Beyond the Fourth Birthday- A practical Gift Guide for 4 Year Old Girls

This month my “baby” turns four.  My little girl is growing up.  It makes me feel so old, but not as old as when my oldest turned eight.  But I digress… that is a separate post all together.  I would like to let parents, and aunts and uncles know about some helpful gifts for a four year old girl.  After all the best gift is not only one the child wants but one parents will tolerate and gets put to good use.

Clothes

I know everybody wants to get your little princess clothes, and here is where it turns tricky.  The item has to not only fit, but the girl has to like it and be seasonally appropriate.  I do not usually suggest clothing because it is a hard item to buy unless you really know a child.  This is also the age where my little girls started to find their own sense of fashion.  I use the term fashion lightly.  Just understand that not all girls in the same family like the same things.  My oldest likes dresses, but if the pants have a pretty color or some cute design or rhinestones, she will love them.  My middle daughter will only wear loose clothing, and she prefers dark colors, and absolutely no dresses.  My “baby” will only wear dress, skirts and pants if there is a tutu over them.  Which has made for some interesting outfits.  I also suggest clothing because if you have older children in the family this is the stage where the hand-me-downs become worn because kids are staying in this size for longer than previously and they do have their favorite outfits that get well worn.

Classes

My little one likes to dance so we just signed her up for a dance class in December.  Every month they charge me $32 for the class.  My mother surprised me last month and presented me with a check to the studio for $32 to cover her monthly tuition for the class. Then she gave my daughter a new leotard.  It was very touching.  My daughter at four does not understand the concept of money yet, but I do and I appreciate that she chipped in and paid this month’s tuition.  Plus my baby keeps running around in her new leotard.  My mom did the same for my older daughter a few months ago, only it was for AYSO and a new soccer ball.  A gift that goes along well with this idea is any paraphernalia that accompanies the class.  Think tights, shin-guards, personalized gear bags, baseball gloves, etc…

Outdoor toys

I enjoy kicking, throwing, encouraging my kids t0 go outside on nice days.  This means they like to have things to entertain them.  Sidewalk chalk has supplied us with many hours of entertainment.  I also want to commend Crayola Company on their innovative toys in this area.  Some old time favorites work well too.  My kids were awed by a hula-hoop.  There are a lot of companies out there that make 3 or 4 wheeled scooters that are age appropriate.  Depending on your budget perhaps a bike with training wheels would go a long way.  If your little darling already has a bike maybe she could use a new basket or bell or streamers for said bike.  Think about a new helmet, knee pads or elbow pads too.  One of  our most used yet under appreciated toys is a wagon.  It can pull kids, toys, and dolls around.  

Make it Her Own

My girls love anything they can say is theirs.  “This is my towel!  I got it for my birthday!”  This even applied once when one of them got bubble bath and the others didn’t.  Yes this sounds cruel and unusual, but it is finally coming from my youngest…I say finally because of the irony that it serves the older two girls right for all the taunting they did to the “baby”.

Accessories

I have an inability to accessorize (unless you count the one belt I own that literally holds up my pants).  However, all my little princesses love to accessorize.  They all try to work it all into one outfit.  Even I know you are not supposed to wear 12 necklaces, 6 rings and 8 barrettes with a headband.  That last headband clearly was overkill.  Needless to say, though, accessory gifts are always a hit.  I want to put in there that this need not be expensive jewelry.  Just make sure it is age appropriate.

I sincerely hope that these ideas will  ensure a birthday extravaganza.  Making that special little girl in your life with leap with joy or exclaim with zeal OHHH!