Under $10 Stocking Stuffers and Gifts for Kids
Card Games and Word Games are Fun Christmas Gift Ideas
Sep 4, 2009
Finding gift ideas for kids under $10 can be difficult but many card games and word games are available this Christmas season. Bestselling 2009 games like Scrabble Slam, Blink, and Quiddler teach fun competitive and educational play the whole family will enjoy. And since card games are quite small, many of these games are small enough to use as stocking stuffers.
Card games and word games are fun to play but can also teach young children how to count, spell, and think quickly. Each game offers a different experience and requires a different skill set. Supernanny.com suggests that card games or Scrabble are effective at helping families bond. When many children are busy and over-scheduled when school is in session, a family game night provides structure and balance.
When gift giving, remember that not all games are appropriate for all children or families. Before purchasing a card or word game, consider the following:
- Age of the child
- Number of players
- Educational lesson appropriate for the child's skill level (spelling, counting, etc.)
- Evaluate if the game includes small pieces not suitable for small children in the household
The following games are appropriate for children ages 8 or older Each game is under $10 and available from most online or retail stores.
Scrabble Slam Card Game
A fast-paced card game to play with family and friends. The game consists of 55 cards which are used to form four-letter words. Each player tries to use all of his or her cards before the next person. Cards contain letters which are used to change the word into something new. The word "shoe" could become "shot", which could become "slot." Scrabble Slam can be played with 2 to 4 players and is recommended for players ages 8 and older.
Scrabble Apple Word Game
A cloth bag shaped as an apple contains 100 letter tiles which are used to form words. Unlike traditional Scrabble, there's no need for a board. Each player turns over a tile one at a time, taking turns forming words. The first person to use all of his or her tiles wins. Scrabble Apple can be played with 2 to 4 players and is recommended for players ages 8 and older.
Blink Card Game
Blink uses cards with a variety of shapes, counts and colors which each player tries to match together. The goal of this card game is for a player to use all of the cards in his or her hand before anyone else. The first person to use all of his or her cards is the winner. Blink is for 2 players and is recommended for ages 7 and older.
Flinch Card Game
Just over a century old, Flinch is a speed card game where players race to use a stack of cards by placing them into numerically arranged piles. The latest release of Flinch includes 5 variations on the game to keep it new and interesting for the entire family. Flinch can be played with 1 to 4 players and is recommended for players ages 8 and older.
Quiddler Card Game and Word Game
Quiddler is a word game using a deck of 118 cards. Each card contains a letter or combination of letters from the alphabet which players form into words. The player to successfully form his or her hand into words wins the game. Quiddler can be played with 1 to 8 players and is recommended for players ages 10 and older.
Five Crowns Card Game
Five Crowns expand upon classic card sets by creating a fifth card suite with which to play this rummy-like card game. Players use the cards to create sets and sequences. Each hand progresses with a different number of cards being dealt and a different card being wild. Players race to use all of their cards and be the first to go out. Five Crowns can be played with 2 to 7 players and is recommended for players ages 10 and older.
Word Games and Card Games Are Affordable Christmas Gifts
This holiday season gift giving does not need to cost a fortune. Many popular card games and word games can be purchased for less than $10 and are small enough to use as stocking stuffers. Games are a fun family activity that can also teach children important concepts like counting, spelling, and quick thinking. To ensure a happy gift giving experience, make sure to buy a game that takes into account the child's age, educational level, number of players, and whether any small game pieces are appropriate for the gift recipient.
For additional toy ideas, consider this article regarding the 2009 Toys of the Year as recently announced by the Toy Industry Association.
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