Tired of struggling with your toddler’s tantrums and messes?
There are some amazing products out there that can make life easier - and they don't have to break the bank. We've scoured the Internet for 15 must-haves under $20 that will help you stay sane during toddlerhood!
From cozy non-slip socks, to spill proof sippy cups, to games - these products will quickly become your go-to lifesavers. And since everything is under $20, you won't feel guilty about treating yourself (or your sanity).
How We Choose 25 Toddler Products Under $20 that Will Make Your Life Easier for You
Raising a toddler can be really hard, and it seems like they need a million different things to make life easier.
It feels like every day you're shopping for something new that your toddler needs- from diapers to clothes to toys. And the prices just keep adding up!
We've done the hard work for you and found 25 great toddler products that are all under $20. From sippy cups to activity books, we've got you covered.
LearnWorx Toddler Flash Cards - 101 Baby Flash Cards
Toddler Learning Educational Toys - 12 Months to 3 Years
Why We Love Them
We love the Learnworx Flash Cards for Toddlers because they are perfect for learning and fun! Their bright colors, friendly shapes, and index numbers make it easy for toddlers to learn their ABCs, numbers, and shapes. The cards are made from high-quality materials so they can last long past your toddler's first year. Best of all, each card has a big word printed on one side to help kids associate words with objects.
What You Should Know
These flash cards are designed specifically for toddlers ages 3 and over. Some of the words may be too advanced for younger children so please keep that in mind as you're choosing which cards to use! They also come with a small pouch to store them in - perfect for keeping them all together when not in use. Lastly, each set comes with 16 double-sided cards that can stand up to plenty of wear and tear.
Encouraging Review
"Seller sent these right out, so they arrived just in time for my youngest grandchild’s visit. My 3 1/2 year old and 20 month old grands have often enjoyed these flash cards. There are so many ways to play with these: identifying the picture, letter and word recognition, counting, separating by color or similarities (eg foods, pets, things outside, etc.). We have put the cards where they belong in the house…like “where do you sleep” and taking the card to the bedroom. A really imaginative item. Sturdy cards. Even the box is super heavy and has lasted for a couple of years. Highly recommended." Amazon Review by D. Matthews
Why We Love It
LeapFrog Learning Friends is a great way to introduce young learners to language, music, and animal friends. The interactive experience teaches letters, words and sounds as your child interacts with the adorable animal characters. This educational toy offers hours of fun for all ages as it comes with 20+ tunes and phrases. The playtime is made even more enjoyable with plenty of colorful lights.
The toy encourages problem-solving skills through puzzle activities that help build memory and cognitive skills.
What You Should Know
This product is not only entertaining but thoughtfully designed for developing minds. Parents can also feel reassured that their children are learning something valuable in a safe environment as the toy doesn’t feature any small parts or sharp edges that could cause harm.
Encouraging Review
"This is one of my grandson's favorite toys. It encourages learning and independent play. It is durable, and I have not even had to replace the original batteries after much use. We have since bought a few more of these books. The pages are easy to wipe off and extremely easy for a toddler to turn." Amazon Review by Nance
Why We Love It
The Munchkin Faucet Extender not only helps make hand washing more fun for your little one, but also safer. The cushion-like design keeps them comfortable and secure as they reach for their soaps, allowing them to get more out of their washing experience. Plus, the easy set up ensures that installation will take no time at all – simply pop on the extender and you’re good to go!
Additionally, its adjustable size means that it fits most standard faucets so that you don’t have to buy an entirely new one. And did we mention it comes in multiple colors too?
What You Should Know
While using this product does make washing much easier, there are some things to keep in mind. For example, while safety is always top priority with this faucet extender, young children must always be supervised as there is a risk of slipping or sliding off due to its soft material if not properly monitored. In addition, if using on a regular basis it is recommended that the extender be replaced after six months due to possible wear and tear from frequent use.
