Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Stocking Stuffers for Kids – Shopping for stocking stuffers is the best part! Here are lots of fun ideas for kids’ stockings this year!

Christmas shopping can be stressful for me sometimes. (Is this idea better than that one? Will they use this for more than a few weeks? Am I getting the best deal?)

But stockings? Stockings are my jam.

Comparatively, I find them so much lower pressure and purely fun. Plus, they’re the first taste of Christmas and a good one can set the tone for the rest of the morning.

I give myself two criteria when it comes to stockings:

1. Not a ton of candy. Sophie is especially sensitive to the effects of sweets. There are so many fun treats and sweets around at Christmas that I’d rather she get to enjoy those. That said, I’m happy to tuck in one or two treats for the kids in their stockings.
2. No knick-knacks. I also don’t want to fill a stocking with a bunch of flimsy knick knacks that I’ll find strewn about the floor for the next three months or left forgotten at the bottom of the toy bins. I’m thinking things of the dollar store plastic watch variety.

Here are a few of my favorite things to tuck in a stocking…

ART SUPPLIES

• A set of watercolors, a new pack of crayons or colored pencils
• A small pad of paper or monogram post-its (check Target’s dollar spot!)
• Stickers or stamps
• A small packet of beads

SENSORY TOYS AND BRAIN BUILDERS

• Bubbles! You can never go wrong with bubbles.
• A package of Model Magic (our favorite play dough)
• Silly Putty. Our occupational therapist likes to tuck pony beads into the silly putty and have Sophie pull them out. It works on finger strength, manipulation, and fine motor skills. Plus, it takes a lot of concentration. Milo loves doing it too.
• A fidget puzzle. So many ways to play with these!
• A pack of Brain Quest quiz questions (they have toddler & preschool age to teenage ones!)
• A small LEGO build – They often sell these at the checkout at Target in varying difficulty.

SMALL TOYS & GAMES

• MagiClip Dolls – Sophie is obsessed with these. We got her the wedding ones for Christmas. She’s going to flip!
• Squinkies – These are another occupational therapy favorite. We love to hide them in a bin of dry beans or get them out with the Model Magic and play with them.
• Toy cars – We got Milo some color change ones for bath time.
• Small card games like Crazy 8’s, Old Maid, Uno, etc.
• The Peg Game or Wooden Tic Tac Toe
• Pass the Pigs – This one is a really fun family game.
• A Pig Popper (or another animal)
• Sleeping Queens – This one is so fun!

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR EVERYDAY

• Bandaids! Our kids love these. A whole box all to themselves!
• A new cup or water bottle
• A nightlight, small flashlight, or book light
• Alphabet Magnets
• Nail Polish – especially if it’s something fun, like glitter polish
• A new toothbrush or toothpaste
• Lotion or bubble bath
• Lip Balm
• Comb or brush (especially this miracle brush!)
• Hair clips, headbands, or bows
• Unbreakable, chewable jewelry (great for kids who fidget or have sensory needs)
• A fun pair of socks or slippers
• Gloves, mittens, or a scarf

TREATS

• An orange (we love Cuties/clementines)
• A packet of trail mix or chocolate almonds (like these!)
• Gum or Pez – Pez take forever to eat when you’re little. Plus they’re fun!
• We love to check out World Market for treats from other countries. Amazon carries a lot of the same things, so you can look there, too.
• Jerky
• A packet of microwave popcorn
• Fruit leather or fruit snacks
• Vitamin C Lollipops (Organic, dye free and great for colds or sore throats)

What are your favorite stocking stuffers for kids?

Feel free to shout out your favorites in the comments and shop the widget below for a few of my picks.