Best Toys for Kids Under £20: Top Budget Picks for Fun, Learning and Durability

Toys under £20 can be great for playtime, learning and keeping kids happy without a big hit to the wallet. We focus on items that are durable, safe and age-appropriate, from puzzles and craft kits to small STEM toys and action figures, because budget-friendly toys can still offer hours of fun and real skill-building.

When choosing a toy, safety, age range and build quality matter most—look for non-toxic materials, sturdy construction and clear age recommendations to avoid choking hazards or quick breakage. We prioritise toys that balance safety, lasting value and developmental benefit, so you get the best play experience for a modest price. This guide will walk through our top picks and the buying considerations you should keep in mind.

Best Toys for Kids Under £20

We tested and checked many affordable toys so you can find great options without spending much. Our list focuses on fun, safety and value to help you pick toys that kids will enjoy and parents will trust.

Crenova Mini Magnetic Tiles

We recommend this if you want a compact, colourful magnetic tile set for travel and simple STEM play.

Pros

• Compact and easy to carry for trips.
• Bright pieces that teach shapes and colours.
• Good value for a starter set.

Cons

• Pieces are smaller than standard tiles.
• Not compatible with regular-size tiles.
• Fewer pieces for large 3D builds.

We like that the Crenova mini tiles pack small and fit in a bag without taking much space. The set makes a neat travel toy for car journeys, cafés or flights.

The tiles offer open-ended play that helps with shape and colour recognition. Children can make flat patterns or simple 3D shapes, which supports fine motor and spatial skills.

Parents should note the mini size is not compatible with standard magnetic tiles. That limits mixing with other sets and means you might need more pieces for bigger constructions.

Safety looks considered with rounded edges and BPA-free plastic, but the smaller dimensions mean supervision for younger children remains important. The magnets are strong enough for simple builds but sometimes need rotating to align poles.

Overall, we find this a good budget option for trips and early building play when you want something portable and colourful.

YEZI Mini Ukulele

We recommend this if you want an affordable, lightweight starter instrument that lets young children explore music.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy for small hands to hold
• Durable plastic that stands up to rough play
• Simple design helps beginners learn rhythm and strumming

Cons

• Plastic body and parts feel toy-like, not like a real instrument
• Smaller size may be too tiny for older children
• Tuning and sound quality are limited compared with wooden ukuleles

We like that this ukulele gets kids playing right away. It’s small, light and comes with four nylon strings that don’t snap easily. That makes it a good choice for toddlers and preschoolers who just want to strum and experiment.

The safety-focused coating on the body and rounded edges reduce the risk of little fingers getting hurt. Parents can encourage rhythm and creativity without worrying too much about fragile parts breaking during normal play.

Sound and tuning are basic, so expect a toy-like tone rather than rich musical quality. For the price under £20, it works well as a first musical toy or a stocking filler, but older kids who want a real instrument may outgrow it quickly.

mibasies Cat Purse Set

We recommend this for young children who want a sparkly, small dress-up purse and simple jewellery for pretend play.

Pros

• Cute, eye-catching design that appeals to young kids
• Comes with matching jewellery and hair clip for dress-up fun
• Lightweight and easy for little hands to carry

Cons

• Very small size — not suitable for carrying many items
• Purse material may not be highly durable long-term
• Some accessories feel lower quality compared with adult jewellery

This set works well as a quick gift or stocking filler. The glittery cat face and tiny strap make it feel special for a toddler or pre-schooler who likes dressing up.

We find the jewellery adds extra play value, so children can mix and match pieces and wear them while pretending to be a little fashionista. The magnetic snap is easy for small hands to use.

Expect the purse to be best for light, gentle play. It’s charming and colourful, but buyers should be aware it won’t hold bulky toys or last rough use.

Buy the mibasies Cat Purse Set on Amazon: mibasies Purse for Little Girls Dress Up Jewelry Pretend Play Kids Accessories Mermaid Gifts

BAKAM Magnetic Blocks (64PCS)

We recommend this set if you want an affordable STEM toy that encourages creative play, but you should watch out for small parts and modest magnet strength.

Pros

• Encourages creativity and basic STEM thinking.
• Bright colours help kids learn shapes and colours.
• Lightweight and easy for small hands to join.

Cons

• Pieces are smaller than some photos suggest.
• Magnets are not very strong for large models.
• Supervision needed for young children due to choking risk.

This magnetic set offers open-ended play that suits many ages. We can see how it helps children experiment with 2D and simple 3D shapes.

