If you are looking for meaningful, affordable gifts for kiddos, here are 10 of my favorites that will get your child’s brain working through imaginative play.
Gifts to Entertain AND Educate
What better way to show love to our kids than by providing them with gifts that not only entertain, but also teach skills!?
Fun, educational gifts for kids are a fantastic way to promote a love of learning from a young age—and the best part is, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank.
In addition to being budget-friendly, these gifts contribute to a child’s holistic development. They encourage independent thinking, stimulating their minds and encouraging curiosity and creativity.
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10 Of Our Favorite Educational Gifts Under $10
Did you ever play with a loop of string, making endless shapes and patterns? This book comes with a tie-dyed string loop and instructions on how to make five different string figures, including the Eiffel Tower and Jacob’s Ladder. The illustrations are very clear so any child age 6+ can learn how to create designs with just their fingers!
This brain teaser puzzle game includes 200 puzzle challenges you need to replicate with the colorful pieces. The board (which doubles as a carrying case) allows for 2-D and 3-D puzzle challenges, starting from a beginner level. Both kids and adults will love this brain-bending game!
These pliable, soft sticks are like portable Play-doh—without the mess. This set is a 24-pack of 6 inch sticks that are great for road trips, plane rides, and anywhere a child needs hands-on fun. They are a calm and sensory fidget toy, helping kids play quietly as they create whatever they can imagine.
Reusable Sticker SetsIf your child loves stickers, you will love these because they are reusable! This 10-page spiral bound book includes 115 peel-and-place stickers that can be moved around the pages. The pages include different indoor and outdoor scenes so your child can help their pet stickers play. This book is pet-themed, but there are other other themes available!
Mini 3D Puzzle ErasersWith these adorable animal-shaped erasers, correcting mistakes was never so fun! They do not only erase, but also they are small puzzles that can double as figures to play with. They can be used instead of treats for any occasion, and kids will love collecting all the different kinds. (Note: they do have small pieces when taken apart, so keep away from small children!)
Colored Masking TapeKids and adults alike will love these bright rolls of tape. Kiddos can use them for imaginative play on paper or the wall, as it will not damage paint. They can be torn easily and written on, making them great for crafting of all kinds. Adults will love the practicality of using them to label boxes, containers, or even painting clean lines.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaI love this game because it takes about a minute to learn. All players take turns putting a card down, and when the card matches the word, everyone races to slap their hand on the pile. But don’t forget—everyone must do the action when certain animals appear! For example, if the card has a gorilla, everyone beats their chest. It is simple and hilarious!
Escape This Book! Activity Books
A type of Choose Your Own Adventure book, YOU are the main character! First, choose your role in the story, then doodle your way through the adventure as you try to survive notable events in history. There are several books including the Titanic, the Tombs of Egypt, and Race to the Moon.
Perler Multicolor Fuse BeadsThe possibilities are endless with these multicolored beads! This set includes 8,500 beads, 3 Perler pegboards, and ironing paper. Kiddos can choose to follow a pattern if they’d like, or they can create whatever they’d like. Watch their designs come to life as you iron them together to create a lasting creation.
This portable microscope is small enough to fit in a pocket or hang on a backpack, yet powerful enough to magnify to 20x power. Kids will love exploring both outside and inside with this tool! It also has a built-in LED flashlight. Surprise your kids with this lightweight scientific tool.
If you want to create more meaningful family time especially during the holidays, check out these resources: