Hi there!
One of the neat things about my husband’s side of the family is that we all get together on Thanksgiving week each year. During that week we have our Christmas celebration.
It’s so nice for so many reasons. We get to see each side of the family each year – his on Thanksgiving, and my side of the family on Christmas week. And it’s a great time of year to visit.
One of the other perks about this setup is that half of my Christmas shopping is already done by Thanksgiving! Score!
And finally, each year we try to do a theme for gifts for the children. This year’s theme was Arts & Crafts – which led to many toys and activities that would be great for children that were also wonderfully educational.
So, I thought I’d share the things I found with you! I’ll group them by age, and none of them are over $30, at the time of writing. Click on the title or the picture to find out more information!
Contents
30 Educational Gifts for Children Under $30
Ages 0-2
1. Crayola Color Wonder Mess Free Light-Up Stamper
My daughter received one of these for her gift this year and it’s perfect. Color Wonder mess-free colors and paper will always reside in my hall of fame for most amazing inventions ever. Yes, it’s true. 😉 Recommended ages are 3 – 15 years, but my 2 year old enjoys it so I’ll include it in this age group.
2. AquaDoodle – Draw N Doodle – Classic Mat
Another family favorite! Also pretty much mess-free, which is always nice.
3. VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging)
We have owned similar toys over the years and have loved them all. Great for older babies and toddlers.
4. My Quiet Book, Fabric Activity Book for Children
Ah, quiet books! The best for traveling, church, doctor’s visits, and anywhere!
5. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy
Shape sorters are always a favorite, and this one travels well.
6. Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag, 80-Piece (Classic)
Another family favorite, and this comes with a travel case as well.
Ages 3-5
 7. Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears!
My children aged 7 and under have two of these sets – and they LOVE them! I highly recommend them.
8. Educational Insights Design and Drill Socket to Me
My son also received another Design & Drill set for his birthday (you can see which one here
, not included in the list because it’s over $30) and the toys are awesome. Fun, and well-made.
9. Melissa & Doug Wooden Favorite Things Stamp Set
Stamps are so fun! 🙂
10. Farm: Stamp-a-Scene Wooden Stamp Set
Speaking of stamps, I had to include this little Stamp-a-Scene farm scene. They actually have many different types of scenes to choose from, not just farms. Love it!
11. Crayola Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack
Modeling clay is timeless and classic and spurs creativity.
12. Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
I remember playing with one of these as a child and it was always one of my favorite toys!
Ages 6-10
13. Mega Magz, 130-Piece Magnetic Construction Set – 66 bars and 64 balls
Our children got to play with these toys for the first time this summer at a friend’s house – they LOVED them! The sky is the limit when it comes to just how many creations you can come up with!
14. Nanoblock Empire State Building
Nanoblocks are one of the newest crazes going on right now – they are 3D building puzzles and they have so many famous buildings to choose from. So cool! Especially for my sons, who are huge Lego fans.
15. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
Magic sets are always fun! This one is an Amazon best-seller.
16. 4M Magnetic Tile Art
So fun and creative! Decorate your own tiles and turn them into magnets.
17. Perplexus Original Maze Game
 
We have one of these, and let me tell you – it will keep you busy for a while. Very challenging and fun too!
18. Crayola Marker Maker Wacky Tips
Your children can make their own markers, with wacky tips. Pretty cool! A #1 best-seller on Amazon.
19. My First Sewing Kit
I can not wait until my daughter is old enough for her first sewing kit! 😀
Ages 11-18
20. Gallery Studio – 82 Piece Deluxe Art Set in Wooden Case (Quality Mediums Guaranteed)
Art kits were my favorite growing up. This one looks perfect!
21. Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Kit
Such a neat idea!!
22. Clue The Classic Edition
What can I say? It’s a classic.
23. Laser Maze Logic Game
Fascinating gift that challenges kids to use logic and problem-solving.
24. Melissa & Doug Suspend
An amazing balance game – looks so entertaining! Super-high ratings on Amazon.
25. LoopdeLooM Weaving Loom Kit
This set looks amazing. I know I would have loved this as a child. Honestly, I would still love one. 😉
I hope this list has given you some ideas and inspiration for those special children in your life!
Have a merry, merry Christmas! <3
Love,
Dandy
These are great! There are some I haven’t heard of before. I’ve been eying those gears for my 2yo!
Great list! My daughter’s birthday is a just a few days after Christmas, so we are always looking for fun, educational products to purchase.
Great list, thank you! I sent several of the links to grandparents for suggestions
Great choices – especially for the new nieces and nephews.
Great ideas! You can never go wrong with all that cool art stuff!
Great list! Also, Check out the Get Qurious Maker Box- An engaging hands-on creative play experience for kids. http://www.getqurious.co
Great Educational Gifts for kids which are not even costly too! Awesome Blog. Keep it up 🙂