From brain-boosting puzzle games to light-up twists on classic toys, these gift ideas for kids and teens are all under $20.
CIRCLE OF LOGIC
Take on 120 logic and problem-solving challenges for beginners and experts in this portable puzzle and logic game for ages 14 and up that comes with a carry case. Progress through beginner to expert levels in each challenge. IQ Circle, SmartGames, $19.99, amazon.com
LITTLE CHEFS
Kids can cook make-believe meals with this color-changing 27-piece stovetop set. Just add water to watch veggies and proteins transform from frozen to cooked. Toddlers and preschoolers can pretend to simmer mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli, sauté chicken, shrimp, and beans, and steam double-sided disks of rice, soup, spaghetti, and mac and cheese. Melissa & Doug Water WOW! Sauté & Serve Play Set, $14.99, target.com
STACK ATTACK
This family game for ages 6 and up has one simple goal: don’t let your capybaras creatures come crashing down. Roll the die and balance that same number of cute critters on a wobbly tree. Steady hands win each round in this game designed to build focus and patience. Creature Crash, Relatable. $8.54, amazon.com
SLIME REIMAGINED
Kids can pick one of 13 collectible slimes (each with its own scent and texture) then mix, scent, and style their creation. There are surprise charms and figurines to customize each batch for sensory, hands-on play. Each box comes with a surprise figurines kids can collect. Gui Gui Scented Slime (1-Pack), $9.97, walmart.com
SPEEDY WORD FUN
In this mini and easily portable version of the hit word family game, players pick a category, shout a word that fits, tap its starting letter, and pass the wheel before the timer buzzes. The fast-paced game comes with 36 category cards that fit in its tactile pop wheel. Tapple Mini, $9.97, amazon.com
MOO-VING at TORNADO SPEED
This fast-paced, tetherball-style game has players spinning a storm cloud to launch a flying cow. Kids use “lightning paddles” to battle the storm in a test of timing and reflexes. Cownado, Moose Games. $14.97, walmart.com
LIGHT IT UP
The classic Rubik’s Cube gets a high-tech and more challenging twist with a version that starts as a mirrored cube and lights up to reveal its colors for just one minute at a time. Players race to solve it before the lights fade. Rubik’s Pulse Cube, $12.83, amazon.com
IT’S A MATCH
A cross between Scrabble and Dominoes, this easy-to-learn game has players take turns building rows of tiles by matching colors or shapes (no duplicates allowed). Create a six-tile line and you’ll score a a coveted Qwirkle!, $12.48 (sale price), mindware.com
IT’S A STRETCH
Twist, pull, and knot this 7-inch classic Stretch Armstrong figure that always snaps back for more squishy, nostalgic fun. Stretch Armstrong Action Figure, Basic Fun. $14.99, amazon.com
TACTILE PLAY
This interactive board has three double-sided panels with buttons, gears, and textured surfaces for toddlers to flip, press, and spin for sensory play that builds fine motor skills. Flip & Fun Sensory Board, Playskool. $13.97, walmart.com
GRINCH GAME NIGHT
This game challenges players to flip cards without revealing the same number twice. With only one 1, two 2s, three 3s, every flip raises the stakes. Special cards can boost your score, give you a second chance, or freeze an opponent. This Grinch Edition of the game is sold exclusively at Walmart and is packed with cards inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Flip 7: The Grinch Edition, $7.97, walmart.com
CLICKABLE COLLECTIBLES
This five-pack of fidget toys comes with character keycaps that click like a mechanical keyboard. There are more 70 designs to collect with cute themes like Cozy Garden, Strawberry Treats, and Celestial Sky. Clickeez 5-Pack, Goliath. $10.99, amazon.com
STORYTIME COMPANIONS
Kids can bring their favorite Disney characters to life with these mini figures that each come with a tiny 40-page illustrated storybook inside. The line includes Stitch, Moana, Elsa, and Simba. Booksy: The Disney Edition, $9.97, walmart.com
DIY ARTSY BEARS
These posable, paintable bears start life as blank canvases that you transform into unique works of art by layering, swirling, and dripping paint to create marbled designs. No two bears ever turn out the same. Pour PalZ Large Paint Bear, $7.99, target.com
MAGNETIC FUN
Place the hamster in its magnetic ball and watch it roll down around twists and turns of a track kids build. The set includes a slide attachment, accessories, and fence pieces for play that works with other MAGNA-TILES sets. MAGNA-TILES® Hamster Ball 13-Piece Set, $17.99, amazon.com
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