Encouraging Review
"I wanted to give my toddler some independence in terms of washing his hands (now that we are potty trained, woohoo) but he was too short even with a stool. So I got this faucet extender and ta-da he can now reach and wash his own hands. The flexible opening allows you to add this to faucets of all shapes, sizes, and angles. You can adjust the spout too to pour water in different ways. Have this in our bathroom and kitchen now, and can easily take it off. Such a major convenience." Amazon Review by MissSiu
Why We Love It
This light switch extender is a great solution for parents with young children who have difficulty reaching the light switch. With the extra reach of the arm, kids can turn lights on and off without any help. Not only does this make them feel independent and boost their self esteem, it is also a great way to teach them about energy efficiency. Additionally, the product comes in a pack of two so you can use them in different rooms if needed. It is also very easy to install; all you need is a screwdriver and some basic DIY skills.
What You Should Know
Some people have reported that the arm may not be long enough for deeper or thicker walls. This could make it difficult to install in some homes. Additionally, some users have stated that the plastic screws are not strong enough for heavier walls or thicker plasterboard. If you plan to install the extender in these types of walls, it may be better to buy stronger screws separately for installation purposes.
Encouraging Review
"If you’re potty training a toddler get these! It makes it easy for them to turn on and off the bathroom light so you do not have to be in the bathroom every single second they are needing to go potty. It works great in their bedrooms too. We’ve had this installed for over 4 months and no signs of it breaking/cracking." Amazon Review by Zach
Why We Love It
The Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup is the ideal cup for transitioning your little one from a bottle to a sippy cup. The unique design allows toddlers to drink easily from any angle. Its spoutless design and rotating cap makes it easy to clean.
It also prevents spills, making it great for parents with busy lifestyles who don't have time to constantly clean up messes! Not only that, but these cups are BPA free so you can rest easy knowing your child is drinking safely.
What You Should Know
The Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup comes in a convenient two pack with both a green and blue color option, perfect for siblings or just wanting a bit of variety. Each cup holds seven ounces of liquid and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Plus the handle on the side makes it easier for little hands to grip them without spilling.
Encouraging Review
"My little one loves these cups. It’s a great alternative to the normal sippy cup nipples. It’s very easy to clean although do not recommend using the dish washer. It’s very very leak proof! It will spill a little if it gets smashed on the floor sometimes but nothing crazy. The only con I would say is that it doesn’t hold much liquid but I do believe they come in bigger sizes as well." Amazon Review by Loren
Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Hair Brush for Adults & Kids Hair
Detangler Brush for Natural, Curly, Straight, Wet or Dry Hair
Why We Love It
The Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush is a great way to easily and painlessly manage even the most stubborn knots and tangles. Its unique design works by using soft, strong bristles that glide through wet or dry hair while massaging your scalp. This brush is also incredibly easy to use and holds up well in water, making it the ideal tool for brushing out tangled hair after swimming or showering. Plus, it's lightweight and travel-friendly, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
What You Should Know
The Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush comes in a variety of colors to choose from and is made from plastic and has a curved handle which makes it comfortable to hold onto. The bristles are designed to be gentle on hair but still effectively detangle knots without pulling at the strands too hard. Additionally, this brush features a special cushion base which helps reduce breakage when brushing out tough snarls. Overall, this is an excellent product that delivers quality results every time.
Encouraging Review
"Looking through the reviews, it seems like it all comes down to personal preference. I’ve owned several wet brushes, and I’ve liked them fine. This brush works better for my hair. I have thick wavy hair that stays tangled, and this pulls out less of my hair than any other brush I’ve tried. I’d get both this and the wet brush and see what works on you. They are both good brushes, but this one was the best for me." Amazon Review by KG
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers
Broad Line, Multi Colored, 12 Count (Pack of 1)
Why We Love It
We love Crayola's Ultra Clean Washable Markers because they are vibrant, long-lasting and wash off easily with soap and water. The markers come in twelve vibrant colors that won't fade over time, so you can use them to create colorful artwork that will last. The ink is also designed to resist fading when exposed to air or light, so it won't discolor quickly like some other brands of markers. Finally, the markers are also easy to clean up as they are washable from most surfaces.
