Teaches kids numbers and about road safety
• Can be easily cleaned

Cons

• Some kids may get bored after playing with this for a while

#14. Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin

When it comes to classic toys, Lincoln Logs is a must. These are just simple wood pieces that kids can play with to build any type of structure they want. The logs come with ideas for a tall tower, two small houses with a bonfire, and a large cabin, but kids can be as creative as they want. The logs have indentations so they can connect to the others.

All of the logs are stained to look like real wood so kids can feel like they’re really building. They also come in a collectors’ tub which makes for easy clean-up and storage. While this is a bit more expensive than other toys on the list, you have to remember that it is a classic toy. It’s one of the reasons why we love it so much.

While the 111 wooden pieces are fun for kids to play with, there is a chance that kids could lose some of them or that they may end up all over your house. 

Pros

• Fun, classic toy
• Kids can be creative with their designs
• Classic storage tub for easy clean-up

Cons

• There are many pieces, so some may get lost
• More expensive than other toys on the list

#15. Prextex Pack of 2 Cartoon R/C Police Car and Race Car

Race car gifts with remote controls can make great gifts for 4-year-old boys. These are simple cars with honking music sound and flashing headlights. They come with two figures that go right in the cars.

Since the vehicles are on different frequencies, they can be played with at the same time without interference. This is great when it comes to teaching kids how to play with one another. These race cars are simple, so some people may think they are a bit expensive for what they offer. But, they can make nice gifts if you’re looking for something small to give.

Despite the remote control factor, some kids could get bored with these race cars because they are small. They may want larger race cars instead. 

Pros

• Two cars, two remotes
• Cars are on different frequencies
• Promotes kids playing together

Cons

• Some kids could get bored
• A bit expensive compared to other toys

#16. NEWYES LCD Writing Tablet

If you’re looking for a gift that kids can take on-the-go, this could be a great choice. This writing tablet lets kids write, erase, and write again. One tablet can repeat 100,000 times. So, you definitely get your money’s worth with this toy. 

There are no pens or paper required. The pen is also attached with a lanyard so you don’t have to worry about kids losing it. There are lock buttons that protect writings and drawings from being erased accidentally. 

The tablet is lightweight so it can fit easily in a travel bag if you’re taking a trip. It’s also a good idea to play games like tic-tac-toe or hangman if you have another child in the car. It’s priced low for all that it has to offer. We just wish it came with another special pen to make it easier to share.

Pros

• Mess-free writing and drawing
• Tablet can repeat 100,000 times
• Good for travel and on-the-go
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Another pen would be nice

#17. GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope

This talking microscope is a great way for kids to get interested in science or to give to a child who already has an interest. The interactive factor is one of the reasons why we love this toy so much.

The voice on the microscope is none other than Bindi Irwin, Wildlife Warrior from the Australia Zoo. There are over 100 facts and questions programmed into the microscope as well as 60 full-color images. Kids can hear the information in English, Spanish, French, or German.

The eyepieces are kid-friendly and focus-free making them easy to use. While this is a great learning tool for STEM-related topics, it’s also a fun toy that kids can play with. Due to all of the bells and whistles, this talking microscope does cost more than some other toys on the list, but it’s still among the great gifts for 4-year-old boys.

Pros

• Teaches STEM-related topics
• Interactive with over 100 facts and questions
• Kids can hear information in different languages

Cons

• More expensive than other toys on the list

#18. LEGO City Great Vehicles Garbage Truck

Here’s another LEGO toy that you can’t go wrong with. This set comes with 90 pieces, so kids will probably need a parent’s help to put this together. It comes with enough pieces to make a garbage truck, dumpster, two workers, and some little accessories.

LEGO toys help to build STEM skills for kids of all ages. Once all of the pieces are built, kids can play and pretend as much as they’d like. They can even take the truck apart and try to build something else they like. LEGOs always promote creativity. Anything else they can think of building is a bonus. It’s also priced right when it comes to LEGO sets.

Since there are small pieces, keep this set away from babies and smaller children. 

Pros

• Funs LEGO set makes truck, dumpster, and comes with accessories
• Promotes STEM skills
• Kids can build other things with the LEGOs
• Priced right

Cons

• Contains small pieces that may cause a hazard to smaller children

#19. Take Apart Toys with Electric Drill

Here’s another fun toy that lets kids put things together. It comes with a remote control battery-powered construction set. Kids can build their vehicle with the drill. The truck also makes realistic sounds as a bonus. The drill converts into a remote control truck easily.

There are a lot of small pieces here. Be sure to keep them away from small children and in a safe place. This toy promotes hand-eye coordination with the building aspect and all of the pieces. It’s probably a good idea to keep all of the pieces in a box or bag to keep them all together. 

