It's officially the most wonderful time of year! Kids are making their lists and checking them twice as Santa has begun conducting his annual quality assurance checks to see who's been naughty or nice. In addition to shopping for the perfect gifts for family and friends, finding the best stocking stuffers for kids (especially before Christmas) has also become a top priority this holiday season.
While tweens have Christmas lists that make it easier to pinpoint what they want, it can be a little more difficult to identify the best stocking stuffers for toddlers and younger kids. This holds particularly true when it comes to figuring out the best stocking stuffers for 1-year-olds to 3-year-olds since they're still a bit too young to request gifts for the holidays.
If you're on the hunt for the best stocking stuffers for kids and don't have time to research, you've come to the right place! We've got you covered with this gift guide that has the top stocking stuffer ideas for kids of all ages. The best part is that all of the gifting options here are under $30, and there are even some hot toys under $10. It certainly doesn't get much merrier than that!
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Cheap stocking stuffers (under $10!) | Trending stocking stuffers for kids | Stocking stuffers for 1-year-olds and toddlers | Best stocking stuffers for kids
Cheap stocking stuffers for kids (under $10!)
Bluey Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Book
Budding young artists love to color, but it could get messy very quickly. Crayola stops hard-to-wash scribbles in their tracks with their mess-free Color Wonder sets, where marker colors only appear on the pages and off the walls and floors.
Butter Slime Kits
It's time for some slime! This 10-piece set is a great stocking stuffer for kids of all ages. Not only is this gooey slime soft and stretchy, but it will also expand your child's imagination and creative skills when they spend hours experimenting with it.
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Game and Learn Controller
Perfect for the littlest gamer in your circle (or the toddler who keeps turning your remotes into toys), this Fisher-Price controller gives them all the buttons and toggles they love playing with. Little will they know this STEM toy will be teaching them hand-eye coordination, dexterity and other critical fine motor skills.
Ring Pop Party Pack
You won’t be a sucker when it comes to gifting this holiday season, because what kid doesn’t love a Ring Pop? Featuring timelessly sweet flavors like blue raspberry, berry blast and watermelon, leave a few at the bottom of their stocking or give them the whole lot to enjoy at their own leisure. (For some, that bag will be done within 24 hours!)
MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Lifestyle
Great for play or as a collector’s item, each ball (a Toy Insider 12 Under $20 inclusion!) features five miniature replicas of home decor and lifestyle pieces. From succulents to mini candles and aquariums, this stocking stuffer is sure to amuse them (and their parents too).
Nee Doh Noodlies
At just $8, we think you and your kid will get a lot of mileage from sinking your hands into this bucket of "noodles" by Nee Doh. The set of five "noodles" are not only colorful, but also calming to stretch and play with. Plus, they aren't sticky and don't make a mess.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Candy Cane Plush
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like this adorable candy cane plush from Build-A-Bear Workshop. This festive red-and-white toy is so soft and cuddly that your child will want to bring it everywhere with them, from daycare to Grandma's house.
Kittens vs. Gherkins
What could be cuter than dueling cats and pickles? Sweet kittens and lil’ gherkins! Each baby-themed mystery bag features two soft, bean-filled plushies along with blankets to tuck them in during bedtime.
Trending stocking stuffers for kids
TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie
Currently one of the bestselling toys on Amazon, these little plushies went viral on TikTok, racking up more than 57 million views. Not only are they super cute, but kids can use them to show their moods without saying a word by flipping between the angry and happy faces.
Lego Winter Holiday Train
Take them on a winter journey with this Lego holiday train set. We can’t believe our eyes either, but Lego always finds a way to make the impossible possible with its thoughtful kits. This mini builder set is ideal for kids ages 6+ and comes with 73 pieces to create their own wintry escapade.
Fingerlings
Also landing on Toy Insider’s 12 Under $20 list this year, these fuzzy, fingertip-hugging creatures will become your youngster’s newest BFF. Each one makes over 70 sounds and reactions and can react to their touch.
Crayola Wixels Unicorn Activity Kit
Blending classic creativity with a modern techie feel, Crayola’s Wixels set features two-color maps to create a whimsical unicorn or any other design their heart’s set on. They’ll never know they’re also practicing essential life skills like concentration, focus and patience in the process!
Taco vs Burrito Family Board Games
Since its inception in 2018, this game has accumulated over 17,000 5-star ratings. Whether they play with their friends or family, this is a great way to upgrade game nights. "The game’s concept is delightfully quirky, centering on a food fight between two of the most beloved Mexican dishes, tacos and burritos," shared one reviewer.
