Quality doesn't have to break the bank. We scoured major toy conventions and tested loads of products to find the best toys under $25. Check out our fully independent picks.
Walkie Talkies
Educational Insights
Why We Love It
Adventure calls! Super easy to use. One button lets both users talk at the same time. Rubber grips perfect for little hands. Solid range. Bonus sound effects!
Seacopter
Green Toys
Why We Love It
This seacopter sticks the landing with its oversized pontoons. Cute bear pilot increases pretend play possibilities. Dishwasher safe. Made from recycled materials.
Outfoxed!
Gamewright
Why We Love It
A cooperative whodunit with a cool clue decor. Crack the case of the stolen potpie before the guilty fox escapes. Builds deductive reasoning and teamwork.
Make-a-Cake Mixer Set
Melissa & Doug
Why We Love It
Cute mixer comes with recipe and ingredients. Items are primarily wood and very durable. Encourages pretend play.
Solid Tempera Paint
The Pencil Grip
Why We Love It
No water. No brushes. No mess! Little artists can't paint quite as precisely as they could with a thinner tip, but paint sticks have vibrant colors. Fast drying to boot.
Sleeping Queens
Gamewright
Why We Love It
Delightful card game with comical characters (Pancake Queen, anyone?). Builds basic strategy and has an excellent math component. One of the most engaging games on the market.
Ghost Hunters
Smart Games
Why We Love It
Boo! Position the flashlights correctly to shine a light on the ghosts hiding in the haunted mansion. Builds problem solving and spatial reasoning. Includes 60 challenges.
T-Ball Set
Little Tikes
Why We Love It
A home run! Spark littles' interest in America's pastime with this starter t-ball set. Encourages physical activity and motor skills. Adjustable height.
Double Shutter
Blue Orange Games
Why We Love It
Addictive addition game that challenges players to generate equations each turn. Works as a travel game and has a solitaire variation.
Wooden Block Puzzle
Cubbie Lee Toys
Why We Love It
A two-step puzzle that builds problem solving and spatial reasoning. Orient blocks in the right direction then arrange. Nine blocks from six different pictures.
Colors & Shapes Game
HABA
Why We Love It
Adorable first game builds color and shape recognition. Quick game with several play options.
Sum Swamp Game
Learning Resources
Why We Love It
Practice basic addition and subtraction as players race to exit the swamp. Sneaky way to incorporate math into gameplay.
Sticky Mosaics Jungle
The Orb Factory
Why We Love It
Follow the legend to create four sparkly projects. Nice quality paper stock. Builds dexterity.
Playground Ball
Franklin
Why We Love It
Easy grip ball with textured rubber surface. Durable, lightweight, and bouncy. Perfect for kickball.
Owl Pal Pillow Craft
The Orb Factory
Why We Love It
Use a stylus to punch fabric into pillow according to a numbered legend. Results in an adorable craft.
Watering Can
Melissa & Doug
Why We Love It
Great lightweight watering can. Water the gravel, a flower, the sand, or maybe even (if feeling mischievous) a sibling.
Sidewalk Chalk
Crayola
Why We Love It
Unleash little artist with this vibrant, washable sidewalk chalk and watch the driveway turn into a masterpiece. 24 colors. Non-circular shape prevents pieces from rolling away.
Nesting Sand Pails
Melissa & Doug
Why We Love It
Colorful nesting pails have sea creature molds on their bottoms for extra building fun. Add numbers into the conversation by counting the creatures on each pail.
Calico Critters Ship
Epoch
Why We Love It
The Calico Critters are off to sea! Kids' imaginations set sail on this adventure. Ship includes slide, climbing rope ladder, and other accessories. Make sure to add critters!
Cloud Hoppers
Logic Roots
Why We Love It
Engaging game concept plus loads of addition and subtraction practice.
Clumsy Thief
Melon Rind
Why We Love It
Hilarious premise captures kiddos' imaginations. Excellent practice recognizing numbers that add up to 20.
Lobster Claw Catcher
Melissa & Doug
Why We Love It
Quick! Catch the fish before they sink using the lobster claw catcher. Includes suggested games.
Dinosaur Eggs
MindWare
Why We Love It
Calling all paleontologists! Littles "excavate" a dinosaur from a clay egg using a chisel. Nurture a love for science with this excellent group activity. 12 eggs in the set.
Pro & Sprint Ring Set
Aerobie
Why We Love It
Soft rubber edges for little hands. Easy to handle, flies straight, and flies far! Includes 10- and 13-inch rings. (Note: Set comes in various, non-specified colors.)
Kids Gardening Tools
ROCA Home
Why We Love It
Get little horticulturalists down in the dirt with this starter set of gardening tools. Sturdy pieces. Nice carry bag. Let's start planting!
Turtle Pool Game
Melissa & Doug
Why We Love It
Eggs contain numbered turtles. Dive for color or number matches. Also works for pool or beach pretend play. Includes game suggestions.
Camelot Jr.
Smart Games
Why We Love It
Arrange pieces to unite the princess and the knight. 48 challenges of varying difficulty. Builds spatial reasoning.
Sequence Num6ers
Jax
Why We Love It
A fun strategy game that hits a home run on math practice. Kiddos solve multiple math problems each turn while strategizing to out-maneuver their opponent.
SquiDivers
SwimWays
Why We Love It
Soft dive toys encourage little swimmers to practice those kicks. Bright colors keep them noticeable. Includes point values for additional game play.
Mole Rats in Space
Peaceable Kingdom
Why We Love It
Players work together to retrieve equipment and make it to the escape pod before the snakes attack! Great strategy game that encourages teamwork.
Three Little Piggies
Smart Games
Why We Love It
Arrange puzzle pieces so piggies can play outside (or get them indoors if the wolf is coming!). Beautiful components. Promotes spatial reasoning. 48 challenges.
Zoo Backpacks
Skip Hop
Why We Love It
Get those first school days off to a dino-tastic start with this adorable, durable backpack. Also a great accessory for pretend play.
Ferry Boat & Cars
Green Toys
Why We Love It
Ferry and cars set opens up bath time pretend play possibilities. Dishwasher safe. Made from 100% recycled materials.