We celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday not too long ago and boy, was it a hit! The party had all of the typical favorites, with unicorns and mermaids every which way and the pinkest cake you could find. But what was the most fun about this birthday was buying gifts. Four-year-olds are so much fun to buy for! With such a wide selection, though, it was a bit hard to narrow down the top picks to have on the present table. With that in mind, I decided to put together this top 9 list for parents, grandparents, and friends to have an easy time finding the best toys for 4-year-old girls.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Take into Consideration When Buying a Gift for a 4-Year-Old Girl?
- My Top Picks for Toys and Gift Ideas for a 4-Year-Old-Girl
- #1: All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape (Imaginative Play with Dolls)
- #2: FunzBo Snap Pop Beads for Girls (Creative Art, Design, and Fine Motor Skills)
- #3. Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk Deluxe 21 Piece (Dresses and Accessories Pack for Imaginary Play)
- #4. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub (Reusable Art Set)
- #5. LEGO Friends 4+ Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit (For Little Builders)
- #6. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids (Fun for Active, Bouncy Kids)
- #7. Castle Magnetic Blocks (Perfectly Pink STEM Toy)
- #8. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register (Imagination Play that Teaches Numbers)
- #9. ABC Puzzle Board for Toddlers (Minimalistic ABC Learning Puzzle)
- Final Thoughts
What Should I Take into Consideration When Buying a Gift for a 4-Year-Old Girl?
Like I said before, buying gifts for 4-year-old girls is a blast. There are so many options, from adorable play outfits that turn little ones into princesses to educational toys that develop STEM skills. With such a wide variety to choose from, it’s important to pay attention to a few important things.
#1. The “right” amount of engagement is key.
Four-year-old girls are no longer categorized as toddlers. No, these little girls are now officially preschoolers, and their toys should follow suit. With that in mind, it’s best to opt for toys that are highly engaging that help encourage independence, imagination, and brain growth. However, it shouldn’t be overwhelming. A toy that’s right for a kindergartener will vary greatly from a toy that’s best for four-year-olds.
#2. Bigger isn’t always better.
Before they were 4-year-olds, we tried to find toys that were big enough to suit their little hands. We were also concerned with our little one putting everything in their mouth. It’s no longer an issue for the average 4-year-old, so don’t think that you necessarily have to go BIG when it comes to a birthday present for a 4-year-old girl. Sometimes, smaller and more engaging toys will lead to hours of open-ended fun that isn’t found in a dollhouse that’s twice the size she is.
My Top Picks for Toys and Gift Ideas for a 4-Year-Old-Girl
When it came to picking the best gift for a four-year-old girl, I considered what my daughter liked specifically. I also took into consideration the reviews of each toy to find what other parents had to say. This list of best gifts for a 4-year-old girl has been tried and tested to help friends and family members make the best choice come birthday day. Let’s get playing!
#1: All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape (Imaginative Play with Dolls)
To be an instant standout at any kid’s birthday, you need to bring the biggest gift. With that being said, this is probably one of the best gifts for parents or grandparents to buy because you will have to spend a little bit more money compared to other items on this list. It’s well worth the price, though, as every little one should have a dollhouse. The All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape is our top choice, and here’s why.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Encourages Imagination with Realistic Roleplay
Imagination is such an important aspect of growing up, and that’s why dollhouses continue to be one of the best gifts. We opted for the All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape because it has a classic appeal that encourages more realistic roleplay as opposed to other bejeweled and bedazzled options such as KidKraft Uptown Dollhouse with Furniture It’s also not nearly as large, so it won’t take up too much space in their bedroom.
That doesn’t mean that the All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape lacks in any way, shape, or form. The 3-story classic wooden dollhouse encourages roleplay with a realistic design. The set includes 6 rooms: a master bedroom, a family bathroom room, four bedrooms, a media room, and a kitchen. The rooms come furnished with furniture and appliances that can be rearranged.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Durable Construction
With toys like these that are bound to see a lot of playtimes, it’s best to find a durable design. The good news about the All Seasons Kids Wooden Dollhouse by Hape is that it kept safety and reliability in mind, which is why the company constructed the dollhouse with solid wood. Colors throughout the dollhouse were designed using child-safe paint, too.
Reviewers (myself included) have raved about how much their kids love this dollhouse. It’s perfect for any age group, but introducing it as a present for 4-year-old girls is a great way to start. This toy also won the 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award, so you know you can be confident in this purchase.
