Post updated for 2022!!

Here we go!! 50+ stocking stuffer ideas for kids. I will start by saying that a lot of items on this list can be purchased for cheaper than I have linked.. just go to the dollar store or the Target dollar spot! That being said, I know some people prefer the ease of click and buy with delivery straight to your house, so I have added links for each item (some of them are affiliates). And remember, that if you choose to buy something like a pack of bathtub paint, you don’t have to give one child the whole pack, you can split it up and give one tube per child.

Now, I will admit that this list favors girls. That’s because I have 3 of them, BUT, you can easily change the color or make a simple swap to make it fit a boy. For example, on the list I have tights, well for a boy just change that to socks. On the list I have jewelry, for a boy think shark tooth necklace or something like that. Instead of hair bows think about what a boy might want for their heads – a hat or bandana. Make sense?

1. Fun pen – Whatever your child is loving at the moment, they probably have a pen for that.. just search!
2. Bath bomb – Fun for boys & girls, these ones come with little surprises inside
3. Membership/Experience/Class – Kids might be a little too small for the traditional gift card, but think about places you like to go with them. Money to ride the train when you go to the zoo, a pass for the play café down the road, and tickets to the children’s museum are some ideas to get you thinking. You could also gift them a music class or sports class you think they’d enjoy
4. Cool snack – I usually get something that we don’t usually stock in our home
5. Crock charms – If you have a kid with crocks – these really make them special. The best part is you can get charms for just about anything that your child is into
6. Small figurine – This can be whatever your little one is into – princesses, animals, sesame street, dinosaurs, whatever!
7. Toothbrush & Toothpaste – This is something that we do every single Christmas
8. Hair accessories – Bows, clips, hair ties, bandanas, headbands, brush, comb, hair chalk are some ideas
9. Playing cards or a card game– I love playing new games with my little ones. Great for the colder weather and rainy days. If you already have these, consider a card holder. Uno is another classic card game that kids just love.
10. Loofah – My girls are always asking to use mine, they make really cute ones for kids too
11. Lotion – You pretty much already need this anyway, why not get something fun for Christmas!
12. Toy Car – Cars are a must in the land of make believe!
13. Bath markers or bath paint – If your child loves bath time, spice it up with a way for them to express their creativity
14. Putty, slime or playdough – kids love these kinds of manipulatives. Try out one you haven’t yet
15. Small puzzle – seriously, check Dollar Tree for these. If you have toddlers, a chunkier puzzle like these ones would be a better option
16. Small stuffed animal – something small that will fit in the stocking, their pockets, backpacks etc..
17. Nail polish – If you have a younger child, something like piggy paint is non-toxic. But if you’re child is older or doesn’t put their hands in their mouth than go for the real stuff. As kids, I think boys can totally rock nail polish too, but if you are uncomfortable with that then maybe try some temporary tattoos.
18. Chapstick – Chapstick is always needed in the winter, but if they have that then a lipstick could be fun
19. Jewelry – Think bracelets (or this), earrings (sticker/clip-ons if they don’t have their ears pierced), necklaces, rings. And although you might not call it ‘jewelry’ for a boy, there are plenty of options for them too – like a good shark tooth necklace
20. Bookmark – Kids love to read, and as they get older and you start reading longer books with them, a book mark will really come in handy
21. Stickers – I don’t know a kid that doesn’t like stickers, and there are endless choices you can choose from. Dot stickers are great for learning activities
22. Tights (or fun socks/everyday socks) – Somehow you can always use more socks, and in the winter months I think tights are so great for girls who love to wear dresses
23. Underwear – Just like socks, underwear is just something you need just about every year. Christmas time is our tradition to get new ones
24. Glow sticks – Dollar tree is a great place to get them too – every kid loves them
25. Magnifying glass – This is so fun for kids! Not just to explore with outside, but to examine every day objects too
26. Finger paint – Finger paint is one of those things that kids like to do almost until double digits. It’s always a good choice
27. Masking/Painters Tape – This can be used for sooo many different activities. I have examples in my kids activities videos
28. Post – it Notes – Kids can use these for learning activities, doodling and other fun games
29. Crayons, markers & colored pencils – These are stapes for creativity as a kid. You likely already have some on hand, but maybe they are falling apart. Since it’s a gift, think about getting something a little more jazzy, like scented supplies!
30. Paint pens – My kids looove these. There not your typical drawing utensil, but they are awesome and alleviate some of the mess that you get with regular paint and a paintbrush.
31. Magnets – These are so fun for kids to play with and they can learn a little bit while their at it
32. Tongs – Perfect for transfer activities, sensory bin activities and some good ol’ hand eye coordination
33. Watch – Kids love watches. You can get them one for whatever stage they are in, I would recommend one with the stopwatch feature because I have found that kids love to time themselves
34. Band-Aids – You need them at the house. In general I buy generic because they are cheaper, but for special occasions like Christmas, I’ll splurge on some character ones
35. Paint Brushes – Another staple that you need in the house
36. Stamps – These are so fun for kids. They love making designs and cards with them
37. Cookie Cutters – These are not only for the kitchen, at my house we use them for tracing, playdough cut outs and pretend play!
38. Rubber Spatula – Again, these are not just for the kitchen, my kids love to just carry these around, and play pretend with them
39. Stacking Cups – You often think about these for babies, but even the older kids love to stack, and these ones are great for the tub too
40. Mittens – Somehow one always seems to get lost at our house, so I love having an extra set around, and they love getting new ones
41. Craft supplies – Whatever you might be running low on – pom poms & google eyes, popcicle sticks, pipe cleaners, feathers, etc..
42. Ball – There are so many different types – bouncy ball, textured ball, squishy ball, light up ball etc…
43. Small bath toy – Tub toys are always a hit
44. Reusable straw – I like the silicone because kids tend to bite them
45. Finger puppets – These are great for pretend play, and this brand is waterproof so they can go in the pool and bath too
46. Sunglasses – You may think of sunglasses as a summer only thing, but the sun can still be bright in the winter! Kids love to play dress up with them too
47. Face paint – kids love to imagine themselves as something else. If you’re willing to learn a few drawings then this would be great
48. Chopsticks – I remember thinking it was so fun to try and use chopsticks as a kid, these training ones are perfect for beginners
49. Dot markers – Perfect for learning, crafts and BINGO. You can get single markers at the dollar tree
50. Slinky – A classic slinky is full of fun for kids
51. Night Light – Spruce up your child’s bedroom with a night light they love
52. New water bottle – Over time water bottles can get gross. Especially if kids are chewing on them. A new water bottle (or sippy cup) is a great option. I prefer non-plastic options
53. Bike Bell – This is a great way to get the kids wanting to go outside in the colder weather
54. Mini flashlight – great for playing catch the light, telling stories and pretend play
55. Candy – What kind of stocking doesn’t have candy!! Anything they like and as much as you like

And there we have it, 50 (well probably more like 70 actually) stocking stuffers that your kids will actually use and enjoy!!