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 don’t have to be throwaways
- What makes the best stocking stuffers?
- What go in kids’ stockings?
- STEM Stocking Stuffers
- Travel Toys & Small Toys as Stocking Stuffers
- Art Supplies Stocking Stuffers
- Games as Stocking Stuffers
- Fun Books as Stocking Stuffers
- Bath Time Stocking Stuffers
- Activity Supplies for Stocking Stuffers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Stocking stuffers for kids don’t have to be throwaways
Or ridiculously expensive.
A gentle reminder about stockings: They don’t need to be filled with cheap trinkets, overpriced extras, or be just another pile of “holiday stuff.”
Skip the clutter, the sugar overload, and the last-minute dash through the Target dollar section (wink)…
Instead, think of stockings as a place for small but meaningful gifts – things your kids will actually use, love, and enjoy long after the wrapping paper is gone. A few thoughtful items can make Christmas morning feel just as special, without adding chaos or stretching your budget.
What makes the best stocking stuffers?
I have three kids, so I know how quickly the costs of the holidays can add up: stockings, presents, outings, all of it.
Years ago, I decided there had to be a better way to keep our stocking tradition special without running up the holiday budget or cluttering up the toy bin with less meaningless junk.
The ideas in this stocking stuffer list are my tried-and-true favorites. They’re small, useful, and memorable items that have made our family stockings something we all look forward to year after year.
Note: This list covers a decade of holidays with my kids. I don’t put everything in their stockings every single year! This is a cumulative list of items that have been a hit, not what the trends predict.
What go in kids’ stockings?
I fill stockings for kids with things we “need.”
I focus on items we can actually use in our activities or daily routines. One time, my kids were floored when “Santa” brought a big new pack of construction paper – it was a hit!
I also include things like STEM tools, small travel sized toys, art essentials, hygiene items, and small games – fun stuff we’ve been wanting to try or needing for projects, and they make fantastic stocking stuffers.
I broke this list into 7 sections of ideas:
- STEM Stocking Stuffers
- Travel toys & small toys
- Art supplies
- Small games
- Fun books
- Bath-related gifts
- Busy Toddler activity supplies
Remember: Stocking stuffers don’t have to be excessive or over the top. A few thoughtfully chosen items kids will truly use is the perfect approach.
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.
Invisible Ink Spy Pens
These are a huge favorite for my kids and their neighbor friends – did you have something like this as a kid too? It’s a great 5-pack at a fantastic price. Each pen has a UV light on the cap to “reveal” the invisible writing. It just doesn’t get much better for kids than this!
Headlamp
Headlamps are brilliant for kids, especially kids who love flipping through or reading books in bed. The headlamp gives them a hands-free way to light up those pages and a fun way to read at night. It’s perfection.
Magnifying Glass
Gosh, we love a magnifying glass. These multi-packs are fantastic for sibling stockings (they also come as a single). We have had this set for 5 years now, and so do most of the families in our neighborhood. Everyone loves them.
Stopwatch
I put stopwatches in my kids’ stockings many Christmases ago on a whim… one of my best whims ever. Guess what kids love to do? Time stuff. The possibilities with a stopwatch are endless to kids.
Hand Counters
Go with me on this one: these are fantastic for kids. Why? Here’s an example: We went on a field trip one time 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.
Number Slide Puzzle
An absolute essential. Did you have a slide puzzle as a kid? I did and it was my favorite. I got this one for my daughter back in 2022 when she was almost 8 (well, technically Santa did), and she’s been hooked ever since… same with her siblings and every kid who comes to visit.
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).
Knot Tying
Make a list of “dying skills” and knot tying would have to be on it. This is an art that’s being lost. Let’s bring it back. I bought this simple set for my then-8 year old last Christmas. A huge hit! Some of the knots he has down from memory and others are a work in progress. Not surprising: it came in really handy this year having someone who could tie real knots.
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.
Mini Tape Measure
A few years ago, my oldest got this mini tape measure and hooked it to his coat. Every year, when he out grows his coat, he moves this to the new zipper. He treasures having this little tape measure, uses it often, and I’m just so glad he has it.
Compass
I got this compass last Christmas for my then-11 year old and budding adventurist. He loves it and carries it with him on walks. It’s pretty adorable seeing kids using a compass even when they’re tweens.
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).
Travel Toys & 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.
Transformable Fidgets
The BEST. I don’t know what it is, but this 4-pack is magical. I bought these as travel toys but my kids have them inside the house all the time, and love them. Limitless possibilities!
Fidget Worm Toy
If there’s ever a time to just take my word for it, it’s now. The Morf Fidget Worm is an incredible sensory toy. It’s completely silent, endlessly engaging, and totally mesmerizing. I recommend it for ages 4 and up, and will absolutely admit I can’t stop playing with it myself. Every kid I hand it to has the same wide-eyed “wow” moment. Plus, its small size makes it perfect for stockings.
