Wondering what gift to bring to that special birthday boy or girl? You simply can't go wrong with these reasonably priced toys which are sure to be the hit of the birthday party! Whether you are searching for a great gift for your own child, your child's friends, classmates or a special family member, there is something here for everyone! The best part is that the majority of these awesome gifts are gender neutral, making them fun for both boys and girls!
Many of these recommended toys have won multiple awards for quality and entertainment value so these are presents you can truly feel good about giving. They are real crowd pleasers, and as an added bonus, they're also educational. But shhh! Don't tell the kids… they'll be having too much fun to notice!
Birthday present ideas have been grouped into the following toy categories, and arranged from lower to higher price ranges for your convenience. Toy categories include: Board Games/Thinking Games, Indoor/Outdoor Active Games, Building/Construction Toys, Toys For Little Ones, Imaginative Play Toys and Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys.
Board Games/Thinking Games
Radica 20 Questions: I Can Read Your Mind Game Amusing and accurate game of electronic twenty questions. Artificial intelligence guesses answers to your clues. Very entertaining! Ages 8+ Approximately $5-10
Candyland A memorable & classic "very first" game for non-readers. Young children use color cards to move gingerbread pawns through the winding path to Candy Castle. On the way they meet lovable characters and practice color matching skills. Simple instructions in both English & Spanish. Ages 3-6. A must "very first" game for households with little children. Approximately $5-10 Also see Chutes and Ladders Approximately $5-10
Quiddler This short word card game is fast paced, easy to play and loads of fun. Each card is beautifully designed with letters of the alphabet. Gain points by arranging your entire hand into small words using 2 or more cards per word. Award winning family game for ages 8+. Approximately $5-10
Don't Break the Ice Loads of fun for young players! Tap out ice blocks with plastic mallets one at a time, but you must keep the polar bear from falling through the ice. An enjoyable game that uses simple strategy and refines fine motor skills. (You can't hit the ice too hard or too soft.) Ages 4-6 plus. Approximately $10-15
Bananagrams Multiple-award winning, fast paced, educational word game for ages 7-adult. Addicting scrabble-like game that has requires no board and allows for numerous players. Approximately $10-15
Rubik's Cube Brain Teaser Puzzle with Helpful Hints The ultimate brainteaser classic! Align 54 squares so colors match on all 9 sides of the cube by twisting and turning. Includes hints and solutions booklet. Super problem solving activity. Ages 8+ Approximately $10-15
ThinkFun Zingo An award winning reading game! This exciting & educational variation of Bingo features 72 picture tiles which teach simple sight vocabulary and matching skills to pre-readers & readers ages 4-7. An instant favorite! Approximately $15-20.
Jenga Loads of thrills and excitement with this delicate stacking game. Remove wooden blocks one by one without letting the tower fall. Great family fun for everyone. Ages 6+. Approximately $15-20.
ThinkFun Rush Hour Traffic grid lock brain teaser. Players maneuver 16 cars and trucks across grid board in order to get their red car out of grid lock. 4 levels of play with 40 challenge cards including solutions. Ages 8+. Also available in Junior version. Approximately $15-20.
Blokus Classics Game Winner of over 20+ awards! Exciting brightly colored strategy game perfect for the whole family. Encourages spatial thinking & problem solving skills using simple rules. Ages 5-adult Approximately $15-20.
Qwirkle Award winning wooden tiles game develops logic and strategy skills. This challenging family game has simple instructions that require players to match tile shapes and colors to earn points. Ages 8-adult. Approximately $20-25.
Indoor/Outdoor Active Games
Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit: Multiple awards winner! Incredibly awesome, reasonably priced air-powered rocket kit for ages 3-8. Stomp on blast pad to launch glow in the dark, foam rockets up to 100 feet. No batteries required…just "stomp power." Includes four 9"inch yellow foam rockets. Additional foam rockets available for purchase. Kids absolutely love stomping and watching rockets soar! See Ultra Stomp Rocket air-powered rocket kit for ages 8+. Approximately $10-15
Bop It A quick thinking- quick response action packed game! Bop It calls out commands to pull, twist or bop as fast as possible. A huge hit with kids! Different skill levels for solo or group play. Ages 8+. Approximately $10-15
Cosmic Catch – Talking Ball Challenging and incredibly fun game of catch! Talking ball calls the shots as players quickly pass the ball in a choice of 4 tricky games. Includes 1 durable electronic ball and 6 hand tags. Awesome party and family game, Ages 7-adult.Approximately $20-25
Loopz Game Crazy new musical game of skill & action. Players must correctly repeat the sequence of lights and music by waving their hands through the semi-circular motion sensors. Features 7 different games including solo or group play. Way cool! Ages 5-teens. Approximately $20-25
Wild Planet Hyper Dash Get kids movin' with this outrageously fun, award winning game of speed and skill. Electronic tagger calls out the instructions. Race around to tag targets as fast as you can based on colors, numbers, tagging patterns, simple addition/subtraction problems and memory tasks. It's tricky! 4 different game modes allow for solo, pair or team play. Great for coordination.A big hit with kids and adults! Ages 7+ Approximately $25-30
Building/Construction Toys
LEGO Duplo My First Set The perfect introductory set designed for little hands. Includes sturdy storage box, 33 Duplo colored bricks, a window, cat and flower. Ages 18 months – 5 years. Approximately $10-15.
