What makes a toy educational?

There isn’t a single thing that makes a toy educational, because they don’t necessarily have to be specifically designed for educational purposes to offer learning value. “Any toy that encourages or enhances your [child’s] learning and development can be educational,” pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, tells Verywell Family. Rather than focusing your efforts on shopping for toys that are marketed as educational, take a look at where your child should be developmentally and then look for toys that will support them as they master new milestones.

How does play help with my child’s development?

“Play encourages a child’s development by allowing them to practice independent problem-solving, encouraging creativity, and teaching them mindfulness,” says Dr. Casares. It offers opportunities for exploration, trying new things, and allows kids to learn new things on their own terms with toys they like and enjoy. For example, coloring with crayons in a coloring book is a great exercise for fine motor skill development while a blank sheet of paper and a pile of crayons gives a child the opportunity to use their imagination and get creative by drawing whatever they’d like, which is beneficial to cognitive development.

The 9 Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds of 2023

From building blocks to board games to activity kits, there are many educational toys for 4-year-olds on the market. The best toys engage your little ones in their hobbies, develop their gross motor, fine motor, and social skills, and pose no risk for choking or other major injuries.

“Four-year-old children need plenty of opportunities to learn healthy social skills, like taking turns, accommodating other friends’ needs, and using kind words. They also need chances every day for fun physical activity as they learn how to perfect their hand-eye coordination and work with others on teams,” says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, the author of "The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself."

Choosing the right toy can be the missing piece in helping your 4-year-old meet developmental milestones, but it can be challenging since the perfect toy can look different between any two children. In our experience, these toys will be so fun that they won't even realize that they are sharpening their essential skills. We reviewed toys for their safety, durability, ability to help reach educational milestones, and a variety of different interests.

Engage their minds with the best educational toys for 4-year-olds on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Magna-Tiles 48-Piece Deluxe Set at Amazon

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Best Science:

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Camera at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set at Amazon

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Best Collaborative:

Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape Game at Amazon

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Best Math:

Learning Resources Mix and Measure Activity Kit at Amazon

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Best STEM:

Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit at Amazon

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Best Reading:

ThinkFun Zingo! Sight Words Game at Amazon

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Best Tech:

Shifu Orboot Interactive Globe at Amazon

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Best Montessori:

JIAKAI Math Counting Sticks at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair

Pros

Great for solo or group play
Encourages open-ended play/STEM exploration

Cons

Costly
No storage included

Magna-Tiles are well-loved 3D magnetic building blocks. The overall value of these toys is what makes them a winner. For starters, they are made of strong food-grade ABS plastic that is BPA- and phthalate-free with smooth edges and ultrasonic welding, so you can rest assured they will last a long time no matter if they're tossed around, chewed on, and more without posing any injury to your little one.

Not to mention, this set will encourage open-ended play and engage young minds through math, science, creativity, and STEM exploration. They can build basic numbers, shapes, and letters, or get creative with 3D shapes, all while learning about magnetic principles, gravity, glow-in-the-dark properties, and more. Best of all, they can do this on their own or in group play, so they can help develop their social skills, too.

Price at time of publication: $75

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Michaels

Pros

Two modes of play
Camera can be removed from base

Cons

Requires three batteries

Get ready for a safari adventure with this interactive talking toy. Perfect for animal-loving kids, simply look through the camera to view high-resolution images of animals while learning cool facts from Robert Irwin. Use the included map to virtually travel around the world while learning about animals from each region.

The camera has two modes of play, over 120 fun facts, and 120 quiz questions. For open-ended play, kids can remove the camera from the base and let their imaginations run wild.

Price at time of publication: $70

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Melissaanddoug.com

Pros

Budget-friendly
100 wooden blocks in different colors/shapes

Cons

Some reviewers report paint/chemical smell

This classic educational toy provides hours of hands-on play and learning, all at a budget-friendly price tag. Included are 100 durable wooden blocks in four colors and nine shapes.

Suitable alone or with a group, these versatile blocks can be stacked, lined up, built up, or combined with other toys, vehicles, or creatures for endless fun. Parent reviewers appreciate that the blocks all pack back into the box they came in.

Price at time of publication: $28

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Davidjones.com

Pros

Easy to learn
Two levels of gameplay

Cons

Must have at least two players

Work together to move the dinosaurs around the board and get them to safety before the dangerous volcano erupts. No reading is required in this easy to learn, cooperative game that’s suited for two to four players.

A little luck and a little group strategy combine to make this a fun family game that's great for younger kids. Parents praise how easy this game is to learn and get playing and appreciate the two levels of gameplay to challenge older kids or seasoned players.

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Belk.com

Pros

Recipe cards included
Encourages exploration and taking measurements

Cons

Scale sometimes doesn't respond to measuring cups

Explore and compare measurements in the bath, with sand, or while cooking with these durable and colorful measuring tools that are specially made for smaller hands. The set includes a scale, three self-standing spoons, and six uniquely designed measuring cups.

For families looking for activity guidance, the kit also includes recipe cards for mystery goo, puffy paint, slime, and more. Reviewers praise this thoughtful toy, also noting all the items last through hundreds of trips through the dishwasher.

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Pcrichard.com

Pros

Hands-on
38 pieces included
Teaches letters, drawing, and social-emotional skills

Cons

Must have an iPad
Costly

Change the way your little one interacts with an iPad with this hands-on learning toy. The Osmo Base, 38 silicone pieces, game playmat, cardboard costume pieces, and four in-game apps are all included and easily connect to your iPad (not included).