#2: FunzBo Snap Pop Beads for Girls (Creative Art, Design, and Fine Motor Skills)
The second my daughter opened this gift I knew it was going to be a hit. After all, what little one doesn’t love jewelry? I know my daughter can’t get enough, and that’s why the FunzBo Snap Pop Beads for Girls Toys was – and continues to be – a staple in our home. There are a few different reasons why any 4-year-old little one will adore this product.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product -Creativity She Can Wear
The product description says, “Imagination has no limit!” when it comes to describing this toy, and I could not agree more. There are 520 different snap pop beads to enjoy, all presenting different vibrant colors and shapes. With all of the mix and match possibilities, there is no limit on what 4-year-olds can put together. This encourages creativity while also building their confidence as they can proudly wear their design around the house.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Hassle-Free Fine Motor Development
Now, gift-givers need to be extra careful when purchasing jewelry sets for 4-year-olds. If the box says any age over 5+, then you need to avoid it. While these jewelry sets, such as the Just My Style ABC Beads By Horizon Group, are amazing for older girls (I even owned a set in elementary school!), there is a reason they’re designed for older kids. They contain strings and tiny beads that are pretty much impossible for little hands to figure out.
That’s just another reason why I and my daughter loved the FunzBo Snap Pop Beads for Girls Toys. They are incredibly easy to use as they just snap together. It still encourages fine motor skills, but in a hassle and stress-free way.
All in all, I would have to say that the FunzBo Snap Pop Beads for Girls Toys is one of the best 4-year-old birthday girl gift ideas because they are sure to enjoy it. Little ones will love putting together a jewelry creation that is entirely their own and dressing up themselves, their mommy, even the dog. This toy is also on the cheaper side compared to other similar sets on the market while also having incredible reviews.
#3. Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk Deluxe 21 Piece (Dresses and Accessories Pack for Imaginary Play)
If there is one thing my daughter and her friends like to do for hours, it’s to play dress up! This type of imaginative play is so much fun for little girls, which is why trunk sets with make-believe dresses and accessories are top toys for a 4-year-old girl to give as a gift. I recommend the Disney Princess Trunk because my daughter loves princesses, but we also enjoyed these features.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Large Set for Endless Imaginative Play
“Dressing up has never been so enchanting”. The Disney Princess Trunk is bound to be one of the best gifts your granddaughter or friend’s daughter receives. Why? Because the options are practically limitless and the imaginary world is opened up with 21 exclusive pieces to play with. Inside you will find some of the Disney Princess favorites, including Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White.
The set includes 4 tops and 3 skirts which can be mixed and matched. Little ones also enjoy matching royal accessories, including 3 bracelets, 3 rings, 1 necklace, 1 choker, 3 headbands, 1 tiara, and a sticker sheet. With so many charming pieces to play with, 4-year-old girls can have some of the most exciting imaginative princess play. Plus, there are enough accessories for friends to come over without fighting over who will be the Disney Princess.
Now, when it comes to finding dress-up clothes, there are a lot of options on the market. I recommend buying this set because it comes with a variety of dresses as well as accessories, rather than just a single dress like the iTVTi Princess Costume Dress. Although a pretty dress, you can get way more for a little bit more money with the Disney Princess Trunk.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Adorable Storage Trunk Included
One thing that gets on every mom’s nerves is storage. There never seems to be enough storage to put away all of the toys, and dress-up clothes are no exception. The good thing about this set is that it comes complete with a charming keepsake storage trunk to keep everything in one special spot.
This is one of the best gifts for encouraging the world of pretend play. The pretend play clothes will also be able to grow with your child as they are specifically designed to fit average kids between 4 and 6 years old.
#4. Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub (Reusable Art Set)
Art is such a huge part of a child’s life, no matter if they are 4 years old or 10 years old! The importance of art at a younger age is even more significant, though, as this introduces them with the stepping stones necessary for writing actual words one day. But before they’re ready to write essays, they should be having fun coloring. That’s what the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub is all about. This makes the list of best toys for a 4-year-old girl because…
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Endless Reusable Creativity that Encourages Motor Skills
Things like coloring books and pieces of paper are fine and dandy, but once they’re colored on, they’re done. That’s what sets the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub apart from the crowd. The set includes 4 washable animal figures, a scrub tub and brush, and 5 washable markers. That’s right – the animals are entirely washable. Kids can color to their heart’s content, wash the dog off, then color him some more. Now that’s getting the biggest bang for your dollar!
The included animal figures are a bit on the small size but don’t worry, that’s not a problem for average 4-year-olds. While kids have fun customizing and creating, they are also working on their dexterity and important motor skills. So, they are having tons of fun without even realizing they are preparing themselves for elementary school.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Safe and Washable – No Stains!
Some might not think that purchasing markers is one of the best gifts for 4-year-olds. After all, markers tend to wind up on clothing, the walls, the furniture – you name it. Well, the Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub comes complete with washable markers that won’t leave stains on all of your important items and garments. If it ends up anywhere it’s not meant to be, simply wipe it or wash it away. Easy!
The markers are also safe for kids, too. The set comes with orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink markers that are designed using entirely non-toxic ingredients. So, if the marker decides to make its way onto your child’s tongue, it isn’t a huge issue. Although, that is a problem you will want to fix!
The Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Scrub Tub Animal Toy Set is simply an excellent idea for anyone who wants to encourage artwork and creativity while also lending a hand at fine motor skills. The set is certainly a cost-effective gift idea that won’t break the bank.
It was hard to find negative comments about this toy. The biggest issue is that the marker will stay on the figurines if they are not washed promptly, so keep that in mind during playtime.
#5. LEGO Friends 4+ Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit (For Little Builders)
Building blocks, such as LEGOs, are always a staple in people’s homes. They make one of the top gifts for 4-year-old girls because kids love playing with them. In essence, you can’t go wrong with this purchase. Here are a few reasons why I recommend the LEGO Friends 4+ Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Easy to Follow Instructions
My daughter received a lot of LEGOs on her birthday because she loved them. The only problem was, many of the sets were almost impossible for her to figure out on her own.
Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit, on the other hand, was simple enough for her to do on her own. The set comes with a simple guide that little minds can understand. In turn, this builds the understanding and confidence for younger kids to dive into more advanced sets.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Adorable LEGO Set That Can Be Combined with Additional Sets
The original Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit is a great starter kit. Once completed, there will be an adorable toy horse barn complete with a tractor. It also comes with a miniature Mia doll figure, 3 horses, and a rabbit. This allows the world of imaginary play to open up.
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. You can combine this kit with other kits on the market. This might be an excellent option for multiple people who can’t think of a great gift. One person can purchase the Mia’s Foal Stable Building Kit, while two other gift-givers buy sets that can attach. This will make for one large present that any 4-year-old would adore.
There were next to no negative reviews about this LEGO set. And if you think you can’t afford to gift a LEGO set for someone’s 4th birthday, think again. Although LEGO is notoriously high-priced, you will be surprised to see such a low price with this LEGO set.
#6. Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids (Fun for Active, Bouncy Kids)
I’m sure I am not the only one who grew up with pogo sticks. And whether I was terrible at it or not, it was still a blast, and a lot of my friends got good at it. Well, those original bouncing sticks have come a long way and are now far safer and more fun for kids. That includes smaller age groups, too, like the 4-year-old crowd.
If you are buying a gift for a little one who tends to be very active and likes to jump around, then you might consider opting for the Flybar My First Foam Pogo Jumper for Kids. This is the new-and-improved pogo stick that is specifically designed for 4-year-olds to bounce to their heart’s content. What’s so great about this bouncing stick? Let’s take a look.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Promotes an Active Lifestyle While Still Being Tons of Fun
Unfortunately, our lives are becoming more sedentary. That shouldn’t be the case for small children, especially those as young as 4. They might need a little more encouragement these days, though, and that’s why it’s a good idea to have the Flybar My First Foam Pogo in the home. It can easily be used outdoors or indoors, making it a versatile active toy that can encourage activity even on a rainy day.
Aside from promoting an active lifestyle, the Flybar pogo stick is also fun. What little girl doesn’t love to bounce around for hours on end? The bouncing stick goes a step further to increase the excitement by adding a squeaker to the foam base that will sound every time they jump. Yes, parents might not love that it squeaks, but their daughter sure will!
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Training for Balance and Other Skills
The first 5 years are known to be the most important years of a child’s life. They are constantly learning and improving their skills. One skill that might not be trained as much during this time is balance. This toy is a great choice as a gift because you will be giving the gift of balance-training. Not only that, but this pogo stick also helps with hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills that will be necessary for all ages of life.
There is so much to love about this pogo stick, and I am not the only one who thinks so. That’s why this pogo stick has an incredible amount of positive reviews. But what gift-givers might like most is the fact that it’s a pretty inexpensive toy, too. We opted for the Flybar above other similar products, like the Play22 Foam Pogo Jumper, because it had more foot space and seemed to be a more sturdy and durable design.
#7. Castle Magnetic Blocks (Perfectly Pink STEM Toy)
Introducing STEM at a young age is incredibly important. While this can be done before the 4-year mark, I believe my kids were finally able to understand it more when they became preschool age. With that in mind, we decided that these STEM-based Magnetic Blocks were an excellent pick when it came to the best gift for a 4-year-old girl.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – STEM-Based Magna Tiles with Vibrant Colors
STEM is learning about important aspects of life, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And while that might seem like a lot for a little one to understand, the earlier they are introduced to it, the more they will succeed later in life. There are a lot of ways to encourage STEM in children, but my daughter’s favorite was with these magnetic blocks.
Magnetic Blocks allows 4-year-olds to learn while they play. There is a variety of different shapes and colors to choose from, which not only allows for fun and creative experiences but learning, too. The color is why we chose this set above other similar sets such as the amazon_link asins=’B0793MF1H5′ template=’ProductLink’ store=’parentingpod-20′ text=’cossy 32Pcs Magnet Tiles Magnetic 3D Building Blocks Set’]. I didn’t like the colors, and the 3D style seemed too distracting for a 4-year-old.
