I’m popping in to share my holiday gift guide for 4-5-year-olds—some of my favorite ideas that spark magic and fun. Last year I posted this toddler gift guide. And this year, I get a bit more preschool/TK aged.
This time of year is pretty amazing when you have kids. Their wonder and excitement is so cute. But let’s be real: mixed in with all that bliss can be some overwhelm and stress. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably searching for a few fun, meaningful gift ideas. Well, here are mine to share!
My Gift Philosophy
Rosalie is only four, and she has her whole life ahead of her to want things. Right now, she doesn’t fully understand Christmas; she’s still learning. That’s the beauty of this age—you get to shape what the holidays mean for your family. Sure, gifts are part of it (maybe even a little Santa magic!), but they don’t have to be the whole story.
For us, the holidays are about creating a warm, glowy season filled with family traditions—baking cookies, decorating together, helping others, and cozy movie nights. Gifts are just the accent to that magic. Tiny, perfect things. (Which, by the way, is also the name of a book we just bought and adore—linked below!)
A Quick Memory
When Rosalie was one, we went all out—piled gifts under the tree, eager to share the Christmas morning magic with our new baby. She opened one present, fell asleep, and the day turned into a mix of coffee refills, naps, and figuring out how to get through that mountain of gifts.
It was a moment of realization for me: Christmas doesn’t need a giant pile of presents to be magical. In fact, it can feel overwhelming, even for little ones. Now, I focus less on things and more on gratitude, connection, and the joy of giving. Sure, we still open gifts—it’s part of the fun! But these days, I’d rather fill our holidays with experiences, hugs, and the warm fuzzies that come from making memories as a family.
So, here’s to gifts that spark joy without stealing the show—and to crafting the holiday traditions that feel right for your family. Let’s dive in!
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR 4-5-YEAR-OLDS
The holidays are here—twinkling lights, frosty mornings, and the magical hum of excitement from kids everywhere. If you’re a parent of a 4- or 5-year-old, you know this age is all about curiosity, imagination, and big ideas. Whether your little one dreams of building rockets, baking pizzas, or creating potions, this guide has something for everyone.
So grab a mug of cocoa, get cozy, and let’s browse some picks for my holiday gift guide...
Holiday Gift Guide for 4-5-Year-Olds: Top Picks for Magic and Fun!
- Entertainment Industry Barbie - buy it
- Picture Books - links + list below
- Ice Cream Shop Set - buy it
- Tape Dispenser - buy it
- Foil Fun - buy it
- Large Flat Gem - buy it
- Nat'l Geo Gem Kit - buy it
- Sensory + Potion Kits - buy it
- Fairy House Kit - buy it
- Magnetic Dress-up Dolls - buy it
- Adventure Kidz Kit - buy it
- Wooden Puppet Theater - buy it
- Knight and Dragon Play Set - buy it
- Animal Rescue Vet Set - buy it
- IKEA Yellow Chair - buy it
Let's go, holiday gift guide:
1. Entertainment Industry Barbie Set
Price: ~$30
Who it’s for: The budding filmmaker
Why it’s awesome: This set is all about inspiring creativity. With accessories like a camera and clapperboard, kids can imagine themselves directing movies or creating stories. Rosalie loves pretending to make her own little films—lights, camera, action!
Buy it: Amazon - Barbie Set
2. Books to Inspire Wonder
Some of our fave books lately.. Give the gift of stories and imagination! These picture books are beautifully illustrated and perfect for 4- to 5-year-olds:
- Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho: A festive spin on a classic tale.
- Tiny Perfect Things: A gentle reminder to find magic in the small moments.
- The Circus Ship: Whimsical and adventurous, this story has a big heart.
- The Candy Dish: A sweet and delightful read.
- Space Block: Packed with fun facts and spacey illustrations—perfect for little astronauts.
- Little Pea: Cute tale about a pea who lives veggies and hates candy!
- The Cat with the Missing Sock: Cute tale of a cat named Theodore..
...We keep these books on heavy rotation on our nightstand lately!
3. The Gigglescape™ Target Ice Cream Set
Price: ~$25
Who it’s for: The dessert-loving dreamer
Why it’s awesome: Holiday gift guide must have: pretend food! This play food set brings ice cream shop fun right into your living room. Rosalie loves serving up pretend sundaes and cones—complete with sprinkles!
