Buying gifts for a 4 year old has always been kind of tricky. They’re too big for the baby and toddler toys, but they don’t quite have the skills or patience for the big kid stuff. This list of 4 year old boy gift ideas is stuff that Nolan has loved, plus a few things I plan to get him this year.
If you’ve been around for a while, Nolan is a rough and tumble kid. He prefers running and jumping and high octane activities far more than sitting down to do something (although he is getting better at that!). This list is a good mix of both things, although it leans more towards stuff that gets the wiggles out.
4 Year Old Boy Gift Ideas
For the High Energy Kid
Santa left this Spider-Man bike for Nolan last Christmas, and he has used it practically every day since. Biking is one of the easiest ways to get his wiggles out and regulate his sensory system, so we bike a lot. And, of course, he has this matching Spider-Man helmet.
We got this go kart for Nolan’s birthday back in May and it has been such a hit. Every kid in the neighborhood wants to take a spin. We spend a lot of time out front riding bikes and playing, and it’s always nice to have another riding option to keep the fun going.
I’m going to preface this bounce house by saying this is an investment toy. It is expensive for sure (there are cheaper, smaller options on Amazon with great reviews, I just can’t vouch for them personally), but it saved us so many times last winter. It was a joint gift for both kids that I found on crazy sale (I’ll keep an eye out!), and I haven’t regretted it at all! It does take up a good amount of space, but it’s the kind of thing that takes up your living room for a few days, then you pack it away again for a while so it keeps its novelty. Both my kids (4 and 6) fit with room to spare, so it will definitely last a few years, or hold extra kids.
In a house with some major sensory needs, this platform swing has been a godsend. We have a play structure that we hang it from, but I’ve also seen the same style swing come complete with a stand. You can also buy the stand on its own.
For The Super Hero Lover
Superheroes are a big thing over here, and this Spider-Man Web Blast Web Shooter would be so fun. I’m sure I’ll come to regret it when I’m getting shot with webs, but isn’t that life with boys?
These action figures have been great for this age. Nolan loves action figures, and these are nice and sturdy, and don’t come with a million little pieces.
For The Game Lover
Board games have been a big hit lately, especially Kerplunk, Superhero Matching, and Pop The Pig.
I loved a Lite Brite as a kid, and now my kids are enjoying them too. They are much slimmer than when we were kids, and are about the size of an iPad now. They even have different light features for cooler designs.
For Some Inside Play
I started this monthly sensory bin subscription from Mama of Joy a few months ago, and it has been really fun! I thought my kids might be too old for it, but I’m amazed at how much their imaginary play has expanded and I feel like they can really use sensory bins for their intended purposes now, instead of sticking things in their mouths. You can order her kits with bins, but I’ve been using this sensory table from IKEA.
This marble run has gotten so much use in our house. I find it to be an incredibly frustrating toy because I can never build a good run, but my kids are thrilled with it. I love toys that build problem solving skills, and spatial awareness, and this is perfect.
For The Book Worm
My kids love a search and find type book. This Spider-Man one has been so well loved in our house, the binding is ripping.
A Busy Day is a really fun book. The pictures are incredibly detailed, and there are no words. I love that you can tell your own stories by looking at the pictures. You could even play I Spy with them too. Bonus- the people in the book feature so much diversity! There are many different kinds in the series too, like this Christmas one.
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