Are you (a) celebrating a 4-year-old boy and (b) absolutely stumped about what to get him for his birthday or for the holidays? Then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
We rolled up our sleeves and got busy researching the very best gifts for 4-year-old boys, and we’ve come up with a pretty spectacular list. As you’ll see, our eclectic selection of gift ideas all have some things in common: just about everything here seeks to stimulate creativity and reasoning, sharpen skills, and boost curiosity and imagination.
Our top picks for 4-year-old boys are:
- Hot Wheels Gift Pack
- Black Hawk Battle Helicopter Toy
- Click-a-Brick Educational Toys
- Marble Run
- Lincoln Logs Redwood Junction
- Legos Creative Brick Box
- Magformers
- Mountain Train Set
- Thomas the Train Play Vehicle
- Wooden Engine and Train Cars
- TOOB Figurines
- A Pirate Ship
- Fisher-Price Ultra T-Rex
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Playhut
- Gears! Gears! Gears! Learning Resources Super Set
- Magnetic Responsibilities Chart
- Kid's Trampoline
If, at the ripe old age of 4, you can already see that he’s a budding builder, a toy car junkie or a train aficionado, then we definitely have something he’ll love. And if his interests swing in a different direction, we also have some great suggestions. Read on for the low-down on the best gifts for 4-year-old boys.
Gifts for 4-year-olds with a need for speed
Hot Wheels Gift Pack
If your little one is a toy car junkie, then this gift is going to be very well received. This pack of 20 1:64 scale die-cast vehicles can be used with track sets and also for push-around play, and the 4-year-old in your life is sure to be thrilled to add them to his collection.
What we love:
- A little boy can never have too many cars (any little boy will tell you that!)
- The 20-pack offers a ton of variety
- Hot Wheels is a durable, quality product
What we don't love:
- One previous buyer expressed his disappointment and confusion when these arrived and he realized they were not real cars
- Every set is different and you can't order a specific set, so you don't really know what you're getting until it arrives
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Black Hawk Bump and Go Battle Heli
Put your little man in control, with a remote control helicopter! This Black Hawk Battle Helicopter may be badass on the outside, but not to worry—it’s on the tamer side and it’s very age appropriate. It doesn’t actually fly; the bump and go action means it glides effortlessly around on the floor, bumping into things but still going strong. (If, however, you'd like to pick up something that does fly, check out our article on 15 Top Remote Control Helicopters for Kids for more options).
What we love:
- It’s very easy to use, which makes it perfect for a 4-year-old
- Assembly is a cinch
- The colorful flashing lights are very entertaining for children, especially when you play in the dark!
What we don't love:
- It may be a tad on the noisy side
- It doesn’t glide across carpets, so best to play with this on a hardwood floor or something similar
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts for 4-year-old boys who like to build
Click-a-Brick Educational Toys
These awesome building block sets will not only keep your little one busy for hours, they’ll also challenge him and boost his fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
You can pick from several sets, from the Animal Kingdom (he can build a monkey, a giraffe, a wolf…), Rainforest Rascals (snakes, frogs and turtles) or Dinosaurs (Pteranodon, Triceratops…) to Army Defenders (jet fighters, tanks, etc.) and Mini Machines (cranes, bulldozers, etc.). And those are just suggestions! Your 4-year-old can build whatever he can imagine!
What we love:
- These have a very cool 3D design, which means they can build up, down, sideways and diagonally
- They’re made of non-toxic ABS plastic and they’re bigger than Legos, which reduces choking hazards
- They foster creativity
What we don't love:
- Previous buyers have said that the instruction manuals could be improved
- Some say that the packaging is unimpressive
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Animal Kingdom blocks (30 piece set).
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Rainforest Rascal blocks (30 piece set).
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Dinosaur blocks (30 piece set).
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Army Defenders blocks (100 piece set).
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Mini Machine blocks (100 piece set).
Marble Run
This marble run is the real deal, with 202 pieces and 50 marbles! It also includes specific set-up instructions, catering to four different skill levels. This toy rocks because putting it together helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination and spatial skills, it teaches basic physics, problem-solving and logic, and promises hours of fun. If you're in the market for a marble run but are interested in other options, check out our article on 14 of the Best Marble Runs for 4-year-olds.
