Looking for some playful stocking stuffers for kids? You're in the right spot! Below is a list of unique gift ideas for kids that are small enough to fit in a Christmas stocking!
During the holidays, it feels like my children are showered with candy the entire season. I am always on the lookout for stocking stuffers for kids that are utilitarian, educational, creative or simply good ol' fashion family fun. Below is a list of twenty-five stocking gifts I've given my kids over the years that they've loved.
25 Uncommonly Cool Stocking Stuffers For Kids
1. Comfy Socks
Playful socks are always a good gift. My kids love the fuzzy kind. I like to buy styles they can mix and match throughout the year.
2. Character Sippy Cups
We’ve always loved the Thermos FUNtainers for our kids. If you throw a couple of ice cubes into them, they keep drinks cold on a hot summer day and warm in the winter. The straw separates from the lid for easy cleaning and you can buy individual replacements if needed. The thermos is also dishwasher-friendly which is a nice change from the plastic options. I highly recommend these. Check out some of the different characters available here. If you’re looking for something more standard, check out their colorful classic collection for kids.
3. Tervis Cups
If your kids are older, they will love having their very own Tervis cup. Get a Tervis cup for the holiday season or something they can use all year long! The Tervis cup designs are adorable. This is the blog post that convinced me to buy Tervis cups for our family — great info!
4. Legos
There are so many cool Lego sets. My daughter loved this 3-in-1 dinosaur set.
5. Add-A-Pearl
Every Christmas my two girls get a pearl in their stocking for their Add-A-Pearl Necklace. You can get a starter necklace for around $100 dollars on Amazon, but I recommend seeing your local jeweler instead. Read more about our family add-a-pearl tradition here; we love it!
6. Painters Tape
I kid you not, my friend! Painter's Tape is great for making a train or car tracks on the carpet. I promise your kiddo will LOVE IT. Plus, it is safe to use nearly anywhere in the house.
7. BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Spinner Gift Box Game
If your kids haven't already experienced Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans, this is a MUST. The Spinner Gift Box makes these humorous little jelly beans into a daring game that kids will love.
8. Gloves or Mittens
You can have useful things in a stocking too! A warm pair of mittens or an extra set of gloves will be helpful all winter long. We've always loved these Thinsulate Mittens With Wrist Protection.
9. Keepsake Ornament
I have a friend who every year gives her girls a keepsake ornament. So that someday, when they move out, they will have twenty-some ornaments of their own for their first Christmas tree. I love this tradition! This year, we're taking one of my girls to see Wicked, so I am buying her a Ruby Slipper Ornament. I think the Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments are the best!
10. Fruit Snacks
Reduce the amount of candy by offering fruit snacks. We like to use Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks. Welch's also makes Holiday Shaped Fruit Snacks too. The animal or shapes distract the kiddos away from the fact that, well that this is not candy.
11. Custom Playing Cards
Does your family love to play Crazy Eights, War, or King's Corner? One year we ordered custom playing cards for the kids on Shutterfly. They were so neat! Usually, they are a bit pricey, but if you keep an eye on the Shutterfly specials being offered here, you can generally get them for around $10 during the holidays.
12. Kinetic Sand
Have you tried this yet? Kinetic Sand is the perfect play material to have on hand for a snowy winter day! Even my thirteen-year-old love this still.
13. Band-Aids
My daughter received Band-Aids as a gift once and went crazy because they were “hers.” Don’t underestimate the power of character Band-Aids if you've got a little one!
14. Hair Accessories
Bows, headbands, barrettes, ponytail holders… you name it. If it is a colorful hair accessory, throw it in the stocking.
15. Cheese Puffs
Our family doesn't eat a lot of processed snacks, so every year, my daughter absolutely LOVES getting a small container of those little circle cheese puffs. Remember, the gift can be something simple, like a mini container of Pringles, and they'll love it because it is JUST FOR THEM.
16. Toothbrush
A playful toothbrush is an excellent fit for a stocking! Our family likes the kids' line from Oral B.
17. Christmas Pickle
This playful Christmas pickle ornament tradition is sure to amuse the kids for years to come. I love some of the playful pickle ornament options too!
18. Dinosaur Eggs
Buy a box of dinosaur eggs and split them up between the kids' stockings, or this individual dinosaur egg is pretty cool too. Got a dino-lover? My kids adored this Smithsonian Diggin’ Up Dinosaurs T-Rex project.
19. Bath Bombs
If your kids are older, bath bombs are fun for winter. We buy bath bombs with all-natural ingredients locally! You can also find fun colorful bath bombs with toys in them online.
20. Art Supplies
Not sure what to buy? Check out this list of The Best 25 Art Supplies for Kids from The Artful Parent. This is our go-to source for tried-and-true products when it comes to kids and art.
21. EOS Lip Balm
The shape of EOS Lip Balm makes it easy for kids to use. Plus, I love that it is organic and comes in a variety of fun holiday flavors. If you’re feeling crafty, check out this “EOS Candy Wrapper” printable over at Simple As That.
22. Books, Books, Books
You can get an adorable Christmas title, but think forward instead and get a winter focused book like The Mitten. Another excellent winter classic is The Snowy Day. Will you be gardening this spring? Find a children’s book about gardening or planting flower seeds. Or check out Amazon’s 100 Children’s Books to Read in a Lifetime list for inspiration.
23. Personalized Storybooks
These customizable storybooks for kids on Shutterfly are pretty awesome.
24. Stocking Stuffers Games
Look for small games that will fit in your child’s stocking. I highly recommend the dice game Tenzi and the classic card game UNO. If you’ve got little ones, also check out this colorful Classic Card Game Set.
25. Mom & Me Date
Or a Dad & Me adventure! Throw in a gift card to your child’s favorite restaurant and add a little invite to a one-on-one date.
BONUS IDEA: Fill in the Blank Thank You Cards
Get kids in the habit of showing their gratitude by providing them easy to use Thank You cards. How cute is this set?!?
Wishing you and your family a memorable holiday together!
P.S. Are you looking for ways to teach your kids about the joy of Christmas giving? Many families donate during the holiday season. This year, take it a few steps further. Follow the five tips below to help your kids truly FEEL the joy of giving.
5 Tips That Will Help Your Kids FEEL The Joy of Giving
Love this list of stocking stuffers for kids? Sharing it would make our week. ?
It would make our week if you took a second to share this post on your favorite social media spot. (That's how we know we're on the right track and should continue writing more posts like this!)
