We know you’ve got a lot of things on your mind—and a lot of people on your shopping list. And when the holidays roll around, it can be hard to keep track of all the best gifts for different ages and stages (and interests). So we did the work for you. We picked 50 gifts under $50, all of which can be found at some of our favorite independently owned Chicagoland toy stores. In the market for a splurge? Check out five slightly more expensive ideas that still won’t completely break the bank.
And when you’ve wrapped up your holiday shopping, go ahead: sit back, relax and enjoy an extravagantly decorated sugar cookie (or two). After all, you’ve earned it.
Baby (0-12m)

Cloud b Beebop, $44.99, 0m+
Bedtime definitely brings out your child’s alien side, so this otherworldly guy will feel right at home in their bedroom. The plush toy doubles as a bedtime buddy, thanks to Bluetooth technology that lets you play snoozy tunes, accompanied by glowing lights.

Yoee Baby, $24.99, 0-18m
Bonding with your newborn isn’t always simple—but this plush toy makes it a little bit easier for new moms and dads alike. Parents will love connecting with their little one with the help of a monkey, kitty, lion or puppy, and babies will fall for the soft texture, fun sounds and teething relief.

Kid O Activity Board, $39.99, 6m+
If you’re looking for a baby toy with a downright Jobs-ian aesthetic, this is the one. The sleek design of this activity board ushers the age-old plaything into the 21st century. Plus it’s complete with a heart that actually beats and a bee that’s found its buzz.

Chicago Baby Paper, $7.99, 0m+
Start them early on that hometown pride with this sensory-friendly crinkly fabric square that lets the world know that the Windy City really is their kind of town. Bonus: It’s machine washable, just in case your Chicago baby is also a particularly drooly one.

Halilit Musical Rings, $19.99, 3m+
They might not sing along to lullabies just yet, but that doesn’t mean your mini’s musical education can’t begin right now. These four plastic rings each produce a different sound to go with their bright colors, and they’re sure to produce a cacophony of fun.

Fair & Green Roly Poly Rattle, $29, 6m+
These fair-trade, eco-friendly rattles look more like works of art than infant soothers, but they do both equally well. And buying one will soothe your conscience, too—the wood comes from a remote village in India, where artisans are paid a fair wage for creating quality products.
Toddler (1-3)

Rollobie, $17, 18m+
These sensory-friendly creatures might look silly, but they’re serious about play. Toddlers will love interacting with this new friend, who can rattle and roll all the way across the room. And the bright colors and silicone parts attract fingers just starting to develop fine motors skills.

Classic Lit A to Z: A BabyLit Alphabet Primer, $9.99, 1+
A is for apple? Try A is for Aladdin. Help your tiny reader get a jump start on that English Lit degree (and the alphabet) with this board book that walks them through the great works of literature, one letter and scholarly reference at a time.

Start-Up Circuits, $19.99, 18m+
STEM can start SMALL with these mix-and-match circuits. The chunky pieces are made for little hands. And when kids complete the circuit, they’re rewarded with a spinning fan, a glowing light or a whistling siren—and some early engineering smarts.

Uncle Goose Hebrew Blocks, $44.99, 2+
Spin the dreidel, light the menorah and … build some blocks? These wooden cubes feature letters, numbers and animals, letting kids explore the Hebrew language and heritage, whether they celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or any other holiday.

Submarine Spray Station, $34.95, 2-6
This yellow submarine doesn’t have The Beatles, but it’s still a pretty happy place. Littles can splish and splash to their hearts’ content with this device that blows regular bath toys out of the water. It features a battery-operated sub with a scuba diving shower head—and hours of bath time fun.

Give the gift of a world language for the holidays!
Imagine the joy this holiday season when your young learner discovers they will begin their world language journey in play-based classes at Language Stars.
Sponsored by Language Stars

Kid O Myland Dino, $24.99, 2+
The Stone Age has gone modern! Kids can have their character friend take a prehistoric ride on the back of a friendly long-necked dino (we’re thinking it’s an Alamosaurus?), who makes reptilian noises to go along with the bird calls and Jurassic forest sounds.
Preschool (3-5)

Tobbly Wobbly, $27, 3+
If Mr. Potato Head had an extreme makeover, this is what you would get. This weighted, egg-shaped figure can be personalized with 14 suction cup components to make wacky appendages and a sheet of reusable stickers that create some truly hilarious facial expressions.

Chalk Color It Book, $27, 3+
Road trips are a little easier with these reusable coloring books. Amateur artists can use the dust-free Butterstix chalk to color iconic works of art, or employ the blank pages to create their own masterpieces.

Gecko Blocks, $29.99, 18m+
Move over, GEICO spokes-reptile! These lightweight foam building blocks use the same principle that’s behind lizards’ ability to climb slippery surfaces. The blocks’ non-toxic silicone coating makes them stick together, so you can build upward and sideways … but you might have a little trouble removing them from your little builder’s hands.

Green Toys Bake by Shape, $19.99, 3-9
Pint-sized sous chefs can learn to bake with measuring spoons and cups that use shapes to supplement traditional measurements—in case your kids aren’t quite reading your dog-eared cookbook yet. And it’s made from materials that meet FDA standards, so you know whatever they create is also safe to eat (probably).

