9 Birthday Gifts Your Grandkids Will Love That You Can Afford on Social Security
Written by
Tiffany Lew
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Retirees on a tight budget relying on social security can still delight grandkids of all ages on their next birthday. Here are nine gifts all under $18 before tax that are worthy of consideration from The Toy Insider.
Also here shopping perks retirees should take advantage of.
Cook ‘N’ Go BBQ Set
- Price: $9.82
Just in time for fast-approaching summer — or any time of year — this generous BBQ set features 26 accessories perfect for make believe hosting. Flip up the lid of the grill, toss a hamburger patty with a spatula or use a tong to grab a hot dog — the imaginative play possibilities are endless.
Kanoodle Sudoqube
- Price: $14.99
Perfect for the puzzle-loving kid in your life. This colorful, compact and competitive game piece combines Kanoodle and Sudoku. How do you win? Arrange pieces into a square without repeating any colors horizontally or vertically.
Rainbow Gumball Machine
- Price: $15.99
This retro-inspired gum ball machine is more than meets the eye: Kids learn numbers and colors. Release vibrant gum balls numbered one through 10 by pressing down the coin button. Revel in a new surprise each time.
Kinetic Sand Squish Blossom
- Price: $9.99
Give them flowers in the form of kinetic sand. Kids can be creative while building fine motor skills and enjoying a sensory experience. A bright new universe blossoms through molds for flowers, bees and leaves.
Barnyard Bowling Set
- Price: $14.82
Keep playtime on a roll with this adorable animal-themed bowling set featuring a sheep, cow, llama, chicken, horse and a pig. Pins are stored and organized in a picket fence basket. It’s never too early to start working on superb hand-eye coordination.
Light-Up Marble Drop
- Price: $17.99
A marble drop might be fun enough, but a customizable one even better. On the same board, kids can DIY their own artistic backdrops using stencils. See it all come to life when the board lights up.
Bluey Bath Puzzle
- Price: $9.99
Bath time is entertaining — and educational — thanks to this eight-piece Bluey-themed puzzle set that easily sticks and removes from tiles. Even better yet? It’s no mess and portable thanks to an included mesh bag.
Miniverse Make It Mini From Scratch
- Price: $9.99
The perfect gift for grandkids who love baking and mini figures. These collectibles may be small but they maximize on hands-on fun featuring toy “ingredients” and accessories that kids mix to create (non-edible) delectables.
Elmer’s Neon Sky Slime Kit
- Price: $14.99
Fun times aren’t stretched thin here. Keep slime simple with this four-count all-inclusive kit that will bring on endless, tactile play in bright colors.
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Sources
- The Toy Insider, “2025 Spring & Summer Gift Guide.”
