21 Cool Gifts for Kids

<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: paper-source.com</div><b>Ukulele</b> <p> Tunable, playable, pleasantly twangy-and priced just right for little kids too young to handle a grown-up instrument. <b><br></b> </p> <p> <b>To buy:</b> $30, <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Pineapples-Ukulele/3303_024/519209.html?utm_source=Thanx&utm_medium=PS%2BSearch&utm_campaign=product" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:paper-source.com." class="link rapid-noclick-resp">paper-source.com.</a><b><br></b> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> <br> </p><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html%20" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>Tube Toy</b> <p> The tube packaging becomes the body of the vehicle. Inside are wheels, axles, and decals. <br> </p> <p> <b>To buy:</b> $16, <a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay?purpose=crawl&catalogId=10451&categoryId=11593&productId=144795&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=26715&keyWord=Tube+Toy&storeId=10001" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:momastore.org" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">momastore.org</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>VW Camper Play Tent</b> <p> A van-shaped tent: Can you dig it? Fits three kids, or one nostalgic baby boomer in the fetal position. <br> </p> <p> <b>To buy:</b> $50, <a href="http://themonsterfactoryusa.com/kids-vw-tent.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:themonsterfactoryusa.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">themonsterfactoryusa.com</a>. <br> </p><b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> <br> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>My Own Mailbox</b> <p> Preschoolers can learn all about the days when "letters" existed. How quaint. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $20, <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/wooden-mailbox-toy" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:melissaanddoug.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">melissaanddoug.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>Layered Ruffle Tulle Skirt</b> <p> They're not just for dress-up or ballerinas anymore. This mesh tutu is fully lined and ready for school or holiday parties. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $30, <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=914403012" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:gap.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">gap.com</a>. <b><br></b> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:" class="link rapid-noclick-resp"><br></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>Mr. Potato Head Super Spud Toy</b> <p> Friends and 45 plug-ins stash inside 13-inch-tall papa. (Under the hat, he's a bin!) Ages two and up. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $50, <a href="http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524892939859&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374757582147&searchTerm=mr+potato+head+super+spud+toy&bmUID=1350334682918" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:kohls.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">kohls.com</a>. <br> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>Me in Mind Hero Beanie</b> <p> It's a bird! It's a plane! It's perfect for keeping your favorite superhero warm-and incognito. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $18, <a href="http://www.psychobabyonline.com/cart/7976/34818/Me-In-Mind-Hero-Beanie-Red-and-Yellow/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:psychobabyonline.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">psychobabyonline.com</a>. </p>Jens Mortensen
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>iWoody</b> <p> Pad and pencil? Think different. The modern child won't settle for anything less than genius. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $16, <a href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Pineapples-Ukulele/3303_024/519209.html?utm_source=Thanx&utm_medium=PS%2BSearch&utm_campaign=product" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:pylones-usa.com." class="link rapid-noclick-resp">pylones-usa.com.</a> </p> <p> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jens Mortensen</div><b>Shadow Puppet Theater</b> <p> If Lemony Snicket came for a holiday visit, he would bring this. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $40, <a href="http://store.imaginechildhood.com/shadowpuppettheater.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:store.imaginechildhood.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">store.imaginechildhood.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: thefutureperfect.com</div><b>Croc Pile</b> <p> These snappy guys are fun to stack, safe to chomp (they're coated in natural tung oil), and sturdy enough to survive a toddler attack. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $35, <a href="http://shop.thefutureperfect.com/croc-pile.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:thefutureperfect.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">thefutureperfect.com</a>. <br> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: pylones-usa.com</div><b>Balloon Boat</b> <p> Blow, blow, blow your boat! An inflated balloon propels this colorful vessel through waves and white caps (aka a bubble bath). Available in eight colors. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $14, <a href="http://pylones-usa.com/store/product/balloon-boat-blue-white/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:pylones-usa.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">pylones-usa.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: sfmoma.org</div><b>Water Flutes</b> <p> A bath toy that makes noise? Music to your kids' ears. Fill each flute with a different amount of water to create varying tones when you blow them. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $16, <a href="http://museumstore.sfmoma.org/instrumentsbr.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:sfmoma.org" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">sfmoma.org</a>. </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: kisanstore.com</div><b>Pink Elephant Jump Rope</b> <p> A classic toy with an unexpected twist-pink elephants for the handles to grip while she jumps. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $27.50, <a href="https://kisanstore.com/shop-online/product/316-fanfan-pink-elephant-jump-rope-vilac" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:kisanstore.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">kisanstore.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: perpetualkid.com</div><b>Toobalink Construction Set</b> <p> These genius joiners allow kids to connect empty toilet paper and paper towel tubes into fun (recyclable!) structures. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $35, <a href="http://www.perpetualkid.com/toobalink-tube-construction-set.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:perpetualkid.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">perpetualkid.com</a>. <br> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: landofnod.com</div><b>Just Say Sew Sewing Kit</b> <p> With pre-cut felt patterns, simple instructions, and colorful thread, this is the perfect starter kit for the mini do-it-yourselfer. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $32, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/just-say-sew-sewing-kit/f707" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:landofnod.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">landofnod.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: chasing-fireflies.com</div><b>Snow Stompers</b> <p> Who says Bigfoot doesn't exist? Strap these stompers to your kid's feet and let them leave monster tracks in the back yard. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $24, <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/snow-stompers/productinfo/41027" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:chasing-fireflies.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">chasing-fireflies.com</a>. <br> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: giggle.com</div><b>Jungle Bowling Set</b> <p> It's never too early to hit the bowling alley. These organic pins bring the most adorable players (lion, monkey, elephant) to your playroom lanes. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $50, <a href="http://www.giggle.com/gifts-keepsakes/baby-shower-gifts/Jungle-Bowling-Set-Organic-Cotton/MY28212,default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=giggle&q=bowling" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:giggle.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">giggle.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: restorationhardware.com</div><b>Micro-Fone</b> <p> An updated version of tin cans and string, these pocket-sized "microphones" teach kids about the physics of sound. Then they can go back to texting. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $16, <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2320224&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=search" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:restorationhardware.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">restorationhardware.com</a>. <br> </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: jcrew.com</div><b>Girls Glitter Purse</b> <p> Just enough room for her cell phone, this week's allowance, and the lipstick she stole from your bag. <br> <br> <b>To buy:</b> $39.50, <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/girls_feature/NewArrivals/jewelryaccessories/PRDOVR%7E38531/38531.jsp" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:jcrew.com" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">jcrew.com</a>. </p>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: landofnod.com</div><b>Top Secret Spy Kit</b> <p> The truly skilled spy will know he's getting this even before it's unwrapped. (Includes spy glasses, a fingerprint kit, code cards, a flashlight, and a secret marker pen.) </p> <p> <b>See More on RealSimple.com:</b> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/affordable-holidays-00100000069319/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How to Make the Holidays More Affordable" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">How to Make the Holidays More Affordable</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/new-uses-for-old-things/new-uses-christmas/gift-tags-drink-labels-00100000089064/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:New Uses for Christmas Things" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">New Uses for Christmas Things</a> <br> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/for-her/unique-gifts-for-women-00100000091027/index.html?xid=yshi-rs-gift-guide" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Gifts for Women" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">25 Unique Gifts for Women</a> </p>

One-of-a-kind ideas from our 2012 gift guide that will delight the little ones on your list.

Gifts for Kids

Gift-giving can be quite stressful when you've got Santa to compete with. We're rounded up more than 20 thrilling finds that are under $50.

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