Make Your Own Squishy Like Slime, $9.99, 4+
When it comes to summer trends, fidget spinners are old news, but slime is on the rise. Kids can mix up their own gooey polymers just by combining water and powder—the glue’s already in there—and then adding just a pinch of glitter.

Parking made simple this holiday season
Searching for convenient parking at great rates for holiday events and activities in downtown Chicago? Park at any of the Millennium Garages located near all holiday attractions.
Sponsored by Millennium Garages

Baby Sloth Hand Puppet, $36.99. 3-8
Sloths might move slowly, but this puppet version will sprint right into your kids' affetions. And little theater lovers can put on their own Chicago-themed show starring Lincoln Park Zoo's "Luigi" with the help of this two-toed friend.

Eco-Bricks, $49.99, 4+
Raising environmentalists just got a bit more sustainable. These wooden bricks are natural, biodegradable and totally customizable. Plus, they’re compatible with the plastic bricks you already know and love (and own a million of). Your children—and your children’s children—will thank you.

Tiny Tys Jewelry Kit, $15, 4+
Zip ties aren’t just for garbage bags anymore. A local company saw the potential in the plastic strips, and the result is a craft kit little divas will love. Kids can create their own jewelry, then decorate with laser-cut stickers, for a look that’s as one-of-a-kind—and fabulous!—as they are.
Early Elementary (5-7)

HypnoGizmo, $20, 6+
This spellbinding twirly toy takes the fidget phenomenon to the next level. The mesmerizing movement will practically hypnotize your littles—and it will keep their hands so busy that they won’t even be able to poke their sibs.

Roller Coaster Challenge, $29.99, 6+
Great America won’t debut the world’s largest loop roller coaster until the summer, so coaster crazies have some time to build their own. This game dares young engineers to build a working roller coaster that meets certain criteria. Wonder if making their parents scream (or puke) is one of them?

Fiery Dragons, $14.99, 5+
Khaleesi might not be anywhere in sight, but these dragons still came to play. This twist on the classic memory game involves racing your fire-breathers around the board, encountering bats, spiders and other medieval beasts along the way.

Give the gift of the dance with the Harris Theater’s 2-for-$20 holiday special!
Enjoy two afternoons with your young dance lover at the Harris for the Family Series presentations of American Ballet Theatre and Brian Brook Dance Company. Snag this limited time offer for your family today.
Sponsored by Harris Theater Chicago

Rock and Roll It Drum, $49.99, 6+
Not quite ready to invest in a full drum kit for your Questlove wannabe? This all-in-one mat has 10 sound spots, including a bass drum, snare drum, crash cymbals and a hi-hat, not to mention plug-in pedals to make it completely authentic. Best of all, it rolls up for easy storage (and minimal parental headache).

Fashion Press, $39.99, 6+
Your little fashionista’s designs can jump off the page and come to life! Kids create their own sartorial successes by using the roller tool to punch out patterned paper, then gluing them to the model sheets to create a portfolio. Next stop: New York Fashion Week!

Let’s Go Code! Activity Set, $34.99, 5+
So much for technology making us lazy. Kids won’t even realize they’re using computer concepts while they’re playing this non-digital, kinesthetic game. Future programmers can hop, step and turn as they learn early coding and programming ideas—and maybe even find a career path.

Sequin Drawing, $19.99, 6+
Who can resist a little bling? This sequined canvas offers soothing sensations for budding artists—and sparkles galore for their inner magpie. Use the stylus to write a message or your finger to make some truly blinged-out doodles.

Craft-tastic I Love Fairies Kit, $24.99, 6+
If your kids have already created a state-of-the-art fairy garden, this kit will take their mania to the next level. The eight craft projects are pixie perfection and make it clear that your home rolls out the welcome mat for all of Tinker Bell’s besties.

Mischief Maker Slingshot, $19.99, 4+
Mischief managed? Not so fast. These handmade slingshots fire only soft foam balls, so you won’t have to worry about anyone shooting an eye out. Plus, the classic design hearkens back to a time before iPads had the corner on your kid’s attention span.
Late Elementary (7-10)

Little Feminist Puzzle, $13.99, 8+
The future might be female, but this puzzle proves that our past had its fair share of #GirlBosses, too. Up-and-coming feminists can learn about the laudable ladies that came before, from Marie Curie to Ella Fitzgerald. And the vibrant illustrations definitely do justice to these vivid personalities who helped shatter many a glass ceiling.

Atari Plug & Play Joystick, $29.99, 8+
Once upon a time, your hand was practically glued to the joystick at your local arcade. Share that old-school feeling with your offspring who have never known the pleasure of a pre-Nintendo world. The joystick plugs directly into your TV and offers 10 classic games.

Creativity for Kids Flower Crowns, $16.99, 7+
Your boho beauty will look Coachella ready with this DIY design solution. Just add roses, berries, ribbons and shimmer (or some It-Girl-worthy combination) to your regal headwear, and then wait for the paparazzi to descend.