What You Should Know
The ink can be hard to remove from fabrics and furniture - it is best used on non-porous surfaces for easy cleanup. Additionally, the markers may bleed through some types of paper. They are meant for use by ages three and up but should be used with adult supervision. Finally, it is important to always follow instructions provided on the packaging when using these markers for optimal results.
Encouraging Review
"Not the teeny tiny paints but the regular small ones, got markers for my daughter's class but you can't go wrong with the brand, especially on sale." Amazon Review by Alexandre
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book
8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers
Why We Love It
This activity pad is an excellent way to engage toddlers during their playtime and encourage learning. It comes with eight fun, different pages that each offer a variety of activities to keep kids entertained. The activities are designed to help children develop essential skills like counting, matching, problem-solving and more. Plus, the activity pad is made from tough materials that can withstand the most enthusiastic playing.
What You Should Know
This activity pad also comes in a sturdy bag and contents that are safe for children age 1-3. The activity book is great value for money as all the activities are reusable, making it a great long-term investment for entertaining toddlers at home or on the go. Plus, it folds up compactly so you can easily transport it anywhere you need to go.
Encouraging Review
"Bought this for my 2 year old daughter. She loves digging in the little zipper pocket for the mini book and playing with the different buckles and whatnot. Good distraction and tool to build coordination." Amazon Review by Scott M
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Colors
Non-Toxic, Assorted, 2 oz. Cans, Ages 2 and up, Multicolor
Why We Love It
We love the Play-Doh Modeling Compound because it's so versatile and easy to use. With just a few basic tools, you can create almost anything imaginable! It's also non-toxic, so it's safe for children of all ages.
What You Should Know
There are a variety of colors available, so you can mix and match to create unique designs. The compound itself is very pliable and easy to work with. And because of its texture and consistency, it's unlikely to crumble or break when being manipulated. The only downside is that some colors may stain fabrics or surfaces if not cleaned up promptly. However, overall we highly recommend this product for any aspiring artist!
Encouraging Review
"It’s just a fun creative activity to do with the kiddos." Amazon Review by Haxley
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
Digital Infrared Thermometer for Adults and Kids
Why We Love It
This thermometer by iHealth offers the latest technology to take accurate temperature readings quickly and easily. The infrared thermopile sensor provides reliable results in a fraction of the time it takes traditional thermometers. It also comes with an LCD backlight and vibration notification so you will know when the reading is complete. Other features include a smart memory recall that stores up to 20 readings, fever warnings, as well as simple one-touch operation. All of these features make this thermometer an excellent choice for anyone looking for fast, accurate readings each and every time.
What You Should Know
The iHealth thermometer has some great features, but there are some drawbacks to be aware of as well. For instance, it only allows for temperature readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit; other models offer more precise readings down to hundredths or even thousandths of a degree. Additionally, the user manual could be improved upon since the instructions are not always clear or concise enough. Lastly, although this thermometer is relatively affordable compared to other similar products on the market today, it still may be too expensive for some buyers on a budget.
Overall however, this product from iHealth is an exceptional thermometer with many useful functions that can help take accurate temperature readings any time.
Encouraging Review
"Even though it took me two or three reads of the directions to finally figure out how to use this thermometer, this thermometer became so quick and simple to use. Accurate, very quiet, and non invasive, with a super fantastic price, it was such a great buy for me." Amazon Review by Erin
Why We Love It
The Skip-Hop Spout Cover Universal is an excellent product that offers great value for money. It can be used to protect your baby's bathtub spouts from injuries and the soft, flexible material makes it gentle on the child's skin while keeping it safe. The design is sleek and versatile, making it compatible with most tubs. Plus, it's easy to install, so you can get started with little effort.
What You Should Know
This product is a must-have for parents who want to ensure their baby’s safety in the bathtub. The cover is extremely durable and can withstand high temperatures. It comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee should you need any assistance setting it up or using it. In addition, the universal fit ensures compatibility with most spouts on the market today.
