In today’s world, education has become an integral part of our lives. Parents are continuously on the lookout for ways to ensure their child stays ahead of the curve. Educational toys are a great way to help in that pursuit.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to invest in. That’s why we’re here! We’ve created a comprehensive list of the best educational toys that you can get for under $20. Can you imagine all the learning potential you can get for such a small price?
Whether you have a preschooler who is eager to learn and explore or an older child who needs some extra help on math or science, this list has something for everyone! So let’s dive into some great educational toys that will not only engage their minds but won’t break the bank either.
List Of Best Educational Toys Under $20
Educational toys can provide valuable learning experiences for children while also being budget-friendly. Here is a list of some of the best educational toys available for under $20:
- LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
- Learning Journey: Puzzle, Educational Toys for 2 Year Old
- Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube – Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes
- VTech Touch & Teach Word Book
- Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards – Classic Toy
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magic Chemistry Set – Perform 10 Amazing Easy Tricks with Science
- Erupting Volcano Science Kit
- VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube, Purple
- Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog – 14 Pieces
- Correcting Wooden Number Puzzles With Storage Box (40 pcs)
LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book
The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is a great toy for a child who’s starting to learn to read. From interactive stories and activities to vocabulary building, this toy offers up plenty of ways to engage young minds. Here’s what you need to know about it:
Specifications:
- Brightly colored pages with more than 100 age-appropriate words
- 6 engaging categories: Animals, Food, Colors, Activities, Transportation and Everyday Words
- Touch technology lets kids explore words, sounds and definitions
PROS
- Offers up fun ways to learn concepts like rhymes and syllables as well as word recognition and spelling
- Each word is accompanied by a picture for increased understanding
- Sound effects add an extra interactive element that captivates kids
CONS
- Some of the sound effects can be too loud for younger children
- The book does not stand on its own due to its design
Learning Journey: Puzzle, Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds
The Learning Journey Puzzle is an educational toy designed specifically for 2-year-olds, providing an engaging and interactive learning experience. This puzzle features colorful and sturdy pieces that are perfect for little hands to grasp and manipulate. It offers a variety of shapes, colors, and themes that promote cognitive development, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. With its age-appropriate design and educational value, this puzzle is an excellent choice for young children.
Specifications:
- Age Range: 2 years and up
- Material: Sturdy and child-safe materials
- Dimensions: Size appropriate for 2-year-olds
- Pieces: Colorful and easy-to-handle puzzle pieces
- Themes: Multiple themes available, such as animals, shapes, numbers, and more
PROS
- Enhances cognitive skills, shape recognition, color recognition, and problem-solving abilities.
- Age-appropriate design with simple shapes, vibrant colors, and familiar themes.
- Improves hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and motor skills.
- Made from sturdy materials for durability.
- Multiple themes available for variety and expanded learning opportunities.
CONS
- Limited complexity for older children seeking more challenging puzzles.
- Theme selection may not cater to every child's specific interests, limiting customization options.
Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
Have you heard of the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube? It is a classic children’s toy that encourages problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. The cube has 12 shape blocks and an opening on the top with corresponding shapes so that the child can fit each shape through the correct one.
Specifications:
- Suitable for ages 18 months+
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 5.75 x 5.75 inches
- Made with high-quality wood construction and child-safe paints
PROS
- Educational toy that helps develop shape recognition and fine motor skills.
- Durable and well-made, designed to withstand rough play and last for a long time.
- Bright and colorful design captures children's attention and makes learning fun.
- Comes with a variety of shapes and a sturdy wooden box for easy storage.
CONS
- Some shapes may be challenging for younger children to manipulate and fit into the corresponding holes.
- The wooden box can be heavy and may cause injury if dropped on a child's foot or used as a weapon.
- Lack of a lid or cover for the box can result in shapes being easily scattered or lost
VTech Touch & Teach Word Book
Let’s take a closer look at the VTech Touch & Teach Word Book. This educational toy is best suited for children aged 3-6. It’s so much more than just a book—it features interactive touch technology and animations to help teach letters, words and numbers.