As the child begins to play with the tiles, they will need to use their critical thinking skills to figure out how the tiles should be placed. Luckily, the set comes with an idea booklet for mom and daughter to build all types of fun models.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Designed to be Safe and Strong
Flimsy toys are always a no-no. They can make for an awful, frustrating time for little ones, so it’s best to purchase gifts that you know are going to be sturdy and durable enough for playtime. These Magnetic Blocks are entirely BPA-free and have rounded edges to enhance safety. With ultrasonic welding, they are also not prone to breaking as some other sets might be.
Magnetic blocks such as these are undeniably one of the best gifts for preschoolers. It introduces STEM in a fun, vibrant way. I have seen children of all ages enjoy these magnet blocks, from younger 3-year-old kids to older 8-year-olds. This means that this is also a toy that will grow with the 4-year-old, giving you the biggest bang for your buck.
#8. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register (Imagination Play that Teaches Numbers)
I can’t think of a pretend play toy that is more classic than this. I, myself, would play with this exact toy (without a few minor upgrades) when I was four. I continued to play with it until I was almost 12. This is a fairly inexpensive toy that will last for years, making it an excellent purchase for kids. There are so many wonderful things to say about this classic toy.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Pretend to Be a Cashier While Learning Basic Math and Money Skills
I completely understand that teaching money skills to young kids might seem odd. After all, they hardly know what 1+1 is, let alone how much 4 quarters is. But it’s all about setting the stage. They might not know how to count the money at first, but over time, these kids will be ahead of the game when it comes to managing and counting money. Sounds like a great idea to me!
The best part is that this toy introduces young kids to money while they play. They won’t even notice that they are learning something brand new. All they will know is that they are pretending to be the cool cashier that always gives them a sticker at the grocery store.
The cash register comes complete with everything you need to recreate the checkout line right from your living room. Inside, you will find 73 pieces including 30 pretend US dollars, 40 plastic coins, a credit card, and an activity guide. The activity guide is a new feature of this cash register that orchestrates fun games for children to play. My daughter and I both have a blast with it!
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – No Batteries Necessary
If you want to give a top-notch gift at a four-year-olds birthday, find one that doesn’t need batteries. This saves plenty of time, money, and hassle on the parent’s behalf, and they will thank you for it. This cash register runs entirely on solar power. You never have to worry about your child whining because their favorite toy has run out of juice.
I recommend this product over other cash registers, such as the FUNERICA Toy Cash Register with Scannerr because it is far more realistic. Even though the Learning Resources model does not have a scanner, it was not missed at all.
#9. ABC Puzzle Board for Toddlers (Minimalistic ABC Learning Puzzle)
I have always found that teaching the alphabet was best done at around 3 to 4 years old. At this point, their mind is like a sponge, and they soak up everything. They can also start understanding what they are learning and remembering it, too. That’s why I opted to purchase the ABC Puzzle Board by Kimuvin. It’s one of the best gifts for 4-year-olds because it’s cheap, reliable, and encourages learning.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product – Learn the Alphabet in a Fun Way
A lot of parents wonder how they can introduce the alphabet in a fun way that keeps their child’s attention. Sure, there are videos and electronic games, but a classic wooden puzzle seems to be the long-standing hit. That’s because there are no flashy lights to distract them, which seemed to be the case with other alphabet toys. Without distraction from bright lights and obnoxious colors, children have an easier time hearing their parents and learning the letters.
That’s why the ABC Puzzle Board by Kimuvin is recommended. It’s a basic wooden board with 26 pieces featuring the alphabet. Each puzzle piece is coated with an intriguing color, which also helps them with color cognition and imaginative play. With a puzzle like this, curiosity is piqued and physical and intellectual development ensues.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product – Durable and Safe Wood Board and Letters
Another reason why this product is ranked as one of the best gifts for 4-year-olds is that it’s more durable than other popular ABC puzzles on the market, such as the Alphabet & Numbers Foam Puzzle by DDI by GOV. Durable construction is necessary. Even the letters are designed using 100% natural wood, so they won’t be prone to breaking or cracking. They are also constructed to be large enough to not pose a choking hazard. The paint is non-toxic.
It’s hard to say or find anything negative about this ABC puzzle. It’s a great gift that can be used as an educational tool to get 4-year-olds ready for kindergarten. Plus, this is one of those toys that can be brought into their favorite play tent and played with all day long.
Final Thoughts
Bustling preschoolers need toys that are engaging and fun. Any of the toys listed here will be a hit at a four-year-old girl’s birthday party, whether you opt for pretend play magic with the dollhouse or go the more educational and minimalistic route with the puzzle.
