• A personalized puzzle makes an inexpensive Christmas gift for kids.Ebby May/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Have you ever bought your child an expensive gift, only to find they were more entranced and entertained by the box that it came in instead of the actual gift? For this reason, you should consider some less expensive gifts. It is possible to surprise your child with a Christmas gift that is under $5, that they will love.
  
  

Personalized Puzzle

• Kids enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. Unfortunately, you can't always find a jigsaw puzzle that is of something they like. One easy way to make sure your kids will love the final puzzle is to personalize a blank puzzle purchased from a craft store. These puzzles will typically have a matte white finish and come in a variety of shapes and complexities. There are simple six-piece puzzles, which are suitable for preschool-age children all the way up to 100-piece puzzles that will entertain older children. Kids can decorate their puzzle however they wish with markers, crayons or colored pencils. The result is a craft project they will use after they finish decorating.
  
  

Flashlight

• No matter what age a kid is, he can use a flashlight. Young kids love to play with flashlights, which is why you so often find your own flashlight batteries are dead when you really need to use it. Solve this issue by picking up a flashlight for your child. You can buy small, colorful flashlights at many bargain retailers and "dollar" stores, which can then be personalized and decorated with stickers and permanent markers. Kids will be happy to have a flashlight of their very own, and they will be ready for their next camping trip or living room safari.
  
  

Model Car Kit

• Simple wooden model car kits, like the ones used by the Cub Scouts for their annual Pinewood Derby, can be purchased for $5 at many craft stores and even through local Boy Scout council shops. With a little bit of sandpaper, a knife or saw, some parental supervision and time, your child will be able to fashion his own car. Throw in some stickers and paint and you can make a car that is as fancy or rugged as they wish.
  
  As an alternative to a car, you can also get a model sailboat or a model rocket kit for $5 or less. Both of these alternatives require no batteries.
  
  

Bath Tub Crayons

• There is just something about a plain, white wall that attracts children and their crayons, like moths to a flame. Forbidden fruit for even the smallest Picasso, there are few family homes where children haven't added at least one or two impromptu murals to the walls. Encourage their creative streak, and give them the opportunity to finally write on the walls with your permission by giving them bath crayons. Actually colorful soap, these crayons can be used to scribble all over the tile and fiberglass bath surrounds and still wash off safely.