I remember opening my stocking every Christmas when I was a kid. Our family always saved the stockings until the end—after all the wrapped gifts under the tree had been opened. We kids were always thrilled with the gifts we had received, and yet it was a bit of a let-down when we realized everything had been opened. But wait—we still had our stockings! One last thing!
There were certain items that our stockings had every year: a piece of fruit—usually an orange or an apple—and a plastic, candy-cane shaped container full of M&Ms. And there would always be another toy of some kind, something small in size but special, as the very last toy we would receive that year.
To offer some inspiration for DMB readers thinking about stocking stuffers, I spent some time looking through our toys for favorite things that would fit in Christmas stockings. I also browsed through a couple of my favorite Dallas toy stores (thanks, The Toy Maven and Froggie’s 5 & 10) for more ideas. Here’s my list:
1. The Classics
Thinking about Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers makes me feel nostalgic, so what better place to start than the classics? These are the things that may have been in your stocking when you were a kid: think silly putty, Jacob’s ladders, the Slinky, and yo-yos.
For our kids’ stockings this year, I’m going with the Classic Tin Kaleidoscope by Schylling (ages 3+; $6.99). I had one of these as a kid and loved it.
For the Star Wars fans out there, I also saw these awesome kaleidoscopes at Froggies:
2. Something Musical
There are plenty of instruments and noisemakers that are the perfect size for a stocking. My favorites for younger kids are harmonicas, maracas and shakers, and whistles.
My favorite whistle is this Bird Whistle by Kid O (ages 2+; $3.95). It comes in blue, red, and green. It makes a really nice, sweet little sound (for a whistle) and is safe for small kids.
3. Animal Figures
Toy animals work great for stockings!
Our kids collect animal figures made by both Schleich and Safari Ltd. One nice thing about the Safari Ltd animals is that each figure has the animal’s name imprinted on the bottom (which can be helpful when you’re trying to answer questions like, “Is this one an alligator or crocodile?”). But I think both brands are fantastic.
This is our cat and donkey made by Schleich, and our pig made by Safari Ltd:
4. Science and Exploration Toys
These are all things kids love to experiment with—and are perfect for stocking stuffers: spinning tops, magnifying glasses, and flashlights.
5. Games
Smaller-sized games are also good options for stockings. Last year, our then 3-year-old got Spot It! Alphabet by Blue Orange Games (ages 3+; $9.99) in his stocking, and it’s been fun this year. Now, I have my eye on this Spot It! Numbers and Shapes version:
I also saw these neat Go Fish! and Crazy Eights playing cards by eeBoo (ages 5+; $8.99) at The Toy Maven:
The Crazy Eights cards are illustrated by Chris Raschka (2012 Caldecott medal winner for A Ball for Daisy).
6. Finger Puppets
Finger puppets are also the perfect size for stockings. I saw a great selection of finger puppets by Manhattan Toy (ages 3+; $6.95) at Froggies, these being a few of my favorites:
7. Things to Wear
Our kids are both obsessed with temporary tattoos right now for some reason, so they’re both getting some in their stockings this year. Froggies has a great selection, as does The Toy Maven:
Other ideas for wearable things in Christmas stockings: cool socks (anyone besides me find little socks in a big sock kind of funny?); a stocking hat and/or gloves; and jewelry. My mom found these safe and adorable 100% silicone Juniorbeads bangles by Chewbeads ($6.00) for our daughter’s second birthday:
8. Art Supplies
I remember loving to get a fresh box of crayons when I was a kid. Washable crayons and other art supplies can make great stocking stuffers.
9. Travel Toys
Travel toys often make nice stocking stuffers since they tend to be small! I have two favorites. First, the Pocket Etch A Sketch by Ohio Art (ages 3+; $7.49) is a great option:
Second, the Pocket Pouch Prism Magnetic Block Set by Tegu (all ages; $25.00) is fantastic.
While the most expensive stocking stuffer on this list, these Tegu blocks truly are entertaining and safe for all ages. If you try them, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. (I’ve seen these blocks and other Tegu magnetic block sets at Learning Express Toys in Snider Plaza.)
10. Books
Finally, you can always put books in stockings! For little ones, don’t forget about small board books. And for older kids, check out the Nutshell Library box set of four, teeny-tiny hardcover books by Maurice Sendak: Alligators All Around; Chicken Soup With Rice (my favorite); One Was Johnny; and Pierre (ages 4-8; $12.05-16.99).
What are your favorite stocking stuffers? Please share in the comments.
I love those ideas, Amy! I was just thinking this morning…what am I going to put in their stockings? I usually buy little books (the reader kind that can roll to fit into the stocking). I have also bought those little Lego sets that are in the checkout aisle and matchbox car sets — I buy a 5 pack and split them up! Action figures broken out their multi-pack packages have graced our stockings as well! Thanks again for the great inspiration.
Such great ideas!! I have great memories of opening stockings as well and love passing that joy along to my kids!