need ideas for Christmas for 4 year old ds!

[nabigus]

(mods, feel free to move--but it looks like toddler toy board is pretty inactive!)

I'm searching around for ideas for my 4 year-old ds for Christmas. For whatever reason, no big ticket items are really occurring to us this year. Before I end up getting some smaller things (Lego kits and the like), are there are any "must have" items for the 4-5 crowd?

He has a scooter (micro mini) and absolute adores it. He's into legos, building, trains, cooking, art...

We're avoiding characters as much as possible (Dora, Spiderman, Disney, etc.)

Thanks! Feeling totally uninspired this year.

[brittone2]

I felt that way last year. DS is 5.5.

In the past year he's been into the following:

Books and books on CD. He really likes science-themed books like the DK Eye Wonder series, and chapter books for us to read together.

He got into Lego at 4, but some feel that's a little early. MIL sent down DH's old collection so we weren't spending any money on it, and DS got into it right away around age 4.

Playmobil was a big hit starting at that age.

Vehicle play-race tracks, his RideMakerz car (like Build a Bear but with vehicles), smaller cars/vehicles. Enjoyed the PM car repair and tuning shop since it was a car theme, and the PM gas station as well (he used it with non PM vehicles).

He saved his own money for Rokenbok. That said, he doesn't love it. But it is something you can build on. It takes up a lot of space and is pricey.

A few months ago had finally saved up enough money for a digital camera. Could go with a more budget friendly kid camera for a 4 yo like the V-tech (Fisher Price gets terrible reviews).

Magnatiles

Science-y kits...we've raised butterflies, etc. Uncle Milton and Insect Lore carry kits.

Outside stuff like bike, scooter, etc. which it sounds like you are already stocked on.

[clc053103]

so far DS, just over 4, is getting:
legos
GeoTrax Cars track
some Thomas stuff
sleeping bag
games (elephun, etc)
matchbox garage
automoblox
tangoes jr
indoor mini tramp
books

maybe that will give you an idea or two

[willow33]

My 4 yr old DS loves:

Magnatiles
Imaginext stuff (he has the castle, fire station and pirate ship)
Mega Rig space shuttle

He is getting this grill set as his big gift this year:
http://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=535713&parentCategoryId=85188&categoryId=117211&subCategoryId=117213

[hillview]

Legos
Playmobile castle
Imaginex castle
Magnatiles
Train stuff
Books
Activity books
Games
Stomp Rocket

HTH
/hillary

[BeachBum]

My son's big gifts this year will be
Magnatiles
Quadrilla Marble Run
Tag along bike (hooks to mom's bike for when he gets tired on longer rides)
Soccer Goal nets or baseball bases

[MamaMolly]

What about a super hero cape? Does he like dress up? I think there are a lot of great choices on www.etsy.com.

I was also thinking of unit blocks if it is going to be a 'big' gift.

[kristac]

Hits from last year (DS turned 4)
Matchbox Megarigs
Imaginext
Unit blocks
Cash register
Superstructs
honeybee hop
hullabaloo
cariboo
geotrax
hopball


This year we are concidering-
Connectagons http://www.magiccabin.com/product.as...ex=&pcode=1768
Matchbox Mega Rig Pirates Ship http://www.amazon.com/MATCHBOX-Mega-...=2KY1H4HD3NTBU
Geotrax-Pixar Cars
American Innovative Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock and Nightlight http://www.amazon.com/American-Innov...=2KY1H4HD3NTBU
Hyper Dash
Clics http://www.amazon.com/Clics-CB400-Bu...=2KY1H4HD3NTBU
SS Water Bottle (Kleen Kanteen?)
blutrack http://www.blutrack.com/
Binnoculars
Pocket Microscope
2009 Hess Truck (he gets one of these every year- really well made- these are some of our favorite trucks!)
Ed Emberley drawing books http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_1_...&sprefix=ed+em

[elliput]

Have you considered some outdoor sporting items? Basketball hoop, soccer goal, baseball "T", football, golf clubs, etc. I realize you didn't mention sports as an interest, but just thought I'd throw the ideas out there.

[nabigus]

See, I knew I'd come to the right place. Thanks! I should have mentioned that we live in a tiny NYC apartment, so outdoor equipment not an option.

I'll go check out all these really great ideas. Storage at our place is at a real premium, so things that don't take up a massive amount of space are great. Keep 'em coming!

[nabigus]

Okay, I've been looking at all these really great ideas. Because we live in a small apartment, I'd rather him have a big set of something rather than three smaller sets, if that makes sense. So, for instance, in terms of things with small pieces, we've focused on legos, wooden Brio-compatible train tracks, and ended up getting random other sets as birthday presents, like the Ikea building set and an erector set starter kit. The question, then, is what would you get maybe multiple sets of (for increased options) that you are *so* happy you got, AND that your dc absolutely loved, AND that s/he loved for a looooong time, AND that packs away into a (relatively) small space when not in use? (I know, I know, a tall order.)

