Christmas is a time for spreading joy, creating memories, and giving gifts. However, with the holiday season comes the challenge of finding the perfect presents—especially for kids. Whether you’re shopping for your own children, nieces, nephews, or family friends, it’s possible to find meaningful and fun gifts without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best affordable Christmas gifts for kids under $20 in 2024. From educational toys to imaginative play, there’s something here for every young one on your list.
1. LEGO DOTS Bracelet Kit
Price: $15 – $18
For kids who love to get creative, the LEGO DOTS Bracelet Kit is a fantastic option. These kits allow children to design and customize their own bracelets, making them not only fun but also a great way to express individuality. The colorful tiles snap into place, and kids can mix and match to create their ideal style. Best of all, this gift encourages creativity and fine motor skills, making it a perfect present for ages 6 and up.
2. Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Art
Price: $10 – $15
Crayola’s Color Wonder products are an absolute lifesaver for parents—no mess, no fuss. With Color Wonder markers and coloring books, kids can enjoy hours of fun coloring without worrying about ink stains on walls, furniture, or clothes. The markers only work on special Color Wonder paper, making them mess-free. This makes for a great stocking stuffer or gift for younger children, typically aged 3 and up, who love to color but need to stay tidy.
3. Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo
Price: $15 – $20
For children who love animals, the Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo is an adorable, interactive gift. This talking flamingo walks, talks, and even “goes” when you press a button. It mimics real-life behavior with fun sound effects, and kids can engage with it just like a pet. This toy is suitable for children aged 4 and up, making it a fun, interactive gift that’s both entertaining and relatively affordable.
4. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Price: $19.99
The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch is an excellent first smartwatch for kids. It’s packed with features like a camera, games, and a pedometer, helping children engage with technology in a fun and age-appropriate way. The watch is durable and can withstand the rough and tumble of everyday play. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and is designed for kids aged 4 to 9 years old. At under $20, it’s a great balance of tech and fun.
5. Hot Wheels 20-Car Pack
Price: $18 – $20
Hot Wheels cars have been a favorite among kids for generations, and the 20-car pack offers a great value for the money. The set includes an assortment of classic Hot Wheels cars that are perfect for building race tracks and imaginative play. Whether for an individual or as a gift for a group of children to share, these small die-cast cars provide endless fun. The Hot Wheels brand appeals to a wide age range, from 3-year-olds to kids in their early teens.
6. Melissa & Doug Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles
Price: $10 – $18
Melissa & Doug are known for their high-quality wooden toys, and their jigsaw puzzles are no exception. Available in a variety of themes (animals, dinosaurs, vehicles, and more), these puzzles come in sizes that range from simple 12-piece puzzles for younger kids to more challenging 48-piece ones for older children. They help develop problem-solving skills, concentration, and hand-eye coordination. This classic toy is ideal for children aged 3 to 6 years old and offers hours of entertainment for a reasonable price.
7. Play-Doh Ultimate Color Collection
Price: $18 – $20
For creative kids who love to play with clay, Play-Doh’s Ultimate Color Collection is a wonderful gift. This set includes a wide variety of colors of the iconic Play-Doh dough, which children can use to mold and sculpt their own creations. The possibilities are endless, from making animals to food or even abstract shapes. Play-Doh is a sensory activity that boosts creativity and fine motor skills. This set is ideal for kids aged 3 and up, providing a hands-on, imaginative play experience.
8. Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor Blaster
Price: $14 – $18
Nerf guns are always a hit with kids, and the N-Strike Elite Disruptor Blaster is one of the best options for younger shooters. With a 6-dart rotating drum, it allows kids to fire darts quickly and accurately, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor play. This Nerf blaster is easy to use and fun for kids aged 6 and up, providing hours of action-packed play without exceeding the $20 budget.
9. STEM Kits for Kids (Science Lab Kits)
Price: $15 – $20
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) kits are a great way to engage kids in educational play while fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Many STEM kits under $20 offer experiments that teach kids about chemistry, physics, and engineering. These kits usually include all the materials necessary to conduct fun, hands-on experiments. Perfect for children aged 7 and up, STEM kits are ideal for curious minds and are often designed to be both informative and exciting.
10. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair
Price: $20
For younger children, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair is an excellent gift that provides both entertainment and educational benefits. This interactive chair plays songs, teaches numbers, shapes, colors, and more, all while offering a comfortable, safe spot for little ones to sit and play. Designed for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years old, it’s a wonderful tool to introduce early learning in a fun, engaging way.
11. Bop It!
Price: $15 – $18
Bop It! is a fast-paced, interactive game that challenges players to follow voice commands by twisting, pulling, or pressing different parts of the toy. It’s a fun and engaging game that promotes coordination, memory, and quick thinking. It’s easy for kids aged 6 and up to learn how to play, and because the game gets more difficult as players progress, it keeps kids entertained and challenged. It’s also small enough to be portable, making it a great travel companion during the holidays.
12. Funko Pop! Figures
Price: $10 – $15
Funko Pop! figures are collectible vinyl figurines that have become increasingly popular among kids and adults alike. With a wide range of characters from movies, TV shows, comics, and video games, there’s a Funko Pop! for nearly every interest. Whether it’s a superhero, a Disney character, or a favorite movie star, these figures are small, affordable, and beloved by collectors. They’re perfect for children who are fans of popular franchises, and they’re easy to find within the $20 price range.
13. Hatchimals CollEGGtibles
Price: $12 – $18
Hatchimals are magical creatures that “hatch” from their eggs when kids interact with them. The CollEGGtibles line offers a variety of tiny, collectible creatures, each hidden inside an egg. Kids can crack open the egg to reveal which creature they’ve received. This element of surprise adds excitement to the experience, making it a great stocking stuffer for kids aged 5 and up. With a variety of characters to collect, this toy encourages imaginative play and provides kids with an ongoing treasure hunt.
14. Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Kit
Price: $18 – $20
Snap Circuits Jr. is a fantastic way to introduce children to the basics of electronics. This kit lets kids create simple circuits by snapping together color-coded components. With over 30 projects, it teaches kids how electricity works in a hands-on, fun way. Suitable for kids aged 8 and up, this is a great gift that fosters an early interest in science, technology, and engineering.
15. Books for Kids
Price: $5 – $15
Books are timeless gifts that never go out of style. Whether it’s a classic children’s story, an interactive pop-up book, or a new release from a popular children’s author, books make for thoughtful gifts that encourage reading and imagination. There are plenty of options for kids of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older kids. Titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Dog Man, or Pete the Cat are popular choices that are easy to find for under $20.
Conclusion
Finding affordable Christmas gifts for kids doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With plenty of options available for under $20, you can give gifts that are both fun and educational, ensuring that the kids in your life have a memorable holiday season. From toys that spark creativity to games that promote learning, there’s something here for every child on your list. So, this holiday season, make the most of your budget while still giving gifts that are sure to bring smiles and joy to the little ones in your life.
