The best stocking stuffers for kids are things they’ll actually use. This curated gift guide is perfect for filling stockings without being expensive or wasteful. From toddlers to big kids, these stocking stuffers for kids are perfection.
Stocking stuffers for kids do not need to be junk
On repeat: Stocking stuffers do not need to be junk, or expensive, or just another thing at Christmas.
Stockings don’t need to be filled with extra stuff to clutter your house, even more candy, or whatever you could find on Christmas Eve in the Target dollar section (wink).
Stockings can be filled with awesome gifts kids will actually use – without breaking the bank and without overfilling your house.
RELATED: Looking for the best toys for kids? Check out my toy lists – broken apart by ages.
What are the best stocking stuffers?
I have three kids. Three stockings adds up – on top of a holiday of presents and a month of activities that also add up. It’s an expensive time of year…
So I came up with a plan to “combat” the cost of stockings, without having to sacrifice the tradition or buy a bunch of dollar section stuff that’s meaningless and will just clutter up the toy bins.
RELATED: Need some book ideas for kids? I have a list of super cool books to gift!
Busy Toddler’s Guide To Actual Parenting
From Their First “No”
to Their First Day of School
(and Everything In Between)
What to fill stockings for kids with
I fill stockings for kids with things we “need.”
I put in supplies that we can use in our activities and my kids love it. Believe it or not, Santa brought my kids a new stack of construction paper last Christmas and the mood was electric.
I also put in STEM gifts, art supplies, bath/hygiene items, or card games – things we needed or wanted to try and they make for awesome stocking stuffers.
Remember: Stocking stuffers do not need to be over the top or filled with clutter. A few fun items that kids will actually use is the way to go.
I broke this list into 5 sections of ideas:
- STEM stocking stuffers
- Bath time ideas
- Art supplies
- Card games
- Busy Toddler activity supplies
STEM Stocking Stuffers
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Stopwatch
I put this in a stocking a few Christmases ago on a whim… one of my best whims ever. Guess what kids love to do? Time stuff. Have fun!
Hand Counters
Go with me on this one: these are fantastic for kids. Why? Here’s an example: We went on a field trip and the leader gave each kid one. “Click every time you see a spider web.” For the entire miles long hike, the kids (ages 3-8) were entertained above and beyond. Kids love small devices, they love numbers, they love autonomy. These are gold.
Mini Flashlights
Oh the fun of a mini flashlight. And to have one that is “yours” – this is a 10/10 for kids. We let our kids keep them in their rooms to help with darkness, reading at bedtime, and trips to the bathroom.
Calculator
If your kids (from preschool age to big kids) don’t have calculators yet, let this be your sign. These are for play, practice, and fun with numbers. Calculators are magical to kids (this one comes in lots of colors).
Magnetic Wands
This is an amazing and amazingly random gift – magnetic wands. There’s so much kids can learn and do with these. They typically come in a six pack, so I put 1 in their stocking (and save others for random birthday gifts throughout the year).
Mentos Geyser Tube
Do you remember this experiment? Mentos explodes Diet Coke and it’s awesome. It’s made more awesome by this attachment which allows multiple Mentos to drop at once. Giving the gift of science is always a good call.
Bath Time Stocking Stuffers
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Color My Bath
Turning the bath water a different color? It’s basically kid magic! This is a personal favorite stocking stuffer at our house. We have had this three (maybe 4?) years and have never had any problem with it staining kids or tubs (but use your judgment).
Fun Bandages
As long as my kids are young enough to think fancy bandages are awesome in stockings, I’m going to keep on adding them. I give each sibling a different pack (like the unicorn pack, tie-dye bandages, or outer space style).
Chap Sticks
Every year, a new pack of chap sticks. I always tuck one into each stocking. It’s what my Dad did when I was little and I’ve carried on this “tradition.”
Bath Letters
I always put a new pack of these into someone’s stocking – perfect for bath time and for alphabet activities. These have been a beloved hit here since my oldest was under 1.
Bath Bombs
Last Christmas, I tucked a few of these in each stocking. It was perfect and made for a great excuse for a mid-Christmas morning calming bath. This set comes with a lot and is great to split with a friend. Love buying in bulk and splitting stocking costs.
Art Stocking Stuffers
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Paint Sticks
Stockings are where I put the specialty, fancy art supplies to get us through the winter. Paint sticks are an awesome way to do mess-free painting.
