Cheap Christmas Toys: Best Gifts for Kids Under $20

In these current economic times, it is important to make your Christmas budget stretch as far as possible. Christmas is a lot about the anticipation of the present, and for a lot of kids, .not so much about what the present is. However, it is necessary to ensure that your gift is appropriate as well as inexpensive. These following presents are designed to be under $20 but also intellectually or creatively challenging for children.

One of my kids' favorite presents are puzzles. Puzzles are appropriate for every age from the 3 year old to the 17 year old. The average 100 piece puzzle runs about between 5 and 10 dollars and usually a 4-6 year old can handle that size (for example, see here at Amazon.com). Older kids will appreciate larger 1000-3000 piece puzzle. These are closer to 20-30 dollars. You can also often get them on sale at one of the large discount retailers for less. One of the best part about a puzzle as a gift is that you can get a puzzle that reflects the interests of the gift recipient.

Another all time favorite is a Mr. Potato head. It is basically the same toy you and I grew up with. A plastic potato with all kinds of facial expressions and accessories. Now days there are many varieties of Mr. Potato Head, but the basic kit is $7.99.

For a present that will appeal to both pre-school as well as school aged children, you can get the Melissa and Doug Magnetic Chalk/Dry Erase Board. Younger kids can learn their letters and older children can creatively draw or practice spelling on the eraser board. It is $12.61 at Amazon.com

One popular toy this holiday season is a set of Bakugan. Bakugan's are small marble sized balls that are rolled and pop into a robot like toy. There are many colors and various packs to choose from. If you are shopping for this gift from someone you will need to ensure that the recipient does not already have the particular Bakugan you are thinking about giving as a gift. These toys start at $6.99 and rise in price depending on the pack's configuration.

Lastly, take a look at Legos. They come in all configurations and sizes and appeal to both girls and boys. If you are looking for a gift for a Star Wars fan, there are no less than 5 Star Wars Lego kits on Amazon.com for under $20. Other series exist, for example there are Harry Potter, Batman, and the classic fireman and airport Lego kits available all of which have sets that are under $20.