Gifts for Kids Under $50: 15 Ideas (Ages 3–7)

In short: You don't need a big budget for a gift kids 3–7 will love. Under $50 you can get a personalized book where the child is the hero (from $34.90, free US shipping), a quality board game, a craft or science kit, a beginner instrument, a dress-up set or an experience for two. Under $15, think stickers, bath crayons, a puzzle or a picture book.

The best gifts for young children are rarely the most expensive. Here are 15 ideas sorted by budget – all of them things kids actually play with, read or do.

Under $15

• A picture book – a classic they don't own yet.
• Bath crayons or color tablets.
• A 24–48 piece puzzle of their favorite animals.
• Sticker books or reusable sticker scenes.
• Play dough with cutters.
• The e-book edition of a personalized book ($12.99) – sent by email, your child as the hero.

$15–30

• A first cooperative board game – no losers, no tears.
• A craft kit – beads, pom-poms, a birdhouse to paint.
• A doctor kit or tool set for pretend play.
• A flashlight and a night-sky book – backyard stargazing.
• Seed packets and a mini watering can – a windowsill garden.

$30–50

• A personalized book where they are the hero – paperback $34.90 or hardcover $44.90, free US shipping (more below).
• A beginner science kit.
• A dress-up set – cape, crown, firefighter hat.
• An experience for two – zoo, aquarium or children's museum tickets.

Under $50 and made only for them

A personalized book is the one gift under $50 nobody else can give: your child is illustrated from one photo, with their name on every page, and you add a dedication. You see a free cover preview before you pay.

• Lights Up the Night – a magical bedtime adventure.
• The Empty Soup – cooking and tasting vegetables with Grandma.
• The Very Big Carrot – a garden adventure.

Buying for two kids? Your second printed book is 25% off – two paperbacks come to $60.58 together.

More: stocking stuffers · gifts for kids who have everything · unique personalized gifts for kids

Questions parents ask

What is a good gift for a kid under $50?

A personalized book (from $34.90 with free shipping), a quality board game, a craft or science kit, a dress-up set or an experience for two.

What is a good gift for a kid under $20?

A picture book, a puzzle, bath crayons, a craft kit – or the e-book edition of a personalized book ($12.99).

Does the personalized book price include shipping?

Yes. Shipping within the US is free on every order.