As the holiday shopping season approaches, Cincinnati families are looking for ways to keep gift‑giving affordable. At King Arthur’s Court toy store, manager and buyer Rob Kearney says the shop prioritizes low‑cost options alongside higher‑priced items.
Affordable choices for every budget
“We do have a lot of high‑end stuff, but we also have the stocking stuffers,” Kearney explained. “Kids want to break open the piggy bank and cash in their pennies and nickels, and we’ve got it at all price ranges.”
According to James Zahn, senior editor at The Toy Insider, toy prices have largely held steady heading into the holiday season, though shipping costs could affect future restocks as container rates rise.
Top toys under $10
For shoppers focused on the bottom line, Kearney highlighted several items priced at $5 or less, including novelty squishy toys such as squishy cheese and squishy dumplings. “Squishies are the biggest thing right now. Anything that is tactile, squishable,” he said, adding that the dumpling‑shaped toys are a particular favorite.
Saving on LEGO sets
Families with LEGO fans can stretch dollars further by choosing non‑licensed sets. Kearney recommends collections like LEGO City or LEGO Friends, which typically cost less than franchise‑linked sets. “If it’s a Star Wars character, it’s going to be a little bit more because they have to pay Disney,” he noted.
The Toy Insider’s budget‑friendly list
The Toy Insider released a list of twelve toys priced at $20 or less, offering value without a premium price tag. “You can still get a lot of bang for your buck under $20 if you know where to look,” Zahn said. The list includes items such as:
- Animal Jamboree (Battat) – $19.82
- Bilibo Midi (Fat Brain Toys) – $19.99
- ButterLuvs (RoseArt) – $4.99‑$19.97
- Dungeons & Dragons Questers (Basic Fun!) – $7.99‑$19.99
- Fuggler Gold Edition (PMI) – $7.97
- Happy Haul (Just Play) – $9.99
- Just Ameerah Fluffy vs Clearz (WeCool) – $12.99
- Nerf KPop Demon Hunters (Hasbro) – $9.99‑$14.99
- Rump Race (PlayMonster) – $19.99
- SQZY Gel Gems (Sunny Days) – $5.99
- Nook Nooks (STARBOX) – $12.99
- Booksy Disney Edition 1 (PMI Kids World) – $9.97
Why local stores still matter
While online shopping offers convenience, Kearney argues that local toy stores provide a tactile experience that websites cannot. “You can hold it in your hand, you can see that what you are getting is not generated by a computer,” he said.
Local shopper Caitlyn Kelly‑Reif echoed the sentiment, noting that her son’s favorite gifts are often the simplest items, such as a ball or a book, rather than the most expensive toys.
Keeping the holiday spirit alive
Despite concerns about household budgets, Kearney remains confident that families will make the holidays special. “Christmas is Christmas. Santa isn’t affected by global events,” he said.
Experts recommend that parents start shopping early, compare prices, and remember that many popular toys can still be found for less than $20, helping families enjoy a festive season without overspending.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