Seeing that this toy contains so many pieces it’s understandable that’s priced a little more than other toys on the list. This toy should keep kids busy for quite a while. Parents will love it because it should reduce the number of times they hear “I’m bored”.

Pros

• Realistic set lets kids put things together and take them apart 
• Drill converts to a truck easily

Cons

• Comes with many pieces that may get lost
• Small parts should be kept away from smaller children

#20. ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words

This is a fun game that kids can play with other kids or with their parents. While it is an educational game, it is fun at the same time. It’s a perfect gift for pre-readers or early readers. Kids learn how to recognize sight words while playing.

The instructions are straight-forward so kids should get the hang of it pretty quickly. Zingo Sight Words won the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award among others and was also a toy of the year finalist in 2013.

Most kids should enjoy playing this game. They may get tired of it after learning many of the words or if they are advanced learners. The game is reasonably priced for what it has to offer.

Pros

• Fun educational games
• Great for pre-readers and early readers
• Allows kids to play with each other or with adults

Cons

• Some advanced learners may not find it challenging enough

#21.Disney Advanced Talking Buzz Lightyear

Kids may feel like they can go “to infinity and beyond” with this Buzz Lightyear toy. It’s one of the main characters from “Toy Story”, a popular movie in the Disney franchise. Buzz says 15 different sayings from the movie in his Buzz voice. He even lights up with his own little laser show and has some cool sound effects.

If you’re looking for a cool gift for a 4-year-old boy who loves “Toy Story” this could be it. Before buying you should know that the toy doesn’t do much else besides say phrases and light up. So, kids could get bored after hearing the sayings a few times.

Also, it’s a bit expensive compared to other toys that have more cool features and playing options. But, if you have a “Toy Story” fan on your list, this toy could be more of a collectible than anything else.

Pros

• Buzz says phrases from the “Toy Story” movie
• Toy lights up and has sound effects

Cons

• Kids could get bored easily because the toy doesn’t do much else
• A bit expensive for what it has to offer

#22. SuperHero Memory Game

Matching games, like this one, are great for kids to play with each other or with their parents. Since it has fun superhero characters, kids should be into playing it as well. The instructions are simple so they also shouldn’t get frustrated while playing.

Not only is this game fun and can help pass the time, but it also teaches kids important critical thinking and memory skills as well as how to focus. Kids also learn how to share while they’re playing. The game is also priced pretty low, so it can make a great gift for a 4-year-old boy. 

There really aren’t any negatives to this too. The only thing is that if the child you are buying for isn’t into superheroes, he may not enjoy it very much.

Pros

• Easy game
• Teaches memory, matching, and critical thinking skills
• Teaches kids to play with one another

Cons

• Not ideal for kids who don’t like superheroes

#23. Toy Tool Toy Workbench

Kids can learn how to be a handyman in training with this workbench. It comes with 83 pieces, including a plastic workbench. Unlike other workbenches, this one can transform into a tool suitcase, a trolley case, and the standard stand workbench. So, you’re really getting a lot for your money. Don’t forget all of the pieces like the play hammer, wrench, and other tools.

It even has a hardhat for kids to wear so they can really get into character. The great thing about this toy is that all of the pieces fit inside the suitcase. This is good because some parents may not like the fact that this toy comes with so many pieces. It will also take up a good amount of space when it’s put together as a bench. Keep this in mind when buying it as a toy. But, for the price, this workbench comes with so many pieces, so it is a good value.

Pros

• Can transform into three different things, a workbench, suitcase, and trolley case
• Teaches kids how to be handymen
• All pieces can fit inside the suitcase

Cons

• Takes up space to set up
• Comes with 83 pieces which some parents may consider too many

#24. Outdoor Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit

If you know a 4-year-old boy who loves bugs and nature then this kit was made for them. They will learn how to be true outdoor explorers with all of the tools in this kit. It comes with 5x power magnification binoculars, compass, flashlight, butterfly net, magnifying glass, backyard exploration critter case,  whistle, tweezers and bug containers, hat, and backpack.

While it is more expensive than other toys on the list, you are getting a lot of different pieces here. So, they should keep kids entertained and occupied for some time. It promotes a love of nature and STEM learning as well. Just be sure the child playing with this toy doesn’t touch insects or other outdoor friends that are dangerous.

While this toy is meant for the outdoors, kids can also pretend play with it indoors. There are also enough pieces that they can share with other kids.

Pros

• Comes with many pieces to play with
• Kids can learn about natures and STEM topics
• Enough pieces for kids to share with others
• Can be played with inside as “pretend play”

Cons

• On the expensive side, but there are many pieces for the price

#25. Kids Digital Video Camera

Say cheese! Kids can practice taking pictures and videos with this digital video camera. It comes with a 32G SD card and a USB cable. Besides being easy to use, it comes with a lanyard so kids can wear it around their neck and hopefully not drop it.

