Gifts

Stocking stuffer ideas for kids: 40 small gifts they will love

The SantaPicksUp.com teamOctober 28, 20266 min read

In shortThe stocking is often the first thing kids open on Christmas morning. Here are 40 small stocking stuffer ideas, sorted by type, that are inexpensive, fun and actually get used.

For a lot of kids, the stocking is the best part of Christmas morning: it's the first thing they find, and it's full of little surprises. Good stocking stuffers are small, inexpensive and either fun right away or useful for months. Here are 40 ideas, sorted by type.

Little toys and fidgets

  1. A yo-yo
  2. A slinky
  3. Bubbles and a bubble wand
  4. A mini puzzle or a puzzle cube
  5. Bouncy balls
  6. Small cars or animal figures
  7. A kaleidoscope
  8. Play dough or putty
  9. A deck of cards or a small card game
  10. A mini flashlight or headlamp

Art and writing

  1. Colored pencils or gel pens
  2. A small sketchbook
  3. Sticker sheets
  4. Washable markers
  5. A coloring book
  6. Scented erasers
  7. Chalk for the sidewalk
  8. A journal with a lock

Cozy and practical

  1. Fuzzy socks
  2. Mittens or gloves
  3. A hat or a headband
  4. A toothbrush with a favorite character
  5. Bath toys or bath crayons
  6. Lip balm (for older kids)
  7. A water bottle
  8. Hair clips and ties

Treats

  1. A chocolate coin bag
  2. Candy canes
  3. A clementine or orange, an old stocking tradition
  4. Hot chocolate packets
  5. A small bag of their favorite snack

Things to do

  1. A small book or comic
  2. A mad libs or activity pad
  3. Seed packets to plant in spring
  4. A science mini kit, like a crystal grower
  5. Glow sticks for Christmas night
  6. Temporary tattoos
  7. A "coupon" for a day out with you
  8. Tickets for a movie or a show
  9. A note from Santa, mentioning something they did this year

Stocking tips

  • Put something fun on top. A visible surprise makes the first moment of Christmas morning.
  • Fill the toe with a clementine, the classic way to take up space cheaply.
  • Mind the age. For under 3s, skip small parts, marbles, coins and button batteries.
  • Add one personal touch. A note, a photo, or a small item that only makes sense to your child.

Looking for the main gift too? See our Christmas gift ideas for kids by age.

Frequently asked questions

What are good stocking stuffers for kids?

Small toys like yo-yos and bubbles, art supplies, cozy socks, a small book, treats like chocolate coins and a clementine, and a personal note.

What do you put in a toddler's stocking?

Board books, bath toys, chunky crayons, bubbles, cozy socks and a snack. Avoid small parts, coins, marbles and button batteries for children under 3.

Why do people put oranges in Christmas stockings?

It is an old tradition from times when fresh fruit in winter was a real treat. Today a clementine in the toe is a fun nod to it.

How much should I spend on stocking stuffers?

There is no rule. Most families keep stocking gifts small and inexpensive, and save the bigger gift for under the tree.

Written by the SantaPicksUp.com team. The Santa in our service is created with artificial intelligence; we tell you that up front, as a parent. See how the call works.

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