Kids and toys. Both can be expensive, usually because of the other. You would think that toys for toddlers would be cheaper than toys for older kids but that isn’t always the case. It is crazy how much toys can cost! I don’t know about you but I don’t mind paying a bit more for a quality toy that will last through more than one kid or a toy that will grow with the kid. But it’s the toys that only last for a year or so that I really just don’t want to pay too much for you.
Buying toddler toys on a budget can be a challenge and frustrating. To help take the frustration out of it for you, I have broken it down into which toddler toys are the best for different budgets. (For the purpose of this post, I am defining toddler as 14 months-2.5 years).
Toddler Toys- Under $10
Ring Stacker– Any sort of stacking toy will be a a hit with most toddlers. They love to stack and unstack.
Shape Sorter– This is like the ring stacker. Toddlers love to put things in a box and take them out. The shapes help them with their development as well as they learn how to make them fit the correct spots.
Doll/stuffed animals– This one is pretty self-explainatory. Toddlers love things they can love and snuggle. Most will start to develop an attachment to a specific one around this time.
Toy cars– There’s not much more fun that pushing cars back and forth. Make it more fun with pushing them down a slide or around other toys.
Balls– Now is the perfect time to start working more intentionally on gross motor skills, like throwing and catching. Start with rolling a ball back and forth and move up to throwing as they are ready.
Toddler Toys- Under $25
Blocks– Much like the ring stacker, this falls under the “stacking and unstacking” category. Great for learning to build and play pretend as well.
Pop Beads– These are so fun for them to make chains and necklaces. Also great for helping learn some fine motor skills.
MegaBlocks– Again, we’re back at the “stacking and unstacking” thing. MegaBlocks are great as the toddler will continue to use them for a few more years.
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Toddler Toys- Under $50
Little People playsets– These are so amazing! There are so many different ones to choose from, no matter what your toddler is into. They can mix and match and last for so long! We have the barn, dollhouse, nativity set, and Noah’s Ark. All have bit hits.
Activity cube– This is another one of those great toys that can grow with the child and be used with future children. Also great for fine motor skills and brain development. Of course, the toddler just thinks it’s fun and doesn’t realize they are learning. 😉
Music Table– This has been one of the best toys we’ve had for our children. The both loved it! Perfect for when they are just starting to stand and toddler around.
Sandbox– What says “childhood” more than playing in the sand? Make sure you look for one that has a lid. If you want a sandbox for your toddler but can’t afford one, be sure to read my post about how to make your own sandbox.
Ride on toys– Even before kids are old enough to a bike or tricycle, ride on toys can be a lot of fun for them. I like this one that can be a walk behind toy or a ride on toy. Dual purpose is always a good thing in a toy.
Toddler Toys- Splurge (Over $50)
Play kitchen– You may be surprised by how early little ones like to play pretend, especially when it comes to cooking and food. The nice thing is that even though it is a slurge item, it will last quite a long time.
Climber– These are so much fun! Even if you don’t plan on having a swing set at your house for when your child is older, I highly encourage you get a climber for your toddler.
No matter what your budget is, you can purchase some great toddler toys. If you have no budget, frankly, toddlers really like things like empty boxes and plastic bowls. Those things are also great for the imagination and pretend play so no shame in the free toys!
Leslie says
Great list! Though I hate it, the toy kitchen is a favorite for all our kids from 2 to 8. Definitely worth an investment. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Julie says
I just hate all the silverware that is part of the toy kitchen. I find that stuff everywhere! The toddler tries to put it in my dishwasher. lol