This could be a good alternative for kids who ask for their parents’ phones to take pictures or videos. With this, they can do it themselves. Also, kids can start to learn a thing or two about photography.

If you’re considering this as a toy for a 4-year-old boy, just keep in mind that it is a bit on the expensive side since it is technology-based.

Pros

• Teaches kids about photography & videography
• Comes with a lanyard 
• Comes with a 32G SD card and USB cable

Cons

• On the expensive side

#26. GoBroBand Bow and Arrow Set for Kids

Boys will probably love this toy because it is very interactive. This archery set comes with six suction cup arrows and three different light settings. Kids can learn how to take aim and shoot their arrows.

It comes with six arrows, one quiver, a target, and one bow. Although kids may see this as just a fun toy, they are also learning fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well as accuracy skills.

Some parents may not love this gift because they may be afraid kids will get hurt. But, the arrows are advertised as completely safe for kids and adults. Parents may still want to supervise especially if other kids are playing too. 

It’s also important to note that this is an outdoor-only toy. Many parents wouldn’t appreciate kids playing with a bow and arrow set in the house!

Pros

• Comes with all the necessary tools for a bow and arrow set
• Teaches fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and accuracy

Cons

• Outdoor-only toy
• Kids should be careful with the plastic arrows

#27. Matchbox 4 Level Garage

This garage not only has four different levels for kids to race their cars, but it also comes with a spiral ramp and a real working elevator. There are many moving parts, so kids should be entertained for a while.

Besides all of the moving parts, there’s also a car wash and a service station. So, all of the cars can get cleaned and repaired. 

If you’re going to give this as a gift, you should know that it only comes with one Matchbox tow truck. You may want to buy some extra cars so kids can have more fun, especially if they’re playing with other kids. This makes a great gift because there are many opportunities for pretend play and for kids to explore their imaginations.

Pros

• Interactive toy with different parts
• Comes with a car wash and a service station

Cons

• Only comes with one car, so you may want to buy more when purchasing this gift

#28. Wooden Marble Run Construction

If you’re looking for a toy that will teach kids as they play, this may be a good choice. Its design helps to teach kids about different STEM topics and explore their creativity. It also was praised by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top toys to teach kids how to code as well as to teach them STEM principles.

Each of the seven different color blocks has a different function. Once kids navigate through this, they should have fun. By the looks of the toy, you can see that it is on the complicated side, so it’s best to have a parent around to play and set it up. Also, there are many small marbles so keep those out of the hands of smaller children.

If you’re buying this toy as a gift for a 4-year-old boy, note that this toy is on the expensive side when compared to other toys. 

Pros

• Teaches STEM topics
• Fun for kids to play with their parents

Cons

• Lots of small parts
• Can be confusing to put together
• On the expensive side

#29. BEESTECH LED Walking Robot Dinosaur Toy

Here’s another fun dinosaur toy that little boys should love! It’s a walking robot, so there’s plenty to keep them busy here. Besides walking and lighting up, this dinosaur can also be taken apart. It comes with a plastic screwdriver. There are 16 pieces in all, just enough to keep kids busy, but not overwhelmed.

If you’re giving this as a gift, it comes in a nice gift box too which is a bonus. It’s also reasonably priced. Just be sure that the little pieces don’t get into the hands of any younger siblings.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Lights up and walks
• Allows kids to take it apart too

Cons

• Small pieces may get into the hands of younger siblings

#30. KKONES Sprinkler Pad & Splash Mat

Get ready to get wet with his toy! This sprinkler pad and splash mat is certainly an outdoor-only toy, but it’s so much fun! To start with it has a Sea World theme which is great for kids. Also, it’s 68” in diameter, so there’s plenty of room for many kids to play.

To get it going, parents only need to attach the hose and adjust it higher and lower to different splash heights. If you get a nice summer day, the kids could be outside playing with this for hours, especially if you don’t have a pool at home. And for the price, you really can’t go wrong even though it’s strictly a seasonal toy.

The pad and lat are made from a durable, soft and heavy-duty PVC material that is safe for the environment and non-toxic. As with any water activities, they should always be supervised. 

Pros

• Fun outdoor activities for the summer
• Large enough for many kids to play

Cons

• Strictly a seasonal activity

Choosing Gifts Based on Entertainment Value

We all know kids want to be entertained when they’re playing. That’s why entertainment value plays a big role in what toys you choose for gifts for a 4-year-old boy. Toys that help them burn energy or at least something that exhausts them, are usually the best ideas.

Choosing Gifts Based on Educational Value

While kids may not be focusing on the educational value of a toy, parents will love if you choose a toy based on the educational value, or at least keeping it in mind. Choosing toys that teach while entertaining are good choices because parents will like the educational factor, while kids will love playing with their toys.

