The Best Christmas Gifts for Toddlers and Preschoolers (All Under $50!)
Discover the best Christmas gifts for toddlers and preschoolers under $50. Mom-approved, gender-neutral ideas your kids will actually play with all year long.
If you’ve ever stood in the toy aisle (or scrolled Amazon at midnight) wondering “What do toddlers and preschoolers actually play with for more than 5 minutes?”, I’ve got you.
Hi! I’m Siobhán, a mom of three, certified postpartum doula, founder of Mimosas & Motherhood®, and someone who has spent the last decade testing, reviewing and sharing kid essentials with millions of parents online. I’ve bought a lot of toys… and I’ve also donated a lot of toys that my kids didn’t touch twice.
This list? These are the toys that my kids actually play with, day after day, the gifts other parents tell me were hits, and the budget-friendly picks that make holiday shopping easier.
All gender-neutral. All under $50. All mom-tested, toddler-approved.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Under $50)
Here are the top 10 toys I recommend every year, chosen because they’re affordable, screen-free, durable, and kid-approved. If you want gifts they’ll truly love (and play with long after Christmas), start with these.
I know how overwhelming holiday shopping can feel, so I pulled all of these gifts together in one easy place for you here. Just click through, skim, and grab what you need.
- Magnetic Tile Set
- Why it’s a hit: Open-ended play, great for fine motor skills, and they’ll use these for years. My 7 year old is still playing with these, and we also discovered they can be incorporated into tons of other play ideas (like Lego sets, stick to the metal garage door etc).
- Parent bonus: Quiet, screen-free, mess-free fun and lots of room for imaginative play.
- Sensory Play Kit (Ready-Made or DIY Style) & Play Doh Sets
- Why it’s a hit: Sensory play helps with brain development, calming skills, and creativity. There are lots of themed bins, like winter, construction, unicorn, animals, etc.
- Parent bonus: Keeps kids busy for 30–45 minutes, minimum. Excellent for independent play, endless ideas for kids to create, fun for a wide range of ages .
- Water Drawing Mat
- Why it’s a hit: Zero mess. Zero. Let them scribble, stomp, draw, and splash with a water “pen.”
- Parent bonus: No cleanup, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for little artists.
- Reusable Sticker Books
- Why it’s a hit: Toddlers love stickers, and parents love not peeling 300 off the floor.
- Parent bonus: Portable for restaurants, road trips, or waiting rooms.
- Duplo Blocks
- Why it’s a hit: Pretend play + endless ways to create. Duplos are the perfect size for little hands, and a great way to work on fine motor skills, too!
- Parent bonus: Excellent for independent play, tons of different sets to choose from, and one of the hands down most popular options for all kids, no matter their interests.
- Play Tunnel & Pop-Up Tent Set
- Why it’s a hit: Kids LOVE having their own little hideout. My 3 year old has one in his bedroom and wakes up early nearly every day to play in it with his stuffies.
- Parent bonus: Folds flat to store. Indoor or outdoor use.
- Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Set and General Food Sets
- Why it’s a hit: Satisfying “slice” sound, pretend meal play, and great for kitchen helpers.
- Parent bonus: Works beautifully for lots of different pretend play set ups, and pair well with any play kitchen setup, too.
- Flexible Track Set
- Why it’s a hit: These sets are amazing! Kids can put together the different tracks themselves, creating multiple different designs and combinations.
- Parent bonus: Extends the attention span of kids who usually grow tired quickly of traditional cars.
- Toddler Tool Set or Play Fix-It Kit
- Why it’s a hit: Builds confidence and supports pretend play.
- Parent bonus: Kids stay busy “fixing” everything while you actually get things done. If your child loves fixing things, you might also want to consider a play tool bench, too.
- Cute Dress Up Sets
- Why it’s a hit: Practical AND adorable, and easy for kids to put on and off themselves.
- Parent bonus: Perfect for making up lots and lots of adventures on their own.
BONUS: 5 Splurge-Worthy Christmas Gifts Worth Every Penny
These Christmas gift ideas for toddlers and preschoolers aren’t under $50 but are incredible long-term investments.
- Pikler Triangle (Climbing Triangle)
Amazing for gross motor development. It’s like a jungle gym at home, and kids can use it outside or inside! - Balance Bike
Teaches balance, confidence, and coordination long before they’re ready for pedals. Research shows it’s one of the best ways to get them ready for the real thing. - Nugget-Style Play Couch
Endless play setups: forts, slides, ramps, reading nook, crash pad. We have the name brand one, but there are multiple less expensive versions out there as well. - Play Kitchen or Tool Bench
A classic for a reason! Kids use it from toddlerhood through early elementary. My kids were obsessed with theirs; we have a wooden play kitchen inside and a plastic tool bench outside. Having one outside has helped with keeping them entertained for longer on their own in the fresh air as well. - Water Table
If you want one splurge toy that truly grows with your child, this is it. Your child can enjoy their water table in more than just the summer months! We use ours year round as a platform for sensory play, and it’s a must have for summer activities.
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- Christmas Party Games Left Right Story (Free Printables!)
- DIY Christmas Crafts for Toddlers
Why This Gift Guide Works
Parents in our Mimosas & Motherhood® community tell me the same thing every year: “I just want gifts my kids will actually use.”
This list avoids the noisy, flashy toys that get tossed aside after the holidays and focuses on:
✔️ Developmentally supportive toys
✔️ Open-ended play
✔️ Long-lasting quality
✔️ Gender-neutral picks
✔️ Budget-friendly options
✔️ Tested and loved by real families
Whether you’re shopping for your own little one, a grandchild, a friend’s kiddo, or a classroom gift exchange, you truly cannot go wrong with this list.
Final Thoughts on this Christmas Gift Guide for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Christmas for toddlers and preschoolers is magical, and honestly, you don’t need dozens of toys to make it special. A few well-chosen, kid-approved favorites can spark hours of imagination, giggles, and sweet moments you’ll remember long after the holidays.
Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!
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