Five great Christmas gift ideas for kids

We all love to see the shine and excitement on our kids faces when they see their presents on Christmas morning. That's why we've rounded up five of our favorite gift deals for kids, including 36 cans of Play-Doh at 44 cents a piece, a Dora and Friends bilingual play set at a $17 low, and more. 

Volunteers from Mercedes-Benz Manhattan make Christmas presents a reality for hundreds of kids in New York City.

PRNewsFoto/MercedesBenz/File

December 17, 2014

The days leading up to Christmas are kind of rough for kids. Between the creepy Santa photo ops, strange relatives, and uncomfortable holiday formal wear, this is hardly the most wonderful time of the year for them.

But then Christmas morning arrives, and all of that is forgotten in the face of awesome presents. That's why we've rounded up five Editors' Choice offers from among this week's best toy deals. If you need some Christmas gift ideas for kids, we've found 36 cans of Play-Doh at 44 cents a piece, a Dora and Friends bilingual play set at a $17 low, and a Transformers Grimlock figure for just $20.

For the Creative Kid
Play-Doh 36-Can Mega Pack
Store: Amazon
Price: $17.97/span> with free shipping via Prime
Lowest By: $1

In Kentucky, the oldest Black independent library is still making history

Is It Worth It?: Whether you're shopping for one artistically inclined youngster or a whole classroom full, this 36-pack of Play-Doh is a steal. You'll receive 36 3-oz. cans in a variety of colors.

 

For the Budding Linguist
Fisher-Price Dora and Friends Cafe
Store: Walmart
Price: $15 with in-store pickup
Lowest By: $17

Is It Worth It?: Cheaper than a Barbie Dreamhouse and arguably more educational, the Dora and Friends Cafe is a great choice for doll fans. This play set includes several "magic" charms that trigger over 35 phrases in English and Spanish, as well as a song from the TV show. Best of all, you'll save $17 when you opt for in-store pickup.

For the Little Mermaid
My Magical Mermaid Play Set
Store: Walmart
Price: $8 with in-store pickup
Lowest By: $20

A majority of Americans no longer trust the Supreme Court. Can it rebuild?

Is It Worth It?: If your little one has been begging for either a pet fish or robot, this neat toy is the best of both oddly specific worlds. The My Magical Mermaid play set includes a figure that dances underwater in one of two swimming patterns. A $20 price low, you can pick one up for just $8.

For the All-Star
NBA Arcade Basketball System
Store: Toys "R" Us via eBay
Price: $55.98 with free shipping
Lowest By: $85

Is It Worth It?: Any young hoopster will adore this NBA basketball system, which will sharpen their skills while providing hours of fun. This arcade-style game has dropped $9 from our previous mention, and is a current low by $85. It comes with three basketballs.
For the Fanboy (or Girl)

Transformers Age of Extinction Grimlock Figure
Store: Amazon
Price: $22 with free shipping via Prime
Lowest By: $13

Is It Worth It?: What's cooler than dinosaurs and robots? A dinosaur robot, natch. Grimlock is easily one of the best Transformers of all time, so fans of all ages will love this 2-in-1 figure. A $13 price low, this figure transforms from robot mode to dino mode in 18 steps.