Small-Size, High-Impact, Inexpensive Active Toys

These low-cost goodies pack a powerful fitness punch.

Sure, a brand-new bike, scooter, or soccer goal will inspire physical play—but you can also encourage kids to be active with smaller, simpler (cheaper!) toys and gear. Try these small-size, but high-impact gifts to inspire action. Pair with a healthy snack for a fresh take on a stocking stuffer or birthday treat, or pile a bunch into a basket for an active-themed present.

1. Bubble solution and wands
2. Jump rope
3. Ball: look for adorable, animal-faced balls from Gertie for little ones (compare prices), or the innovative Phlat ball from Toysmith for bigger kids—it changes from a disk to a ball mid-flight (compare prices).
4. Diving sticks or pool rings
5. Goggles for swimming or skiing
6. Sports trading cards
7. Paperback books about sports or athletes
8. MP3 gift card (such as iTunes) for tweens and teens who like to take music along on walks or workouts
9. FitDeck playing cards (compare prices)
10. Sand toys
11. Passes or membership cards to an ice rink, bowling alley, driving range, etc.
12. Coupons good for family play—a game of catch in the backyard or trip to the playground, for example
13. Pedometer
14. Cool-weather gear such as earmuffs, mittens, hats, and socks
15. Flip-flops or travel-sized toiletries for the locker room
16. Sunhat or sunglasses
17. Reusable water bottle (stainless steel or BPA-free plastic
18. Sidewalk chalk