Christmas is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start looking into stocking stuffers! One of my favorite parts of Christmas is finding little things that fit each child’s personality and interests. Every child is different, so there are plenty of options to add a variety of fun and practical items to your stockings this year!
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Disclaimer: You know your child best and what they can enjoy safely. These are simply ideas that have worked well for our family. Please use your own instincts and knowledge to choose what’s right for yours.
Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Tips
Filling stockings doesn’t have to be expensive! With a few smart shopping strategies, you can create delightful stockings without stretching your holiday budget. Here are some easy ways to save on stocking stuffers:
- Shop at Dollar Stores: Many dollar stores carry great stocking stuffer options, from mini toys and craft supplies to snacks and toiletries. You can find fun, affordable items that kids will love, without the high price tag. I usually go here first to get any stocking stuffers I need.
- Look for Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially on art supplies, books, and small toys. Stores often offer great deals leading up to the holidays, which can be a fantastic way to save.
- DIY Options: Get creative with homemade items! Consider crafting simple toys like sensory bags, or baking small treats to package in festive bags. Handmade gifts add a personal touch and can be extra special for your child.
- Buy in Bulk and Divide: Many snacks, toys, and art supplies come in bulk packs, which you can split among several stockings. For example, buy a large box of crayons or a pack of mini toys, and divide them into smaller portions.
With a little creativity and planning, you can fill stockings with thoughtful and fun items that keep your budget in check!
Art Supply Stocking Stuffer Ideas
One of my favorite ways to fill stockings is with art materials! We go through many of these items throughout the year for crafts, activities, and gifts. Adding art supplies to your child’s stocking is a great way to restock and add some color to their Christmas morning!
Here are our favorite art materials. We love Crayola because it’s durable and lasts a long time, and I even used it frequently in my classroom!
- Twistable crayons or colored pencils (We love the colored pencils but they will break easily with younger kids. My daughter was 3 when I introduced the twistable colored pencils and she has done well with them.)
- Jumbo crayons These were the first crayons I introduced to my daughter when we started using crayons. She was over 1 and we would use them together while she was in the highchair. They are easy to grip.
Snack Ideas for Stocking Stuffers
Snacks are the perfect addition for Christmas morning! They’re easy to open and give your child a little something while waiting for breakfast or between opening presents. Since having toddlers, I’ve learned that snacks are always a must!
The best part is, you can buy these snacks in larger quantities and place some in small bags for the stocking—or use individual snack packs! My daughter loves the little milk carton Goldfish from Dollar Tree. She’s thrilled to have her own “milk carton” to snack from.
- Puffs (Our one year old loves these)
- Yogurt melts (I got these for my baby and my toddler also loves them)
- Goldfish
- Animal crackers
- Mini raisin packs or Craisins (We use craisins because we have a dog and in case my daughter drops one on the floor, our dog won’t eat it and get sick.)
- Cheerios
- Granola bars
Practical Toiletries for Stockings
Growing up, my mom always gave us toiletries like toothpaste and brushes in our stockings. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate these practical items, and they’re now a stocking tradition for my own kids. Stocking stuffers like these help restock essentials your child needs!
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Bath wash
- Socks
Fun Little Toys for Stocking Stuffers
Adding a mini toy or two is always fun, especially if it’s something you know your child will love! Here are some easy-to-find options that fit perfectly in stockings and add a bit of surprise! The keys were a big for my daughter when she was almost two! She still carries them around and tells us she has to lock the house or beeps the car when she gets out.
- Pretend phone (We have this phone and it has lasted several years and held up through lots of drops, being stepped on and chewed on from our teething toddler.)
- Keys (We love this keys! They have different noises for each button and a light as well)
- Mini soft books (perfect for babies!)
- Little action figures
- Cars
I hope this list of stocking stuffer ideas inspires you to create fun and practical stockings this year, with a few new ideas to add some extra Christmas joy!
What are your favorite stocking stuffers for your kids? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for other Toy Ideas?
Check out the following blog of our favorite toddler toys!
