Granted, the video game crowd is hard to impress, but every kid deserves a goodies-filled stocking on Christmas morning.
To keep from breaking the bank on this beloved Christmas tradition, think cheap when you’re looking for stocking stuffers.
Traditional stocking stuffers are relatively inexpensive, easily found at places like Walgreens and Target include crayons, markers, coloring books, jump ropes and balls.
But if you’re look for something a little different, here are some stocking stuffers that should cost you less than a Hamilton.
Note: Prices fluctuate so you may find them to be higher or lower, but these are all excellent, inexpensive choices for last-minute kids’ stocking stuffers.
1. Playfoam
This stuff is so neat to play with. You can mold Playfoam into shapes, roll it, and squish it around, and it’s great to strengthen fine motor skills and dexterity.
It’s not as messy as Play-Doh, and it doesn’t dry out. The pack can be cut in half and used for two stockings.
2. Wikki Stix
Wikki Stix are flexible wax sticks that can be used to create shapes, letters, or even build small structures. They’re great to use while waiting in a restaurant or when kids just need to fidget.
3. Magazines or books
These days you can get someone a magazine subscription for a bargain, or you can pick up an issue of their favorite type of magazine or comic book in a store.
Another inexpensive option is to stop by a used book store and pick up a book in their favorite genre.
4. Flingers
Buy a pack of these and split them up among the nieces and nephews, but be warned — while the kids will unanimously name you “funnest adult ever,” their parents might uninvite you from family gatherings.
You weren’t planning to go this year anyway, right? So take a shot by stuffing the kids’ stockings with these chicken finger slingshots.
5. Fidget toys
Kids love toys that they can fidget with. Whether you choose a fidget spinner, pocket fidget puzzle, or other tinker toy, these options also can calm an anxious child.
Just make sure you know the school’s rules of using these during class.
6. Small games or cards
Monopoly Deal, Uno, Travel Scavenger Hunt Card Game, Old Maid, Crazy 8's, playing cards, or even Mad Libs make for good electronics-free time spent with family or friends.
7. Die-cast cars and trucks
This old-fashioned mainstay of kids’ toys is back in again — and in a big way.
Now the selection goes way beyond the usual Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars; you can buy die-cast tractors, monster trucks, the Space Shuttle, and just about any other type of die-cast vehicle.
This top-selling die-cast Monster Truck duo would make a great last-minute stocking stuffer for kids.
8. Temporary tattoos or kids’ nail polish
Let them express their style in a easy-to-remove way.
9. Grow capsules
Bath time fun, or fun at the sink watching them expand into shapes. You’ll often find these Grow Capsules along with magic expanding washcloths at the dollar store.
10. Silly glasses
These zany drinking glasses would zing the tickle bone of many kids. What’s more fun than sending your Kool-Aid on a trip around your head before you drink it?
11. Stickers
What is it about kids and stickers? They love to peel them and stick them. For them, the cheapest ones will do. For older kids, peg this gift to their interests — trains, cars, princesses, etc.
These emoji stickers are fun, too. They bring the texting world onto paper.
There are also plenty of options at dollar stores, so these are easy to pick up at the last minute.
12. Retro toys
How about a nose flute, parachute toy or bag of marbles. Many of the toys you played with as a child are still around, and for good reason. They’re fun!
Choose old-fashioned jacks, Yo-Yos, or a Slinky.
13. Play-Doh
Kids love to create, and Play-Doh is a great tool for this type of play!
14. Character or decorative adhesive bandages
Cuts and scrapes always feel better when adorned with a decorative adhesive bandage.
15. Art supplies
Markers, colored pencils, crayons, color gel pens, paint, washi tape or whatever medium your budding artist prefers make perfect stocking stuffers.
16. Sidewalk chalk
Release the inner artist in your child with sidewalk chalk in a profusion of cool colors. If you live in a snowy area, the hard part will be waiting for the sidewalks to be cleared.
17. Water bottle
Get them new reusable water bottle — you could even fill it treats, stickers, or other small surprises for a 2 in 1 gift!
18. Bubble bath or bath bombs
For kids who enjoy a soak in the tub, these additions are a fun treat.
19. Fun socks
Until the washer stops eating socks, your kids will always need more. Pick out a fun pair, and they won’t think of it as a boring, practical gift.
20. Chocolate gold coins
You can usually find these in dollar stores or with holiday candy displays.
21. Slime or putty
Kids LOVE slime. If “Santa” buys it for them, maybe they won’t make a mess of your kitchen trying to DIY slime! Find it in your dollar store or Target dollar spot.
These glitter slime eggs can be purchased by the dozen.
22. Hair accessories
Girls can NEVER have too many hair accessories … they seem to disappear daily!
23. Jewelry
It’s easy to find inexpensive earrings and rings at jewelry discount stores in the mall.
24. Toothbrush
It’s probably time to replace them anyway, and the kids’ favorite character or color of toothbrush will make the “chore” of brushing more fun.
25. Fruit, fruit snacks, and gum
We always found these in our stockings on Christmas morning, so they just feel like tradition to me.
Skip the orange or banana route and get creative by giving them a few pomegranate, starfruit, or other fruit flavors you don’t typically have around.
Don’t forget the most important item in any kid’s stocking – candy (think chocolate, chocolate, chocolate).
Add a Comment
Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.