Many toys that are musical or interactive will also have a decent educational value that comes along with them. This will keep a child’s attention so that they can learn while they’re playing.

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Choosing Gifts Based on Different Milestones

When choosing gifts for 4-year-old boys, it’s important to remember that children develop at different stages. While kids may be the same age, they may reach milestones at different times.

Some boys may be able to handle throwing a ball into a basket while the concept may frustrate others. So, some boys may love a basketball hoop as a gift while others won’t enjoy it. If you know the child well, then you may be aware of these milestones. If not, it’s okay to ask the parent if they think their child would enjoy a specific toy. They would much appreciate this than receiving a gift that their child wouldn’t be able to play with or enjoy.

Physical Milestones

At age 4, boys are improving on their gross motor skills day by day. Fine motor skills are also getting better by the day. At this stage, kids can probably dress themselves, brush their teeth and have the bathroom situation pretty much under control.

Balance is also a big physical milestone. So, keep this in mind when buying outdoor toys as gifts for 4-year-old boys.

Emotional Milestones

At this stage, kids are beginning to realize other people’s emotions. At this point, kids are also more emotionally secure. Keep these types of milestones in mind as well when choosing gifts. Kids at this age also become more competitive. Toys that support a competitive nature may also make good gifts.

Social Milestones

Social milestones at this age include learning to make new friends, learning to take turns, and learning to share more. Toys that let kids be more social rather than just play by themselves may also be good choices for gifts for 4-year-old boys.

Kids at this age also tend to throw fewer temper tantrums (hopefully), so toys that may have frustrated them when they were younger, should be okay now.

Cognitive Milestones

Usually, at this time, kids say hundreds, even thousands of words. But, remember, all kids develop at different stages. This is something to keep in mind when choosing a toy. The more words a child has mastered, the more questions they’ll ask about toys and how they work.

Besides asking questions, kids at this point also have an active imagination. They may even have imaginary friends. This can be fun at this age to see what types of scenarios they come up with. They may even play with a toy with their imaginary friends.

FAQs

Should I avoid buying learning toys if the child hasn’t reached certain developmental milestones?

Not necessarily. Buying these types of toys may help the child reach those milestones. If you’re unsure you can always check with the parent to see what level the child is on so they won’t get overwhelmed. 

What about toys that encourage reading?

When it comes to gifts for 4-year-old boys, toys that encourage reading are a great idea. Many kids enter kindergarten at age 5. That’s when the bulk of learning to read happens. Anything that can help them get ahead of the class will be appreciated.

Are seasonal toys a good idea?

It depends. Some parents love seasonal toys like bikes and sports equipment. Other parents prefer toys that can be played indoors to keep kids busy, especially when the weather isn’t great.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you may want to pick something that can be played with all of the time. Toys that can be brought on trips and carried in the car or on a plane are also a good idea if you don’t know whether to buy a seasonal toy or not. Anything that can keep them busy and entertained will benefit everyone. 

What about technology-based toys?

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This depends on the child and family. Some parents are more open to technology-based toys than others. One thing’s for certain. These toys are usually more expensive. If you’re just looking for a great gift, you may want to leave the tech toys to the parents. This way they can choose what they want their child to have and not have.

If you do choose a tech-related toy, make sure it is age-appropriate for a 4-year-old boy.

Should I stick to toys that are strictly for 4-year-old boys?

You should try to do as much as possible. You don’t want to choose toys that are for younger kids, because 4-year- olds may get bored. You also don’t want to choose toys for older kids, because they may get frustrated that they can’t figure something out.

Always keep the particular child in mind. Some kids are ahead of the game when it comes to physical and mental milestones, while others are further behind. Use this information as part of your guide when buying for 4-year-old boys.

Once I narrow it down, how do I make the best decision?

It really depends on the child. If you know a child is more sports-oriented, a more active toy may be best. If the child likes cars and dinosaurs, one of those types of toys may be best. If you keep the child’s interests in mind as well as where they are with the milestones we mentioned, you should be good to go.

Bottom Line on Best Toys for 4-year-old Boys

When it comes to the best toys and gifts for 4-year-old boys, always know your audience. That’s why we chose the Dinosaur World Race-Flexible Track as our top pick.

For starters, it has dinosaurs. Most 4-year-old boys love dinosaurs. It also has a race track which boys love. Combine the toy and you’re golden! This toy also allows kids to play with others so they get practice sharing and playing with others too.

Although there are many pieces, they should keep kids busy for a long time. This will make kids and parents happy. Just be sure to keep them away from the little ones. We also love this toy because it’s made from non-toxic materials.

When shopping for 4-year-old boys remember that they want to be entertained with themes that interest them. When you see a toy, ask yourself if you can see a 4-year-old boy playing with it and enjoying it. If you can, then it’s a go! Happy shopping!