Magic Mixies Mixlings
The little sibling of one of last year’s hottest toys, Magic Mixies, has made quite the name for itself since being released a few seasons ago. Inside each miniature cauldron, you’ll find a bright-eyed Mixling (there’s 40+ to discover!) that’s eager to unleash its magical power with the flick of the accompanying wand.
Treasure X Monster Gold Monster Coffin
A lot of these toy picks were highly recommended by Toy Insider, including this one! Your child will love discovering what’s lying inside the coffin, mixing up some gooey slime and watching their monster come to life.
Sloomoo Institute Virtual Reality Slime
Playing with slime has remained a big internet trend, so if they like getting their hands dirty, stick this VR-inspired jar in their stocking. The black and green hues and surprise game-inspired charms are cool to look at, but they’ll mostly be obsessed with touching, stretching and inevitably drizzling the “light, airy, fluffy” cloud dough slime.
Color My Bath
Make bath time fun with this multicolored set of 300 fizzy tablets. All they need to do is drop their favorite color into the water or mix and match to create new ones and watch them fizz. Better yet, these won’t stain the tub or your towels, and they come in eco-friendly packaging.
Jellycat Jolly Gingerbread
Reviewers love this oh-so-fluffy stuffed plushie that will help to keep spirits alive even when the holiday is over. The brand notes that this plush is suitable for newborns and infants alike, as it has passed toy safety standards.
With embroidery meant to mimic icing on the cookies, Fred's counterpart, Ruby, is also available and dressed for the season with plaid accessories.
Liquipen Fidget Toy
Speaking of pens, these ones, which were labeled Amazon's Choice under "liquid pens," double as sensory toys. Not only do they write, but your child will also be soothed by watching the colorful bubbles move like mini lava lamps.
Shashibo Shape Shifting Box
This bestselling award-winning toy just look like an ordinary cube, but just wait until their fidgety hands get a hold of it! We bet they’ll spend hours trying to nail the 70+ shapes it’s capable of becoming.
Santa Claws Pusheen Squish Pillow Stuffed Animal
Decked out with a Santa hat and a bag that resembles one full of toys, this stuffed animal cat will always remind children of the holiday season. Reviewers "completely adore" this stuffed animal, as children everywhere have been obsessed with the soft, squishy and "cute" plush toys.
House of Rounds Custom Blankets
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$23.10
$33.00
House of Rounds
BaubleBar Assorted Earrings
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$19.60
$28.00
BaubleBar
Mark & Graham Cozy Essentials
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$19.99
$39.00
Mark & Graham
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System
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$249.99
$349.99
Shark
Kenneth Cole Cashmere Collection
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$29.24
$300.00
Kenneth Cole
State Graham Tote Bag
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$80.50
$115.00
State Bags
Allbirds Men's Wool Loungers
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$68.25
$110.00
Allbirds
Oneida
Our Seen on TODAY pick sold out. But we have 30% off site wide with our extension.
$20.99
$60.00
Oneida
Best stocking stuffers for 1-year-olds and toddlers
ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys
These suction cup spinner toys can be attached to a baby's highchair or other hard surfaces and can be removed and replaced with no commitment. A fun and affordable stocking stuffer for 1-year-olds, this 3-piece set helps build hand/eye coordination while keeping little ones occupied.
Kids Chef Apron
This kids' chef apron is the perfect stocking stuffer for 3-year-olds and children up to 6 years of age. It features a front pocket for utensils and can be embroidered with your kid's name for a personalized touch. Made of durable cotton, this apron is machine washable for easy care between uses. There's also a chef's coat and hat available if you're going for the full look.
Bombas Toddler Gripper Slippers
These cozy slippers from the popular sock brand Bombas will be a real delight for parents of toddlers. They help keep you little one's feet warm and protected, offering a plush liner, double padded sole and gripper bottoms so they won't slip as they toddle around the house.
Alpine Muffy Ear Protectors
These ear protectors are an awesome stocking stuffer gift for toddlers and parents alike. They offer noise blocking to protect hearing along with a soft no-fuss headband. The brand notes that this product is suitable for babies and toddlers up to 36 months and has been tested and proven to reach noise reduction at 23 dB SNR in accordance with both US and EU regulations. It's also BPA-free and made without silicone to prevent allergic reactions and comes with a carrying case for easy travel.
Best stocking stuffers for kids
Brain Quest Flash Cards
With 750 questions spanning a number of topics, including a new technology subject, these Q and A-style learning cards will keep them occupied during road trips, while waiting for dinner or when wanting to quiz their younger siblings.
Available for pre-K through 6th grade, reviewers say that their children love learning via these decks of cards, oftentimes going through the prompts so fast they have to buy more.