Encouraging Review
"Makes bath time much safer for my twin boys!! They are wild in the tub!! This covers the hard spout while allowing full use of the shower function as well. Babies have not been able to remove despite their efforts. Has inner band that gives more security to prevent coming off. Also super cute whale design!!" Amazon Review by MrsErickson
Potty Training Chart for Toddler, Girls, & Boys
Sticker Chart for Kids Potty Training, 4 Week Reward Chart
Why We Love It
This Potty Training Chart is great for getting toddlers motivated to use the potty. The colorful design makes it fun and visually appealing, while the reward chart encourages positive behavior. The certificate of completion will make your toddler feel special and proud of their accomplishment. It's easy to use, and comes with everything you need to get started right away.
What You Should Know
This potty training chart is designed for use by kids aged 2-6 years old, so be sure that your child is in that age range before using it. This product requires parental assistance, as children this young may not understand how to handle the potty training process on their own. Additionally, some parents have complained about a lack of adhesive for the posters - if this occurs, you can simply use tape or other adhesive options.
Encouraging Review
"My daughter loved getting a dinosaur sticker after using the potty. Ever since, she's been using the potty and has had no accidents. She's 2 yrs and 4 months. These really helped get her started." Amazon Review by Haley
Why We Love It
We love the Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Frozen Baby Food Pops for their convenience and ease of use. These popsicles can be made from a blend of real fruit, so you can get all your baby's essential nutrients in one pop. They're also incredibly easy to use: just pull out a pop, let it thaw for about 10 minutes, and feed your little one!
What You Should Know
The Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Frozen Baby Food Pops are designed to be used as finger foods, but they can also be used as supplemental nutrition alongside other foods in your baby's diet. These popsicles offer a convenient way to get some essential nutrients into your child. Plus, they taste great!
Encouraging Review
"They’re great for my 8 month old! Although I don’t really like that she can’t eat every last bit because the remaining food gets lodged at the bottom where the stick is. Other than that they’re great little popsicle makers for teething babies!" Amazon Review by Beatriz
Zaples Baby Non Slip Grip Ankle Socks with Non Skid Soles
For Infants and Toddlers
Why We Love It
The first thing we love about these socks is their safety features. With their non-skid soles babies and toddlers will be able to stay safe while walking outdoors or at home on wet or slippery floors. The loop design also offers extra support around the ankles which helps prevent tripping or slipping when running or jumping around.
Furthermore, we love how stylish these socks look! With their range of fun designs and colors, these socks can easily match any outfit or special occasion without compromising on comfort or safety. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes so you can easily find something that fits your child perfectly.
What You Should Know
When considering which pair of baby socks to buy it’s important to pay attention to material quality as well as style and functionality – especially if you want something durable enough to withstand everyday use and washing machine cycles. Fortunately, these particular socks tick all three boxes: they are made out of high quality cotton/spandex blend fabric that offers plenty of flexibility while maintaining shape over time, plus each pair comes with a convenient elastic band at the top that helps keep them comfortably in place throughout the day without slipping down too much (especially suitable for active kids!).
Encouraging Review
"I bought these socks for my almost 6 month old. I ordered the 0-6 due to a lot of reviews saying they ran big and they fit perfectly! I was worried about losing socks everywhere when buying these and I am shocked that I have not had to adjust them once while baby has worn them. The first day he wore them I took him in and out of his snow suit twice, sleep sack three times, and put shoes on him (because I thought they were cute 😂) and not once in all of that did I have to pull up his sock or put it back on. They stay in place perfectly! Maybe my baby is currently tricking me but so far these are amazing socks. I love the grip on the bottom as we have vinyl plank flooring." Amazon Review by Maddison
MOLLYBEE KIDS Outdoor Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at The Park
MOLLYBEE KIDS Outdoor Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at The Park
Why We Love It
It’s a fun, cooperative game that encourages outdoor exploration while encouraging active learning. The cards have easy to understand directions, making it ideal for children of all ages. It also allows parents and caregivers to join in on the fun too and creates an incredible bonding experience for the entire family.
What You Should Know
- All pieces are made from sturdy, safe materials
- Includes instructions for two different games
- Perfect for small groups or larger groups with multiple sets
- Comes with 48 double sided cards, two dice and a waterproof carrying bag
- Suitable for 3+ years old with adult supervision
