The inexpensive toys for preschoolers age 3 and up listed below offer creative, well-constructed alternatives to plug-in or battery powered gizmos. Also, all of these toys are available online, although shipping costs will boost most items over the $10 limit.
Rainbow Streamer Inexpensive Xmas Gift
The silk, rainbow-colored streamer on this wooden wand from Novanatural.com (see photo below) floats through the air behind a running child, or even serves as a fairy wand or king’s scepter. Careful: a pet cat may adopt the toy as his or her own. The wand is 18-1/4 inches long and the streamer is 8’8” long. Price: $7.90. Shipping is $5.90.
Crayon Rocks Christmas Present for Kids
These Crayon Rocks from Magiccabin.com look like beautiful precious stones, but are actually non-toxic, soy wax crayons (refer to the photo below). Sixteen colorful rock crayons come in a velvet pouch. These chunky crayons are perfect for little fingers. Price: $7.98. Shipping is $5.99.
Melissa and Doug Pirate Puzzle for Preschoolers
The nearly indestructible wooden puzzles from toy company Melissa & Doug range from simple structures for toddlers to more advanced 48-piece jigsaws for older preschoolers. The Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden 48-Piece Jigsaw Pirate Puzzle sold through Amazon.com and pictured below is crafted by hand and features a colorful pirate ship and sea creatures. Price: $9.53. Shipping for the item varies, but is free with a total Amazon order of more than $25.
Jingle Bells Musical Toy for Kids
Perfect for Christmas and any time of the year, the Jingle Bells hand held shaker from Leaps and Bounds sports a dozen bells on a gaily painted wooden rod. Kids learn rhythm, timing and coordination with this easy-to-play instrument. Price: $9.95. Shipping is $5.75.
Handmade Felt Food Toys
A cornucopia of delicious-looking play food awaits at bugbitesplayfood’s Etsy store. Becca, the clever crafting mom behind the felt food toys (such as the apple and milk carton pictured below) says she makes all of her items by hand with double and triple stitching for increased durability. Among the fun felt offerings: a stuffed turkey, sushi rolls, and a pita sandwich. Prices vary, as does shipping.
Choose Imaginative Toys, Save Money
Classic, well-made, battery-free toys like those listed above require nothing to power them but a child’s imagination. Choose sturdy wooden toys over their plastic counterparts and pass down these items to siblings or even to the next generation. Big wooden blocks, sturdily constructed fabric or wooden pretend food, and kid-sized musical shakers never go out of style.
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