Do you shop for stocking stuffers? Usually, the task of shopping for everyone falls on me. If you’re a mom, you probably understand what I’m talking about.
Shopping for stocking stuffers is always the last thing on my mind. The first year we were going to do stocking stuffers for our kids, my husband and I miscommunicated. My husband asked if I had everything covered and I said, yes. I brieflywent over the list in my head, yes, I’d gotten something for everyone:
- My parents & His parents (4)
- My 2 sisters (plus 1 brother-in-law & 1 boyfriend) (4)
- His sister and her husband and their twins (4)
- (6) All the cousins’ kids in the area (Thank goodness I don’t shop for any of my cousins. My mom has 5 siblings and my dad has 8, I’m pretty sure I have over 35 cousins and counting!)
I thought I had EVERYTHING covered. What I didn’t remember was that he had said he could get all the stocking stuffers.I’m pretty sure at this pointI didn’t know which way was up, let alone remember that he’d offered to help.
Come Christmas morning and the stocking were still empty. Thankfully, the kids didn’t know any different and Christmas still happened. This year, I’m starting early so that this doesn’t happen again.
Are you somebody who can’t stand shopping for stocking stuffers?
Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered, sit back and click your way to victory! I have included links to everything pictured below, either click on the link or the image and my friend you will never forget a stocking again (or at least I won’t) because I’ll be done in October!
I have pulled together a master list of easy stocking stuffer gifts for everyone in your family! Sometimes it’s hard to come up with things to get your toddler or your teenager. I like to look for practical, educational and unique things too.
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Simple Stocking Stuffers for 1-year-olds
Just a little something to fill their sock. Here are some ideas for your baby. Most of these are pretty practical, which is always the best.
AHandprint or Footprint Keepsake Kitis the perfect stocking stuffer for a baby! If you only buy one stocking stuffer for your baby, get this one! When looking back at your baby’s first Christmas you will reminisce about how your baby played with the wrapping paper, climbed in the boxes and how you made that ornament on the tree. Make your baby’s first Christmas one that you will remember and hang the ornament for years to come.
Binkies are always an easy gift. We are constantly losing pacifiers, so having a couple hidden away is always a win! Another thing that we’ve loved and would be a perfect stocking stuffer for a baby is a Binky Critter. They are easy to hold onto and we’ve found that we lose binky less often if they are attached to something.
Pacifier clipsare amazing too! As a momma with a baby, I have to say that I love binky clips!They have saved me so many times. Finding that pesky pacifier in the car can be difficult. With a binkyclip, you can just hook it on to your baby’s coat or leave it attached to part of thecar seatfor next time. Never, ok, almost never, lose a binky again!
Socks make amazing stocking stuffers for any age! I still love receiving socks and I’m an adult! There is just something about new socks that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy! And let’s face it, our kids go through socks like they’re candy. I swear, each time I do a load of laundry, we’re missing more socks! Hats are also easy stocking stuffers for little ones. Another accessory that would go nicely in any baby’s stocking is a teething necklace, this could also double as a present or stocking stuffer for any new mom! This banana toothbrush also doubles as a teether! Per-fect!
Boogie Wipes are something my mother-in-law puts in my kids’ stockings every year and I’m so grateful. They are perfect for gently wiping your baby’s nose in the winter when cold season is at its worst. They are soft, resealable and easily fit in the diaper bag. I have a set in the house and in the diaper bag. Baby wipes and Hand & Face wipes are also great options.
Another practical option is diaper cream. I always need some, so why not include it in the stocking, especially if you are Auntie or Grandma. Your sister or daughter will love that she doesn’t have to remember the diaper cream the next time she’s out.
Baby food is another practical and easy stocking stuffer. I like the squeeze pouchesbecause they are small and fit nicely in any stocking. Squeeze pouches are usually most appropriate for babies 6 months and up. Check the labels to be sure. My daughter and son also both loved Yogurt Dots(you can learn how to make some frozen yogurt dots at homehere)and Puffsare an easy addition to any baby’s sock! Along the lines of snacks, a snack catcher would fit right it!
Bibs are great! Trying to protect cute clothes is hard especially when food is so fun! I love the baby shirt bibs because they cover more area and can be used for many other activities, like painting, water play and anything else that is messy!
Something that is nice to add is a book. Board books are a wonderful addition to any baby’s stocking and will be used over and over again. Buy a set and give one throughout the year, or just buy one. You could also buy gently used and support your local Chrisitan thrift store, it’s up to you! There are even options to personalize your very own! How cool is that! Check out some great books that will stand the test of timehere.
Well, that wraps up what I have for baby’s onto the next stage! Toddlers, what should you put in a toddler’s stocking? If you need education present ideas for your baby, I have some righthere.