LEGO® Pink Brick Box 216 Piece LEGO set especially for girls contains pretty pink colors along with a variety of other shades. Ages 4-10. Approximately $15-20
Lego Duplo My First Train 5606 10 piece Duplo train perfect for little fingers. Includes train, clown and elephant. Approximately $15-20
LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks 80 piece set of basic Duplo bricks in different sizes and bright colors. Ages 18 months- 5 yrs. Approximately $20-25..
LEGO Duplo Ultimate Building Set 71 piece tub of bricks includes sturdy tub for storage, building plate, wagon base and one figure. Ages 18 months-5yrs. Approximately $25-30.
LEGO Ultimate Building Set Great 405 piece starter kit includes sturdy storage tub, building plate, mini figure, windows, doors and wheels. Kit also contains instructions for 5 models plus ideas for 25 + models.Approximately $25-30
Toys for Little Ones
Mr. Potato Head A classic! 13 piece mix & match combination starter set encourages creativity and a wee-bit of silliness. Deluxe sets also available. Ages 2+ Approximately $5-10
Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Pets 5 sturdy jumbo double sided lacing pets plus colorful laces. Enjoyable activity improves hand/eye coordination. Ages 3+ Approximately $5-10
Melissa & Doug Deluxe 24-Piece Princess Elise Magnetic Dress-UpColorful & durable magnetic doll with mix and match fashions for enjoyable pretend play. Ages 3+ Approximately $5-10
Play-doh Case of Colors 10 cans of Playdoh in a rainbow of colors encourage creativity! Ages 3+ Approximately $5-10
LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal SetAward winner! Extremely amusing and educational toy for ages 1+. Magnetic animal set plays learning songs, teaches animal facts and sounds. Mix and match animal bodies to create actual or wacky animal combinations, and enjoy the silliness. Plays 5 barnyard tunes. A real hit with toddlers! Approximately $10-15
International Playthings My First Purse in PurpleAdorable soft purple purse with pink flower. Just the right safety size for 2-4 year olds! Chunky large accessories include cell phone, keys, wallet, pretend lipstick, unbreakable mirror and debit card. Entertaining and affordable gift! Approximately $10-15
Play-Doh: Fun Factory Deluxe Set Over 30 Playdoh cutting tools, an extruder machine, and 5 Playdoh colors. Hours upon hours of imaginative fun! Ages 3+ Approximately $15-20
LeapFrog My Pal Violet Adorable plush puppy which can be customized to learn your child's name and favorite things via a simple computer download. Plays lullabies, learning songs and teaches numbers, animals, food and more. Select from an additional 30 songs online. Awesome cuddly and educational toy for ages 6 months-3 years. Also available LeapFrog My Pal Scout (Green). Approximately $15-20
Melissa & Doug Beginner Pattern Blocks 10 sturdy pattern boards along with 30 colorful shapes teaches matching, patterns & shape recognition. Ages 2+ Approximately $15-20
Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube Award winning interactive musical cube lets little ones create 8 Mozart masterpieces. Cube sides include the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin which light up and play instrument sounds. Sounds can be played solo or added together to create a symphony. Features soft rounded edges and durable design. Fascinating musical toy for the wee ones! Approximately $15-20
LeapFrog Scribble and Write Little fingers can practice the formation of letters and shapes with this fun learning machine. The child-size stylus along with screen lights make it easy for kids to draw simple pictures, shapes and eventually upper & lower case letters. Amusing learning games reinforce letter formation. A great way to teach writing skills. Ages 3-5. Also see Leapfrog Text & Learn. Approximately $15-20
Toysmith Battat Ready Set Go Cars Colorful and durable set of 4 chunky cars great for little hands ages 1+. Pull back action sends cars zooming, with delightful sounds! Award winner! Approximately $25-30
Imaginative Play
Melissa & Doug Cutting Food BoxA marvelous 31 piece set of quality wooden fruits, vegetables, and bread along with a rounded edge wooden knife and cutting board. Realistic crunching sounds when food is cut. Great for developing hand/eye coordination, learning food categories and even introducing fractions (1/2, 1/4 etc.) A huge hit with children 3+. Guaranteed to be played with over and over again!Approximately $15-20
Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Birthday CakeKids love birthday parties! Throw pretend birthday parties whenever you wish with this adorable birthday cake set. Includes a six slice cake, serving plate, 19 toppings, 7 candles, wooden spatula and storage box. Ages 3+. Approximately $15-20
Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Kids will have hours of imaginative fun with this wooden pizza set! Take orders and mix & match toppings. Set includes 50 toppings, pizza server, pizza cutter and wooden storage box. Ages 3+ Approximately $15-20
