Although shopping for all types of toys and books can be a ton of fun, [1] finding the perfect gift for the 4-year-old in your life [2] can be challenging given the zillions of options. And while you might want to spring for a pretty doll they won't be able to put down, there are so many other choices out there to consider. Rather than sending you on a wild goose chase, we opted to do all the research for you. Read through to get a look at some of our favourite presents for the 4-year-old in your life, and try not to buy everything in one fell swoop.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Rebecca Brown
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Book
A handy copy of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Book [4] ($35) centres on 100 extraordinary women because you can never have too much motivation.
Fat Brain Toys Original Squigz Set
Get the creative juices flowing with this Fat Brain Toys Original Squigz Set [5] ($25) that lets 4-year-olds build whatever the heck they want!
GeoSafari Jr. Jungle Crew Lab Set
Your budding scientist will have some fun with this safari-themed experiment kit. The GeoSafari Jr. Jungle Crew Lab Set [6] ($22) comes with six pieces and 10 activities to get kids experimenting.
Hape High Seas Boat Rocker
This nautical rocker [7] ($86, originally $100) will have your little one dreaming of the seashore in no time.
Larry the Llama Ride-On
Does it get any cuter than The Land of Nod's Larry the Llama Ride-On [8] ($149), designed by artist Sabina Gibson? The llama comes with its own blanket and reins for a more authentic experience!
Radio Flyer Rider Trike Ride On
Let the toddler in your life join in on adventures with this Radio Flyer Rider Trike Ride On [9] ($50).
Intex Dinosaur Play Centre
If you're looking to take water games to the next level, you need this Intex Dinosaur Play Centre [10] ($35, originally $45).
Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower
Popping beads make the Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower [11] ($22, originally $29) sound and feel like a real lawn mower.
Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table
Come Summer, your kids won't want to leave this Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table [12] ($42, originally $45).
Cubcoats
Getting a toddler a Cubcoat [13] ($40) is like getting them two gifts in one; a cute stuffed animal and a cosy hoodie.
My Little Pony Cutie Mark Magic Rarity Booktique Playset
The sweet My Little Pony Cutie Mark Magic Rarity Booktique Playset [14] ($25, originally $33) looks like a book when it is closed but magically opens to be a playset for kids. The three rooms are "revealed" when the "book's" pages are turned.
Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle
Do a puzzle and learn about geography? We love this Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle [15] ($12).
Miller Goodman PlayShapes
Miller Goodman's PlayShapes [16] ($150) come with 74 pieces that can be mixed, matched, and paired up in endless combinations to create goofy-looking characters and sights.
Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter
An update to Melissa and Doug's immensely popular ice cream set, this ice cream counter [17] ($46, originally $50) will have them scooping out cones for all of their friends.
Donut Sidewalk Chalk Set
This adorable Donut Sidewalk Chalk Set [18] ($18) lets your 3-year-old's creativity run wild all while getting them outside. Talk about a win-win.
Epic Castle Playhouse
Your kid might not be old enough for Game of Thrones yet, but this G-rated Epic Castle Playhouse [19] ($100) can start them off in the right direction.
Glowing Bath Time Pals
Why yes, these out-of-the-box Glowing Bath Time Pals [20] ($20) will make getting your little one into the tub a breeze.
Educational Toys
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope [21] ($32, originally $39) will help your little one to learn kid-friendly facts about nature straight from Bindi Irwin, whose voice speaks from the microscope.
Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set
Make sure your child is challenged with the Melissa & Doug Smarty Pants Kindergarten Card Set [22] ($9).
Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe
The Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe [23] ($50) is compatible with iOS, Kindle, and Android devices. The app will take your child on an augmented reality tour around the world.
Dazzling Toys Toss and Catch Ball Set
Your kids will spend hours outside playing with the Dazzling Toys Toss and Catch Ball Set [24] ($7).
Fingerlings Glitter Panda
How adorable is this Fingerlings Dragon [25] ($9)?!
Don't Step in It!
Engage in some blindfolded, poop-dodging fun with your kids by grabbing Don't Step in It! [26] ($20) to add to your family game night stash.