Alternative Gifts: Target's Gigglescape brand also has some very fun pretend food toys like a grocery register, pizzeria and coffee maker etc.
Buy it: TARGET
4. Tape Dispenser
Price: ~$10
Who it’s for: Craft Kids
Why it’s awesome: If you get this, you get this. Kids love tape. And it's about time they learn to get their own piece of it! Well a heavyweight dispenser can allow you to let them do just that.
Buy it: Amazon
5. Foil Fun Craft Kit
Price: ~$20
Who it’s for: Creative kiddos
Why it’s awesome: This is still a big hit in our home! She loves this activity.. This kit lets kids create shiny, textured art pieces. Easy, mess-free, and endlessly fun—perfect for fostering artistic expression.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Large Flat Gem
Price: ~$10+
Who it’s for: Sparkle Lovers
Why it’s awesome: Our little girl is gem obsessed lately and so when she could add this giant flat gem to her set, she was super excited. Comes in a variety of colors. Basically anything involving gold or gems is a hit in our house right now...
Buy it: Amazon
7. National Geographic Rock, Mineral & Fossil Kit
Price: ~$20
Who it’s for: The curious explorer
Why it’s awesome: Kids can excavate real gemstones, learning about geology while uncovering sparkly treasures. It’s messy fun with an educational twist! Rosalie loves this kit and all the many different gems in it. Also check out gem bingo - a purchase for my gift list this year.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Fairy Potion + Play Dough Sensory Kits
Price: ~$30
Who it’s for: The maker
Why it’s awesome: These enchanting sets let your kiddo run with their imagination. This company makes a bunch of really fun sensory kits in all sorts of themes.
Buy it: Sensory Kits + Potion Kit by Young + Wild and Friedman
9. Wooden Fairy House Building Kit
Price: ~$40
Who it’s for: The crafty builder
Why it’s awesome: Kids can build and decorate their own fairy homes with plants moss, and tiny furniture. It’s like bringing a magical forest into your home. This is a gift I will be purchasing as a gift this year. I will be getting my hot glue gun out for this one.
Buy it: Fairy House Kit
10. Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls
Price: ~$20
Who it’s for: Fashion loving storytellers
Why it’s awesome: These dolls come with mix-and-match outfits for endless pretend play. It’s easy for little hands and perfect for storytelling. My fave toy as a kid was paper dress-up dolls, so this is a modern spin on those!
Buy it: Amazon
11. Adventure Kidz Set
Price: ~$15
Who it’s for: The outdoor adventurer
Why it’s awesome: Encourage exploration and imaginative play with this adventure explorer kit for kids. Perfect for backyard adventures or pretend jungle treks.
Buy it: Adventure Kit
12. Wooden Puppet Theater
Price: ~$99
Who it’s for: Storytellers
Why it’s awesome: This tabletop puppet theater is ideal for creating and performing imaginative stories. Pair with hand or finger puppets for endless entertainment.
Buy it: Wooden Puppet Theater
13. Knight Dragon Play Set
Price: ~$10
Who it’s for: Adventure Storytellers
Why it’s awesome: This is a simple little stocking stuffer giving off some GOT vibes, but for kiddos with big imaginations. It would pair really well with the Knight Owl children's book!
Buy it: Knight and Dragons
14. Animal Rescue Vet Set
Price: ~$20
Who it’s for: Animal lovers
Why it’s awesome: Animal loving kiddos will love taking care of a few furry friends. We love this kit in our house. The cone and cast are two fave pieces..
Buy it: Vet Set
15. IKEA Yellow Chair - Sotenäs
Price: $199-250 (depending on if it's on sale..)
Why it’s awesome: This one may be for both kiddos and parents, but this is the perfect storytime chair to place in the corner of the playroom or bedroom. It is low to the ground, soft and cozy and bright perky yellow! We love it.
Buy it: IKEA
And that’s a wrap on my Holiday Gift Guide for 4-5-Year-Olds! Whether you’re looking for creativity, imagination, or a little holiday sparkle, these gifts are sure to bring joy to your kiddo—and maybe even to you.
Remember: The greatest gift you can give is your time. Play together, read those books, and dive into the magic of the holidays with your little one.
Happy gifting and happy holidays! 🎄✨ ~ Kathy