I love the look of the Blutracks, ds is way into the one car track set he has and we could definitely expand it. Anyone used them?

Quadrilla look awesome, though it looks like they can get expensive reallllly fast if you get multiple sets. Worth it?

Cash register has been on ds's "I want" list forever. Specific recommendations?

And can someone tell me about Magnatiles? I got a bit of sticker shock looking at the prices. Are they really worth it? Can you tell me what you like so much about them?

We already have a stomp rocket, and as much as I adore the unit blocks, no way they'd fit in our space.

Thanks SO much! For some reason I'm finding presents more challenging this year--in part because all the cool stuff is both bulky and spendy!

[kristac]

Okay, I've been looking at all these really great ideas. Because we live in a small apartment, I'd rather him have a big set of something rather than three smaller sets, if that makes sense. So, for instance, in terms of things with small pieces, we've focused on legos, wooden Brio-compatible train tracks, and ended up getting random other sets as birthday presents, like the Ikea building set and an erector set starter kit. The question, then, is what would you get maybe multiple sets of (for increased options) that you are *so* happy you got, AND that your dc absolutely loved, AND that s/he loved for a looooong time, AND that packs away into a (relatively) small space when not in use? (I know, I know, a tall order.)

I love the look of the Blutracks, ds is way into the one car track set he has and we could definitely expand it. Anyone used them?

Quadrilla look awesome, though it looks like they can get expensive reallllly fast if you get multiple sets. Worth it?

Cash register has been on ds's "I want" list forever. Specific recommendations?

And can someone tell me about Magnatiles? I got a bit of sticker shock looking at the prices. Are they really worth it? Can you tell me what you like so much about them?

We already have a stomp rocket, and as much as I adore the unit blocks, no way they'd fit in our space.

Thanks SO much! For some reason I'm finding presents more challenging this year--in part because all the cool stuff is both bulky and spendy!

I'm drooling over blutack as well. No personal experience but there are some videos on youtube.

Cash register: We LOVE this one http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Teaching-Cash-Register/dp/B0006N8X3M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258076967&sr=8-1
it got down to $20-30 on various sites last year before Christmas.

We have the 48 piece magnatiles and definately need more. Looking to add 100 clear this year.

I'd maybe look into a plastic marble run over quadrilla since you are low on space and I think quadrilla can be more frustrating for younger kids. Discovery Toys Marbleworks or Quercetti can both be expanded upon.
ETA: another idea is for tight spaces is frigits: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004TXLR/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p21_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0NJ3GJX0G0RPXD625T87&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

[Jen841]

Great gift. 2+ years later it is played with daily.

We have kids 4 and 6, here is our list:
Logo wear for favorite sport teams
Magic Treehouse Books - reading them nightly
Scooby Doo Season 3 (I know you said no characters)
Games
Legos (4yr old is playing with them)
New Paula Dean cookbook
Movies - Madagascar, Toy Story

My 4 year old loves his Automoblox, we have 2 mini sets plus 1 more. Good mix.

Another recommendation is the Animal Planet Dinosaur set that comes in a box. Easy storage!

Match box cars with a 'car suit case' is loved. Each boy has a suitcase of cars now. Again, great for storage. The fold up Cars racecourse is nice for storage too.

The Leapfrog Click N Start computer is ok, they play with it in waves. My four year old is just starting to get interested.

Tonka books - there is a series that we have some of and we need more. They both love them. We find we learn from them too. I don't know how all that heavy machinery works!

[schrocat]

My 4 year old loves his magnatiles and lego duplo. We probably get the most play out of those 2 toys from both the 4 year old and the 1 year old.

However, he'd be really happy if we just gave him lots of construction paper and copy paper for Christmas. He goes through alot of paper for the things he draws and makes.

[Tondi G]

I am considering this marble run for my 4.5 year old this year.

http://www.amazon.com/Quercetti-Super-Marble-Vortis-Pieces/dp/B0000A1ZF7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258137115&sr=1-2

Other things on his list that he has asked for

Shake and Go Extreme Raceway

Matchbox Rocky the Robot truck (he sat in the store and listened to it talk, when it said "take me home" he picked it up and said "well mommy, he told me to take him home!"

Imaginext Space Shuttle and he also would like the Bat Cave. He has played with the fire station and really enjoyed that too

Walkie Talkies

Handy Manny's Repair Shop

small indoor remote control car (he has a Terrainiac from last year that he loves but it is really an outdoor remote control vehicle)

Also on his wishlist this year is a kitten and puppy and a turtle (my little animal lover) LOL

He has a cash register (last year) and still plays with it often. This is the one he has, he loves to talk over the speaker (clean up on aisle 5 and todays specials are...)

http://www.amazon.com/YOUniverse-Talking-Cash-Register-Green/dp/B000VLKVV6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258137556&sr=1-5