What we love:
- The snap-together design improves dexterity
- The pieces are thick, durable and colorful
- You can build the suggested marble runs, or you can build your own
What we don't love:
- One previous buyer said that the colors of certain pieces did not coincide with the instructions
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Lincoln Logs Redwood Junction
If you’re looking for a safe bet, Lincoln Logs is the way to go. This toy, which was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son back in 1916, is still very relevant. You might have played with them yourself when you were a wee one; now it’s time to pass the torch. Known for their durability and quality, each log is carefully crafted and ready for hours of fun. This kit has 235 pieces, which includes real wood logs, a railroad track, colorful figures, a 3-piece train engine and other building accessories.
What we love:
- This is the biggest Lincoln Logs set around
- They are very well made and will last for… oh… probably forever
What we don't love:
- There are considerably more small logs compared with long logs, which limits the child somewhat to building only the projects planned for in the kit
- The logs do not come with a storage container
- The kit includes some plastic pieces
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Legos Creative Brick Box
This giant box of Legos is sure to hit the spot. Your small fry need not be shackled by the confines of dictated constructions. Let his imagination run free with this mix of pieces that he can use to build whatever the heck he wants. It comes with different types of windows and doors, different frames, baseplates, ramps, wheels, sets of eyes and tires. From a motorcycle to a house to a cat, the sky’s the limit with this one!
What we love:
- These do what they’re supposed to: inspire open-ended creativity
- They come with their own handy storage container
- You get 790 pieces in total!
What we don't love:
- There are more small blocks than large ones
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Magformers
Step back and let your 4-year-old go hog wild with these fantastically interesting connecting magnetic shapes. Magformers are both educational and fun, and they make playtime creative, constructive and stimulating. Pick up the smaller version (62 pieces) or the XL option (144!)—both will pique his curiosity and keep him engaged.
What we love:
- This is an outstanding toy for brain development
- They are high quality and, dare we say, indestructible
What we don't love:
- They don’t come with instructions or a booklet of ideas
- Some buyers felt these were on the expensive side
Click here for more info and current pricing on the smaller set (62 pieces).
Click here for more info and current pricing on the larger set (144 pieces).
Gifts for 4-year-old future train conductors
Mountain Train Set
This is actually a whole lot more than just a fabulous starter train set! With 61 pieces, the little one in your life can put together and play with a whole town, which includes a train track, a lake, a molded mountain with three waterfalls, a police station, a fire truck, an airplane and runway and a helicopter and helipad. This is sure to put a smile on his face! If he's especially into trains, check out two of our other articles, on the best train set tables and on wooden train sets, for even more ideas.
What we love:
- Clean up is super easy, as everything fits inside the bucket it comes in
- The train track is compatible with most other big brand train sets
What we don't love:
- The magnets on the train cars are not very strong, which means that they may come apart when moving uphill
- Some buyers felt that the set was expensive
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Thomas the Train Play Vehicle
All aboard this fantastic little play hut! Watch your 4-year-old slip into conductor mode once this tent is assembled. Set-up is a cinch, as it’s designed with a patented EZ twist technology, and it can also connect to other play structures to create a lengthy fort.
What we love:
- It's durable
- It folds flat for easy storage
- It comes with a carrying case so you can take it with you
What we don't love:
- Some previous buyers said that roughhousing inside the tent would likely tear it
- The instructions may not suffice, and you may have to watch a YouTube video to assemble it properly
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Wooden Engine and Train Cars
Give your little train conductor the little engine that most definitely can! This set of engines and train cars includes all the necessary components, from a magnetic tanker load and the hopper car to the cabooses and coaches. They come with a wooden frame for display and storage, and they fit all of the big wooden train play systems. If he's into trains, get more ideas on train table sets and on wooden train sets!
What we love:
- The pieces are top-quality and kids can use them to build a very long train
- They are made from a nice quality wood and are painted with bright colors
- They offer excellent bang for your buck
What we don't love:
- Some of the cars are top-heavy
- Some previous buyers say that they are very tall and, therefore, they don’t fit under all train track bridges
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts for the imaginative 4-year-old
TOOB Figurines
Does the 4-year-old you know have a wild imagination? Does he have a penchant for creating scenarios and stories? Then these TOOB set figurines should definitely be a big hit. Whether he’s into rainforest animals, insects, safari ocean figures, dogs, or mythical creatures, these beautifully sculpted and hand-painted miniatures will give him material for endless hours of fun.