Scentco Holiday Smencils
Festive in both appearance and scent, these adorable No. 2 pencils — made out of recycled newspapers — are essenced with traditional holiday aromas like candy cane, gingerbread and sugar plum.
Kanoodle
This isn’t your typical brain-teasing puzzle — for starters, it’s a huge TikTok phenomenon! Its hashtag currently has over 645 million views, with players young and old taking on over 200 challenges testing one’s problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Clicker Counter
It doesn’t seem like a toy (much less a kids’ stocking stuffer) at first glance, but this no-battery-required clicker counter is actually a hit among kids, according to reviewers. And not just because of the fun colors — kids who love counting (this goes up to 9,999!) and fidget toys will get a kick out of this clicker.
“My 7-year-old twin granddaughters LOVED playing with them to the exclusion of wanting to play or open up other gifts!” raved one grandmother who bought them as stocking stuffers.
LED Unicorn Headlamp
Whether for nights spent camping in the backyard or living room sleepovers in a makeshift fort, this spunky unicorn LED headlamp brings the fun. With four different modes, including strobe, unicorn sound, constant light and colorful glows, this headlamp is loved by reviewers because of the battery “longevity,” and the light is “super bright.”
Guess in 10 Animal Planet
Lions, tigers and bears — oh my! The zoo lover in your life is sure to adore this wild guessing game that tests their knowledge on all kinds of creatures within the animal kingdom.
Exploding Hand Soap
As if your child's bathroom wasn't noisy or unhygienic enough, this exploding hand soap will hopefully encourage them to wash their hands every time, and not just whenever they're being reminded to. Little balls of soap will explode in their hands when pressure is added. "It's nice soap and my grandson never skips an opportunity to wash his hands now!," said one reviewer.
Camelback Eddy Kids Water Bottle
From polar bears to frogs, construction trucks to rainbows and flowers, ensure your child stays hydrated with a fun water bottle. Stick this in their backpack for extra fuel during lunch, or keep it in the car for long road trips. Either way, you won't have to battle them over getting their recommended H20 intake each day.
Fashion Fidgets
If they’re fans of fidget toys, they’ll probably love this fashionable iteration. Landing on Toy Insider‘s 12 Under $20 list last year, each doll (there are 18 in all!) includes at least three sensory features and features a keychain to hook it onto their backpack.
Loom Bands Kit
Shopping for a crafty and creative child? Gift them this kit and watch their imagination do its thing as they create keychains, bracelets, necklaces and more with rubber bands.
Toothbrushing Turtle Timer
This adorable turtle timer sticks to the bathroom mirror or counter and encourages toothbrushing and oral care. This is one shell of a stocking stuffer!
Not Parent Approved Card Game
If your family revels in being hilariously immature and appropriately inappropriate, this card game is a great stocking stuffer for kids eight and up. Winner of 10 industry awards, this portable and durable card game promotes giggling, playing well with others and reading from even your most resistant child. All that said, this game is not for every kid and it’s not for every family. The whole thing kicks off with a burping contest and the declaration of the burp boss. If that doesn’t sound fun to you, well then, buuuuuuuurrrrp!
Narwahl Novelties Fake Snowballs
What's a classic holiday movie without an epic snowball fight? Your kids will have a great time reliving classic action scenes with these fake snowballs that are made of a soft, lightweight polypropylene material. With this festive gift, it's sure to be a white Christmas regardless of if you live in the North Pole... or Florida.
Tech Deck Customizable Mini Skateboards
These authentic fingerboards are a perfect stocking stuffer for the skateboard fan. The set comes with four boards that they can build any way they want and will be a delight for the kid who loves collecting toy sets.
"My son loved putting these together. There was enough for him to bring one to each of his friends at school. Now they play with them together at recess," shared one reviewer.
My Audio Pet Scales the Dragon Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Scales’ small stature and adorable snarl doesn’t make him any less fierce. This pocket-size speaker also delivers high-quality sound and can pair to any media device, thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities.
Nailmatic "Mermaid" Nail Polish Set
These shimmery, water-based nail polish colors are simple to use and easy to clean. Simply use soap and water to gently wash it off the skin. The addition of kid-friendly branding makes these iridescent hues even more fun.
Cards Against Humanity Family Edition
Introduce your children to the family-friendly version of the game that’s enjoyed by adults at parties, dinners and more. The same rules apply, but this version instead features zany, random phrases and prompts that are sure to tickle their funny bone.
Philips Sonicare for Kids Bluetooth Electric Toothbrush
Not every stocking stuffer can be all fun and games, or can they? This electronic toothbrush takes one of your child’s least favorite “chores” and turns it into fun! Connectivity with an interactive app, musical alerts and a built-in brush timer will ensure a thorough and hopefully cavity-free cleaning!