Best toys for 4 year olds

At the age of four, children will take a big leap in their learning ability, social skills, and physical abilities. Most pre-schoolers are busy running, jumping, cutting, pasting, painting and creating. This is an ideal time to introduce more interactive, educational toys and activities. Items that encourage math, verbal and social skills are great. As well as toys that encourage creativity and imagination.

Art and craft supplies

Art and craft activities are great for keeping little hands busy as well as encouraging creativity, imagination and building confidence and a sense of achievement. In fact, art and crafts are a good way to build verbal skills, by asking children to explain what they have created and why. Or naming different colours and shapes. Painting, drawing and creating can also help relax children when they are upset or frustrated.

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More complex puzzles

By now, most children will be able to complete more complex puzzles. Puzzles are not only a fun pastime but they require patience, concentration, logical thinking and problem-solving skills. As children develop their fine motor skills they will be able to complete puzzles with smaller pieces that take more skill. Puzzles can also help develop vocabulary by naming the different animals, shapes, colours, foods etc that feature in the puzzle.

Board games

At around four years of age, children will enjoy board games that don’t yet require reading. Playing board games helps build social skills, promotes good sportsmanship and teaches children how to interact with other children and adults. Board games can also be a good introduction to simple reading and maths.

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Construction toys

As children become more capable of controlling items with their hands, it is an ideal time to introduce more complex building and constructing toys. From simple building blocks to more difficult toys such as ‘build your own rocket’, construction toys are good for focus and patience, building self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment and teaching cooperative play with their peers.

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Dolls and Plush Characters

As children are building their social skills, toys that have ‘personalities’, such as dolls or plush animals, are great for children to practice these new skills. Many children love to ‘chat’ with their doll or furry companion. And act out scenarios, conversations and activities they observe around them. Dolls encourage pretend play, provide a sense of comfort and support during times of anxiety and are great for helping children manage and understand different emotions.

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