What we love:
- Each set fits neatly into its own small tube, which means you can take them anywhere
- Each "toob" includes educational facts, so your child learns while he plays
- These realistic models encourage imaginative thinking
What we don't love:
- Some previous buyers have said that they were smaller than they expected
- Some say the colors are not 100% realistic
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Rainforest TOOB.
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Insect TOOB.
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Safari Ocean TOOB.
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Dogs TOOB.
Click here for more info and current pricing on the Mythical Creatures TOOB.
Pirate Ship
If you think your 4-year-old is ready to set sail, then this is the perfect gift for him. Give the lad his own pirate ship! The assembly, which is easy, is a great learning experience in itself, and once it’s been put together, he can customize it to his own liking. The vessel accommodates 2 to 3 children and is inspired by real pirate ships that sailed the Caribbean. Alternatively, if you want to learn how to build your own pirate ship out of cardboard boxes, don't miss this article.
What we love:
- It comes with color markers as well as 2 cardboard swords
- It’s safe and made with durable materials
- It’s perfect for dress-up and make-believe play
What we don't love:
- Assembly can take up to 30 minutes
- A previous buyer says it would take forever to color with markers, and it’s better to use paint
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Ultra T-Rex
Now there are dinosaurs, and there are Dinosaurs, and this toy belongs in the latter group. It really comes to life as he take steps forward and lets out some mighty roars. His eyes light up, his mouth opens and closes, and he can launch boulders and fire projectiles. It’s all in a day’s work for this T-Rex.
What we love:
- There’s lots to keep a little one busy, from using the glider and pressing buttons to working the trap door
- It’s well-made and durable, and tougher than it looks
- You can’t go wrong with Fisher-Price!
What we don't love:
- It does require some assembly
- Your 4-year-old may need a hand carrying it around, because it’s big
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts for a four-year-old boy whose also a cartoon aficionado
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Vehicle
If you-know-who is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan, you better expect some real excitement when he rips the wrapping paper off this baby. There’s nothing quite like having your own Shell Raiser vehicle! He’ll be practicing his ninja turtle skills left right and center.
What we love:
- The tunnel ports connect to other play huts
- It’s durable and very easy to clean
- It sets up very quickly and stores flat
What we don't love:
- Some say the instructions could be better
- A previous buyer says the Velcro on the door of the hut could be stronger
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts for future engineers
Gears Super Set
Gears glorious gears! Bring out your little one’s inner engineer with this hands-on construction set. We can’t say enough positive things about it. Let him learn about the mechanics of gears (it’s never too soon), cause and effect, critical thinking and problem solving. The set comes with 150 pieces with the result that, well, the possibilities are endless!
What we love:
- This toy supports STEM by teaching kids about grouping, counting, sorting, building and designing
- They can create custom designs that actually move
What we don't love:
- The less mechanically-inclined child will need some help
- All the gears in this set are the same size
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts that foster independence
Magnetic Responsibilities Chart
This may seem like an atypical gift, but 4-year-olds have spoken, and they are all for it. This behavioral chart will teach them discipline, and if they’re rewarded for good behavior, you could lay the groundwork for some very good habits down the road. The chart will help him improve his self-esteem, confidence and independence, not to mention give him a sense of accomplishment!
What we love:
- The chart is durable and simple to understand
- It's very child-focused
What we don't love:
- Some buyers say they’re larger and heavier than they expected
- There’s no obvious way to use the board for more than one child
Click here for more info and current pricing.
Gifts for a 4-year-old boy with energy to burn
Kid's Trampoline
Buyer be warned: this gift will surely make you the 4-year-old’s absolute favorite relative or friend, because really, what kid doesn’t like to bounce around? This trampoline is for indoor use only, and will help your preschooler burn off excess energy. For more mini trampoline options, check out this article for inspiration.
What we love:
- It’s sturdy and safe, and has a handle bar to ensure stability
- This will let him work out his whole body, which will help him develop better balance and coordination
What we don't love:
- Some children may try to eat the foam on the handle
- The weight limit is just 60 lbs.
Click here for more info and current pricing.
We hope you found something special on our list of good gifts for 4-year-old boys. If you have a gift idea that you think we should include, or a comment about any of the toys listed here, shoot us an email through the contact page. We’d love to hear from you!
