There’s absolutely no need to spend a lot of money to bring a smile to a child’s face during the holidays or on their birthday. And whether you’re on a tight budget this year, adding extra gifts to go with a big-ticket item, or buying small gifts for other people’s kids, you can absolutely get some great toys for $20 or less. After researching the top trending toys, considering best-selling classics, and speaking to two child development experts, we’ve put together this list of the best toys under $20 for kids of all ages.
“Playing is the centerpiece of a child’s world. Every child plays in their own ways, and the toys or objects are there to support what they already naturally do,” explains Tovah Klein, PhD, psychology professor and author of How Toddlers Thrive. With this in mind, we’ve curated a selection of affordable toys for toddlers, school-age kids, big kids, and tweens that will spark their imaginations and get their creative juices flowing.
Babies are constantly learning and observing, and play is a great time for them to develop and work on important skills. Look for items that are safe for young babies, since they’ll likely be putting them in their mouths, or things they can easily hold on their own. Simple toys, like a colorful stacking ring, can be better than anything overstimulating, and something like a large puzzle can be great for problem-solving skills.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the best toys are the ones that help kids learn, like anything that facilitates pretend play and problem-solving skills and encourages active movement. One super popular toy is a basic set of Hot Wheels that can be used in a bunch of different ways. Something like a stomp rocket is a safe way to get their energy out, while small animal figures can open the door for imaginative play.
The AAP also recommends arts and crafts to help improve fine motor skills and encourage creativity. Something as simple as a pack of colorful paint sticks can activate a little one’s imagination, or you can opt for something more unique, like a spirograph animator that brings their creations to life.
Board games are a lot more educational than you think—even basic card games promote language development and reading skills, in addition to social play and bonding. We recommend that you look for games that adults and kids can play together to create family memories, like Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (with a name like that, you know it has to be fun!). Younger kiddos can start with something more simple, like this Cake-n-Bake Challenge that only requires them to know their colors.
Fidget toys can be used for improving focus, self-soothing, and fine-motor development, while sensory toys can offer important visual stimulation. Look for a two-in-one like the Radbizz Push Pop Bubble Toy, which is a fidget toy with a cool feel. A box of playfoam they can squeeze and mold over and over again is also a great stress reliever.
To select the best toys under $20, we searched for toys and gifts that are affordable and appealing to kids of different ages, analyzed trends, and looked at this year’s most popular picks and trending toys. We also got input from real parents and caretakers on the Parents staff and read through customer reviews to see what others were saying about the toys out there. Lastly, we spoke with two child development experts to get their recommendations and advice:
Tovah Klein, PhD, psychology professor and author of How Toddlers Thrive
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
Age Appropriateness: If you don’t want a bored or frustrated kid, it’s important to make sure the toy you’re buying fits the child’s maturity level. Dr. Kennedy-Moore recommends taking note of the age guidelines but also keeping in mind what you know about your child to determine if a toy would be a good fit for them. A gift for a 9-year-old, for instance, should support their desire to explore new things and growing interests.
Entertainment Value: What qualifies as entertaining really depends on your kiddo, so consider what they’re into at the moment and go from there. Remember that uncomplicated is often the way to go to keep them interested—toys should be easy to understand and set up. “The most entertaining toys have a low barrier entry and can be played in many ways,” Dr. Kennedy-Moore says.
Skill Development: Playing is an important part of a kid’s social, physical, and emotional growth, especially when they’re playing with a toy that helps them develop these skills. “The figuring it out of toys lays the groundwork for cognitive skills, thinking, dealing with frustration, all necessary for ongoing learning,” says Dr. Klein, who recommends things like building blocks. She also likes anything that promotes imaginary play and helps boost social skills.
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. For this story, she also spoke with child development experts Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D., and Tovah Klein, Ph.D.
