Books are always a good gift and you can include a gift receipt in case the child already has that book.

Small lego sets
Arts/craft kits
Play doh
Costumes/dress-up
Puzzles
Dolls

agree 10-15 is fine.

The norm for (non family or extra super close friends) kid gifts around this area is definitely $10-15. If you are spending $20 that is generous and $50 is way more than you need to spend.

1 year old:
http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Busy-Poppin-Pals-Colors/dp/B00005N9EE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1329330280&sr=8-8

http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Step-Start-Walk-Ride/dp/B00004T2WP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329330347&sr=8-1

2 year old:

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Duplo-Building-Set-71-pieces/dp/B002RL7VNO/ref=sr_1_27?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329330417&sr=1-27

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Jumbo-Wooden-Puzzle/dp/B000FS70QE/ref=sr_1_24?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329330384&sr=1-24

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-4096-Car-Carrier/dp/B0037UT3E4/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329330384&sr=1-2

3 year old

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Fire-Chief-Costume/dp/B002GCL658/ref=sr_1_42?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329330496&sr=1-42

http://www.amazon.com/Play-Doh-Fun-Factory-Deluxe-Set/dp/B000ZZV22U/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329330537&sr=1-5

Ha- not even sure what an appropriate budget is for small children! $50 absolute max, I guess, but hoping to spend maybe $20ish.

what is your budget?

What are some cool gifts to get for children who are under 3 years old? Boys and girls?

I am starting to get invited to all these birthday parties for young children and have no idea what type of gifts I should get them since they are so young. Clothes? Toys?
What is unique that they might not already have?

Thanks!