Ten Under $20 Gift Ideas for Children {2017 Gift Guide Series}

I know that for many of you, it's the time of year when you are grabbing gifts for family and friends--and you are hoping to find great gifts that won't break the bank. Whether it comes to shopping for kids, sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don't have to spend a lot of money on. In fact, I know that with my boys, they would rather get several smaller things than just a single big thing! So today, I'm going to share 10 Ideas for Children's Gifts that are under $20 as part of my Gift Guide Series.

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*Note: All pricing current as of the date of this post 12/6/2017*

1. Magic Stix 12-pk Washable Markers (retails $9.99)
New from the makers of Kwik Stix comes Magic Stix! Washable markers with a 7 day cap off guarantee! Seriously. These should be musts for the kiddos. We have gone 3 days already with the cap off on purpose--still works! Let's not forget they are also washable and non-toxic! And they come in a handy clear snap case. My son is loving having them for church and I love that even if he decides to get creative on his fingers, I can easily wash it off!

2. Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint sticks (retails $3.99-19.99 depending on size of pack)
Naturally I am including our favorite paint sticks in this list! I mean--seriously. Paint in a stick? Dries in 90 seconds? Works on almost everything? Non-toxic? Washable? Available even in metallics? Oh yeah. Totally a *need*. Make sure you check out their thinner version Thin Stix too. Just go ahead and get them all. LOL. You can read my reviews of Kwik Stix and Thin Stix if you want to see them in action!

3. Paper Dolls (retails $5-20)
Yes, this is what you think it is. The doll cut outs with cut out clothing to put on them. It may seem old fashioned, but the fun never fades away. There are also paper dolls in a plethora of styles--from old classic Gibson Girl, to Little House, to Anna and Elsa, to American Girl, to ...well you pretty much name it. I adored these then I was a little girl. And I acted out all sorts of stories with them. They are an inexpensive way to give a boost to imagination! And if you want them to last a bit longer--did you know there are magnetic paper dolls that store in a tin? Oh yeah.

4. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Car Loader ($15.99)
My boys give the Melissa & Doug wooden toys major thumbs up. We LOVE them and they last a long time. This is the one the boys still have their eye on. They think it would go perfect with the Car Carrier Truck and Cars set they have. And while they are deciding, they also think they clearly need the Low Loader...and. Well let's just say they would own all the wooden vehicle sets if I let them. I think they are such great gifts because they LAST!

5. Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Wooden Dump Truck ($16.74)
Got a toddler or preschooler? Get them started with this fabulous and educational Shape Sorting Wooden Dump Truck. Forget those old shape sorting plastic cubes. This one is way more fun!

6. Learning Resources Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run ($18.42)
Marble runs are just fun. I don't care if you are 5 or 50! There is just something fun about designing a track and then letting your marbles go. Unfortunately, the high quality sets (like MarbleWorks) can be spendy if you are looking for inexpensive options. That's why I think these Tumble Trax sets are very cool. They are MAGNETIC so you set them up on any magnetic surface--your fridge, a cabinet, a white board--and then position them just so---and try out your marbles! This set comes with track designs. It's a great idea and gets the creative juices flowing!

7. GoldieBlox and the Dunk Tank ($19.99)
Have you heard about GoldieBlox? They are engineering sets designed to appeal to the STEM minded girl! In this set, there is a storybook about how GoldieBlox needs to figure out how to give her dog a bath when he hates water! Your child will then use the included engineering set to construct a dunk tank! This set introduces the real-life STEM concept of hinges and levers. Designed for tinkering and creative exploration, GoldieBlox toys build spatial skills and confidence in problem-solving. You could also check out GoldieBlox and the Parade Float for another option!

8. Melissa & Doug See and Spell ($17.95)
Perfect for the early elementary age, this set allows your child to use puzzle skills to spell real words! Letter recognition, phonics, literacy development - It's the perfect pre-reading activity! These are also great for quiet time in the home or on the go! I totally give this one a thumbs up--especially for someone who may be homeschooling!

9. LEGO Star Wars Wookie Gunship ($13.92)
I mean really. ALL LEGOS are a win at my house. And these smaller sets are perfect for gifts that won't break the bank. Let them enjoy the fun of Star Wars with this super cute Wookie Gunship! I mean, who doesn't love Chewie???!

10. ALEX Toys Craft Loop 'n Loom ($11.79)
Do you have someone who is starting to get interesting in crafting with yarn or fibers? This is the perfect gift for them to get started with the idea of weaving! And the Loop 'N Loom refills are only $8.93--keeping the loom and the refills a great inexpensive gift! I remember when I had a loom set when I was a girl. I LOVED it and used it all the time. I would even hoard the loops because I was so afraid no one would buy me any more!

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I hope that my collection of ten simple and fun gifts for children will help you out, whether buying for birthdays, celebrations, or just because! 

Have a wonderful week!