Ten toys and games under £10 that will keep kids entertained all summer holidays
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From reusable doodle boards to creative kits and garden games, these affordable buys could help fill rainy afternoons, long journeys and screen-free downtime.
School’s nearly out, and keeping children entertained for six weeks can become expensive very quickly. As a mum, I’ve picked 10 toys, games and craft kits costing less than £10 that are ideal for rainy days, long journeys and screen-free afternoons.
The problem is, entertaining children for six weeks can quickly become expensive. Days out soon add up, and buying new toys every week just isn't realistic. That's why I've been searching for fun toys, crafts and games that cost less than £10 but will still keep little hands busy for more than five minutes.
If your children are forever asking for paper to draw on, this reusable writing tablet is a brilliant alternative. They can doodle, practise writing, play games or even keep score during family game nights before wiping it clean with the press of a button. It's lightweight enough to throw in a bag for long car journeys, holidays or restaurant visits too.
Sometimes the simplest games are still the best. This classic four-in-a-row game is quick to set up, easy for younger children to learn and surprisingly addictive for adults too. It's perfect for rainy afternoons and a great way to encourage a little friendly competition without reaching for a screen.
These talking flash cards make learning feel much more like play. Covering everything from animals and food to colours and everyday objects, they're a fun way to help younger children build their vocabulary while keeping them engaged. They're ideal if you want something educational that doesn't feel like homework during the holidays.
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I don't know many children who can resist getting creative with clay. With 27 different colours included, they can make animals, flowers, food or completely random creations using their imagination. Best of all, the clay dries naturally so they can proudly display their masterpieces afterwards.
Kinetic sand has become a favourite in our house because it keeps the mess surprisingly contained while still offering hours of sensory fun. Kids can squish, mould, slice and shape it into all sorts of creations, and it's strangely satisfying for adults too.
Painting is one activity that never seems to lose its appeal. This washable Crayola paint set makes it much less stressful for parents thanks to the easy-clean formula, while still giving children plenty of colours to get creative with. Just don't forget to cover the table first.
These paint-with-water books are one of my favourite discoveries for younger children. All you need is a little water and the colours magically appear on the page, meaning there's no paint pots to knock over and hardly any mess to clear up afterwards. They're brilliant for travel too.
Scratch art always feels a little bit magical. Children use the included stylus to reveal colourful patterns hidden beneath the black pages, creating bright pictures as they go. It's a lovely quiet activity that's ideal when everyone needs a bit of downtime.
This kit combines crafting with something they'll proudly display afterwards. Children can decorate colourful window decorations before sticking them onto the glass to brighten up the house. It's a lovely creative project that feels a bit different from ordinary colouring.
These are guaranteed to encourage children away from their tablets and into the garden. Whether they're building dens, playing spies or creating imaginary adventures, walkie talkies instantly make outdoor play feel more exciting. I also love that siblings can play together without needing another screen.
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