This post is part of a week long series, 10 Best Gifts Under $15.
Each day this week, I’ll feature gifts for men, women, teen boys, teen girls and kids. (Next week I’m back to regularly scheduled programming.)
The gifts I’ve selected for these lists are things I would give (or have given) to my family and friends. I don’t gift things that aren’t useful or that I think will just be thrown into a closet and forgotten after two days.
I shop for all of my gifts on Amazon because 1) I don’t like to shop and 2) I can do it in my pjs at midnight. Also, free two day shipping with my Prime membership is a great added benefit.*
Shop Amazon – Give the Gift of Amazon Prime
*Please note that prices and availability can change quickly on Amazon. Some prices may go above the $15 range on occasion.
All links are affiliate links meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you purchase through these links.
10 Gifts for Kids Under $15
I have always tried to buy my kids gifts that would last for longer than a year, keep them busy, and offer creative and educational value.
I’ve tried to choose gifts that would work for kids of all ages, but some of these items have age ranges of 8+. Please note the suggested age prior to a purchase. Safety first!
Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium
I love this little terrarium kit! It’s educational, fun, crafty and will keep kids busy. The kit is for kids 6+ and includes everything they need to start growing plants (and decorate the terrarium). There’s just nothing better than watching a seed magically change and grow into a beautiful green plant.
Spirograph Design Tin Set
I had a Spirograph when I was a kid that kept me busy for hours! This set comes with a handy tin to store the wheels and other accessories in. This is a great, creative gift for kids 8 years and older.
Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit
The Snap Circuits price occasionally goes above $15 (keep an eye on the price each day). This is a fantastic, educational gift for kids 8 years and up. I had to include it because my kids spent hours with this set (we also had a larger set). I recently found this in my 16 year old’s closet and gave it to my 13 year old daughter – it entertained her for hours.
High Bounce Foam Pogo Hopper
Build a Bird House
Three Legged Race – Set of 4 Bands with Velcro Strap
Who doesn’t love a 3 legged race? This is the perfect family activity. The straps have a Velcro closure and stretchable elastic for quick release to help prevent injury.
HedBanz Game
Headbanz is a great game to provide entertainment and laughter for the whole family! The cards are designed for non-readers to easily play too.
The Learning Journey Kids Bank, Play Money Set
Teaching kids about money is very important and the younger we start the better. I love this play money “bank” that includes $5000 of somewhat realistic play money in several denominations (coins and bills).
Boy’s 3-Slot Tin Bank for Tithing, Mission Fund, and Fun Money
Girl’s 3-Slot Tin Bank for Tithing, Savings Fund, and Fun Money
Savings banks with slots for saving, tithing, and spending. What a great idea for teaching kids the importance of saving and giving a portion of their money!
Magnetic Farm Travel Easel Dry Erase Board Toy Kids
This magnetic travel easel will keep the kids busy at home or while traveling! It’s a three in one toy, with the magnet/dry erase side and the chalkboard side.
What’s the best (reasonably priced) gift you’ve given a child?
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Good stuff Amanda, I’ve purchased both the pogo bouncer and snap circuits for my own kids over the years! The Spirograph is a blast from the past and I used to spend a lot of time with it myself!
Thanks, Jon! Snap circuits are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten my kids! And, yes, the Spirograph is definitely a blast from the past for me…I clearly remember using it as a child.
We’ve got a spirograph, and given our nephew Snap Circuits. My favorite thing that I give my daughter each year doesn’t fit your criteria…it won’t last more than a year. However, I always try to give her a box of art supplies…paper, glitter, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, etc. because I know she’ll use them all, and I usually spend less than $15 total for a gift she really loves.
The art supplies actually are an exception to my rule. I just don’t think you can go wrong there…that’s hours of entertainment and creativity! Thanks, Emily!
I love the kids’ bank to teach them about saving! I like the other ones you included such as the circuits and art related ones…so much better than toys I see out there which involves kids staring at a electronic device. They learn so much more and get their creative juices going when they’re not staring at a screen. It’s tough though because those toys definitely hold the kids’ attention…and sometimes you need that! =)
Thanks, Andrew! It’s sometimes hard to help kids balance screen/off screen time. The electronics are so prevalent and really do provide a source of entertainment. But, I wanted to offer some choices that will entertain them off screen without costing an arm and a leg.
Oh man I remember my Spirograph and I used it so much! I think it really depends on the kid but these gifts are all great ideas. It’s kind of crazy how expensive some of the toys are…I know Legos have become very expensive with the bigger sets being over $100, but then again I think it was expensive even 20 years ago.
The Spirograph! I used my Spirograph so much when I was about 7-10! Agreed, it’s really, really hard to find toys/kids gift for a reasonable prices. Legos are super gifts but, you’re right, the sets can get pretty expensive.
Hi Amanda
good list. I like the birdhouse idea one. I remember making something similar when I as younger out of spare wood (as oppose to the kit). It hung in my parents garden for years and I don’t think a single bird ever visited 🙁
Thanks for stopping by! I think making the birdhouse out of scrap wood would be much, much more entertaining! I’ve had luck with getting birds to visit some birdhouses, but not others, and never know what their preference is.
My kids love Snap Circuits – even my little one. Such a good one. HeadBandz is a really fun one also. We are having a very “all about birds” Christmas at my house. My little one and I have fallen in love with bird watching together and we have been having such fun. There are so many wonderful gifts to choose from that are guilt-free with a hobby like that and it is a pleasure no matter how old you are or where you live.
Thanks, Linda! Love the theme! I’ve always loved bird watching. The kids were really into it a few years ago. We learned a ton about different birds when we went camping. Our bird book and online bird call apps are really handy for identification.
Hedbanz looks like that Ellen game for small children—which is awesome! You have some great ideas on here, Amanda.
Thank you!
What great options! I concur with the other commentors… My son loved Snap Circuits! You have so many other great hands on options too. I might have to rethink our gifts for nieces and nephews!
Thanks, Melanie! I love all of these gifts, but snap circuits is, hands down, my all time favorite!