26 best toys for four-year-olds that make brilliant gifts

For mini explorers who love to be outdoors, this kid-friendly magnifier should appeal. Kids can look with both eyes, so they don't have to try to keep one closed, and when they do, they'll be able to see their treasures up close. Ages 4+

This eco-friendly scooter is made from 100% recycled plastic, is available in 10 chic, muted shades, and is very well-priced. The classic three-wheel design features a wide, anti-slip base, rear brake for safety and adjustable handlebars to grow with them.

And don't forget to buy a matching helmet. Ages 3+

For kids who don't have enough space for a toy kitchen — or have the space to add to one — this teal griddle and grill set is just the thing. The top flips over to switch between griddle and grill, and the food pieces store easily inside.

It also makes sizzling sounds, but what kids like most is threading the food pieces onto the skewers to make a kebab (which is also good for their fine motor coordination). Ages 2+

Children love these strong Connetix magnets, which let them build tall towers that don't topple over. There are bigger sets if you already know they're keen, but this 60-piece starter pack include enough hexagons and triangles to get them started. Ages 3+

Orchard Toys makes a wide range of fun toys that stealthily teach them key skills while they play. Crazy Chefs helps your kids develop their matching and memory skills, and encourages turn-taking and discussion. There's a spinner to add suspense as players race to collect their ingredients first. Ages 3-6

Dino-loving kids and train enthusiasts alike will love loading the brachiosaurus into the wagon and sending it along the circular track. The dinosaur also has a magnet that can pick up the grass, and if you push its tail down, its head will reach up to eat the leaves off the trees.

You can also combine it with bigger BRIO dinosaur sets for even more Jurassic fun. Ages 3+

Our little ones couldn't stop doing this unique art project — and adults told us it brought all the little ones together at picnics and meet-ups. Kids rub the foil sheets onto the puffy stickers included and — like magic — the shiny colours transfer over. They can then use the stickers to make different animal scenes. Ages 4+

This puzzle makes a big impact, covering a huge amount of space on the floor. It's 48 pieces (our experts recommend 20 – 40 pieces, so it's just a little bit of a challenge). Then, when it's all together, they can use the pair of wind up toy cars to race around the tracks. Ages 4+

Being able to use scissors is a sign of school readiness, and this activity set is designed to help kids learn how to use them safely (under supervision). Included in the kit are 25 activity sheets that require cutting, folding and sticking, as well as a glue stick and two pairs of plastic safety scissors that help build motor and cognitive skills. Ages 3+

Thanks to this toy's adaptable layout, there are endless possibilities for play, keeping your four-year-old entertained. The different coloured blocks have various actions, like spins, drops and spiral funnels. If they like it, they can move on to more complex sets.

Note: As this toy uses marbles, it should be kept out of reach of children under three years old. Ages 4+

The Sylvanian Families figurines have been loved for generations, so get them started on their own collection. This set includes a nursery with changeable weather and the Flora Rabbit Baby, as well as fun accessories such as a piano, swing, slide and cradle, giving kids plenty of opportunities for open-ended, imaginative play. Ages 3+

Whether they're starting school imminently or celebrating the beginning or end of another year, this sweet, rhyming picture book reminds kids that there are many ways to be special, and that our differences make us unique. It's a mini boost for the self-esteem. Ages 3+

This wooden 12-piece set has everything you need for a classic tea party, including the tea pot, two cups, two saucers, milk jug, biscuits, tea bags and a tray to serve it on. Pair it with Le Toy Van's Three Tier Cake Stand play set, and you'll have a delicious afternoon tea, all sorted. Ages 3+

The coolest cars are the ones you get to build yourself. With this clever kit, kids can make their own race cars and decorate them with stickers. They'll also learn about how wheels work and how race cars use them to go fast or slow. Ages 3+

They can practise their empathy and love of animals — and maybe ease a few of their own doctor fears — with this role-play costume set, which comes with accessories (a thermometer, stethoscope, bandage, syringe and even a soft toy dog in addition to the outfit). You can pair it with Melissa & Doug's Role Play Pet Vet Play Set for even more props (and patients). Ages 3+

If you have a Paw Patrol fan (and let's face it, what preschooler isn't?) they'll adore getting into the construction zone with Rubble and Mix. The set comes with two figures, plus kinetic sand and tools to roll, stamp and mould it. Ages 3+

This pineapple isn't just cute — it's a great tool for social-emotional learning. After kids use the pieces to make a face, they can compare it to a chart of expressions to try and identify and name the emotion. Then, they look in the pineapple-shaped mirror to see how the expression looks on them. An excellent way to help kids name their feelings. Ages 3+

Children love that this board game uses kinetic sand. At first, the colourful sticks hold up, but as the game goes on, players remove the sticks and the pieces go tumbling to the bottom level (similar to Kerplunk but with sand instead of marbles!). Ages 4+

This is an imaginative play set and STEM construction toy in one! Kids can use a toy, battery-operated drill to put the farm together, including the crops and fences. After they play, they can use the drill to take it all apart again. The farmer is also a screwdriver if children want to use that instead of the drill (and practise their fine motor coordination).

You can also get a take-apart tractor to go with it, complete with a farmer and chicken. Ages 3+

Available in blue or pink, it's amazing how expressive the face on this lamp is, and kids enjoy switching out the disks to hear different stories, jokes and activities. Parents will love that it's actually a working night light and alarm clock, which made it easier to start the morning and bedtime routines. Ages 3+

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