What are the best stocking stuffers for kids? It’s 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
- What are the best stocking stuffers?
- What can you put in stockings for kids?
- STEM Stocking Stuffers
- Art Stocking Stuffers
- Bath Time Stocking Stuffers
- Games as Stocking Stuffers
- Small Toys as Stocking Stuffers
- Fun Books as Stocking Stuffers
- Activity Supplies for Stocking Stuffers
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
The ideas on this list are actual items I’ve put in my kids’ stockings over the years.
Note: This list is cumulative over many Christmases. I do not put everything on this list in their stockings every year.
What can you put in stockings for kids?
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.
I broke this list into 7 sections of ideas:
- STEM stocking stuffers
- Art supplies
- Bath-related gifts
- Card games
- Toys for stockings
- Fun books
- Busy Toddler activity supplies
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.
STEM Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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).
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.
Brain Teasers
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 5+.
Slide Puzzle
I loved a slide puzzle as a kid and am so excited my kids (6-10) have loved this too. It was in my daughter’s stocking last year. Did you ever play with one?
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).
Art Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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.
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).
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! Twistables are a fun “twist” on that tradition and these smaller sized ones are great for little hands.
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.
Watercolor Paints
Our favorite set of watercolors – and you always need a new set. Putting new watercolors into the stocking is perfect at Christmastime.
Fancy 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.
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.
Bath Time Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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
Every Christmas, I tucked a few of these in each stocking. It’s perfect for my kids and makes for a great excuse for a mid-Christmas morning calming bath.
Games as Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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.
Farkle
Such a great dice for all ages: this is an all-time hit for a reason. It’s also fantastic for travel or any on-the-go situation. This is one to own.
Pass the Pigs
Oh em gee, this game is so much fun to play (solo or with others). Instead of dice, you roll small pigs. It’s hysterical and a great games for kids who aren’t reading or adding yet (as opposed to a numerical dice game).
Barrel of Monkeys
I know this is old school but my kids love this so much. It’s just one of those simple joys in life, plus now my kids understand the phrase “more fun than a barrel of monkeys.”
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.
Cover Your Assets
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.
Small Toys as Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Dog Fidgets
These have taken our neighborhood by storm. The pack comes with 4 so it’s a great divide amongst siblings or friends. Perfect travel, car, or just regular fidget toy.
MagMen
These little magnetic people are a riot. They’re great for play in the car or a quiet bag, or with magnetic tiles. They’re super fun and the set could easily be split into sibling stockings.
Jacob’s Ladder
If you have a kid who loves fidget toys, this is an old school version (old school as in it was found in King Tut’s tomb). It’s mesmerizing and calming.
Travel Tangram
This travel tangram set is a great size and magnetic. It’s perfect sized for road trips, diaper bags, quiet boxes, and stockings.
Fun Books as Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
Mad Libs
Remember the giggles from Mad Libs? They’re still just as good as they were for us – plus it’s the most fun way to learn parts of speech, so that’s a win.
Joke Book
We’ve had this joke book for years and it hasn’t gotten old for my kids. They’re still laughing and using this book constantly.
Would You Rather
This book is full of fun conversation starters for kids – conversations to have at dinner, in the car, and with friends over.
Weird But True
This entire series of books (there are so many) is amazing. Kids eat up these weird facts.
I Spy
This is a Level 1 reader version of the classic I Spy book series. My kids love these. They’re easy to flip through and have some quick I Spy fun.
Activity Supplies for Stocking Stuffers
Busy Toddler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
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 were the puffy stickers, stop watch, and hand counters.
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.
Subscribe to my free newsletter and I’ll send you “35 Easy Toddler Activities to Break Up the Day!”
Liz says
Absolutely genius list. Thank you!
Susie says
Thanks Liz!
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!!