Want to get great toys for kids on your list this holiday without breaking the bank? Toy Insider Senior Ali Mierzejewski stopped by Better Connecticut to show off toys that offer huge fun on a small budget. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for a full rundown of the best toys of the year, check out our complete holiday toy guide.


FatBrainToys.SpinAgainSpinAgain (Fat Brain Toys)

  • It’s a stacking toy with a spin—literally!
  • Drop the vibrant discs onto the threaded corkscrew pole and go ooooh as they spin fast and smooth to settle onto the reversible base.
  • Choosing how to set the base is half the fun for your toddler. Pick either the wobble base or turn it over for a solid seat.
  • Each disc is dual-colored, and from largest to smallest, they form a dynamic rainbow utilizing fun shades like magenta, lime, and teal, and your more traditional shades of lemon, red, and sky blue. The star-like discs alternate between daisy style and star-burst shapes, too.
  • Made of coated plastic that’s pleasant to touch, the discs are solid and BPA free.
  • This visually stimulating toy will keep your little ones enthralled as they practice their hand-eye coordination and baby engineering skills!
  • Ages: 1-3
  • MSRP: $29.95
  • Available: fatbraintoys.com

crayola-mess-free-sand-scribbler-crayolaMy First Crayola Mess Free Sand Scribbler (Crayola)

  • My First Crayola Sand Scribbler lets your little one draw in the sand wherever you go!
  • Place the magnetic easy-grip stylus over the metal peg under the clear board and let your toddlers scribble away.
  • Just shake to erase and start again.
  • The background lights up in 12 different colors.
  • Ages: 12+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart

squinkies-do-drops-squinkieville-clubhouse-playset-blipSquinkies ‘Do Drops Squinkieville Clubhouse Playset (Blip)

  • Tiny, adorable Squinkies live in the land of Squinkieville, where there are always fun adventures to be had! Dress up Squinkies with brand new Squinkies ‘Do Drops!
  • These collectibles can relax in the game room, snack in the Squinkie Cafe, spin on the lookout, chill on the swing, or peek into the hidden compartment!
  • The playset also comes with three exclusive Squinkies and an exclusive ‘Do for them to wear.
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us

xshot-bug-attack-eliminator-2-predator-tk-3-combo-zuruXShot Bug Attack Eliminator & 2 Predator TK-3 Combo (Zuru)

  • Creepy, crawley bugs have invaded and only XShot Bug Attack can blast them with total accuracy!
  • This combo pack allows for precision blasting with the Eliminator, and stealth attacks with the 2 Predator TK-3 blasters
  • Both items fire the aerodynamic arrows up to 55 feet
  • The combo set includes 1 Eliminator blaster, 2 Predator TK-3 blasters, 5 Creepeez Bug targets and 24 darts.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us

cyklone360_maisto-international1Cyklone360 (Maisto)

  • With wheels that twist and turn, the Cyklone360 is an action-packed radio-controlled motorcycle.
  • This futuristic style bike has amazing spinning action including 360 degree turns that the kids can control with a pistol-grip controller.
  • The rear wheels twist and turn and the LED light changes color while driving.
  • Ages: 8+
  • $19.99
  • Available: Amazon, Toys “R” Us

lil-lockitz-rockstar-setAlex Toys Lil Lockitz Rock Star Set (Alex Brands)

  • Lil’ Lockitz supplies kids with beads, sparkles, and charms to design a wearable collage that tells a story. Lil Lockitz can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or even a key chain!
  • Memory Maker is a super deluxe design studio for creating Lockitz. With 11 covered compartments there’s room to organize and store all of your charms and locket pieces.
  • Choose the locket you want to make, fill it with the perfect colors and pieces, lock it, and with a turn of the knob, the lights and music infuse the locket with your personal story.
  • The set comes with everything kids need to make 10 Lockitz, including Memory Studio with Locket Display (3 pc), 10 Locket Tops, 10 Locket Backs, 4 Necklaces, 3 Bracelets, 3 Keychain Clasps, 40 Charms, 30 Gems, 16 Backgrounds, Tweezers, and a Photo Stencil.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $29.99
  • Available at Toys “R” Us

vex-robotics-zip-flyer-by-hexbug_hexbugVEX Robotics Zip Flyer (Hexbug)

  • Ready? Set. Take to the sky! Introducing the VEX Robotics Zip Flyer, a re-envisioned take on airborne adventures.
  • This robotic gadget is capable of shooting propellers over 30 feet in the air.
  • Pull the zip-cord stick to release, the faster you pull, the higher they’ll go.
  • The excitement doesn’t stop there, the VEX Robotics Zip Flyer can be built for both handheld and tabletop action; two ways to build, two ways to launch.
  • Once it’s up and running, this model is fun for hours. Includes 3 propeller flyers.
  • Challenge yourself and your friends, how far can you make your propellers travel?
  • Ages: 14+
  • MSRP: $12.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys R Us

About the author

Hannah Sacks

Hannah Sacks

Hannah Sacks was an editorial assistant at The Toy Insider, The Pop Insider, and The Toy Book. An avid reader, her first love is late Victorian literature paired with a huge plate of dumplings. When she’s not reading, she loves to attend concerts, cook elaborate dinners, and snuggle up with her two cats, Oscar and Percy.

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