Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski joined Parents magazine Contributing Editor Brianne Manz to show off some of the best toys for holiday shoppers on a budget. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best toys of the holiday season, be sure to check our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.

JUNKBOTS

Dig through junk to reveal hidden treasures and clues /to build one of 36 collectibles. Mix and match pieces to customize your own characters. Animate the bots with a motor or dynamic vibrations and a light-up energy core.r

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99; $25.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 3+

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RAVEL TALES

Unwind this yarn ball to uncover 12 surprises, including a collectible plush pet and materials for DIY activities. Kids can create braided charm bracelets, a pet collar, a pillow pet bed, and more.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-$12.99; $14.99 CAD
  • Age:
  • 5+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

CATS VS. PICKLES

Kids can collect more than 40 styles of plush beanie cats — including foodie cats, sweet cats, scary cats, and more — alongside four uniquely designed, super-rare pickles. They can also download the free companion app for more fun. Kids can collect more than 40 styles of plush beanie cats — including foodie cats, sweet…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $4.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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