Want to thrill a 4-year-old? We're here to help. By their fourth birthday, kids are getting more aware of the world around them and their emotions are developing apace, so here are a few pointers for presents that should hit the spot.Though any of the goodies in our gift collection for 4 year-olds will guarantee you brownie points...

BIG WIDE WORLD

As they gain greater understanding of about the world around them, presents like clocks, weather stations and calendars will really hit the mark. They tend to have lots of fun movable parts too, so as well as being educational, they're great for 'open play' - i.e. the pieces can be put to lots of other playtime purposes.

weather station by Moon Picnic

A weather station like this one by Moon Picnic can really spark their interest in the wider world.

THE CHALLENGE IS REAL

At this stage of their development, they're beginning to think in a more complex way and games like Connect-4 and Tangrams can make for great presents. They might be a little challenging at first - but isn't it nice to give them something to grow into?

Janod Tangrams

Janod's Tangrams are tricky at first, but loads of fun.

LET'S GET EMOTIONAL

4-year-olds have intense emotional lives: they know the difference between feeling happy, sad, afraid or angry. They can fear imaginary things, they care about how others act and are (usually!) affectionate to familiar people. In recent years, we've all become more aware of kids' emotional lives, and books or toys that support their mental health and positive thinking are really booming. If your 4-year-old is about to start pre-school, a present along these lines would be really thoughtful pick.

Mindful Kids cards by Abrams & Chronicle Books

Mindfulness can be explored by your 4-year-old using these Mindful Kids cards by Abrams & Chronicle Books.

DEVELOPING DEXTERITY

If you'd like to gift them some active fun, skittles skipping ropes, golf sets and the like are great for this age, as they've much better balance and their dexterity and spacial awareness is a whole lot more advanced. For keen builders, a cool construction toy pressie could also be a great idea, like a big box of KAPLA.

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KAPLA wooden construction sets are full of possibilities.

TO GROW WITH THEM

They're ready for more involved role play now, so if you're looking for a big ticket present, a dolls house or garage will give them years of fun and can be added to every subsequent birthday or Christmas, with extra furniture or additional vehicles.

So we hope that's helped you pick something special for the important 4-year-old in your life. We’ve also put together gift finders for newborns, first birthdays, 2 year olds, 3 year olds and 5 year olds too.

And remember, if you need any more guidance our Live Chat Team are always here to help, 7am-11pm, every day. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.