Gifts for Kids under $250

A freestanding indoor swing on its own pine stand, so nothing screws into a ceiling or doorway. Six months to three years, sets up in about ten minutes and folds flat.

A soft cube that plays stories when a child sets a figurine on top. Screen-free audio for ages three and up, controlled by the kid.

The magnetic tiles that build castles, garages and whole cities on the floor. The toy that lasts from three to ten.

Kitchen tower, step stool, desk and chair, and a chalkboard, in one solid-wood piece with a platform that adjusts as they grow. Avenlur lists more than 2,400 reviews on it.

The loud, waterproof speaker every teenager wants. Twelve hours, fits a cup holder, survives the pool.

The Dreamhouse: three stories, a slide into the pool, an elevator for the pet and 75 pieces. The big box of Christmas morning.

A wooden toddler slide shaped like an elephant: climb the steps up its back, slide down the trunk. Ages 1 and up, holds two kids, and it looks fine left out in the living room.

A foldable Pikler triangle with a slide, a rock-wall ramp and an arch that flips over into a rocker. Ages 1 to 6, and it folds flat when the room is needed back.

A sealed wooden water table sized for one or two toddlers, with two buckets and a center drain plug. Fits a patio, a deck or a small yard.

A kitchen helper that flips into a step stool, a chalkboard or an indoor slide, then folds flat behind a door. Enclosed sides, anti-slip feet and a lock for every mode.