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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.

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