Holiday Gift Ideas for Preschoolers Under $30

It's not an easy task buying for preschoolers. Ask them what they want for Christmas, and it changes by the minute.

Instead of getting them one big gift, it might be a wise idea to get a few smaller ticket items that will keep them busy for longer.

For the younger toddlers, it's also wise to invest in a large amount of tissue paper since they'll likely take more of an interest in the wrap than the gifts. Here are some great ideas for under $30:

SLIDESHOW: BEST GIFTS UNDER $30 FOR PRESCHOOLERS

1. Buckley Boo Buckley Bear
This stuffed bear wearing a lot of buckles will keep their little fingers busy long enough for Mom and Dad to have a sandwich and maybe even read the newspaper. My two-year old is obsessed with doing up seatbelts right now -- this could be a handy alternative so we don't have to spend so much time in the car. For kids 18 months and up. (Amazon.ca, $21.21)

2. Lego Duplo Creative Sorter
Your little builder can sort shapes with colour-coded "sorting plates" and create a parrot, elephant and giraffe with the lego bricks. It comes in a plastic container, which -- most importantly -- makes for easy clean-up and storage of a lot of little pieces.
For kids 18 months and up. (Walmart, $19.97)

3. Green Toys Fire Truck
Most toddlers are awed by emergency vehicles. If you get them a toy fire truck it may distract them long enough so you don't have to call a real one. The Green Toys Fire Truck is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic milk containers. Appropriate for ages one and up. (Indigo.ca, $29.95)

4. Sandra Boynton books
The Sandra Boynton series is refreshing and fun. The rhymes are silly but often have thoughtful underlying messages. Some favourites in our family: But Not the Hippopotamus, Night Night Little Pookie and Moo, Baa, La La La! Available at most book stores, kids usually get the most out of them from ages one to about three. (Indigo, price for one $7.99 or Boynton's Greatest Hits - includes four books - $17.81)

5. Doodle Roll
It's a long piece of paper you can roll out on the floor and let your little artistes "doodle" on for hours. The Doodle Roll comes with crayons, but if you want to let them get really creative (and you don't mind a bit of a mess) grab some sparkle glue, finger paints and markers from a Walmart or a dollar store and throw it into the mix. Alternatively, you can get a paper roll in the kids section at Ikea (retails for about $5) and create your own activity kit for the kids. Appropriate for ages two and up, or when they can draw with a crayon. (The Doodle Roll is $9 at Amazon.ca)

6. Melissa & Doug Food Groups Set
Train him early and soon your toddler will be making you meals. The set includes items from the five food groups that little Johnny or Jill can pretend to slice up and serve. Would you like fish, cheese, bananas or corn? It's all there and hopefully will encourage healthy eating habits. For ages three and up. (Indigo, $24.95)

7. Scribble and Write by LeapFrog
Get them thinking about the alphabet by practising their fine motor skills tracing images, shapes and letters on a lit-up writing surface. This educational toy offers step-by-step guidance so your child can do the exercises independently. For ages three and up. (Sold in English and French, Toys R Us, $18.67).

*Pricing may change

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