100 Stocking Stuffers Your Kids Will Actually Use
By Michelle Shirk
After putting so much energy into dolls, trains and bicycles, Santa may find himself a bit stumped when it comes to stocking stuffers. We’ve got him – and you – covered with 100 ideas for kids of every age. Many of the listed items are readily available at your local supermarket or drug store. As an added bonus, the vast majority of them are useful, consumable or both, so hopefully you won’t find yourself tripping over trinkets until July!
Clothing & Accessories
Socks
Scarf
Jewelry
Gloves or mittens
Coin purse
Money clip or wallet
Ponytail holders
Barrettes
Belt
Tie
Food & Drink
Travel size cereal boxes
Seasonal candy
Orange or clementine
Dried fruit
Trail mix
Christmas cookies
Flavored popcorn
Personalized mug or glass
Character-shaped cookie cutters
Hot chocolate packets
Bath & Body
Body ‘pouf’
Wash cloth
Body wash
Bath bomb
Scented lotion or body spray
Nail polish
Nail file
Comb or brush
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
School Supplies
Crayons
Scissors
Folder
Pens or pencils
Student planner
Decorative binder clips
Calculator
Patterned tissues
Locker magnets
Mini stapler
Arts & Crafts
Small craft kit
Markers
Colored glue sticks
Stickers
Rainbow Loom or other craft kit refill packs
Paint
Paintbrushes
Coloring or activity book
Chalk
Colored pencils
Just for Fun
Play-Doh
Silly Putty
Mini Lego or Duplo kit
Matchbox cars
Travel games
Rubber duckie
Play food
Bubbles
Mad Libs
Puzzle
Gifts for the Future
Movie tickets
E-reader gift card
I.O.U. for a cone at your local ice cream store
Magazine subscription voucher
Subscription to Hulu/Netflix
Museum passes
Arcade tokens
Gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or coffee shop
Passes for bowling, putt-putt or other family activity
Car wash vouchers
Baby/Toddler-Friendly
Sippy cup
Toddler flatware
Teething ring
Rattle
Gerber ‘Puffs’
Holiday bib
Onesie
Blocks
Infant toothbrush
Wash cloths
For Teens
Earphones or ear buds
Car air freshener
Windshield scraper
Playing cards
Scented candle
Discount card for local shops and restaurants
Crossword puzzle book
Washi tape
Lip balm
iTunes gift card
Miscellaneous
Desktop calendar
Paperback book
Educational magnets
Golf, tennis or ping pong balls
DVD
Soundtrack CD
Colorful pillowcase
Keepsake ornament
Thank you notes (to be put to use after Christmas!)
Stamps
Proto X Remote Control Helicopter
This small, radio-controlled helicopter self-corrects regardless of the direction it’s heading, making it perfect for indoor play. Ages 14+. $29.99. estesrockets.com.
Grow n’ Glow Terrarium
Budding botanists can transform an ordinary, mason jar into a tiny glowing habitat. Found at local retailers including Classic Toys. Ages 6+. $14.99. fabercastell.com/creativity-for-kids.
Fairy Queen’s Ship
Sail through enchanted waters on the remote controlled Fairy Queen’s Ship. Sold locally at Classic Toys. Ages 3+. $24.99. For local retailers, visit playmobil.us.
K’s Kids Hungry Pelican
This cuddly plush pelican has an empty belly...and a big appetite for fun! Ages 9 months+. $24.99. For local retailers, visit melissaanddoug.com.
Tiny Chef Sets
Featuring characters from hit movies like Frozen and Star Wars, these functional kitchen tools are sized to fit the smaller hands of your little chefs. Ages 4+. $26.99-$29.99. zak.com.
Lazer Maze Jr.
A younger version of the award-winning game, players must transport the laser beam to the rockets so they can safely return to Earth. Ages 6+. $30. For local retailers, visit thinkfun.com.
Scramble Bug
This innovative four-wheeled ride-on with four bug-like characters to choose from allows toddlers to easily move backwards, forwards and even sideways while developing their pushing and steering skills. Ages 1+. $30. quicksmartgo.com.
GeoSafari Omega Refractor Telescope
Explore the cosmos or simply your own backyard. This telescope offers children a glimpse into both. Sold locally at Classic Toys. Grades 3+. $129.99. educationalinsights.com.
Craft-tastic Finger Crochet Kit
Use only your fingers to crochet posh, pretty and perfect fashions out of quality yarns and threads. Ages 8+. $14.99. For local retailers, visit annwilliamsgroup.com.
Stikbot
Shape your child’s imagination into endless possibilities with Stikbot, the world’s first social media sharing toy. Ages 7+. $4.99-$9.99. For local retailers, visit stikbot.toys.
Twist & Turn Activity House
Little hands grow strong and nimble as children hammer, twist, turn and learn. Ages 1+ $39.99. For local retailers, visit intplay.com.
Geek & Co Kits
Kick start your little inventor’s S.T.E.M. interests with these intrigue-packed, reasonably priced, science-themed project kits and crafts. Sold locally at Classic Toys, Beemun’s Variety and True Value. Ages 8+. $14.99-$24.99. thamesandkosmos.com.
Construction Excavator
Your child will have hours of fun sifting through debris, scooping up construction materials and maneuvering over even the roughest terrain. Sold locally at Classic Toys. Ages 3+. Around $49. playmobil.com.
Airedale Terrier Hand Puppet
Your child’s next puppet performance will be ‘best in show’ with this incredibly life-like dog puppet. Available at local retailers including Classic Toys. Ages 3+. $49.99. folkmanis.com.
Let’s Play House! Dust! Sweep! Mop!
Get kids amped about chores early on with this colorful, six-piece set that includes a mop, broom and more. Ages 3+. $29.99. For local retailers, visit melissaandoug.com.
Kinetic Sand
Feel the fun! Pull it, shape it and mold it to create incredible sand art. Kinetic Sand sticks to itself and not to kids, so it’s easy to clean up and store. Ages 3+. $8 & up. For a list of local retailers, visit kineticsand.com.
Architetrix Constructor Set
One dimension quickly turns into many with this simple building kit made of bamboo. Sold locally at Classic Toys. Ages 4+. $19.99. hapetoys.com.
Eco Craft Kits
Crafty kids get hands on with felting, doll making, jewelry inventing and more. Each kit it hand-assembled with natural materials so no two are alike. Ages 8+. $22-$29. For local retailers, visit artterro.com.
Mini Micro Classic Kickboard
Swiss-designed just for pre-schoolers, this scooter comes in loads of colors and provides hours of fun and exercise. Ages 3-5 (options for other ages also available). $79-$114.99. microkickboard.com.
Micro Robotic Creatures
Designed to give kids a positive introduction to robotics, these small, electronic creatures will slither, crawl and squirm their way into your child’s heart. Ages 8+. $10-$25. hexbug.com.
Goldie Blox and the Spinning Machine
Your little inventor can help Goldie build a spinning machine that makes it easier for her dog, Nacho, to chase his tail. Sold locally at House of Hobbies, and Barnes & Noble. Ages 4-9. $29.99. goldieblox.com
Fold ‘N Go Elephant Toy
This super soft, portable elephant that doubles as a bag is the perfect companion for little ones. Ages 3 months+. $24.99. For local retailers, visit hasbro.com.
Nightzone Hoops
Practice nighttime dunks indoors with this light-up hoop and ball set. Ages 6+. $19.99. For local retailers, visit toysmith.com.