Specifications:
- Over 160 different words to learn
- Built-in level of difficulty, from easy to hard
- 4 fun game modes: Letters, Words, Spelling and Music.
PROS
- Durable design and large buttons make it easy for small hands to use effectively
- Fun animations keep kids engaged and interested in the learning process
- Different levels allow children to progress at their own pace
CONS
- Does not include all the letters of the alphabet (only A-Z)
- The music game does not have any lyrics associated with it
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
Looking for a great educational toy that won’t break the bank? Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards are the way to go.
Specifications:
These wooden blocks come with 12 double-sided boards and 60 colorful pattern blocks, which kids can use to recreate or copy a design located on one of the boards. It’s an excellent way to help children learn shapes and colors, while strengthening their hand-eye coordination and problem solving skills.
PROS
- Durable wooden construction for long-lasting use.
- Old-school charm adds to the appeal.
- Convenient storage case for easy cleanup.
CONS
- Blocks do not interlock or stack together.
- Not suitable for small children due to size and choking hazards.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magic Chemistry Set
The fifth best educational toy under $20 is the National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set. A perfect choice for older kids, this science set helps to cultivate an appreciation for chemistry and encourages exploration.
The National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set is an educational and interactive chemistry set designed for children and young aspiring scientists. It aims to make learning about chemistry exciting and accessible through a variety of hands-on experiments and activities.
Specifications:
The National Geographic Magic Chemistry Set provides an engaging way for children to explore the wonders of chemistry through safe and supervised experiments.
The set includes a comprehensive range of chemicals, lab equipment, and a detailed instruction booklet. With the help of this set, children can conduct various experiments, create colorful reactions, and observe fascinating chemical phenomena.
The set is designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
PROS
- Offers hands-on learning for children to explore and understand chemistry concepts.
- Exciting experiments keep children entertained while they learn.
- Ensures appropriate chemicals and equipment for children, complying with safety standards.
- Provides a wide range of chemicals and equipment for various experiments.
- Clear guidelines help children follow steps and understand experiments.
CONS
- May not include advanced or specialized chemicals.
- Adult supervision necessary for safety and proper handling.
- Some experiments are limited by specific chemicals provided.
Erupting Volcano Science Kit
The Erupting Volcano Science Kit is an engaging and educational kit that allows children to create their own volcanic eruptions. It provides a hands-on learning experience about geology, volcanic activity, and chemical reactions.
The kit typically includes a volcano model, safe chemicals, and detailed instructions for creating realistic volcanic eruptions. Through this interactive experiment, children can learn about the science behind volcanic eruptions and gain a deeper understanding of geological processes.
Specifications:
- Volcano Model: A model designed to resemble a volcano, often made from durable materials.
- Chemicals: Safe and non-toxic chemicals specifically formulated to create the erupting effect.
- Instruction Manual: Detailed instructions guiding children through the process of creating volcanic eruptions.
PROS
- Practical and interactive learning about geology, volcanic activity, and chemical reactions.
- Promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry.
- Creates realistic volcanic eruptions, enhancing understanding of geological processes.
- Provides non-toxic chemicals for supervised use.
- First Hand experience of scientific principles.
CONS
- Chemicals may not be easily replenished, limiting eruptions.
- Requires additional effort due to the mess created by erupting materials.
VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube, Purple
The VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube in Purple is an interactive and engaging toy designed for young children. It features various activities and educational elements to stimulate learning and development. This cube is designed with bright colors, buttons, lights, and sounds. It is best to capture children’s attention and keep them entertained. With this, it also promotes essential skills such as fine motor skills, shape recognition, and sensory exploration. With its vibrant design and interactive features, the VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube provides a fun and educational playtime experience for children.
Specifications:
- Color: Purple
- Features: Multiple activities, buttons, lights, and sounds
- Skills Development: Fine motor skills, shape recognition, sensory exploration
- Age Range: Suitable for young children
PROS
- Engages children with activities, buttons, lights, and sounds for active learning and sensory stimulation.