Stocking Stuffers for 2 to 3-year-olds
Here are some non-toy things that will be perfect for your toddler. I also like to think about things that are educational and practical. I like to include just 3-4 small stocking stuffers because I think that too many can become overwhelming.Click on any of the links or pictures to add it to your Amazon cart.
I love all things art, so some easy options for boys or girls are crayons or unique coloring options like Crayola’s Color Wonder drawing markers. Notepads and mini color books are also wonderful for stockings and can later be used in the car or while waiting at restaurants. A great creative option that all kids love is Playdough! Just make sure to watch your little one, my daughter likes to sneak a taste every now and then.
While thinking along the creative side of things, bath toys and bath paint are so fun! My mother-in-law bought these awesomebath crayonsfor the kids when they come over to her house! They always have a blast using them during bath time. They can write letters and draw pictures on the side of the tub. Don’t worry it comes off!
Buy the Crayola Bath Super Set and use one for a stocking stuffer, one for the Easter basket and the other for your child’s birthday!That’s3 gifts in one! Or split it between 3 kids, either way, it’s a win! I love to shop year-round for gifts. It saves me from scrambling the rest of the year.
Hot Wheels are great for little boys, but if you have a little boy, chances are you already have a hundred little cars driving around, or maybe that’s just me. Road tapeor Traffic Roadway Tape is a fun alternative and will put your little one’s imagination to work. Which means mommy might actually get something done. Clear off the coffee table or let him take over part of the floor. This is bound to be a perfect stocking stuff for any toddler. Even little girls will enjoy the city that emerges, I know my daughter loves to be included in anything my son is doing.
Toothbrushes are often fun for kids to receive, especially when they include their favorite character! My son went bananas over his Batman one last year! I’m pretty sure it was his most talked about stocking stuffer. He even reminisces about opening his stocking and finding it! It’s so cute to see the things that excite our little ones. Other dental accessories are also easy to add- such as flossers!
Hair accessories for little girls are inexpensive and a welcomed addition to your toddlers stocking. I love these little rubber bandsfrom Target for fine toddler hair. What’s great about them is that when you’re done you can just throw them out. For your boys, get them a mini hair gel so they can style their hair too.
If you’re thinking about potty training soon a potty watch might be a fun thing to add to your toddler’s stocking. There are many options online, but this is similar to the one my sister-in-law used and they found them helpful when starting the potty training process.
Small puzzles and card games are simple and entertaining. These stocking stuffers that will encourage thinking longer than a new toy, that is played with maybe only a handful of times. The Dollar Store has many puzzle options from 25-500 pieces. Brainteaser puzzles can be fun too! They also have some jumbo playing cards are perfect for little hands. A deck of cards would also be an affordable gift for kids in your child’s classroom.
Water Wows are my favorite! My mother-in-law got them for my kids at Christmas one year and we’ve used them so much they really need to be replaced. They only use water! No mess! Buy the 3 pack and give one to each of your kids or use as a birthdaypresent! They are wonderful for traveling. They would be a perfect pre-Christmas gift if you’re going on a plane for the holidays. If you’re flying with a toddler don’t forget to bring lots of snacks!
If you have any other toddler suggestions I would love to hear them. I think 2-3 things in a toddler stocking is just right.Remember, they are little and they don’t need very much to make their little hearts happy!
Now on to the next age level. Let’s talk about what you should get for your Preschool and School-aged children.
Stocking Stuffers for 4-10-year-olds
This is a great age to add in a “novelty Item”, it could be a small Christmas toy or something you received in your stocking as a child. The idea is that it shows up every year in their stocking. When the Christmas decorations go away, so do the stocking stuffer toys. My mom did this and now my kids receive the same toys in their stockings, it’s so fun to see them every Christmas, oh, nostalgia, you get me every time!
Here are some ideas if you have no clue where to start. It doesn’t even have to be something that is Christmasy. It’s more of a fun tradition than anything. These brain teaser games would work perfectly and so would thiself hat and a light up necklace. It really is entirely up to you if you! Just make sure it is fun!
While working on this post I asked my Facebook friends what they put in their kid’s stockings and one of the things I had completely forgotten about was the Lifesavers Storybook! I remember getting one in my stocking for several years! The butterscotch was always my favorite. I also remember getting a chocolate orange in my stocking for several years! You could also do your child’s favorite candy. We don’t have candy very often, so it would be a big treat! My husband’s mom usually gets us some chocolate coal. A fun reminder that no one is perfect– do any of us really belong on the nice list?
Things like chapstick, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are simple and consumable, and they are such a treat when they involve a favorite character or a lightsaber!How cool is that! Look at this cool toothbrush holder with a built-in timer which comes in multiple colors.
Underwear and socks are often a need and make great stocking stuffers. You can even open the package and give your child a couple at a time, or if you have 2 of the same gender you can split the pair! Lucky you!
Look at these fun LED light-up gloves! Who wouldn’t love these in their stocking?
