There’s nothing quite like watching your children tear open a present and find exactly what they hoped for.
But the most-coveted toys can be pricey. A $149 Paw Patrol fire truck or a $179 Barbie DreamHouse probably won’t fit in tight holiday budgets.
A National Retail Federation consumer report estimates shoppers will spend about $637.67 on gifts this season, but you can spend far less — significantly less— and still get cool, on-trend toys without opting for cheap knockoffs.
We examined the hottest toy picks from three major retailers — Walmart, Target and Kmart — and identified 16 popular gifts that ring in under $30.
Using those retailers’ selections and a $30 price cap, we created a roundup of budget-friendly yet desirable kids’ presents. Below we list the price of each toy (before discounts) and note which store(s) highlighted it as a top toy for 2025.
Pick from this list and you can delight the youngsters without breaking the bank.
Note: These toy prices were current as of Nov. 12, 2025.
1. Treasure X Adventure Pack
Young explorers will peel back layers, sift through sand and add water to reveal all kinds of surprises in this adventure pack. Available at Walmart for $8.92.
2. Pikmi Pops Surprise! Pikmi Flips
This reversible, sweet-scented plush is cute and cuddly. Get it at Walmart for $9.88.
3. Lost Kitties Blind Box Multipack
What looks like a milk carton contains five Lost Kitties figurines, five meme stickers and 10 tiny accessories — all tucked inside squishy dough that kids can mold into new shapes. Available at Walmart for $14.88.
4. Little Live Pets Wrapples
This fuzzy creature giggles, purrs and curls around a child’s wrist like a slap bracelet. Choose from four characters. Find it at Walmart starting at $14.97.
5. Hairdorables Doll
Perfect for kids who like styling hair, this petite doll arrives with 11 surprise accessories to unwrap. Available at Kmart for $15.99.
6. Tic Tac Tongue Game
This playful game uses masks so players become lizards, trying to flick insect cards down with their tongues. It’s a Target exclusive and costs $17.99.
7. Baby Alive Sweet Spoonfuls Doll
Let your child play parent with a doll that eats, drinks and needs diaper changes. Available at Target starting at $19.99.
8. Monopoly Cheaters Edition
This twist on the classic board game lets players attempt to cheat — but beware: you could end up in handcuffs if caught. Find it at Kmart for $21.99.
9. Drone Force Terra-Sect
This remote-controlled all-terrain toy rolls, flips and crawls in every direction. Available at Walmart for $24.88.
10. Harry Potter Interactive Wizard Training Wand
Your child can practice spells and perform magic with a wand that illuminates and makes sounds. Choose from four versions: Harry Potter, Hermione, Dumbledore or Lord Voldemort. Find it at Walmart for $24.88.
11. Sunny Day Sunny Styling Head
Aspiring stylists can experiment with styles on this life-sized Sunny Day styling head. Available at Kmart for $26.99.
12. Zoom Tubes Car Trax
This racetrack set includes more than 12 feet of tubular track and a remote-controlled car with lights. Find it at Walmart for $28.88.
13. Fingerlings HUGS
If your children loved Fingerlings before, they’re likely to adore this cuddly plush version that talks and makes noises. Available at Walmart for $29.84 or at Target for $29.99.
14. Incredibles 2 Jack-Jack Attacks Action Doll
The family’s littlest superhero displays his powers as an action figure that lights up, makes sounds and includes a raccoon sidekick. Find it at Walmart for $29.84.
15. Cool Maker KumiKreator Friendship Bracelet Maker
Kids can craft up to 10 colorful friendship bracelets with this activity set. Available at Walmart for $29.97 or at Target for $29.99.
16. Lupita Doll and Book Box Set
This soft Lupita doll includes a 35-page bilingual storybook (English and Spanish) that promotes kindness during the holidays. The set is exclusive to Target and costs $29.99.
Nicole Dawson is a senior staff writer at Savinly.
