Christmas on a Budget: Gifts Under $30

The nation's anemic economic condition means a more lethargic Christmas for many consumers. But even with a tightened budget, parents and purchasers can find deals for children for less than $30.

Toy Tips and Parenting Hints Magazine president and publisher Marianne Szymanski tells you about some of the deals for people looking for good, inexpensive gifts this holiday.

Szymanski suggests being upfront and honest with kids about what to expect this Christmas and telling them you'll try to do your best. For little ones, Szymanski suggests telling them Santa brings what he can, but has lots of little kids to bring toys to so he has to share.

Gifts for the Elementary School Crowd

Qubits Construction Toys
Price: $29.99

It's a simple plastic toy that can be built-up using a unique patented modular geometry. It quickly captures the imagination of those who might have visions of becoming architects, engineers, scientist or even nanotech designers.

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Get great gifts for less than $30.

It has 90 construction pieces and is molded with high quality plastic featuring bendable pieces that will allow curved shapes with a rainbow of color in every kit. The large foldout color instruction sheet gets your imagination started. Qubits will help students understand the possibilities in rearranging nature's building blocks.

Disney Princess Adventure Hut by Playhut
Price: $29.99

Three kids can hide in this large play structure while someone crawls out the back tunnel port. You can sneak out the 4-foot long secret passage tunnel.

It's made from durable soft non-woven materials. The hut sets up in an instant and is light weight and portable. A carrying case is included and the toy is ideal for children 3 and up.

Presents for Pre-teens

Bakugan
Price: $3-$7

Bakugan is a game you've probably never heard of, but your kids have. Based on a Japanese cartoon, Bakugan looks a lot like Pokemon.

It features a card game played with magnetic, spring-loaded marbles that flip up to form little action figures. Then they battle. The best part about the game for parents is the price. While some of the bigger packages of game pieces will run you between $20 and $35, some individual game pieces cost no more than $3 to $7.

Snowball Blaster By Wham O
Price: $29.99

The snowball maker and launcher makes and launches snowballs up to 50 feet. It has a removable 3-ball snowball press on top of launcher and power-wrist support handle. It's ergonomic for easy use.

High School Musical 3 Dance Mat
Price: $29.99

The High School Musical mat gets your feet moving and your body groovin'. The mat has built-in lights, music and routines. It features three different skill levels and plays four different songs: "All For One," "I Don't Dance," "What Time Is It" and "Fabulous."