Are you ready for the holidays? There can be a pretty long list of things to get done before the big day gets here. In my home it includes getting the lights on the house up, putting the tree up, getting the house decorated inside, mailing Christmas cards, visiting Santa, making dishes for events, attending parties, and of course getting all of my Christmas shopping done. That last one can really be stressful, especially if you have no idea what to get OR if you cannot find any awesome gifts that will keep you in budget. That is where these great budget holiday gift ideas come in. They are perfect for kids of all ages and the best part is each item is less than $20! In some cases way less. That will keep your budget in check for sure.
Make a Plan and stick to it
Kids of all ages really love getting a gift under the tree. While I am a stickler for a budget, it does not mean you cannot find high quality toys and stocking stuffers that will not break the bank! I also follow the following rule of thumb for buying gifts.
My plan looks something like this:
– One thing they want (something they asked for but I am not inclined to buy under normal circumstances)
– One thing they need (like clothes, new shoes)
– One experience (something we can go do together)
– One Book (to promote a love of reading!)
– Stocking full of goodies (my family is big into stockings!)
– One Splurge (something I know they would love but did not ask for)
Make your plan of what you will buy. Write it down. Make sure to figure out ahead of schedule what you are willing to spend, but work to spend less than your max! This is key to starting your new year out right and keeping your family out of debt! No holiday is worth getting into debt for.
Below are some awesome last minute gifts that you can get for the kiddos and they will love! They are truly awesome Budget Holiday Gift Ideas you kids.
The Best Last Minute Budget Holiday Gift Ideas All Under $20
This post contains affiliate links. This simply means that I may make a small commission if you click on the link below. Please know that this will not change the price of the item you purchase and that I only recommend items I know and love. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Eco Friendly Toys – Budget Holiday Gift Ideas
Green Toys My First Tug Boat – Red
We actually have this boat and both my kids totally ADORE it. They have named theirs Boaty – McBoat – Face ? This make a great, durable gift that is perfect for the tub, pool, or lake. But best part is the price for this eco friendly toy. Check it out!
If you do not like the boat that is ok. Green Toys makes a ton of other toys at a very reasonable price point. I think we have a few of these plus the dump truck, fire truck and tractor.
Some examples include:
But I cannot recommend the boat enough. For what it is it always captures their attention and they always want to play with it when it is bath time!
Take-Apart Crane Truck – by Battat
Do you have a kid who just LOVES to take things apart? I do and this toy was MADE for him! Finally something they can take apart without you saying geez louise! It provides a ton of critical thinking skills as they figure out hot to take it apart and put it back together.
Bristle Blocks – by Battat
If you would rather not buy wooden blocks, then these bristle blocks are a second best choice. They are durable and plastic, so less likely to hurt (unless you step on them in the dark! eek). They are fun to play with, even I enjoy them!
Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set
This set has 100 blocks in 4 colors and 9 shapes. It is a crowd favorite at our house. It works as well for a 1 year old as it does for a 6 year old. The blocks are great primary colors and super durable. We have had our set for over 5 years and it is still going strong. The toy is recommends for a wide range of ages 9 months all the way up to 8 years old. So for a really good price you can get a toy that will last and be used at multiple stages.
Looking for something different under the Melissa & Doug for the non-builder in your life?
Check out these other awesome options:
Stacking Train – Classic Wooden Toddler Toy (24 months – 4 years)
Food Groups – 21 Hand Painted Wooden Pieces and 4 Crates (3 – 6 years)
Self Correcting Alphabet Wooden Puzzles with Storage Box (4 – 6 years)
First Play Wooden Animal Stacking Cars (9 months – 2 years)
Great Art Products – Budget Holiday Gift Ideas
This post contains affiliate links. This simply means that I may make a small commission if you click on the link below. Please know that this will not change the price of the item you purchase and that I only recommend items I know and love. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Crayola Ultimate Art Case with Easel
This gift is the perfect gift for kids from 3 – 6 and is AWESOME in the car on road trips. My little artist enjoys this art set even at home on the kitchen table. It has everything you need in one handy carrying case. That is an added bonus in my book.
