From the must-have Paw Patrol air carrier to cool book bundles, your busy kids will love these holiday gift ideas.
Parents of preschoolers know this stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and boundless energy. If you’re on the hunt for the just-right gifts that balance and encourage this playful combo—start with this list. From books that spark imagination to a scavenger hunt game that gets them outside, these innovative holiday gifts for 4-5-year-olds hit the mark. Need something for a different age? Check out our guides to the best gifts for 6-9 year-olds, tweens, and even stocking stuffers!
With a flash of light, these whimsical fairies come to life! Kids can control their movements with their hands and they can be released again and again.
Fat Brain Air Toobz
Arrange and connect in just about any way, over anything! Can kids make the foam balls move from tube to tube? Can they use enough force to make them spin?
Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven
The ultimate holiday toy for a preschooler who loves to whip up a good meal. Whether they feel like making steak, pizza, corn, or veggie burgers, this pretend-play outdoor kitchen has what they need.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven ($170)—Buy it here.
LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Globe
Travel the world and see everything in it with the interactive LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Globe. Tap on the globe with the stylus to learn about new places, cultures, languages, geography, animals, habitats, and more through high-quality BBC videos and animations on the integrated video screen.
Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll
Inspired by 2023’s live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film, this Ariel doll has a beautiful ombre tail and classic long red hair.
Paw Patrol Mighty Aircraft Carrier HQ
A must-have toy for preschoolers in 2023, they’ll love the dual vehicle launchers and Chase figure that comes with this aircraft carrier from Paw Patrol: The Might Movie.
JACADI Jacquard Holiday Dress
This dress is one that they'll want to wear over and over again. And, with JACADI's heirloom-quality pieces, they'll be able to. We also love the ultra-festive bold hues that are perfect for any holiday party.
Sketch Pals Doodle Board
They can keep this adorable new Boogie Board attached to their backpack and use it after their school day is over.
Hearthsong Regatta Boat Swing
An outdoor swing, but with a little sailing style thrown in for good measure. Perfect for two kiddos, it comes with adjustable, durable nylon ropes and O-rings for easy installation.
Super Mario Adventure Game DX
Your preschool kid might be a little too young for video games, but they’re never too young to love Super Mario Bros. With this board game, they get to enjoy the characters while having screen-free fun.
Color Pop Books Being Brave Bundle
Encourage their love of literature with a collection highlighting the power of courage and confidence.
Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home
Pet lovers will be able to pet, feed, and nurture to their heart’s content. There are 25 different sounds and the puppy reacts to touch.
Crayola Imagination Art Set
Get your preschooler this 115-piece set and watch their creativity blossom.
Story Telling Shadow Puppet Theater
Not only is this a gorgeous gift, but it gives preschool kids the chance to tell the story of Cinderella in their own way.
Star Wars Forge Ultimate Lightsaber Kit
With this toy, kids get three different Mandalorian-inspired weapons, including the Dark Saber, a vibro-blade, and an electro-bayonet.
Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage
No preschool gift guide would be complete without Hot Wheels! This multi-level playset has dual racing tracks, a loop stunt, and pretend play opportunities on the first level of the ‘garage.’
Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Wall Decal
Give them a (safe) place to scribble on the wall with this fun chalkboard panel that can be easily applied and removed from flat surfaces.
VTech Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex
The fire truck, police car, and rescue helicopter combine to create a 20"-long T.Rex ready to save the day! The police car makes sounds and has a driver, too.
Flour Shop Cookie Cake Kit
Introduce preschoolers to baking with this fun kid that comes with everything you need to make a cookie that looks just like a pizza!
Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit
They can keep a little magic close to their hearts while at school with this sweet gift perfect for preschoolers. It comes with eight ingredients, a booklet with five potions, and four different necklace styles.
hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters
Fans of these mathematical superheroes will love this playset from the popular series. There’s a lookout, a ride-on elevator, and it comes with a Numberblock Three figurine. Get the rest of the Numberblock crew here.
hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters ($40)—Buy it here.
Haba Animal Upon Animal Game
Who will be the best at stacking this colorful collection of animals? The first person to use all their game pieces wins!
Embroidered Icon Bag
This adorable tote has a drawstring closure so they’ll be able to store all their treasures without the fear of one going missing.
Omy Giant Games Poster
Not just a gigantic coloring sheet, but an activity sheet as well! Kids can do dot-to-dot games, wend their way through mazes, and more.
Kinetic Sand Deluxe Sand Castle Playset
Everyone’s favorite sensory toy got a beachy upgrade. With nine different tools, kids can make, create, and break for hours of fun.
Lilies & Roses Stripes Bangles
These charming baubles are the perfect accessory for when they want to get dressed up.
Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center
The must-have for Bluey fans, this four-level playset has 45 sounds and phrases from the popular kids’ TV series, nine different play areas, and a real-working lift.
Qniglo Walkie Talkies
These cuties operate on USB charge, come in several color combos, and allow kids to communicate up to three miles apart. There’s even an option to listen to FM radio.
Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit
The perfect way to introduce a preschooler to all the wonderful ways the body works, this fun gift for ages four and up had a 3-D model, activity books, a magic “X-ray” machine, and much more.
Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit ($14)—Buy it here.
Tangrams Shape Puzzle
With 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards, preschoolers will have plenty of ways to practice their patterns. The bright colors and fun animals add to the fun.
Thomas & Friends Talking Toy Train Set
Little engineers can use the control panel to move the trains, load cargo, and even let Percy and Thomas meet on the track to chat.
Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll
A hot toy for holiday 2023, these magic mixie dolls are offered as a deer, a unicorn, or a mermaid, and all come in a sweet jeweled bottle. Just say the magic words and watch the mysterious potion reveal the treasure inside.
The Bad Seed 6-Book Set
You’ll love reading these food-based stories about self-acceptance to your preschool kid. Choose between The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, The Couch Potato, and more!
Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book
Covered in the sweetest print, this activity book is perfect for on-the-go creativity. It comes with a set of ButterStix®, is erasable and washable, and is easy for little hands to handle.
Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book ($24)—Buy it here.
Breyer Wooden Stable Playset
A classic addition to any preschooler’s play arsenal, there are six different horses in this sturdy set.
BillieBlush Heart Print Fleece Coat
Keep them warm this coming winter with this bright and cozy jacket.
Jr. Jigsaw Supercar Racers Puzzle
A fun puzzle for kids who love things that zip and zoom.
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination
Sparky is a special figment agent, and he delivers the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination)’s mail. One day, disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories is too full, and Sparky must recruit more special agents. With lovely illustrations and fun prompts, this book is charmingly interactive.
Hearthsong Cabin Fantasy Fort Kit
Kids will have 32 wood-like pieces and double-sided hook and loop tape that’ll allow them to build their own play space.
At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.
All images courtesy of retailers.
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