Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 4-7

As a rule of thumb, we try really hard to NOT to blog too much about December Holidays until after Thanksgiving, but being a part of online social media … we are feeling the pressure. So, when we compiled this Holiday Gift Guide for Elementary aged Kids 4-7 I knew we couldn’t delay. Some of you are already out shopping. Some of you are already DONE shopping. And some of you have relatives breathing down your neck asking for ideas to buy your kids! (Or is that just my relatives??) Anyway, we felt like we owed it to you all to run this list now so you can be prepared. 

Gift Guide for Kids 4-7 That Keep Them Active

Kids this age are full of energy, so it’s important to find gifts that will help them burn off some steam. Here are a few ideas:

• A trampoline or bounce house: We got a small one that barely fits in our living room, but on rainy days we blow it up and get some energy out.
• A scooter or bike: These are great for developing gross motor skills and coordination.
• A basketball hoop or soccer net: Encourage them to get outside and play with friends.
• Swing Set: This is a big gift, so not a bad idea to ask grandparents to contribute to this gift if they are the type that ask for recommendations.

Gift Guide for Kids 4-7 That Encourage Pretend Play

Pretend play is an important part of a child’s development. It helps them to learn about the world around them and develop their social skills. Here are a few gift ideas:

• Barbie Dream House – This classic continues to make the list. Girls love this three-story doll house for Barbie and friends!
• A dress-up set- Let their imaginations run wild with costumes and accessories. We play dress up so much we made a little station with this toddler rack to hang them and this bookcase for accessories. The bookcase could also double as a dollhouse!
• Hot Wheels Set – Some of Brooke’s picks for her son this year are Hot Wheels Track Builder and Hot Wheels Roll Out Raceway
• Walkie-Talkies – Another Fun classic toy for all kids.

Gift Guide for Kids 4-7 That Encourage Creativity

Kids are naturally creative, so it’s important to provide them with opportunities to express themselves. Here are a few gift ideas:

• A set of art supplies: Paint, crayons, markers, and construction paper are all great for open-ended play.
• A musical instrument: Let them explore their musical talents with a guitar, piano, or drums.
• Portable Karaoke Machine – This mini Karaoke machine can change your voice to a variety of choices to keep the laughs coming or to just use it as a portable Bluetooth speaker.
• Wikki Stix – moldable craft sticks

Gift Guide for Kids 4-7 That Encourage Play-Based Learning

Learning through play is a fun and effective way for kids to develop their skills. Here are a few gift ideas:

• Magnatiles: These are great for developing creativity and problem-solving skills. Our girls love Magnatiles. We got some extra accessories to keep the creativity going. This marble run set is a lot of fun and we also got this building board to help build bigger structures on.
• A puzzle or board game: These are great for developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Kids’ Find It Game comes in a variety of themes and I think this is the perfect game to give a child if you’re facing a long car or plane ride right after Christmas – it will keep them entertained for hours! Monopoly for kids, Uno Flip, Chutes and Ladders, Sorry, Charades, and Candyland are great for this age group. You can also try physical games. My family loved watching The Floor is Lava, so we were just as excited when we found the game. This game experience is truly for the family, even though it’s disguised as just for children. For more board game ideas, visit THIS BLOG!
• For the science inspired exploratory child, there are many choices for presents, but these are just a few. The STEM Master 176 Piece STEM Learning Educational Construction Building is affordable and perfect for the child who likes to build. If you have a constant explorer who also loves the outdoors, the Adventure Kids Outdoor Exploration Kit is a great option. This is a gift that can be used year-round and teaches children how to discover new wonders. Now, if your children are like mine, they’re always trying to examine whatever they find. The AmScope 120 X-1200X Microscope for kids is perfect.  These gifts also allow the entire family to take part in activities as well. If that doesn’t work, there’s always board games.
• Subscription Box: Your kid will be excited about getting mail JUST for them, and you’ll love all the learning and interaction that happens as a result! (Plus, of course, this isn’t a toy that will sit in the playroom. It’s an activity that can be used and enjoyed, then you’ll move on to a new one with the next box’s arrival.) Two good options: Little Passports (20% off if you use this link) and Raddish Kids (Use Promo code “ATHOME” for 15% off a 6 mo subscription). For the chef, KidStir Cooking Kit is great for the creative child who enjoys cooking. My third grader loves to help me in the kitchen and this cooking kit is something that she can have all to herself (without messing up my kitchen gadgets). For the booklover, Literati Book Subscription and Reading Bug Box are wonderful choices. Both subscriptions are for children of various ages and have a wide variety of literature. Literati has books for all school ages (including adults) and Just Like Me! that focuses on diverse characters within books.

Gift Guide for Kids 4-7 for an Electronic Learning Experience

Electronic devices can be a great way for kids to learn and explore. Here are a few gift ideas:

• Doodle Board – This doodle board is perfect for taking in the car or plane on a trip. It has a colorful screen that provides no blue light or glare.
• A Tablet – There are countless apps available that can teach kids about a variety of topics.
• An e-reader with age-appropriate books: This is a great way to encourage kids to develop a love of reading.
• Yoto Player / Tonies – A lot of people have heard of Tonies, but after doing a lot of research we went with a similar company Yoto. It is a little player similar to Discmans a lot of you might have had as a kid. Instead of CDs, you use little cards the size of credit cards. You can buy prerecorded or make your own cards. They end up being a lot cheaper than Tonies and are much easier to transport. Not only do they have music, but they have activities such as meditation, yoga, recipes, riddles, and much more! This is a big hit with my girls. We use it at bedtime while traveling, or just at home playing. Tonies seem to be an easier option for younger toddlers to pop on and off the characters.

Gift Ideas That Are Not Toys

• College Fund
• Personalized Book- Make the gift of a book extra special by incorporating your toddler’s name! There are lots of good options for these – including this brand – and your child is bound to be excited to have their name be front and center. Use coupon code “WKV3XRV” for 20% off.

• Subscription to a kids’ magazine – This is a great way to keep kids engaged and learning all year long. They will LOVE getting mail just for them, and you can enjoy the magazine together each time it arrives. Some good options include these from Cricket Media or High Five by Highlights.
• Cash
• Gift Cards
• Clothing & Shoes – some popular choices this year are Tree Grandpa Toddler Rain Boots, Crocs, and Croc Charms
• Seeds to plant in the spring
• Fun Water Bottles – We go through, so many water bottles and the kids are always excited to get a new character one. We love this brand for its quality and character choices.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Tools
  
• Yoga Mat – Our preschooler loves watching Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube, and now that she has her very own yoga mat (it was a birthday gift), she feels even more like a yogi!
• Experiences – get them passes or memberships to local museums, trampoline parks, movies, or play gyms. This year we are going to do a Tea Party at American Girl.

Local Businesses for Kids Ages 4-7 Gifts

Toys and Co.
Bibs & Kids
Polliwogs
Wynnie’s Boutique
Play! by Cone Health
Kaleideum
Greensboro Science Center
Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum
Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum
NC Transportation Museum in Spencer
Winston-Salem Alphabet Art & Coloring Book from Doster Paper Co

What do you think? WiIl any of these toys be on your kid’s list? Got any other “must-haves” to add?

Past Posts You Might Also Want to Consider:

My Favorite Holiday Gift Personalized Gifts for Kids
Gift Ideas: Toddler Toys that Teach
Fun Learning Activities for Babies & Toddlers
Brain Boosting Toys for 5 – 12
Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
Gift Ideas for Toddlers Age 1-3
Gift Ideas for Elementary Age
2020 Gift Ideas for Elementary Aged Children