I'm always on the lookout for good quality toys at decent price points, and to be honest, they're hard to come by. I'm tired of oversized, overpriced and loud toys that don't seem to have any real point. Not to pick on Fisher Price, but this is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about:
It's the Imaginex Big Foot the Monster. Toys R Us has it listed for $89.99, showing a list price of $109.99. I've seen this thing in action. It makes noise. It tumbles around. Even if little ones are intrigued by it (after all, stores are calling it a "hot toy"), it carries a $90.00 price tag. Buy them a brand new bike instead. If something's being called the hot toy of the season, I tend to stay clear. These toys are usually hot today, luke warm by tomorrow.
Here's my go to list for children's gifts under $20.00. Please keep in mind, the prices listed may change depending on where you purchase the product.
LEGO. As you may recall, I'm a big LEGO fan. I realize Legos can be expensive, but smaller sets are available. For example, this Toy Story Woody & Buzz retails for around $18.00.
LEGO Duplo. For the toddler, LEGO Duplo is a great choice. This set of basic bricks retails for $20.00 and is a fun introduction to the world of building.
Mr. Potato Head. Classic. Durable. Still fun after all these years. Enough said. (around 8-9 bucks).
Battery Science: Make Widgets That Work and Gadgets That Go, by Klutz (for kids 8+). If you have a child that likes to see how things work, this is a fun, creative choice. After building a small electric motor (everything you need is included), your child can have a blast turning it into a "snow machine," a "nervous noodler" and even a "swamp boat." It's a available on Amazon for $14.93.
Jelly Cat Stuffed Animals. The most difficult thing about Jelly Cat is choosing which stuffed animal you want -- they're all adorable! I've bought Jelly Cat animals for both the young and old. Can't go wrong. Prices range depending on which furry creature you choose. Here's one of their bunnys -- this one is 12 inches tall and costs around $15.00.
Nesting Blocks. Little hands love to build tall towers and knock them down. Nesting blocks are great for this --they're colorful, sturdy, easy to store, and never get boring. So go ahead and say "timmmmmbbbbbeeerrr!" These Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks are available at Target for $11.99.
Books, books, books. I've said this before; books rank at the top of my list for presents to give and get. For your little one (up to age 7), please consider Dandelion Bubbles {a little self promotion}. For an older child, talk to someone at your local bookstore. They're usually very helpful picking out a title for you based on a child's age and interests.
Rocket Balloons with Pump. This suggestion also appeared on my last year's list. Who doesn't like to see a balloon soar high into the sky. I always keep a supply of rocket balloons on hand...big hit with the kids and a play date favorite. ($9.00)
Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle. Little hands (ages 3 and up) will have fun putting the 48 "jumbo" puzzle pieces together to form the solar system. I think it's hard to go wrong with floor puzzles by Melissa & Doug, so just choose your favorite. Mine just happens to be this one.
Comments