Sensory Tubes
We got these on a recommendation from a friend and they’ve been so much fun for my kids. They have found a thousand and one uses for them: ramps, fidgets, tubes, noise makers, boundaries, tunnels… This multi-pack is easy to split apart for stockings,
Sensory Tube Key Chains
We also have the “full sized” versions of these and they’re awesome. The sensory tubes are compact and perfect hanging off a backpack. Love that this is a multi-pack that’s easy to separate for siblings.
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. I put this in my son’s stocking in 2022 and it’s still going strong.
Scramboozle Puzzle
A fantastic hand-sized puzzle. I put this in my then-8-year-old’s stocking, and it’s been a huge (and challenging) hit. This puzzle takes time, keeps kids focused, keeps hands moving, and keeps kids coming back for another round.
Small Construction Trucks
These have been my son’s favorites since I popped them in his stocking in 2015. He’s 12 now and just last week, he went and found these while he was babysitting a two year old friend. Great toys (no matter the price) stick with kids.
Kaleidoscope
You know what is the most perfect, simple, old school toy that everyone needs? A kaleidoscope. Have you every been able to not pick one up? They’re a legend for a reason, and this is one we’ve owned for many years.
Aqua Rings
I know how basic these look, but they are enchanting. Kids flock to them. I have bought many of these for birthday gifts for kids – and the two pack and small size make them perfect for stockings.
Fidget Poppers
These are the absolute cutest in person and just right for little hands. The popping sound is quiet and gentle. The faces are adorable for learning emotions. These drop in so easily to a stocking or separate for siblings.
Kanoodles
This became the hot puzzle game in my house fast, and it’s lasted. The kids bring it on road trips, play during read-alouds, or grab it for fun. The puzzle challenges are fantastic, and we’ve more than gotten our money’s worth. It’s just the right size for stockings.
Flying Discs
This two-pack is one of the favorites on our street for ages 4+. They’ve been such a big hit, and for so many years, that we now own 3 sets of them. Kids flock to this toy, and I love that it comes as a set. The flying discs are larger than stocking size, but I just set it next to the stocking and no one seemed to mind.
Travel Simon
I popped this into my then-kindergartener’s stocking way back in 2019. It is still a staple of our house. It’s so good, and a fun twist on the classic Simon game. It feels way less intimidating and even allows for multiple players. The group play option is fantastic, which my kids have especially loved.
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.
SmartGames IQ Gears
Walk with me through this one: the game includes a puzzle book full of challenges, each solved when the gears spin perfectly from left to right. It’s such a clever design! I met the creator a few years back, and he was so proud of how it turned out. Compact, smart, and perfect for ages 7 through adult.
Play Scarves
These inexpensive play scarves have been the best addition to our toy collection. They are most often used in tag based games (there’s 12 of them). They’re an awesome “catch all” toy that kids will find endless uses for.
Road Stamp
This isn’t a mini road stamp… although it looks like it, huh? This is meant for making handwriting lines on paper to help with printing. BUT IT ALSO MAKES LITTLE ROADS. If you have a child who loves little cars, these roads are 3/4 inch wide and just fun to make.
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. Just note that they have small magnets.
Art Supplies 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.
Gel Crayons
Absolutely love gel crayons. This set is PERFECT for stockings. The feeling of coloring with these is like drawing with lip stick – they’re slick and smooth and incredible.
Tattoo Pens
These have been a solid hit for us with every kid who comes to play (ages 4-14). There’s a big wow factor to them too. They’re much more forgiving than face paint which is great for kids who like to be “perfect.”
Color Your Own Stickers
A major hit for us over the past year, Color Your Own Stickers is such a cool concept and awesome gift for art loving kids. This has been a favorite of kids ages 6-11 in our crew of friends.
Outline Shimmer Markers
I can’t believe these actually work. When you draw with them, an outline appears around whatever you drew. I know. I didn’t believe it either, but they’re so cool that I even gifted a set to a pair of tweens.
Fun Note Pads
Do you have a kid who loves a fun note pad? I have two of them so this four pack was an easy win. Those two love to fill these books with who-knows-what… but it keeps them quiet and writing so I’ll take it.
Fancy Markers
This nice set of markers is fantastic and such a glow-up from traditional “school” markers. They’re double-sided and perfect for kids who are ready for a fancy set of markers (but at a fantastic price).
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).
LiquiPen
One of my favorite finds in 2023: these were in my kids’ stockings last year. They’re a combination pen + sensory tube. They’re so much fun and a perfect 3-pack to split among siblings.
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.
Watercolor Paint and Brushes
I can’t recommend this set enough. It’s a perfect step up from the traditional kids watercolor set, and by this time in the year, we can use a refresh. The colors are gorgeous, the brushes are great.
“Wiky Sticks”
These aren’t the name-brand ones, but this affordable version has been perfect for my kids. They’re a go-to for art time, travel, restaurants, or (for example) on a high energy holiday morning.
