To identify memorable and engaging gifts for 4-year-olds, we relied on the advice of Olson and Ann Kienzle, of Chicago’s Play toy shop, as well as on advice from parents and other caregivers on our staff. (You may have noticed that STEAM-which adds an arts emphasis to STEM’s existing focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-has been picking up, ahem, steam over recent years.) “They refine their physical skills, including fine motor skills, as they push and pull pieces apart.” Gifts that encourage art and creativity-as well as games and movement toys that allow for silly and energetic play-are also great choices for kids of this age. “Children learn language and cooperation,” she said. Jena Olson, who was president of the STEM educational nonprofit Kid Spark Education at the time of our interview, emphasizes other, lesser-known skills that STEM toys can help preschoolers develop. In particular, building toys that feature magnets, gears, curves, and wheels allow 4-year-olds to problem-solve independently. Some of the best gifts for 4-year-olds engage their endless curiosity, rapidly developing physical skills, and desire to understand everything around them.Įarly STEM toys-those that help kids develop skills related to science, technology, engineering, and math-allow preschoolers to experiment with the strength, size, and shape of objects, and to explore cause and effect. Many 4-year-olds are learning to master their environments, and they’re starting to negotiate boundaries, push limits, and question everything.

Magna tiles building ideas