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 hide-and-seek game with a talking poop, 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!
The Museum of Very Bad Smells
This “dare” to scratch-n-sniff board book calls for the bravest detectives on your team. Does your preschooler have what it takes?
Gabby's Dollhouse Celebration Dollhouse
Gabby fans will find endless imaginative fun in this cat-errific rainbow-themed dollhouse, standing just over two feet tall. From the Cat-A-Vator to the kitty-themed toilet and mini DJ table, there's never a dull moment at the celebration dollhouse.
Pafolo Whack a Mole Game
There are nine different challenges and three modes—single, PK, and super—in this kid-sized version of the popular carnival game, plus lights and sounds to keep kids entertained. A perfect gift for
Hiya Daily Multivitamins
These Hiya multivitamins couldn't be more fun! Not only do they offer 15 essential vitamins & minerals that support growing kiddos, but they also come in limited-edition Hot Wheels or Barbie tins complete with stickers for littles to get creative and decorate. The best part? The chewable tablets (not gummies!) are totally sugar free.
Hiya Barbie Daily Multivitamins ($30, $15 for first order)—Buy Here!
Hiya Hot Wheels Daily Multivitamins ($30, $15 for first order)—Buy Here!
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.
Hot Wheels City Ultra Shark Car Wash
Inspired by the location in Netflix’s “Let’s Race!,” kids drive their cars into the shark’s mouth of this car wash, and watch the special paint change colors! To add to the fun, snag this set of five color-changing cars.
KOMARC GAMES StickiKubes
These building blocks are like none other. They stick to each other, to walls, to windows, just about anything but fabric. Easy to clean and safe for kids, they promise hours of creative fun.
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?
Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint Sticks
The quick-dry formula in these tempera sticks dries within 90 seconds, which means kids can paint to their heart’s content without making too much of a mess. The 24-pack includes 12 classic, six neon, and six metallic paint sticks.
The Runaway Pea by Kjartan Poskitt
This adorable book about a rebellious pea’s dinnertime adventure is all about exactly what happens when you don’t keep your eye on your food. Kids will giggle their way through this easy read.
Transformers Optimus Prime Action Figure
Everyone’s favorite Autobot transforms from a robot to a big-rig truck in six simple steps, making it a must-have for any kid starting their collection.
Transformers Optimus Prime Action Figure ($24.50) — Buy Here!
HEXBUG Real Bugs Nanos 5-Pack
This pack features a Cicada, a Cockroach, a Japanese Beetle, a Water Scorpion, and an Assassin Bug. With the flip of a switch, they scutter around like real bugs, making them perfect for playing silly jokes or helping kids learn about the insect world.
Mattel Disney Princess Carriage to Castle Transforming Playset
Cinderella’s carriage transforms into Aurora’s castle with six play areas including a kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, ballroom, and two spinning dance floors.
Mattel Disney Princess Carriage to Castle Transforming Playset ($35) — Buy Here!
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.
Fat Brain Toys Pretendables Burger and Fries
Order up! This is the perfect gift for 4- to 5-year-olds. They’ll love to whip up a quick meal for their favorite customers over and over again. Comes with a hamburger and all its fixings, french fries, a drink, and ketchup.
Fat Brain Toys Pretendables Burger and Fries ($20) — Buy Here!
Mudpuppy Monster Trucks Glow-in-the-Dark Puzzle
What’s better than a puzzle? A glow-in-the-dark puzzle! Preschoolers can assemble the 100 pieces and then turn off the lights for an extra show. Or, put it together in the dark, if you can!
Mudpuppy Monster Trucks Glow-in-the-Dark Puzzle ($14) — Buy Here!
Nailmatic Tattoo Pens
Created in collaboration with French artist Jo Little, kids can use the stencils to create art on paper or on themselves.
Droyd Zypster Electric Go Kart
Built with tiny racers in mind, this Go Kart has parental controls so you manage the speed and can run for up to 45 minutes on a full battery.
A Sundae with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele
When your mom is a quantum physicist who also invented a time-traveling device, it’s easy to find a bowl big enough for an asteroid-sized scoop of ice cream! Kids will love this book about an intergalactic mission to create the perfect dessert.
A Sundae with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele ($13) — Buy Here!
Mushie Hex Connect Building Toy
This STEM toy helps littles understand spatial reasoning and improves problem solving skills. The 100 pieces lock together with ease and allow kids to make any number of buildings, shapes, or structures.