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.
Foldology
This is an origami puzzle book and yes, you read that combination right. It’s meant for ages 10+ (please trust me on that – it’s challenging), so if you have a child who likes to create origami, likes to solve puzzles, is a tween or teen…do I have a stocking stuffer idea for you.
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.
Eye Found It!
If eye-spy games are a hit for your family AND you love Disney, this is your game. This is my favorite to play – the illustrations are awesome and I love that it never gets old. If you have a Marvel fan, there is a Marvel branded version of this game.
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.
Happy Mochi
This is a brand new game, just released in Fall 2025. It’s a fast paced game of discarding, matching pairs, but you can’t rearrange your cards which adds a fun twist. The theming with mochi is also just adorable and my kids loved it (best for ages 8+).
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.
Cat’s Cradle
I gave this to my oldest in 2021, and each of my kids has loved it at different times. It’s currently my 8 year old’s obsession. It’s old fashioned, it’s simple, it’s just plain good. If you have childhood memories of Cat’s Cradle, get this for your kids and love it along with them.
Moose Match Mayhem
From the makers of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – and honestly, I think I like this one even more. It’s a fast, funny card game full of yelling, yetis, and quick reactions. No reading required, but it’s best for ages 7+ thanks to the hand-eye coordination it takes to keep up.
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).
OK Play
This tic-tac-toe meets checkers, but make it a travel game that you can play at home, on the road, or at a restaurant. No reading required. This is perfect for ages 5+ (and adults – I love this game). No reading skills needed.
Flip 7
Under $8! This fast-paced game is a mix of Press Your Luck and Blackjack. Each round takes about a minute – collect points without drawing a duplicate. Do you risk it and press your luck, or play it safe and hope everyone else busts? This is my favorite game of 2025.
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.”
Six Second Scribble
Obsessed with this way more fun twist on Pictionary. Pick a card, draw as many items as you can in 60 seconds, then pass your sheet for the next player to guess what you drew. You both score for correct answers. It’s a fresh, hilarious update to a classic and great for tweens.
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. No reading needed.
Rat-A-Tat Cat
A great card game for ages 5+ – and one that big siblings will have fun playing with the littles (but no reading skills needed). Adults will have fun with this one, too.
Lava Lizards
A fantastic game that’s great for preschoolers (and big kids) – there’s actually 5 variations in the one set so you won’t have to play the same game over and over. This is a sleeper game that no one seems to know about (no reading skills needed).
Left-Center-Right
Our favorite simple game (no reading needed): it’s a luck-based dice game that’s perfect for all ages, all developmental levels… it’s a true crowd pleaser. This game only takes a few minutes to play, travels well, and is a perfect stocking stuffer.
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.
Weird But True
This entire series of books (there are so many) is amazing. Kids eat up these weird facts. My kids have been devouring these for well over 5 years now, reading the same books over and over. They’re small squares so perfect for a stocking stuffer.
Pocket Genius Books (Space)
I love nonfiction reference books so when I saw these pocket sized versions that are perfect for the car, I couldn’t stop myself from dropping one in each stocking. They’re amazing and absolutely slammed full of facts. There are many, many different topics covered in this Pocket Genius series.
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.
(Another) Joke Book
If you have kids like mine who eat up joke books, a second recommendation feels necessary. This one is just as great as the first one that I linked to.
I Spy
This is a Level 1 reader version of the classic I Spy book series. My kids love these – have since the preschool years and still do to this day. They’re easy to flip through and have some quick I Spy fun.
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 bath water a different color? That’s pure kid magic. This has been a favorite stocking stuffer in our house for 5+ years – no stains on kids or tubs (in our experience), just colorful, happy chaos.
Suction Toys
The most adorable bath monsters I’ve ever seen. I love them in the tub, but I’m also thinking of getting a set for road trips to use on car windows. They’re that good and that adorable.
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).
Vehicles
An amazing bath toy for any vehicle-loving kid – and no holes to trap water! They’re the perfect size, the perfect price, and the perfect dose of fun.
Small Manicure Set
My 10-year-old’s favorite stocking stuffer in 2023: a small, kid-sized manicure set. Simple, practical, and perfectly grown-up. He uses it constantly and hasn’t lost a single piece, so it definitely earns its spot on this list.
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
For many year, I put a new pack of these in someone’s stocking – perfect for bath time and for alphabet activities. These were my son’s first bath toys (when he was under 1) and we loved having a set for many, many years.
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.
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.
Sensory Scoops
I love this set of sensory scoops – it’s just perfect. If you have a child who loves a sensory bin, this is a no brainer!
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.
Subscribe to my free newsletter and I’ll send you “35 Easy Toddler Activities to Break Up the Day!”
Meredith says
I come back to posts like these every December!
Susie says
I’m so glad!!
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!!