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Quick answer: four and five year olds love open-ended building toys (magnetic tiles, Lego), pretend play (doctor kits, dressing up), their first proper games, and anything with wheels. A screen-free audio player and a scooter are two of the most-used presents at this age. Popular characters this year include Bluey, Barbie and Hot Wheels.
Four and five is a lovely age to buy for. They’re starting school, their imaginations are huge, and they can finally play simple games with the rest of the family. These ideas are grouped by budget and work for girls and boys. I’ve focused on toys that last beyond Boxing Day.
How I chose these gifts
I picked toys that grow with them through Reception and Year 1: building toys that keep getting more complex, pretend-play kits that suit their big imaginations, and first games that teach turn-taking (very useful at school). I’ve left out toys that only do one thing, because four and five year olds get bored of those quickly. Everything here works for girls and boys.
Budget picks
Great for stockings, relatives and Secret Santa at school. Small spends that still feel like a proper present.
1. Play-Doh set
Still a winner. A themed set with tools keeps them busy, and refills are cheap. See on Amazon (ad)
2. Kinetic sand
Less messy than it sounds, and very calming. A tray to keep it on helps. See on Amazon (ad)
3. Sticker activity books
Great for quiet time and car journeys, and good for fine motor skills before school. See on Amazon (ad)
4. A first board game
Orchard Toys games like Shopping List are brilliant first games: simple, quick and educational. See on Amazon (ad)
5. Pop-up Pirate or Hungry Hippos
Classic, quick games that the whole family can play. See on Amazon (ad)
6. Walkie-talkies
Endless fun around the house and garden. Get a simple, chunky kids’ set. See on Amazon (ad)
Mid-range picks
The “main present” range for most families. These are the gifts that get played with well into the new year.
7. Magnetic tiles
One of the best toys you can buy at this age. They build houses, rockets and marble runs, and it lasts for years. Starter sets are fine to begin with. See on Amazon (ad)
8. Lego 4+ sets
Lego’s 4+ sets bridge the gap from Duplo to “big” Lego, with simple instructions. See on Amazon (ad)
9. Bluey toys
If they love Bluey, the playsets and figures are among this year’s biggest sellers. Look out for them in the toy sales. See on Amazon (ad)
10. Doctor or vet kit
Pretend play is huge at this age, and a good role-play kit gets used for years. See on Amazon (ad)
11. Dressing-up costume
A superhero, princess, firefighter or dinosaur. Buy a size up so it lasts. See on Amazon (ad)
12. Marble run
Building and testing marble runs is brilliant for problem solving. Just check the marble size if there are toddlers in the house. See on Amazon (ad)
Splurge picks
For a bigger budget, a joint present from family, or something to look out for in the toy sales and on Black Friday.
13. Screen-free audio player
Children’s audio players like Yoto or Toniebox play stories and music without a screen. Bedtime favourite, and a big hit at this age. See on Amazon (ad)
14. Three-wheel scooter
A sturdy three-wheel scooter is ideal for the school run. Add a helmet. See on Amazon (ad)
15. First pedal bike
If they’ve mastered a balance bike, a 14 or 16 inch pedal bike is the next step. Check the size guide by height. See on Amazon (ad)
16. Art easel
A double-sided easel (chalkboard and whiteboard) with a paper roll gets used every day. See on Amazon (ad)
17. Barbie or Hot Wheels playset
Big playsets are the “wow” present of Christmas morning, and they’re in the toy sales right now. See on Amazon (ad)
18. Kids’ camera
A tough, chunky kids’ camera is great fun, and you’ll get some brilliant photos from their point of view. See on Amazon (ad)
Quick finder: if they love…
- Building: magnetic tiles, Lego 4+ sets or a marble run.
- Pretending: a doctor kit, dressing up or a Bluey playset.
- Being outside: a scooter, a first pedal bike or walkie-talkies.
- Stories: a screen-free audio player and a few new books.
- Making things: Play-Doh, kinetic sand or an art easel.
- Games: Orchard Toys games, Pop-up Pirate or Hungry Hippos.
Tips for buying for 4 and 5 year olds
- Think about school: books, a new lunchbox or a fun water bottle make good “need” presents.
- Avoid toys with lots of tiny parts if they have a younger sibling.
- Check batteries: buy them in advance, and check battery compartments are screwed shut.
Gifts that aren’t things
Experiences work brilliantly at this age: a trip to the pantomime, a zoo or aquarium visit, a cinema trip with popcorn, or a “day out with Mum or Dad” voucher they can choose. A magazine subscription (a new one arriving each month) is a gift that keeps on giving and is often cheaper than you’d think.
Last-minute ideas
Short on time? Play-Doh, sticker books, a board game and a new book are in most supermarkets in December. A homemade “voucher” for a day out, a baking afternoon or a trip to the park with a picnic is free and is often the thing they remember most.
What I’d avoid
I’d avoid toys with lots of tiny pieces if there’s a toddler in the house, cheap ride-ons without safety marks, and “blind bag” collectables that can quickly turn into an expensive habit. Go for a few toys that can be played with in lots of ways.
How I save money on Christmas presents
- Set a budget per child first, then pick from the list. Don’t browse first and budget later.
- Use the toy sales. I keep a live list of every UK toy sale in my Christmas toy sale dates guide.
- Compare before you buy. The same toy is often cheaper at Smyths, Argos, a supermarket or Amazon. Check at least two.
- Go through a cashback site for online orders. See my best cashback sites guide.
- Spend loyalty points (Clubcard, Nectar) on presents. It’s the best time of year to use them.
- Keep receipts and check Christmas returns windows, in case prices drop or the gift isn’t right.
FAQs
What do 5 year olds want for Christmas?
Most want the toy they’ve seen on TV or YouTube. This year that’s often Bluey, Barbie or Hot Wheels. Pair that with something open-ended like magnetic tiles or Lego for longer-lasting play.
Is a Yoto or Toniebox worth it?
Both are popular because they’re screen-free and kids can use them alone. The players are a bigger spend, and the cards or figures cost extra, so factor that in. Libraries also lend audiobooks free.
What’s a good gift for a 4 year old girl or boy?
Any idea in this list. Choose from magnetic tiles, scooters, dressing up and games according to the child’s interests, abilities and the product’s age label.
What board games are good for 4 year olds?
Short, simple games with no reading needed: Orchard Toys games, Pop-up Pirate, Hungry Hippos, Snap and Pairs. Games that take about 10 minutes are perfect.
Should a 5 year old have a tablet?
That’s up to you. If you do buy one, set up parental controls and screen-time limits before Christmas morning, and add a screen-free present alongside it.
More gift ideas
Looking for another age? See my Christmas gift ideas by age hub, and check the toy sale dates before you buy.
Last updated: 21 October 2026.
These are gift ideas, not claims that I have personally tested the products. Amazon links open search results, so check the exact item, seller, age suitability and current price. Interests matter more than whether a guide says “boys” or “girls”; browse any age-appropriate list.
For toys, follow the Office for Product Safety and Standards buying guidance: choose a trustworthy seller, read warnings and check for damaged or loose parts. Safety markings alone do not guarantee a marketplace listing is safe.
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About the author: Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan is the PhD scientist, former secondary science teacher and mum behind MoneySavvyUK, turning complex household money topics into practical steps.