Stocking Fillers for Kids
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Quick answer: Stocking Fillers for Kids. This guide gives 20 ideas in 4 sections: Babies and toddlers, ages 0 to 3; Preschoolers, ages 3 to 5; Ages 6 to 8; Tweens, ages 9 to 12. Budget: Most items under 拢5. Best for: Ages 0 to 12.
- Time: 15 minutes to choose
- Budget: Most items under 拢5
- Best for: Ages 0 to 12
The stocking is the first thing opened on Christmas morning, usually before the sun is properly up. It is a small, thrilling lucky dip, and it works best when it is full of little surprises rather than big ones.
This guide is arranged by age, so you can fill each stocking quickly. Choose a mix of something fun, something useful and something to eat, and add one small thing that fits a current interest.
Top tip: Fill the toe with something sturdy, then the heel with soft items, and add a clementine or chocolate coin for tradition. Wrap each little item separately for more opening fun, using scraps of paper.
Babies and toddlers, ages 0 to 3
Choose safe, soft and chunky items. Anything small enough to fit in a loo roll tube is a choking risk for under 3s.
- Soft rattle: A lightweight fabric rattle is gentle on hands and ears. Check seams and sizes before wrapping.
- Bath squirters: Bath toys that float make bedtime fun. Squeeze out after use and let them dry.
- Chunky crayons: Big, easy-grip crayons suit small hands. Choose non-toxic ones and supervise drawing.
- Mini board book: A small, tough book fits any stocking and makes a good bedtime story.
- Wooden animal: A single chunky wooden animal suits a toy farm. Check it is large and smooth.
Preschoolers, ages 3 to 5
Preschoolers love anything they can use right away, particularly if it involves colour and stickers.
- Sticker book: A reusable sticker book is quiet fun on car journeys. It can be used over and over.
- Bubbles: A tub of bubbles is simple joy. Use outdoors and wipe up spills quickly.
- Playdough tubs: A multipack of small tubs gives them a new colour each. Store with lids on.
- Finger puppets: Tiny puppets turn bedtime into a show. Pick fabric ones for safety.
- Torch: A small torch is thrilling in a dark room. Include spare batteries and show how to switch it on.
Ages 6 to 8
Children this age love collecting, making and anything that feels grown-up.
- Pocket puzzle: A small puzzle or maze keeps busy hands entertained. Choose a size that fits a pocket.
- Friendship bracelet beads: A pack of beads and thread leads to hours of making.
- Colouring pencils: A tin of good quality pencils is always used.
- Joke book: A good joke book is perfect for a family car journey.
- Slime-free fidget: A simple fidget toy such as a pop-it is cheap and easy to share.
Tweens, ages 9 to 12
- Gel pens: A set of colourful pens is a stationery treat.
- Notebook: A small notebook with a fun cover suits doodles and ideas.
- Lip balm: A fruity lip balm is practical and feels grown-up.
- Card game: A small deck of cards for travelling and sleepovers.
- Hair accessories: A pack of hair bands and clips is popular.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- Royal Mail at Christmas: Check the latest last posting dates before you send cards or parcels.
- MoneyHelper: budgeting: Free, impartial budgeting tools and tips to plan your spending.
Frequently asked questions
How many things should go in a stocking?
Six to ten small items is plenty. Include a mix of treats, toys and useful bits.
What can I use as a stocking?
A large sock, a pillowcase or a stocking from a shop all work well.
Are stocking fillers safe for babies?
Always check ages on the packaging and avoid small parts for under 3s.
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