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.
Design Life Kids Library Pretend Play Kit
Kids can stamp library cards, file books away when they’re done “reading,” and play librarian with friends. When it’s time to check out, tuck everything away in the little suitcase.
DC Comics Batman Ultimate Transforming Batmobile Playset
This 2-in-1 playset transforms from the iconic Batmobile into a command center where kids can plan the best ways to capture Gotham’s worst villains.
DC Comics Batman Ultimate Transforming Batmobile Playset ($60) — Buy Here!
Kinetic Sand SquishMotion Playset
Who doesn’t love kinetic sand? This fun set comes with pink, yellow, and blue sand, a stamper, and five tools for molding and shaping the sensory material. The carrying case keeps everything in one place, and mess to a minimum.
Selieve Walkie-Talkies
Walkie-talkies are a classic screen-free tech toy that kids can use with friends. This set has a 3-mile range, 22 channels, and an LCD flashlight, which makes them perfect for twilight games and overnight campouts.
Squishmallow Micromallow Ferris Wheel
Squismallow collectors will love this set of 22 micromallows and its Ferris Wheel display case. They’ll get birds, elephants, frogs, and more.
Wow in the World Dino Dig & Diorama
Excavate 10 dinosaurs from plaster eggs and use the background to create a prehistoric environment perfect for any budding paleontologist.
Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets
Mythical creatures get a colorful makeover with this fun art kit. Give them a cheerful design, then plop them in the bath, scrub them off, and start again.
KOKODI LCD Writing Tablet
An essential toy for travel, dining out, or just about any time! Kids can use the stylus to draw, practice their numbers and letters, or play games, and with a touch of a button, the board is clean and ready for more fun.
FUNZBO Flower Garden Building Toys
This set has 46 pieces so kids can make dozens of different flowers while learning about color and enjoying pretend play time, too.
WHAT DO YOU MEME? Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek
A modern take on a classic game, kids hide the rainbow game piece, search for him, and dance to the song he sings!
WHAT DO YOU MEME? Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek ($13) — Buy Here!
Playmobil Pirate Ship
Budding buccaneers can brave the perils of the ocean while searching for treasure and batting sea monsters. In classic Playmobil fashion, there are 130 accessories to go with the ship and the three figurines.
Playmobil Pirate Ship ($80) — Buy Here!
Mimi & Lula Rainbow and Star Mini Clic Clacs
You’ll get five cute hair clips in this set perfect for any little fashionista.
Mimi & Lula Rainbow and Star Mini Clic Clacs ($12) — Buy Here!
iscream MVP Baseball LED Night Light
Preschoolers can still be afraid of the dark, and this night light is perfect for baseball fans. It’s got eight color options and a timer so you can program it to turn off after your child falls asleep or glow all night long.
Kidamento Zippy the Sloth Camera and Bag
This beginner camera is a perfect gift for 4- to 5-year-olds. It has a large HD touchscreen for easy navigation, the ability to take selfies, and is protected by a silicon case.
Lakeshore Learning Arts & Crafts Supply Center
This kit has all the supplies your little artist needs for their creative projects. Pom-poms, sparkly pipe cleaners, googly eyes, glue, yarn, and more.
Lakeshore Learning Arts & Crafts Supply Center ($60) — Buy Here!
Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza
What if you could put on magical glasses and see feelings, ideas, and other invisible things in the world? What would a vibe look like? Would fear be scary? This bestselling book will help kids learn about different sensations and emotions, and the colorful illustrations are a delight.
Nex Playground Game System
This modern system includes dance, fitness, and competition games. You can purchase the subscription to access the 20+ games in the catalog. The AI-powered camera means you don’t have to hold consoles while playing. Perfect for family game night!
Lakeshore Learning Pet Vet Kit
Fluffy and Fido need a check-up, and your little vet will have everything they need to offer total care. This adorable pretend play set comes with x-rays, a carrier case, medicine, a stethoscope, and more.
Pressman Let’s Go Fishin’ Game
This classic fast-paced game is fun for everyone who plays. Use the fishing rod to collect as many fish of the same color as you can before the board stops moving!
Mini Explorer Voice Changer for Kids
Brave parents only for this toy! Kids can change their voices to sound like aliens, ghosts, monsters, and robots. Plus, there’s a regular amplifying feature for kids who want to get really loud.
At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.
All images courtesy of retailers.
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