- Enhances fine motor skills and shape recognition through manipulation of buttons and exploration of shapes and textures.
- Promotes problem-solving abilities and shape recognition through interactive play.
- Keeps children entertained with vibrant colors and stimulating features.
- Designed with child safety in mind, providing a sturdy and durable toy.
CONS
- Limited variety of activities may restrict play options.
- Sound volume may not be adjustable, which may not suit those who prefer quieter play environments.
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
If you’re looking for a fun way to get your little one moving and learning at the same time, look no further than Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog. It’s a great learning toy, but it’s also very affordable—it comes in under that $20 mark!
No matter what age your child is—ages 2+—they will have a blast with Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog. It’s designed to help promote color recognition, matching, sorting and early motor skills development.
Specifications:
- Includes: 1 Hedgehog base and 24 quills (in 6 colors & 4 shapes)
- Dimensions: 7”L x 5”W x 4½”H
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Appropriate for children ages 2+
PROS
- Colorful design helps develop color recognition, fine motor skills and sorting.
- Helps kids learn shapes and colors as they play with Spike the Hedgehog.
- Each quill has its own unique texture for added tactile exploration experience.
CONS
- Pretty basic for older children.
Correcting Wooden Number Puzzles (40 pcs)
The Wooden Number Puzzles set is a delightful educational toy designed to help children learn and recognize numbers. This set includes 40 wooden puzzle pieces featuring numbers from 1 to 10, each with a corresponding picture representation. The puzzle pieces are made of high-quality wood, ensuring durability and longevity.
The bright and colorful designs make the puzzles visually appealing and engaging for young learners. Children can practice their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities as they assemble the puzzles and match the numbers with their corresponding pictures. With the Wooden Number Puzzles, children can have fun while developing their numerical skills and cognitive abilities.
Specifications:
- Puzzle Type: Wooden number puzzles
- Number of Pieces: 40
- Numbers Included: 1 to 10
- Material: High-quality wood
- Dimensions: Not specified
PROS
- Educational and interactive learning of numbers.
- Promotes problem-solving and numerical comprehension.
- Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Visually appealing and engaging design.
CONS
- May require adult supervision for younger children to prevent swallowing of small pieces.
- Lack of specified dimensions.
- Limited to numbers 1 to 10, may not cover higher numbers or advanced concepts.
Things To Keep In Mind While Selecting The Best Educational Toys Under 20$
When choosing the optimal educational toys within a $20 budget, it is important to consider the following factors:
Age: Ensure that the toys are suitable for the child’s age and developmental stage as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Learning Objectives: Determine the specific educational goals you want to address, such as fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, literacy development, or the introduction of STEM concepts.
Quality and Durability: Assess the overall quality and durability of the toys to ensure they can withstand regular play and usage.
Safety Considerations: Prioritize toys that meet safety standards, are free from potential hazards, and have no small parts that could pose a choking risk.
Engaging and Interactive: Look for toys that are engaging and interactive, capturing the child’s interest and encouraging active participation in the learning process.
Versatility and Replay Value: Consider toys that offer versatility in play and have replay value, allowing for continued engagement and different learning experiences over time.
Reviews and Recommendations: Take into account reviews and recommendations from other parents, caregivers, or educational experts to gain insights into the toy’s educational value and overall satisfaction.
Price Comparison: Compare prices across different retailers or online platforms to ensure you are getting the best value for your budget.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select educational toys under $20 that align with your child’s developmental needs and provide enriching learning experiences.
Conclusion
All in all, you don’t have to spend a fortune to give your kids educational toys. From puzzles to building sets, there’s a wide selection of affordable toys that can help your children learn and have fun. Whether you’re looking to spark your child’s creativity or help them develop fine motor skills, you’ll find great options for under $20. So shop around and find the perfect educational toys that fit your budget and your kid’s interests.