Melissa and Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set Fun for little bakers! This creative play set lets children bake and decorate 12 wooden, sliceable cookies with 18 toppings. Cookies store in a dough tube. Set includes cookies, toppings, wooden toy knife, spatula, cookie sheet, and oven mitt. Ages 3+ Approximately $15-20
Dalmatian Vet CageGreat for pretend play! This adorable vet set includes includes carrying cage, mini puppy, and medical tools like stethoscope, hammer, tweezers, tongs, thermometer bandages and much more! Ages 3+. Approximately $20-25
Learning Resources Pretend & Play® Doctor SetAward wining 19 piece doctor set with carrying case comes with realistic sounding stethoscope, pager and cell phone. Numerous medical tools and accessories for hours of imaginative fun! Ages 3+. Approximately $20-25
Kid Galaxy "My 1st RC" Monster Truck Durable yet squeezably soft remote control vehicle is perfect for first time drivers! Extremely use to use steering wheel style remote with 2 buttons is great for little hands. Makes exciting "bump n go" sounds. Safe choice for a first r/c for children ages 2-4. Approximately $20-25
Arts & Crafts/Musical Toys
Make A Plate Award Winner! This fantastic craft kit allows children to draw their very own plate design, mail their artwork away, and in a short period of time, receive a usable, dishwasher safe, break-resistant 10 inch melamine plate featuring their artwork! An absolutelly wonderful way to preserve children's drwaings. Makes an extra special keepsake to use each day or to give away to family members. This set includes 5 drawing sheets, markers, instructions, order form and one pre-paid certificate for processing one plate. Ages 4-10.Approximately $5-10.
IlluStory: Make Your Own Storybook Multiple Awards Winner! Imagine the sense of pride & accomplishment when your child creates and professionally publishes his/her very own storybook! This amazing set allows children to write and illustrate their own story on the special pages provided (or completely online using the Storymaker instructions.) Drafts are mailed in prepaid envelope (included) and in a few short weeks, your child will receive a color-copied, professionally hard bound storybook! Books can include About the Author, special dedication and title pages.This set includes 18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions and order form. Encourages reading, writing and illustrating skills! Extra copies can be ordered for family members. A truly unique gift that lasts for years to come! Ages 5-9. Approximately $15-20
Creations by You My Masterpiece – Turn Your Drawing Into A Work of Art Multiple Awards Winner! Professionally preserve your child's artwork for a lifetime with this awesome wall art kit. Your child's original artwork is enlarged onto your choice of background, and can be either placed into a wooden frame (your choice of colors) or changed into a museum style poster including the artist's name, artwork name and date. Many custom options are available including purchase of additional copies. Artwork can can done by hand or done completely online using Internet Production drawing & photo tools. Your child's masterpiece will be returned in a few short weeks. Makes an incredible gift for any occasion! Also makes charming artwork to hang in your home, office or child's room. Ages 3+. Approximately $15-20
LP RhythMix 6-pc. Rhythm Kit Kids love a parade! This award winning 6 piece set of great sounding rhythm instruments will get children moving and shaking! Includes a handled drum, jingle stick, triangle, tone block, two Chick-Itas, two mallets, and a small backpack for storage. Approximately $15-20
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads with over 200 beads Over 200+ brightly colored wooden letters & beads along with 8 colored cords for lots of jewelry making fun! Beads store in wooden tray. Excellent gift choice for jewelry designers ages 4-7. Approximately $15-20
Crayola Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack Unique, lightweight and pliable modeling clay allows children to make and display their own clay sculptures. Won't crumble or stick! Final products can be painted, colored with marker or decorated with glitter glue. Decorative accessories such as eyes, buttons etc. can be added during air drying process. Kit includes 14 colored packs of clay along with 60 project ideas, tips and techniques. Ages 3+Approximately $15-20
Perler Bonding Bead Blast Gift Box This awesome gift box contains 8000 colorful Perler beads and can make 40+ cool bead designs. Design your own magnets, ornaments, desk accessories and much more by placing beads on pegboard shapes. With an adult's help, iron the beads to make them fuse together. Gift box also includes 4 fun pegboard shapes, ideas booklet, ironing paper and instructions. Ages 5-10. Approximately $25-30
For additional gift ideas please see:
Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts
Favorite Children's Books Boxed Gift Sets
Great/Award Winning Children's Books
Children's Magazine Subscriptions
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