Rossen Reports: Hottest holiday gifts for $50 and under
Holiday shopping is starting but inflation is scaring a lot of us from spending money right now. So we’re gathering a list of the hottest, newest gifts for $50 or less. From tech gadgets to toys, these are bound to be major hits.
Toys
LEGOs – Sets are always hot gifts every holiday season. While Star Wars and Marvel LEGOs are huge hits, Jurassic World/Jurassic Park sets will be big this year. Check out this new set that’s on sale for $49. Walmart also has quite a few options that are cost-effective as well.
Shopping tip: If you see a set you know your kids want or will like, snatch it up. LEGOs go fast! Many retailers offer price-match guarantees as well. If they go on sale, you can bring in your receipt and get that sale price.
Nintendo Switch Sports – This game came out this year and is the perfect mix between a video game and a collaborative game kids (and adults) can play together. (Think Wii Sports. It’s a newer version!) Multiple people can play soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton and swordplay together. Target has the game for its regular price of $49. Walmart has it for $48. Amazon has it on sale for $44.
Pop It! Pro – This fidget toy is now a game. It reminds us of whack-a-mole but with lights! You have to hit the bubbles when they light up. There are 3 different game modes and one can be played with other people. We are seeing it on sale at Target and Walmart for $18 (down from $20). Here’s a link to it on Amazon.
Squishmallows – There are a ton of options here that can work with any price point. Various sizes can range in prices starting at $7 at some retailers. The website has the newer editions but retailers and Amazon have a larger variety as well.
5 Surprise Mini Brands – Toymaker ZURU is out with the newest group of toys called Foodie Mini Brands. They’re about $9. If you can’t get your hands on the newest series, there a ton of different options as well. They make for fun stocking stuffers too!
Monster Jam Garage Playset – This new playset is over four feet wide and can store up to 25 monster trucks. It will be a big hit for $49.
LOL Surprise OMG Fashion Show Hair Edition – This is the latest edition in the LOL Surprise world and it’s going to be a hot item this holiday season. This one is at Target for $35. There are different types as well.
VTech Level Up Gaming Chair – For the little toddler growing into a little kid in your family, this is a good option on sale for $34 (regular price is $45). It grows with them as they get older too.
Star Wars L0-LA59 (Lola) Interactive Electronic Action Figure – You know Star Wars is always going to be hot every holiday season. This action figure is around $27.
Connect 4 Spin Game – Connect 4 has a ton of different games out now! Yeah, it’s not just the original. This spinning version costs $22. Connect 4 Shots came out a few years ago but it’s now on sale for $12. Connect 4 Blast is also on sale for $18 and is another fun version.
Tech
Smart Plug – You don’t need a hub or another device in order to make sure these plugs work. All you need is the Alexa app. It works with any outlet and there’s not much of a setup to them. You can schedule lights, fans, appliances, etc. to turn off and on by the sound of your voice or a tap of the toggle on your smartphone. Here’s a plug for $25 but around the holidays, Amazon products go on sale!
iClever Bluetooth Headphones for Kids – The World Health Organization recommends that the sound levels should remain below 70 decibels for music played through headphones or be limited to one hour at 85 decibels. Manufacturers focus on that second set of numbers. These headphones have three settings: 74 decibels, 85 decibels and 94 decibels. The louder setting can be used when traveling or for older kids. And kids can’t just turn up the volume but need help from parents. These headphones cost us $27.
Cell Phone Stand – This wireless, Bluetooth cell phone stand costs about $25. You can not only watch movies and shows and listen to music, but you can also use the stand to make calls. Playtime varies according to volume level and audio content but you can listen for 6 to 12 hours with the volume at 50%. If you listen at maximum volume, you have 3 to 4 hours of listening time. It only takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge as well.
Tracking Cell Phone Stand – This tool recognizes your face or body as you move in front of it. You can go hands-free on video calls or if you want to make a fun social media video that will still follow you without having to move the camera yourself. There’s a bit of a lag, but it works well! The stand rotates 360 degrees and can be screwed into a larger tripod well. There’s no battery or app required either. We bought this one for $34.