These Crayola Twistables are a fun change from the normal crayons for kids that are a little older. I have actually used these myself, as a teacher in the classroom and loved them! These might be a fun thing to get your child’steacher if they teach a primary grade. They last so much longer than regular crayon! And who remembers Mr. Sketch? Now there are colored pencils!
Mini Coloring books are great to put in their stocking and can later be used on car trips, airplane rides or even while waiting for your food in a restaurant. We have loved theseparty packsbecause they come with stickers, coloring sheets and a set of crayons, all ready to grab and go!Use the extras from the party pack to give to nieces and nephews or wrap up a couple for your co-workers’ kids!
Card games are small and are great for your kids’ stocking. Maybe get them a new one they’ve never played before or a replacement for one that is worn out! Some popular ones are UNO, Phase 10, or an all in one set of different card games like this. Click on any of the links or pictures to add it to your Amazon cart.
When I asked my Facebook friends what they put in their kids’ stockings many of them said a DVD. I have never gotten a DVD in my sock, but I like the idea of getting something Christmasy that I can regift into their sock every year… like this Classic Sing Along Songs DVD. I remember listening to the Cassette Tape of these songs when I was a kid!
Small Puzzles are also a wonderful option for younger kids. The Dollar Tree has a ton of options. You can get a small one with only 24 pieces or you can go for something more difficult like 100.
Slime is all the rage these days. My son loves his slime and will spend a good 40 minutes playing with it. If you need something small and entertaining, get some slime or make it yourself. Pick up a 6 pack and have one for each of the kids and a couple to spare to add into birthday gifts for friends or nieces and nephews. Silly Putty is also another fun option.
Lego kitsare good for both girls and boys and are reasonably priced and would make a good stocking stuffer for your creative kiddos. Hot Wheels cars are also great!
Ages 12+
Sometimes shopping for your teen or tween’s stocking can be difficult. My mom loved to fill our stockings with little beauty samples that she got at our local mall just by asking the beauty counter if they had some free sample. I’m sure there are cologne samples as well. Beware though- the samples aren’t always good, but hey, that’s half the fun!
Here are some other things I remember getting in my stocking as a preteen or teen that would work well for your kids that are 12 and up.
A small gift card to Starbucks orAmazon might seem like a cop-out, but I assure you that yourkid will love it! I know I always liked getting my very own gift card to use whenever I wanted. You could also throw some gold coinsor get them chocolate coal instead!
With winter in full swing, an easy stocking stuffer for your tween or teen is a pair of texting gloves. If they are anything like me they lose their gloves every year and need a new set when it gets cold again. Pop socks are also becoming increasingly popular and are stocking size!
I love the idea of giving experiences as gifts. Give your older kiddos movie passes and go make a night out of it! Or give them some gift cards for food! Click on the link or the picture to add it to your cart now so you’re not scrambling at the last minute! Get a multi-pack and cover all your grandkids, kids, nieces, nephews, friends, etc!
For your kids that live farther away and maybe can’t make it home for Christmas A Visa Gift Card would be easy to mail. My parents had some really good friend who always spoiled us with “stocking stuffers”. When I was away at college and newly married they sent me a $100 gift card for food! It was so generous and very much needed. I will always remember their generosity.
No matter the age it seems many kids love to get lost in a cool coloring book. Pick up some mini color books more suited towards older kids. Click on the picture below to grab them now!Maybe your son or daughter just got into some journaling. Check out these brush markersor flair pens are awesome! I love my flair pens! Get some fun washi tape to go with!
Hygiene products are perfect for your pre-teen and teen stocking. They are practical and affordable! This is a great time to buy some shampoo, body wash or deodorant! Travel sizes are also great!
For all your drivers out there, something fun to get in a stocking each year is a fun air freshener like this bacon one I found on Amazon! I’m so getting this for my husband this year! Who doesn’t love bacon? I also found this cute tassel keychain charger! I love how it will always be attached to their keys if they need a quick charge.Hand sanitizer is also a great thing to add to your child’s stocking. They can easily attach it to their backpack or purse and take it with them wherever they go! I always have some hand sanitizer in my car.
Also for your drivers, mini screwdriver set can come in handy and these car wipes are great for cleaning the inside of any car!
For your phone using kids, how about a pair of earbuds or headphone adapter jack?
Nail polish is a perfect stocking stuffer! I’ve always loved nail polish but I’ve never liked the application process! Trying to paint your dominant hand while using the opposite, smearing, smudging and then chipping within a day! I had pretty much given up on nail polish until I found Color Street! It’s made of 100% nail polish and goes on like a sticker! They are super easy to apply and can last up to 2 weeks! They would be perfect for any girls’ stocking, even your littles could have pretties on their nails.
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Now you have it! The ultimate list of stocking stuffers for all ages. I hope you found something fun to add to your kids’ stockings this year!
Hopefully, I made thinking about stockings this year a little less daunting! And shop early so you don’t forget!
