Toys under $10

Photographs: Photograph: Cinzia Reale-Castello

1. You are here
Yes, Virginia, there is life beyond New York. With cute depictions of state highlights, this puzzle from eeBoo is a sneaky way to make geography fun. $9; at Good-Byes, 230 E 78th St between Second and Third Aves (212-794-2301)

2. Pop fly
“Miss Tanaka Jungle Bug” gets kids giggling when she unexpectedly shoots up from her suction-cup perch. Press, wait, pop, repeat. She never gets tired. $6; at the Conran Shop, 407 E 59th St at First Ave (866-755-9079, conranusa.com)

3. Spell it out for me
Magnets modeled after vintage alphabet blocks help little ones learn their letters, while older sibs can put together insults like u r a poopie on the fridge. $10; at West Side Kids, 498 Amsterdam Ave at 84th St (212-496-7282)

4. Coffee, anyone?
Cash-sapping Starbucks runs are so on hiatus. Role-play the experience with a set of stoneware cups; matching glasses and sugar and creamer not shown. $10; at Ikea, 1 Beard St at Otsego St, Red Hook, Brooklyn (718-246-4532, ikea.com)

5. Energy anti-hog
This little piggy flashlight needs no batteries or replacement bulbs; just squeeze the side buttons to recharge. $7.50; at Doodle Doo’s, 543 Hudson St between Charles and Perry Sts (212-627-3667, doodledoos.com)

6. Star wars
Chinese checkers is neither Asian nor based on that other classic game. But for this price we forgive its misleading moniker. $4.50; at Pearl River Mart, 477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-431-4770, pearlriver.com)

7. Transportation alternatives
Speed racers will delight in making this balloon-powered auto zoom across the floor. If only the family car could be fueled this way... $6.50; at MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring St between Broadway and Crosby St (646-613-1367, momastore.org)

8. Can you hear me now?
Silly songsters will excite at the stadium-style echo produced by the Magic Mic at their next living room gig. $4.50; at Kidding Around, 60 W 15th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-645-6337, kiddingaroundnyc.com)

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