The best toys for four-year-olds are ones that not only encourage their development but will also spark their imagination and creativity.
At the tender age of four, most children begin to develop a stronger sense of self. For example, you might notice that your little one likes to spend more time playing without adult supervision or help. Therefore, the best toys for four-year-olds are designed so that they can be played with independently or with friends. So no matter whether you're buying a birthday present or looking for the top Christmas toys for your four-year-old, look out for games that encourage imaginative and 'open-ended' play. Also screen-only toys can be a winner, like the popular audio boxes Yoto or Tonie (though, be sure to check out our Yoto Vs Tonie to get a real breakdown.)
If you're interested in finding toy bargains, check out our guide to the best Black Friday toy deals too.
The age of four is also when most children start pre-school. It's a time when your little learner might be trying to work out the link between words and pictures and letters and sounds – which will help them when it comes to learning how to read and write.
"Early Years foundation skills like fine motor skills, balance and coordination will be vastly improved in a preschool setting," notes Heather Welch, International Brand Manager for Edx Education. So the toys your four-year-old plays with should reflect this. Heather also suggests that the best toys for children of this age will help continue to teach children to share and communicate.
So, to discover the best toys for your four-year-old, stick right here. We've included options to suit every character with prices from £10.
The best gifts and toys for 4 year olds in 2023
Why you can trust GoodTo. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.
