I try to stay within the $10.00 mark, but I take time to look for good sales on educationtional items so I don't look cheap. LOL I find they get so many toys I don't want to just add to the clutter. I really like the crayola kits with the marker or paint that only works on their paper. The kids love it! It's mess free and it's not something that's going to hang around the house forever.