Big Mouth Snow Tubes, $24.99, 8+
If you’re going to be stuck dealing with a Chicago winter, you might as well do it in style. These snow tubes echo the pool floats that filled Instagram all summer long and come in super-fun designs like a snow cone and a yeti. Just be sure to say “cheese” before you fly down that sledding hill.

Dr. Beaker, $19.99, 8+
Following in the footsteps of the venerable Dr. Eureka and Dr. Microbe comes this scientist extraordinaire. Get busy mixing molecules in the chemistry lab, making sure your flask’s contents match what’s on the challenge card. The only reaction that will result is an explosion of fun!

Ready for Christmas?
Buddy the Elf is! Celebrate the holidays with Elf The Musical at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, November 22-January 7. Tickets at ParamountAurora.com.
Sponsored by Paramount Theatre in Aurora

Rock Me Archimedes, $34.99, 8+
You don’t have to be a math genius to conquer this game, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt. And even if you never manage to successfully move the marbles across the teetering game board, it can still double as a sleek art piece (and conversation-starter) in your home.

Sing-along PRO Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone & Speaker, $39.99, 4+
The old Taylor might be dead, but with this Bluetooth-enabled microphone, she’s reincarnated in your resident songstress. Kids and adults alike can rock out to karaoke tunes on a microphone that looks like it belongs to a true pro. Now that’s what we call a mic drop.

Linkt Bubble Loops, $19.99, 8+
If you’ve been to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, you’ve certainly seen your fair share of chainmaille. But the medieval look actually has a modern-day application. Go from jousting to jewelry-making with this craft kit that uses the art of chainmaille to teach kids how to make eye-catching necklaces and bracelets.

NightBall Basketball, $25, 8+
It’s more than 20 years later, but we all still wanna be like Mike. Kids can be MJ-style ballers—day or night—when they’re using this glow-in-the-dark basketball. And even though it’s brighter than your standard ball, it dribbles and shoots three-pointers just as well.
Tweens/Teens (10 and up)

Craftivity Tropical Terrarium, $24.99, 12+
Back away from that Pinterest app! This make-your-own terrarium kit contains everything you need to create a tiny indoor garden—including some decorations to fill the container until the seeds begin to sprout.

Think ‘N Sync, $9.99, 10+
Are your tween and their BFF always on the same wavelength? Find out if great minds really think alike when you play this quick-draw game of creative connections. It takes #twinning to a whole new level.

Incredibuilds Niffler Deluxe Book and Model Set, $16.99, 8+
As Newt Scamander can attest, it’s hard not to love the mischievous Niffler. This wooden model set lets builders assemble their own magical creature—and includes some behind-the-scenes info straight from the movie set. )

MadLibs The Game, $22, 10+
No sleepover of the ‘90s was complete without a giggle-inducing round of MadLibs, right? Introduce the next generation to this grammar-bending pastime with a card game that rewards silliness—and knowing your adjectives from your adverbs.

Da Bomb Bath Fizzers, $7.99
Adolescence can be downright exhausting, but these relaxing treats can take the edge off. And since actual teenagers created these scented bath fizzers that each contain a fun surprise, you know they’ll be a hit with your soon-to-be teens.

Tattly Sets, $17
Temporary tattoos get elevated to a sophisticated new level with these non-toxic versions. From fashionable script to watercolor florals and meme-worthy designs, this professionally designed body art will have tweens feeling hip beyond their years—and parents relieved that they only last a few days.
Santa-worthy splurges

Zipes Speed Pipes, $59.99, 5+
These remote-controlled cars are the It Gift of 2017, probably because they speed through cool translucent pipes. Kids can build their own crazy route for the charged-up vehicles, then sit back and watch the car and strobe ball demonstrate their flashes of brilliance.

Slackers Ninjaline 36’ Intro Kit, $99, 6+
If they go wild for the warped wall or swoon over the salmon ladder, you just might have an aspiring American Ninja Warrior on your hands. Bring their training to your backyard with this kit, which contains seven hanging obstacles that can be adjusted as they grow and get closer to ascending Mount Midoriyama.

SmartGurlz, $79.99, 5-12
How can you make coding more fun? Add dolls and motorized vehicles! This line of toys is designed to inspire the female tech leaders of the future, and its diverse characters prove that computer whizzes come in all colors of the rainbow.

Light Stax Illuminated Blocks Mega Set, $89.99, 3+
Building blocks are a little bit brighter that you thought. These light-up bricks come in 10 colors and use LED technology to create a fun new look. Best of all, since they’re compatible with standard building blocks, they’ll give new life to your playroom.

Happy Atoms Introduction to Atoms and Molecules, $60, 10-17
Once they get past addition and the alphabet, helping your kids with homework can become kind of tricky. This chemistry kit takes some of the pressure off science-deficient parents with the aid of a handy app and 17 magnetic atom models. Those A-pluses are within reach!
Where we shopped
Becky & Me Toys, Evanston
Building Blocks Toy Store, Lakeview and Wicker Park, Chicago
Galt Toys + Galt Baby, downtown and Lincoln Park, Chicago and Skokie
*play, Logan Square, Chicago
Moore Toys & Gadgets, Wheaton