Crayola Color Caddy – Art Supplies for Kids, Travel Art Set, 90+ Pieces, Gift
Looking for a serous set of coloring utensils but don’t want the case? This caddy if perfect for their desk or for them to travel with the art supplies around the house – so you can see that they are not coloring on the walls (haha!).
Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Kit – by ALEX Toys
I absolutely loved making friendship bracelets growing up. And as my momma told me, everything comes back around. Including the popularity of friendship bracelets. It is a quiet activity that you can do almost anywhere, you just need tape. Heck, you can show your kids how you made them when you were growing up.
Spirograph Deluxe Design Set – by Kahootz
Another cool gift from your childhood. So mesmerizing to make these, this is like the original fidget spinner.
STEM FUN For Older Kids – Budget Holiday Gift Ideas
This post contains affiliate links. This simply means that I may make a small commission if you click on the link below. Please know that this will not change the price of the item you purchase and that I only recommend items I know and love. For more information, check out my disclosure.
4M Crystal Growing Experiment
This awesome gift makes real crystals that kids will love watching grow. This is meant for kids 10 and older, but I think if you keep them in a safe place where they are not breathing in the mixture or getting into it and of course under adult supervision, a kid of 6 or 7 would really enjoy this git!
Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game
is a different kind of balancing game that older kids will enjoy playing. It develops hand eye coordination, cognitive skills, and interpersonal skills.
Jenga Classic Game
Since it is winter and colder outside some fun games to play inside make sense. This is a classic. Easy to play and fun for the whole family.
LEGO Chain Reactions Craft Kit – by Klutz
If you have a LEGO lover in your house, this STEM kit is the perfect gift for them.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas – Budget Holiday Gift Ideas
This post contains affiliate links. This simply means that I may make a small commission if you click on the link below. Please know that this will not change the price of the item you purchase and that I only recommend items I know and love. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Great for Babies and Toddlers
First Years Stack Up Cups are still a simple toy to play with that allows so much imagination to be used.These are great to teach fine motor skills, stacking, colors, sorting and just fun to knock over! They work for any age really.
Oball Tubmarine Bath Toy is a simple toy but a big hit when they figure out how to make it go under water all by themselves. Works for kids of any age.
Oball Grasp & Teethe Teether is a perfect thing to add to a baby’s or toddlers stocking as both are teething! It is easy to grasp and simple to clean. Best part is the cost will not break your budget.
Oball Toy Ball is ironically still popular with my older kid. It is a safer ball to play with in the house. My youngest adores the ball because it is so easy to grip with little hands and it is easy to manipulate it, squish it and just have fun trying to figure it out.
Younger Kids 5 – 9
Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes are way fun. Truthfully, I would like this in MY stocking. With a small wooden stylus you scratch through the black and reveal beautiful colors to make words or art.
Hoyle Kid’s 6 in 1 Fun Pack – Card Games
Slinky is such a silly and fun toy. It is still a joy to watch it slide down the stairs as an adult. Your kids will get a kick out of a toy you adored when you were there age.
ThinkFun Math Dice Junior Game
Crayola Color Wonder Markers – Mess Free Coloring
Older Kids 8 – 12
Bananagrams is the best anagram game that you can play by yourself or with others. It really helps develop your child’s word skills and comes in a cute banana pouch.
Phase 10 is a rummy type card game that has 10 different sequences you have to get to win.
Boggle Classic Game is a head to head word search that can be played alone or together.
Shrinky Dinks Creative Pack
Here is hoping that you find something that your child will fall in love with all while keeping to your budget!! Have a very happy holiday.
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Looking for an awesome list of stocking stuffers that do not include candy? Check out the ULTIMATE Stocking Stuffer List. It will not disappoint the kid or young at heart adult in your life!
Want to start a great family tradition? Check out the One Tradition to Start with Your Kids this year. Make some memories together!!