Twistable Crayons
A new year, a new box of crayons – that’s my forever motto! This year, I’m going with some fun twistable crayons.
Multi-color Pens
I know you remember this from childhood and how much you loved it. It’s their turn now…
Gel Crayons
Absolutely love these. The feeling of coloring with these is like drawing with lip stick – they’re slick and smooth and incredible.
Hole Punches
A stocking standout a few Christmases ago: a few of these were in each of my kids’ stockings and they were (are) a hit. They’ve held up well over the years, and continue to be a favorite art/craft supply.
Decorative Tape
My kids love colorful tapes for their art so I make sure to include rolls from a set like this in everyone’s stocking (I put a few rolls in each stocking).
Watercolor Paints
Our favorite set of watercolors – and you always need a new set. Putting new watercolors into the stocking is perfect at Christmastime.
Bees Wax Crayons
The nicest set of crayons: these are a step up from a traditional box. I love these for my big kids who are looking for a little more in their coloring.
Stickers
Here’s another great deal for siblings – grab a value pack of stickers and give them each a few sheets or books. It makes for GREAT activity supplies later on.
Paint Brushes
Another that my kids need every year so why not put them in their stockings. Who doesn’t love a new paint brush?
Doodle Pad
Love the size of these (6×9) and that they come as a four pack. It’s another bulk item to split among siblings or share the cost with your friend.
Games as Stocking Stuffers
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Uno
Let’s start with UNO. Uno is perfection for kids ages 4+. It’s also a great stocking stuffer that every family should own.
Spot It!
For ages 3+, Spot It is a fantastic game of I-Spy to keep in the car or a diaper bag/backpack/purse. Never be caught waiting without it. It’s also great on Christmas morning.
6 in 1 Fun Pack
This is a GREAT set (and you can split it apart for multiple kid stockings). It has all the simple classic card games for kids – perfect for ages 3+ to big kids.
Rat-A-Tat Cat
A great card game for ages 5+ – and one that big siblings will have fun playing with the littles. Adults will have fun with this one, too.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Rapidly becoming one of the hottest games for kids 6+ (to adults), Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is fast paced and will give everyone the giggles. It’s perfect.
Fluxx
A unique card game for ages 7 to adult. If your kids love Exploding Kittens or Taco vs Burrito, they’ll love Cover Your Assets (even my 6 year old is able to play this game with a little bit of assistance). It’s fast paced and silly.
Activity Supplies for Stocking Stuffers
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Dot Stickers
You better believe dot stickers are a staple in my stockings! There’s nothing better than dot stickers and a fresh pack is just full of possibilities.
Pom Pom Balls
One of my favorite activity supplies – oh there’s so much you can do with pom pom balls and kids LOVE them.
Roll of Paper
A roll of white paper is everything. Start the new year with a new paper roll (this multi pack is what I always buy).
Pipe Cleaners
The perfect open-ended activity supply for a stocking. This pack can also be separated out for siblings.
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes + kids are like moths + a flame. They love them. They get them. And they make fantastic stocking stuffers.
Plastic Tongs
We love plastic tongs for activities – and they’re great for little hands. Consider adding tongs into your sensory bins. They’re magical!
Frequently Asked Questions
The 3 most popular items from year’s past are: Color My Bath, the Hand Counters, and the Kwik Sticks.
That’s up to you! You’ll need to make that choice based on budget, number of children, child’s age and needs. Some years, our stockings are fuller than others depending on what we need that year. This list is NOT what I give my kids each year. After a decade of parenting, these are items that I’ve put in stockings on various Christmases.
Stockings start to add up – especially when you consider multiple children. You’ll have to make your own budget and what fits best in your holiday planning. Remember that lots of these items can be bought in bulk and others at the Dollar Store.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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Rachel says
This is sooo helpful! Thank you. I can imagine how much fun my 3 year old would have with a simple calculator… so many buttons… LOVE it!
Cambric says
The past couple of days I have been thinking about I could put in my kids stockings that isn’t just junk or candy. This list has so many great ideas that I know my kiddos will love. Thanks Susie!
Carmen Cellon says
Great ideas for a grandma caring for kids full time.
Rosalie Pollard says
This ROCKED! My brain is saying m, “duh, mom” and I feel a zillion times better about this kids stocking! Thank you so much momma!!