Top Toys for $10 or Less

It can be a struggle to find affordable toys that aren't, well, lame. And since we always need stocking stuffers (and toys for household bribery!), here are some terrific toys you can get for 10 bucks or less:

Rory's Story Cubes

Just roll these nine picture dice and tell a story about what you see-a great way to expand kids' creativity (even for non-readers!), storytelling and sequencing skills. Hint: We keep it in the glove box so we're never stuck waiting for a table with nothing to do. Got an iPhone? You can even download an app version of this cool game.

Toy Story 3 Character Flashlights

Kids love flashlights. Kids love Toy Story 3 characters. Why not shine a light on both their loves? When they squeeze Rex's tail, his mouth opens and he lights the way into the darkest blanket fort or play tunnel. Also effective for curfew-busting reading time and stuffed-animal tonsil exams.

Check out our ultimate
Gift Guide.

Gund Hide and Seek Reversible Dinosaurs

Gund's got some of the most adorable (um ... we mean ... fearsome and terrifying) dinosaur toys for little ones! The Hide and Seek Reversible Dinosaurs start as a corduroy egg, then flip inside out to hatch a little dinosaur baby. So sweet it's scary!

Tell Me A Story Cards

This pack of 36 story cards promotes literacy and creative storytelling-and not in a "the dog ate my homework" way! It includes instructions for lots of different activities and games. Great for travel!

Get great travel tips here.

The World Is Your Puzzle

How did they get a 100-piece puzzle of the entire world into a package the size of a bag of chips? We have no idea, but its compact size and colorful, educational graphics are all that... and a bag of chips.

Crayon Rocks

These pebble-shaped crayons might just inspire Zen-like artistic creations from your kids. The bonus? No points to break off (and they're made with eco-friendly materials like Kosher soy wax, bees wax and natural minerals).

Check out our best toys list.

Create a Face Pad

This cool art pad provides the faces, allowing your kid to draw in the features, hair and accessories. How artfully convenient!

Go see the whole Top Toys for $10 for less list.


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