LEGO

PRICE: $15
(Find the best deal)

This Lego tub of 221 pieces is the perfect starter set for your little builder (and it provides a place to store all those little pieces). Or, for $10 more, spring for the 401-piece set.

Lincoln logs are another great building toy -- but they're a bit pricier. A 115-piece set in a commemorative tin runs $35 on Amazon.com.