Best Toys for About $15

Tattoo Pens

A gift from my kids’ aunt, and what an aunt gift it was. These have been a solid hit for us and with every kid who comes to play (ages 4-14). They’re much more forgiving than face paint which is great for kids who like to be “perfect.” The stencils it comes with make these a breeze – and they rinse right off later.

Stationary Set

I couldn’t love this little kit more. Picked it up for my 9-year-old: what a treasure. The cards are adorable (they fold up into animal faces), the carrying case is great, the stickers are *chef’s kiss*. Add some stamps to make this a truly special gift.

Color Your Own Stickers

Have a sticker kid? They need this book of color your own stickers. My 9-year-old was tipped off about these by her 11-year-old bestie, because they’re awesome. Both gals take these with them on road trips or to places they’ll be sitting for a while. It’s a great, unique gift. This is great for 6+.

Fancy Markers

Shopping for a big kid? May I suggest some big kid, double sided markers? These are really nice, and such a gorgeous step up from “standard” markers. Wrap them up with a small notebook or sketchpad for a super sophisticated “big kid gift.”

Bop It

Such a fun gift to give. The skills needed to play Bop It! and the thrill of it all makes this such an addicting game – trust me, I’m as hooked as the kids are. This can be played solo or with a partner. The packaging recommends 8+, but I’ve seen some 6 year olds hold their own.

Mancala

1. This game is super fun.
2. It’s been around for thousands of years.
3. No one gets tired of playing it. It is literally the GOAT.
4. Perfect for ages 6 to adult.

Happy Salmon

10/10 on this game for kids and adults, mixed ages, or adults only. It’s loud, it’s funny, it uses hand motions. It’s an absolute hoot and the rounds are FAST. A perfect gift for a game-playing family. This is best for 6+.

The Fuzzies

Think Jenga but with pom pom balls and cards to draw with challenges. Sometimes, you have to use tweezers to pull out the pom pom ball. Sometimes, you have to pick a specific color. It’s a really great twist on an old favorite. I love this for ages 8+.

Scramboozle

Puzzles are one of my absolute favorite gifts for kids. They hit that sweet spot of being “kind of a toy, kind of not,” which makes them a unique and thoughtful present. This self-contained logic puzzle has no small parts: you move around the balls inside the container to solve the puzzle. It’s great for ages 5+, and still a challenge in the tween, teen, and adult years….

Kanoodles

This became the hot puzzle game in my house really fast – and it’s lasted. The kids bring this on road trips, use it during read alouds, or just pick it as something to do. The puzzle challenges are great and we’ve definitely gotten our money’s worth. I recommend this for ages 8+.

Travel Simon

We love giving this small game as a gift – it is unexpected and such a blast. It’s also different than traditional Simon and not nearly as daunting. It can be used with more than one player – the group play aspect is spectacular with big kid siblings. I like this game for ages 7+.

Sloth in a Hurry

This game is absolutely adorable — and so much fun. It’s an improv-style game for kids, like charades with a twist. Instead of just acting out “a dinosaur,” you might have to be a dinosaur making a sandwich on the moon. It’s creative, hilarious, and such a sweet family favorite. Reading is involved, so I like this for ages 7/8+.

Rhino Hero

This game is genius: Think Jenga, House of Cards, and Uno rolled into one game with a tiny wooden Rhino as the kicker. This game is a fantastic pick for ages 6 to adult (caught my wholesome husband playing it alone). It’s not a super well known game, and I’d love to change that.

Cooties

Who remembers these? They are just as amazing and hysterical as they were in our childhood. My kids still love these (in fact, I found them packed in my 8 year old’s backpack recently). A perfect “starter game” for ages 4+.

Fidget Worm Toy

If ever there was a moment for you to just trust me, this is it. The Morf Fidget Worm is an unbelievable sensory toy and the absolute coolest gift. It’s SILENT, it’s engaging, it’s mesmerizing. Every child I have gifted this to has the same “awe” reaction – please, please, trust me. Good for ages 5+ who love to fidget.

Mailbox

I can’t believe the price of this toy more than qualifies it for this list. I am a big fan of kids having mail boxes so they can practice sending and receiving pretend letters (a dying skill!). This version from Learning Resources is the absolute best I’ve found. It’s a fabulous toy and terrific gift. Great for ages 4+.

Peekaboo Gnome Homes

Goodness, these gnomes and their houses couldn’t be cuter. They invite so much play, and the longevity is absolutely there (just ask my 10 year old). This was a standout on my list in 2024 – and gets top billing this year for good reason. A truly ideal gift for anyone from young toddler age and up.

Small Animals

We are big fans of small animal toys, and my daughter (the expert) says this tub is perfect – which is great, because the price is also perfect. My 10 year old would be the expert on these since she’s played with them almost every day since 2022. It’s a quality set of jungle animals, but they also sell a dinosaur and farm animal set. We’ve loved these since 3+ (but again, they’re a stable for my 10 year old so the gifting range is broad).

Mini Vehicles Set

This is an absolute stand out and would be a perfect gift. It’s a tub of little vehicles in different colors and sizes. The play this invites is incredible, the uses are endless, and the longevity is there (just ask my 11 year old…). Fabulous for ages 3+.

Vehicles

A fantastic bath toy, especially if you have a child who loves vehicles. Don’t worry, these don’t have holes. They’re the perfect size, the perfect price, and the perfect amount of fun for bath time. I genuinely wish I’d had these back when my son was little – he would’ve loved them. An awesome gift for ages 2+.

Submarine

A total fan favorite that is perfect for the tub and perfect to give as a gift (the price is really fantastic). This is just a delightful little toy to gift. It’s fantastic for ages 18 months + (but the age range is broad – my 9 year old is a still using this).

Suction Toys

These are the most adorable bath monsters I’ve ever seen. I love them in the tub, but I’m also thinking of getting a set for road trips to use on car windows. They’re that good and that adorable. A great gift for ages 2+.

Pipe Toy

This simple toy (the price is incredible) is fantastic and does not use batteries. Water added to the funnel flows through the pipes and valves change the pathway. The little shower part is my favorite. Perfect for ages 18mo+.

Rainbow Streamer

Anyone else love watching rhythmic gymnastics? These make a BEAUTIFUL gift. We’ve owned a few of these since 2021 and it’s been a delight in our imaginary play bin. There’s something magical about this simple toy. A great gift for ages 3+.

Flying Helicopter Discs

The 2023 best find (and absolutely still top marks in 2024 & 2025), these have swept our neighborhood and taken everyone by surprise: we didn’t expect what a hit this would be and bought two more sets. So much fun for preschool age to big kids. A perfect gift for kids who love to run and play outside. I like this for ages 4+ (but it’s a fan favorite of the 10-12 year olds on my street).