10 Great Gifts For $20 Or Less

Ages 3+, $17.95

Everyone loves Eric Carle's books. Now your preschoolers can color a Very Hungry Caterpillar of their very own. The package includes a 15-inch stuffed caterpillar and four washable markers, so your little one can have coloring fun over and over again.

Available at Ebeanstalk.

Kids Preferred

Ages 0-24M, $15

Babies and toddlers might be too small for big kid shoes, but they're just the right size for adorable socks from JazzyToes. Made from eco-friendly bamboo yarn, these adorable socks are designed to look like sneakers, cowboy boots, classic Mary Janes and other footwear. Babies and toddlers not quite ready for shoes can cover their tender tootsies in JazzyToes, which have no-slip bottoms for safety.

Available at JazzyToes.

JazzyToes

Ages 6+, $19.95

Whether you know Ms. Frizzle and her adventurous students from books or the wonderful videos starring Lily Tomlin, the Magic School Bus Going Green Science Kit will let budding scientists have fun while learning about being eco-friendly. Experiments include building a compost tube and decomposing food with fungus, so make sure an adult is nearby.

Available at The Scholastic Store.

The Young Scientists Club

Ages 3+, $19.99

New Crayon Town activity sets by Wild Planet combine classic Crayolas with kid-sized structures, allowing children to make their own 3-D worlds. No need for special glasses -- this is the real thing. Kids just color the included playmats, then fold them to make whatever scenes their brains can imagine. Different sets are available; Wild Planet Crayon Town Zoo Play Set is pictured.

Available at Target.

Wild Planet Entertainment, Inc.

Ages 5+, $16.99

This kit contains everything your curious investigator needs to solve mysteries and fight crime from the comfort of home. (Note: we do not suggest that children actually fight crime. This is make-believe, people.) The Spy Gear Evidence Kit by Wild Planet includes a powerful 30x microscope, an ultraviolet light and fingerprint kit. So, when that annoying little brother wants to sneak a peek at his sister's diary, he'd better wear gloves.

Available at Target.

Wild Planet Entertainment, Inc.

Ages 4+, $19

Teach your children where animals came from with a deck of Charlie's Playhouse Ancient Creature Cards. Parents might even learn something new themselves -- ever heard of the extinct Spriggina? Sure you have.

Available at Charlie's Playhouse.

Charlie's Playhouse

Ages 5+, $12.59

These animals may look easy to stack, but wait until you've got four of them wobbling away. The HABA Animal Upon Animal Game is designed to help kids with hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and depth perception, but we won't tell if you don't.

Available at Maukilo.

HABA

Ages 6+, $17.99

Rockets are fun, but not always safe. The foam Rocket Blaster by Prime Time Toys solves that problem with safe, foam-tipped rockets that can soar more than 200 feet in the air while making cool rocket sounds. Best of all the "fuel" is a stomp of your child's foot. If only they made cars that could run on stomping...

Available at Double Rainbow.

Prime Time Toys

Ages 3+, $19.95

FeltTales storyboards by Babalu use felt animals and accessories to let kids' imaginations run wild as many times as they like. The new Pups in the Park set includes two adorable doggies, each with its own wardrobe. Children can mix and match K-9 clothing and make up a story while they play.

Available at Babalu Inc.

Babalu

Prereaders, $19.95

Yes, another deck of cards using phonics to teach your child to read. But Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Cards are a cut above. With big, bold designs and bright colors, children will want to play with these cards whether they are ready to start reading or not.

Available at Amazon.

Ideopolis