Parents love that wifi is not necessary to work this tangible toy that teaches subjects like letters, pre-drawing, and social-emotional skills. Geared toward kids 3 to 5 years old, if your child enjoys OSMO, there are add-on kits and other options as they age up.

Price at time of publication: $80

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Easy to play
Up to six players can play

Cons

Must have at least two players
Spanish version sold separately

Developed by educators, this award-winning game is like bingo, but with sight words. Appropriate for pre-readers through early readers, Zingo is easy to play and lots of fun. Fast-paced, the game can be played with up to six players.

Parent reviewers love that kids can play this game all on their own while practicing reading and having fun. If Zingo is a hit, there are lots of other versions including letters, numbers, words, and more.

Price at time of publication: $22

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com View On Best Buy

Pros

Globe is interactive
Engaging and educational

Cons

Must have app

Learn geography, history, environmental science, and more with this tech-enhanced interactive globe. This toy includes a 10-inch globe, passport, stamps, country flag stickers, and a detailed guide. Kids download an iOS and Android compatible app that will help them explore and learn about hundreds of highlights and facts across six categories: cultures, monuments, inventions, animals, maps, and weather.

With play, puzzle, and activity mode, the globe will keep curious kids busy. Parents praise this as engaging, educational, and exciting and could be a great option to see the world even as families are traveling less these days.

Price at time of publication: $55

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Affordable
Lightweight

Cons

Sticks are small

Montessori is a popular style of education based on hands-on learning, helping children develop fine motor skills through play, and self-directed activity. This math set does just that with more than a dozen wooden tiles and colored sticks. With the sticks and tiles combined, children can learn how to subtract, add, multiply, and divide.

Not only is this set Montessori-inspired, it’s also budget-friendly and lightweight. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the visual learning method with the tiles and sticks.

Final Verdict

The right educational toy depends on your child and the skill set you're trying to strengthen. For an all-in-one learning toy, the Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit (view on Amazon) is a great option. From phonics to STEM subjects, your little one can exercise all of their skills.

What to Look for When Shopping for Educational Toys for 4 Year Olds

Safety

Safety is always the most important thing to consider when shopping for toys for kids. Thankfully, by four years old, kids are a lot more stable than they were as toddlers (and are much better about putting small toys in their mouths), but they should still only be playing with toys that are appropriate for their age and development. You should look at the packaging of the toy to ensure your child is within the recommended age range for it.

Also, toys for four-year-olds should not have sharp edges, should be safe to be put in their mouths (because it still happens on occasion), and doesn’t put them at risk of major injuries, such as falling from a high platform.

Educational Milestones

At four years old, kids’ cognitive and social development is in overdrive, and the right toys can really encourage that growth. “Four-year-old children need plenty of opportunities to learn healthy social skills, like taking turns, accommodating other friends’ needs, and using kind words,” says Dr. Casares, “They also need chances every day for fun physical activity as they learn how to perfect their hand-eye coordination and work with others on teams.” Here are some toy ideas to help support this development:

Since it’s collaborative, the Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape Game (view at Walmart) is great for supporting a four-year-old’s social development and emotional intelligence.
For hand-eye coordination, the Melissa & Doug 100 Piece Wooden Block Set (view at Amazon) is an excellent toy to play with.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), at around four years old kids can count ten or more objects, which is why the JIAKAI Math Counting Sticks (view at Amazon) is a good option for kids this age.

Interests

By this age, kids can usually communicate whether they do or do not like certain toys or activities, so it’s helpful to keep these interests in mind when shopping for educational toys since the only way for a child to benefit from these toys is by actually playing with them. In general, based on a four year old’s development “Activities like simple board games, pretend play with dolls, dress up, or roleplay, or introductory sports like soccer or t-ball work well for these kids,” says Dr. Casares.

Additionally, four year olds often enjoy singing, dancing, and acting, according to the AAP, and can usually hop on one foot, do somersaults, swing, and climb, so any educational toy that incorporates any of these things is very likely to get played with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a toy educational?

There isn’t a single thing that makes a toy educational, because they don’t necessarily have to be specifically designed for educational purposes to offer learning value. “Any toy that encourages or enhances your [child’s] learning and development can be educational,” pediatrician Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, tells Verywell Family.
Rather than focusing your efforts on shopping for toys that are marketed as educational, take a look at where your child should be developmentally and then look for toys that will support them as they master new milestones.
How does play help with my child’s development?

“Play encourages a child’s development by allowing them to practice independent problem-solving, encouraging creativity, and teaching them mindfulness,” says Dr. Casares. It offers opportunities for exploration, trying new things, and allows kids to learn new things on their own terms with toys they like and enjoy.
For example, coloring with crayons in a coloring book is a great exercise for fine motor skill development while a blank sheet of paper and a pile of crayons gives a child the opportunity to use their imagination and get creative by drawing whatever they’d like, which is beneficial to cognitive development.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Maya’s favorite toys for younger kids are easy to store, long-lasting, and can be played with by all three of her kids. For her crew, Magna-Tiles fit these criteria and are well-loved and frequently used in her house.

Additional reporting by Ashely Ziegler

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:

Best Overall

Magna-Tiles 48-Piece Deluxe Set

Best Science

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Wildlife Camera

Best Budget

Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks 100-Piece Set

Best Collaborative

Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape Game

Best Math

Learning Resources Mix and Measure Activity Kit

Best STEM

Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit

Best Reading

ThinkFun Zingo! Sight Words Game

Best Tech

Shifu Orboot Interactive Globe

Best Montessori

JIAKAI Math Counting Sticks