Kidizoom Twist Camera

If you've had a good look around The Toy Reviewer website you may have noticed we frequently include Kidizoom cameras on recommend toy lists! That's because our beloved Kidizoom camera has been well played with over the last few years and still works absolutely perfectly, which is no mean feat for an electronic toy in house with two young boys. VTech's latest offering is the great Kidizoom Twist and you can read our review of it here.

Alternatively, you could opt for VTech's video camera (which can also be used to take still photos). This is a great toy and you can learn all about it in our Kidizoom video camera review

Sylvanian Families

I really like being in a male dominated household, but one of my only regrets about not having a daughter is the lack of opportunity to buy Sylvanian Families (Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 made it very clear he is not having "girly toys"). They were one of my favourite toys as a child! The big seller at the time of writing this is apparently the Meerkat family, but there are enough different animal families available to meet the personal preferences of any little girl including, Labradors dogs, kangaroos, hedgehogs, rabbits and cows. There are also plenty of Sylvanian family accessories available such as houses, schools, playgrounds and camping sets.

Lego

If you've read our toy ideas for boys you'll see Lego featuring on most of the lists. Many girls really enjoy being creative with Lego too and a box of basic Lego bricks would make a great gift for a 4 year old girl, even if they don't tend to become quite as Lego obsessed as boys do (in my experience). If you are buying for a professed girly girl, there are pink Lego sets available. As well as pink bricks the sets have horses, houses and more girl-friendly items than the vehicle orientated regular brick boxes.

Space Hopper

Space hoppers are inexpensive and fun, and a good way to get your child doing something active. I bought a couple of junior space hoppers for Tiny toy Reviewer #1's birthday because they were apparently what he wanted most in the world, but I honestly thought they'd be a novelty item and wouldn't get much play time. However, I could not have been more wrong and they were in use so often that I eventually got a giant space hopper to save sore legs from having to join in their games on the junior version!

Pop Up Pirate

I know family games consoles such as the Wii have taken away some of the market for board games but I still really like them. I particularly rate Pop Up Pirate for several reasons. Firstly, it is easy to understand and based on chance so it is a suitable game for a 4 year old. Secondly, it is flexible in terms of length of play time - if your child has a short attention span a game can last under 5 minutes but it can also be played again and again for hours if they want to. Lastly, they can play it on their own but it is also a game that the whole family will enjoy getting together to play. All families should have Pop Up Pirate!

Trunki

Not specifically a toy, but a great present for 4 year olds none the less. Trunki is a child sized suitcase that doubles as a seat (handy for travelling when your child is complaining their legs are tired), and also as a whizzy ride on toy. It is big enough for a weekend away or holds enough treasured toys for a stay with a relative. There are plenty of designs available. We have the Gruffalo Trunki but Trixie, Penelope the Princess, Harley the Ladybird and Tipu the Tiger are particularly popular with little girls. Prices start at £24 on Amazon.

Dressing Up

Almost every little girl likes to dress up, and I don't think I know a single little girl who doesn't own at least one Disney Princess costume. Other themes popular with this age group are fairies, doctors/nurses outfits and girl's pirate costumes.

Wooden Beads

I absolutely loved anything remotely crafty as a child, and most girls will love making their own jewellery. Wooden beads are good for this age group, since they are quite chunky and easy to handle. Melissa and Doug wooden bead sets seem to be particularly good value for money (and excellent quality), with a nice mix of designs and colours.

UKayed Swing Car

If you are considering getting a ride on toy then I highly recommend the UKayed Swing Car. To move the car, you wiggle the steering wheel from side to side - there is no battery, no motor and no pedals involved. They really need a flat surface though, so they are best for use indoors or on tarmac or concrete surfaces.

Our swing cars are probably the most played with item when it comes to visiting children, and most of the parents have had a go too. You can find out more in our swing car review.