Parents and teachers will like the low price and the number of pieces for group play. Smaller parts and the weaker magnetic hold mean constructions can wobble or fall apart.

We suggest using this as a guided activity for younger children and as free play for older ones who can handle small pieces safely.

NASHRIO Dinosaur Wooden Puzzles

We recommend this set if you want simple, sturdy puzzles that help young children with hand-eye coordination without costing much.

Pros

• Durable wooden pieces that withstand rough play
• Colourful, clear images that hold kids' attention
• Comes with a wooden tray and frames to keep pieces tidy

Cons

• Paper guide art under the pieces can tear easily
• Puzzle size is smaller than some parents expect
• Limited variation in challenge as pieces are basic

These dinosaur puzzles use solid wood and easy interlocking shapes. We like that they stand up to repeated play better than thin cardboard puzzles.

The tray and removable frames make tidying straightforward and help children learn where pieces go. The paper guide underneath gives a picture to match, but it can be fragile for toddlers who pull at it.

Children aged about 3–6 will find these puzzles just the right level of problem solving. We note they offer basic cognitive practice rather than advanced challenge, so expect repeated replay rather than long-term novelty.

Buying Guide

We focus on safety first. Check age ratings and look for non-toxic materials. Small parts can be a choking hazard, so avoid them for young children.

We look for durability. Toys that can take rough play last longer and give better value. Hard-wearing materials and simple joins reduce breakage.

We consider learning and play value. Choose toys that encourage creativity, problem-solving and physical activity. Open-ended toys often work for many ages.

We check size and storage. Smaller toys can be great for travel but may be easier to lose. Larger toys may need more room at home.

We weigh price against features. A low price should not mean poor safety or quick breakage. Look for toys that offer multiple ways to play to stretch value.

We examine ease of cleaning and maintenance. Toys that wipe clean are better for hygiene. Battery-free toys often need less upkeep.

We read labels and reviews. Product labels tell us materials and safety checks. Customer reviews can flag common faults or defects.

We compare warranties and returns. A clear return policy gives reassurance. Short warranties may indicate lower confidence from the maker.

We use a quick checklist to decide:

• Age suitability
• Safety marks and materials
• Durability and build quality
• Educational or play value
• Size and storage needs
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Warranty and returns

Frequently Asked Questions

We highlight smart picks that balance learning, toughness, outdoor fun and art. Prices stay under £20 and focus on real brands and toy types you can buy now.

What are the top educational toys for children available for under £20?

We recommend activity books, simple science kits, and counting or alphabet games. Brands like Ravensburger, Learning Resources and Orchard Toys often have puzzles and card games under £20.

Hands-on kits such as basic chemistry sets or bug observation kits work well for ages 6–10. For younger children, shape sorters and number-matching games build early skills.

Can you recommend durable toys for toddlers within a £20 budget?

We favour solid plastic stacking toys, wooden blocks and silicone bath toys for toddlers. Look for BPA-free, chunky parts and no small pieces to reduce breakage and choking risk.

Brands like Hape, Melissa & Doug and Fisher-Price offer robust options at this price. Check product descriptions for “drop-tested”, “solid wood” or “thick plastic” to spot durable items.

What are the most popular outdoor toys for less than £20?

We often choose skipping ropes, foam balls, and gardening kits as cheap outdoor favourites. These items stand up to rough play and are easy to replace if lost.

Bubble wands, chalk sets and frisbees also give long playtime for little cost. Buy weather-resistant materials and look for reinforced seams or sturdy handles.

Could you suggest the best creative playsets for children that cost less than £20?

We pick basic craft kits, sticker sets and modelling clay packs as top creative buys under £20. Brands such as Crayola and Play-Doh supply quality packs that include tools and colours.

Small construction sets and sticker activity books work well for quiet, focused play. Choose kits with clear age labels and non-toxic materials.

Where can I find the best deals on toys for under £20?

We check supermarkets, high-street toy shops, and online marketplaces like Amazon, Argos and The Entertainer. Seasonal sales, clearance aisles, and multi-buy offers often cut prices further.

Price-comparison sites and browser alerts help track drops. Sign up for retailer newsletters to get early access to deals and discount codes.

How can I choose the best toys for a 10-year-old with a £20 budget?

We start by matching toys to interests: puzzles and logic games for thinkers, art kits for creators, and small tech kits for tinkerers. Look for games or kits marked for 10+ or with appropriate challenge levels.

Read user reviews for durability and replay value. Consider second-hand or refurbished options for higher-value items within a £20 limit.