25 toys under $25

Most of our favorite toys and art supplies are here on this list of 25 toys under $25. 

Kids need open-ended toys to fuel their creativity. And you know what? I fully support art supplies as a toy. 

I want my kids to be problem-solvers, independent thinkers, and to be able to express emotions while finding creative outlets to do so. This list of 25 toys under $25 does just that!

And yes, I went just a wee over 25 toys. I couldn’t help myself! There were just too many toys that I wanted to share with you.

RELATED: Love art? We do too. We dedicated an art entire cabinet to our supplies!

Encouraging art at home 

• helps children learn how to focus
• inspires imagination and creativity 
• appeals to all of the senses
• increases self-esteem 
• encourages a growth mindset
• provides an opportunity for open-ended play

Art supplies are toys that we can integrate into our days of play! Put art on repeat with your independent playtime, and you will see concentration soar!

Here are some of our favorite toys under $25 to add to your holiday gift-giving.

P.S. – These toys also make terrific stocking stuffers! 

Mini Sketch Pad

I love, love, love this sketch pad! Mostly because I can watch my kids dive into their thoughts and have a place to put ideas. My oldest uses his sketchbook for math problems, and my five-year-old creates the most incredible designs. I love the look and design of these sketchbooks. 

Alphabet Trays

These alphabet trays are fun for DIY crayons and ice. We’ve done it all! Play a fun matching game, put it back in the mold as a puzzle, or add alphabet ice into your next drink. We use these often! 

Kinetic Sand

Have you tried kinetic sand? It cleans up easier than most sensory play and feels wonderful in little hands. We keep ours in an airtight container when not in use.

Construction Paper 

Construction paper is a staple. We keep it on hand for endless art. 

Washable Paint

When I first began painting with my boys, we used this paint set. This is a perfect starter for those venturing into painting with kids!

Kid Scissor Pack 

Need child scissors? These blunt-edged scissors are a great way to help toddlers and preschoolers get comfortable with cutting.

Alphabet Stamps

Bring the alphabet into every day play. We bought this stamp set years ago, and it is still on repeat. Upper and lowercase letters included! 

Hot Wheels

One of my favorite things to do with my five-year-old is to pick out Hot Wheels. He stands in the aisle and studies each one noticing what makes them unique—a simple toy to inspire imaginary play and practice comparing and contrasting. 

Mega Bloks

You’ve seen these on a few of our toy lists for a reason! Mega Bloks have endless amounts of play that can be used for years. 

Scoopers

Use these scoopers with sensory play! Great to have around to scoop rice, small toys, or water. The open and close movements help with fine motor, cause/effect, along with hand-eye coordination. 

Shape Tiles

Create something new with these tactile shapes. Begin to explore lines and corners and how shapes connect to make a larger shape. Great for learning through play.

Colored Masking Tape

We LOVE colored tape over here. The boys create forts in their rooms, make art on cardboard, and find ways to use this tape that would never have crossed my mind. This is a simple gift that will go a long way! 

Washable Markers

Who needs a fresh pack of markers? I know I am always down for a marker that is bright and full of life. Don’t worry, when someone leaves the cap off, you can add a little water to the cap, and they work like new again! 

Plus Plus BIG

I first picked up Plus Plus BIG at a small toy store near our house. That was five years ago, and we have continued to add to our stash ever since! They are a favorite, forever toy that we take everywhere from road trips to restaurants. Add this starter kit to your gift list! 

Large Deck of Cards

We use cards in so many ways, and this donut set is delightful! A fun way to switch up traditional card play to something colorful! 

Geometric Solids

We use these geometric shapes on the light table a lot. We also use these shapes for free play stacking and explorations. Have no fear! The back of the box reminds us of what each 3D shape is called to extend the conversation. 

Alphabet Lacing Letters

I use these lacing letters both in the classroom and at home. They are great for lacing or burying in beans during sensory play. These little letters are a fun way to bring alphabet recognition into every day play.

White Paper Roll (pack of two)

New here? A white paper roll is our lifeline. File this under the top five supplies that we will always keep on hand. Sometimes we create simple learning games, and other times we roll it out and free draw. Having a white paper roll within reach has prompted endless play! So much so that I am going to be bold and call this a toy. If you’ve followed for a while, you’ll understand why. (wink, wink)

Colored Counting Bears

Whoop! Whoop! Add this to the list of top five as well. Again, I use these bears both in the classroom at home. Sort them by color, separate by size, or integrate into imaginary play. WE LOVE THESE BEARS! 

Buddy Builders

Encourage kids to build their hand-eye coordination and strengthen motor skills with these Buddy Builders. 32 soft, flexible figures in 8 bold colors to practice building and stacking. 

Jumbo Droppers

Yahoo! Here is another favorite. Bring on water play inside, outdoors, or in the bath. A fun way to explore color mixing and squeezing to strengthen small hand muscles. Use these now so that the pencil grip can develop later.

Jumbo Tweezers 

These tweezers come with way more than you would ever need. But have no fear! You can keep some and add others to future birthday gifts. Like the jumbo droppers, these tweezers will help strengthen hands for writing, buttoning, and eventually typing those middle school essays.  

Magnetic Letter Building

Use magnets on the refrigerator, cookie sheets, or a magnetic wall. Understanding that letters are made up of lines and curves is a great way to connect to handwriting and forming letters.

Sticker Book 

This sticker book is PACKED with a wonderful collection. We’ve been working off the same sticker collection for two years, and I will buy another when we are finished. It’s fantastic! 

Seek and Find Sticker Pad

This sticker pad is also a blast! Play seek and find for your next Breakfast Invitation or take on the go to a restaurant. We love finding the images and matching them with stickers. 

Unifix Cubes

It wouldn’t be our toy list if I didn’t toss in some essential learning toys. These unfix cubes are great for seeing a group of ten together and breaking apart to practice adding. 

Pull Wagon

Use this wagon for indoor or outdoor play. Made from 100% recycled plastic, Green Toys never disappoint!  

Stacking Boats

Need a fun little bath toy? These stacking boats float in the water and have drain holes for a rain effect—a great addition to elevate bath play without a lot of extra bulk in the tub. 

Water Bottle

What a great list of 25 toys for less than $25!