Best Kids’ Toys for $20 or Less
When browsing for gifts in toy or department stores these days – perhaps especially at Christmas time – it might be easy to get the impression that “prices for toys are outrageous!” However, that is not necessarily the case. In fact, some absolutely wonderful toys that kids are raving about this year are at or less than the cost of $20!
What’s here: On this page is a “top 10” list – the best toys under $20 for the Christmas holiday months of 2017 and into 2017. Ranking for the list is based on those picks with a high level of popularity that also have overall great customer ratings. Toys for a variety of age ranges are included.
For shoppers: For each of the toys on this list, one or more online merchants have been chosen for product availability, low pricing and trusted reputation for safe and convenient shopping. Product review links have also been provided, where possible.
Additional note: At the time this page was published, we were able to locate each of the toys here for less than $20, but keep in mind that prices may vary – they may increase or decrease over time, and often will vary from merchant to merchant.
Post Updated: April 9th, 2017
What’s Here:
1. LEGO Classic Creative Bricks (10692)
2. Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
3. Mega Bloks Big Building Bag
4. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions
5. Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber
6. Hasbro Pie Face Game
7. Fisher-Price Little People See n’ Say Farmer Eddie Says
8. LEGO Minecraft The Cave (21113)
9. Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks
10. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
Top 10 Toys Under $20:
1. LEGO Classic Creative Bricks (10692)
Ages: 4 and up
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Our first pick of the top 10 toys under $20 for 2017 is the LEGO Classic Creative Bricks set.
Perhaps my all-time favorite on the list. Classic Creative Bricks are LEGO originals with a few wheels, window frames, wheel rims, and googly eyes tossed in for good measure. This is imagination and endless possibilities in a convenient LEGO-shaped box.
2. Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
Ages: 8 and up
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Holding the 2nd spot among this year’s best toys for $20 or less — Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster.
The Strongarm, perfection for backyard battles, launches 6 Elite darts at top speeds, up to 90-feet in distance. There are several firing modes, but the most popular is Slam Fire. This mode delivers one dart after another in rapid succession.
3. Mega Bloks Big Building Bag
Ages: 1-5
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A returning hit among this list of the top toys under $20 is Mega Bloks Big Building Bag.
An awesome choice for toddlers. The Big Building Bag contains 80 chunky, colorful Mega Bloks that kiddos can use to build and unleash their imagination.
Lovin’ the zippered bag because it’s reusable as storage for all of the building blocks.
4. Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions
Ages: 8 and up
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Coming up next on the list – Klutz LEGO Chain Reactions.
LEGO Chain Reactions is exactly what the name suggests. This setup is packed with essential LEGO bricks, and a few gear pieces, to create 10 moving “machines.”
The instructions manual is detailed and extensive, giving kids a lesson in reactions.
5. Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber
Ages: 4 and up
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Also managing a spot among the best toys under $20 for 2017 is the Star Wars The Force Awakens Kylo Ren Lightsaber.
I often refer to Kylo Ren as Emo Darth. Ha, ha. And, if your kiddo is feeling particularly villainous, this lightsaber is Kylo’s replica from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With the flick of the wrist, this saber extends full-length.
6. Hasbro Pie Face Game
Ages: 5 and up
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A huge hit over this past year, Hasbro Pie Face Game comes in next on the list.
The Pie Face game, a new Hasbro favorite, has made a hilarious name for itself in homes, nationwide. Grab a can of whipped cream and prepare to play a game of fortune and chance. Players place their faces into the SPLAT hole, then crank the lever to test their luck.
7. Fisher-Price Little People See n’ Say Farmer Eddie Says
Ages: 1 1/2 to 5
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Memories… Fisher-Price Little People See n’ Say Farmer Eddie Says comes in at the 7th spot among the best toys for kids at $20 or less.
Farmer Eddie is a hardworking farmhand, and he shares his knowledge of farm life and animals with kiddos who pull the lever on this See N’ Say. Give it a spin, see where it lands, and listen to a bunch of fun facts about animals. Or, sing-along to Old MacDonald.
8. LEGO Minecraft The Cave (21113)
Ages: 8 and up
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A returning favorite among inexpensive kids’ toys for 2017 and into 2017 is LEGO Minecraft The Cave.
Minecraft has become quite the craze. One the LEGO picked up on. And this setup is called The Cave—a replica of the caverns in the original game. Accessories include Steve, a zombie, and 249 bricks to build The Cave.
9. Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks
Ages: 6 mos to 3 years
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In the 9th spot on the list – Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks.
First Blocks is a Brilliant Basics must-have for babies. Includes 5 colorful shapes, a removable lid and container, and 5 cutouts. Kiddos place the shapes in the cutouts. Easy-peasy, and helps them improve their fine motor and shape sorting skills.
10. Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
Ages: 6 and up
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A massive hit over the past few years, Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit is the final pick of the 2017 top ten toys under twenty dollars.
For truly mind-blowing science, this kit is a setup of over 20 fun elements, all combining to create a bunch of awesome, science-themed projects. Adult supervision is required. Some of the projects include a test tube sunset and color-changing volcanoes.