“Playing is the centerpiece of a child’s world. Every child plays in their own ways, and the toys or objects are there to support what they already naturally do,” explains Tovah Klein, PhD, psychology professor and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.” With this in mind, we’ve curated a selection of affordable toys for toddlers, school-age kids, big kids, and tweens that will spark their imaginations and get their creative juices flowing. These are the best toys under $20. Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $19.95 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $16 The 68-page journal covers 20 different feelings and teaches children to identify and express them. It includes writing prompts, fun games, and reflection activities that help them navigate both positive and negative feelings, from excitement and confidence to anxiety and loneliness. This journal is recommended for children ages 5 through 12, although younger kids can also use it if an adult helps them read the messages and prompts. Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $12 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $14 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $6 Price at time of publication: $14
What to Look for in Toys Under $20
Age Appropriateness
If you don’t want a bored or frustrated kid, it’s important to make sure the toy you’re buying fits the child’s maturity level. “Age guidelines on the box are a starting point, but you know your child best…Sometimes kids still enjoy playing with toys that their peers might have moved on from, and that’s fine. Childhood isn’t a race,” says Dr. Kennedy-Moore. And if your child doesn’t immediately take to their new toy, give it some time. “Children’s interests and abilities often change. If a toy doesn’t appeal right now, maybe put it away for three to six months. Your child may grow into it,” says Dr. Kennedy-Moore. Their skill level is key, but so is the level of interest a kid has at a particular time, says Dr. Klein, and this, too, will change over time. “If it seems too complicated or confusing for this age, hold off until another time, as it will take an adult to lead them in it, rather than letting them play as they wish,” she says.
Entertainment Value
According to Dr. Kennedy-Moore, in order to be considered “fun” by kids, a toy must be easy to understand and set up. “The most entertaining toys have a low barrier to entry and can be played in many ways. A game that takes 20 minutes to set up is going to stay in the box,” she says. Of course, much of what qualifies as entertaining really depends on your kiddo. “Elementary school kids often enjoy collections. Something new and different might be intriguing or just not what they’re into right now,” says Dr. Kennedy-Moore.
Skill Development
Playing is an important part of a kid’s social, physical, and emotional growth. “Skill development happens every day in the everyday play of children,” says Dr. Klein. “The engagement with a toy comes because a toy is enjoyable and of interest to the child. Upon interacting with the toy, they can develop skills simultaneously with their joy and engagement.” Looking for toys that target specific skills is a simple way to help your kids strengthen areas you want to stimulate. “There is creativity and thinking in building, as in, ‘What do I want to build? How do I do that?’” says Dr. Klein. “The figuring it out of toys lays the groundwork for cognitive skills, thinking, dealing with frustration, all necessary for ongoing learning.” Social skills can be built through play as well, explains Dr. Klein. “Imaginary play can be supported by simple dress-up clothes, capes, or other items such as a kitchen play set. Through this kind of play, children interact with other children, decide on roles, and work out conflicts. All of these are key for social development,” she adds.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. For this story, she also spoke with child development experts Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, and Tovah Klein, PhD. Imagination thrives during the preschool years, and kids particularly enjoy arts and crafts, construction kits, and puzzles. Toys like the Creativity for Kids Rock Painting Kit and Kinetic Sand are guaranteed to entertain them for hours. Elementary school-aged children are beginning to explore their interests and physical abilities and usually enjoy STEM toys, musical instruments, sports toys, and games that challenge them mentally, like the Kiwi & Co STEM kit or a hopper ball.
