Great Gift Ideas for Kids Under $100

The holiday season requires all kinds of budgeting: time, energy and money. We’ve done our best to do all three for you here, by selecting great gift ideas for the kids on your list all under $100 and available from national retailers. (Hot tip: We’ve got a list under $30, too.)

Shop the links below or pop into your local store and make a beeline for what you need. No need to wander the aisles (unless you want to!).

Looking for toys specifically? We’ve got you covered there as well, for kids both big and small.

Kid Made Modern Over the Rainbow Craft Kit
Why we love it: Do we even have to explain? Look at this thing! Pompons, beads, paper, string, felt, glitter, googly eyes…it’s everything a kid could want and more. Basically, somewhere over the rainbow a crafty kid is super happy. $35, chapters.indigo.ca

Vtech KidiStar DJ Mixer
Why we love it: For youngsters who are the life of the party, this is the perfect present. Your aspiring DJ can scratch and jam and create custom mixes on this kid-sized turntable. It comes with 15 songs but can be connected to your own music via Bluetooth technology. $80, toysrus.ca

Mastermind Toys DIY Fort Construction Set
Why we love it: If you have a kid who is constantly stealing the couch cushions and throw blankets to create elaborate forts, hit “add to cart” on this genius gift right now. With 58 rods and 32 connectors, the options for fort-building are endless. It comes with a light and a carrying case so forts can happen anywhere and at any time of day. $60, mastermindtoys.com

Disney Villainous Board Game
Why we love it: In this battle of evil versus evil (yep, that’s not a typo), each player takes on the role of a Disney villain with the aim of achieving their own devious objective. If your kiddo identifies more with Maleficent or Ursula, this is the game you want. (There are also booster packs available to keep the game evolving!) $60, chapters.indigo.ca

Canal Toys DIY Slime Factory
Why we love it: Slime is pretty much a guaranteed hit, no? (It’s really a toss-up between slime and kinetic sand in terms of best messy activity.) This cosmic kit comes slime shakers, slime powder packs, glitter, confetti and more. $40, realcanadiansuperstore.ca

Amazon Echo Dot 5^th Generation for Kids
Why we love it: Aside from the fact that it’s so freaking cute, we love that this pick is made especially for kids. Kids of all ages can ask Alexa to read them a story, play music, help with their homework and so much more. Fire dragon design also available. $80, bestbuy.ca