At four years of age, a child is just starting to reach another milestone for his or her mental and maturity levels. Preschoolers will want their little friends to come over to play. Yet, no matter how much society tells us that males and females are the same, I disagree. And, I was the kind of mom who pushed my girls to play with trucks and building blocks, but at year four there are some major differences between girls and boys:
- Girls like to play dress-up and play house with their baby dolls and teddy bears.
- Boys like to play war or any game that involves running around and screaming.
Best Toys for Preschool Boys
Here are some cool and silly toys for boys. Toddler and preschool boys love to talk about gross things and make bathroom jokes, so anything like that will be a hit.
What's In Ned's Head? Four-year-old boys love this gross game. Players must stick their hands into Ned’s head, by way of his nose or ears, and find a specific object by feel. This is a fabulous way for kids to learn tactilely. I’m sure it makes little boy’s brain cells connect, but it is gross. And, that’s why boys love this game. I think "What’s In Ned’s Head" is well worth $31.95.
Hexbug Robotic Bug: If your son does not have any Hexbugs, I think you are guilty of child abuse. Just try one bug and you will want to have bugs scampering all over your house.
Backyard Safari Extreme Bug Vacuum: Hey, this looks cool. I used to play with bugs when I was four or five and I know that boys love bugs and creepy critters. This toy requires batteries, but it is fabulous. This is a low-power vacuum that sucks up bugs so you can see them better. It doesn't kill the critters, which has its pros and cons, but your little scientist will love observing spiders, ladybugs, and other tiny life forms found outside. I recommend this toy, as long as:
- Your backyard is not covered with snow.
- You don’t have tons of black widows in your yard.
Scoot-n-Shoot Soccer: This is a clever toy for budding soccer (football) stars. The ball is only half a ball (hemispherical, flat on the bottom) so it can't bounce away. This comes with a tiny net and you can play "soccer" indoors. What an extremely clever idea. It's soccer's answer to T-ball.
Erector Build & Play Easy Bucket: This is a great toy for any boy who likes to take things apart and (try to) put them back together. This toy builds fine motor skills and cognitive skills.
Blocks & Marbles – Super Set: This great toy has been around forever and most boys love it. It’s something like a tiny rollercoaster for marbles. This maze uses gravity and it’s a great building toy. (Made in USA)
Bump 'n' Chuck R/C Bumper Cars: This consists of two remote-control bumper cars. If you hit the other guy's car, the little driver ejects. What a cool concept. This will help your little man work through his aggression without any bones being broken.
CooCoo The Clown: This is a cute little balancing and stacking game.
Best Toys for Four-Year-Old Girls
Preschool girls will love the princess paper dolls and the little rabbits. I would not hesitate recommending either of these toys:
- Princess Castle Paper Dolls In-a-Box: These paper dolls have removable vinyl clothes that can be put on, taken off, and reused later. This is a good travel toy because it folds up.
- Wobble Deck: This is a balance board with games. It’s like a little musical “surf” board. Boys like this, too.
- Calico Critters – Norwood Mouse Family or Cottontail Rabbit Family: Your girl will use this rabbit figurine set to act out little rabbit-family plays. I recommend this because my daughter had these little bunnies, or something extremely similar, and she played with them for hours at a time.
Girls like anything that is princess-like, including tiaras, dress-up clothes and dress-up jewelry. My Little Pony toys and any animal figurines are always a hit. And, some girls love baby dolls at this age.
I have broken one of my cardinal rules and recommended toys with batteries, but their educational value supersedes the battery factor. And, all of the above toys require an active imagination. Isn’t that what play is all about?
More Info:
Best Baby Dolls for Toddlers & Girls
Best Toys for 1 or 2 Year Olds
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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