Guest Picks: 20 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids
These gifts are sure to bring children cheer — and best of all, they're all under $10!
On Christmas morning my kids are all about the stockings. No matter what "big gift" is under the tree or out in the yard, they focus all their attention on digging into the loot hanging from the mantle, savoring each treasure until they get down to the freshly picked orange in the toe (our Arizona tradition). Here are my picks for 20 fun and fab stocking stuffers for the kids, all under $10.
— Elaina from Fun Finds for Mom
— Elaina from Fun Finds for Mom
Photos & Products
Spinny Speller - $9
This Spinny Speller is the perfect stocking stuffer for preschoolers. My daughter got one in her stocking last year, and she had such fun making and reading her first three-letter words.
Hand Turned Spin Top by Funny Farm Toy Barn - $8
There's something mesmerizing about a spinning top that can keep my kids entertained for long stretches of time. These particular wooden tops are hand-turned on a lathe by a 14-year-old boy in Michigan, and they are guaranteed to be easy to spin for a long time.
Kids Recycled Plastic Handle Jump Rope Toy - $9.95
One of my favorite toy companies, Green Toys, now makes jump ropes! Similar to their other toys, the handles are made from recycled plastic. The rope is 100 percent cotton, six feet long and adjustable.
Kids Play Diner Bell - $5.95
Santa gave this bell to my kids a few years ago, and it has been part of tons of creative play ("Ding! Your breakfast is ready." "Ding! Ready or not, here I come."). It now lives in our backyard, and is a bit rusty, but the bell still chimes loudly and clearly.
OUCH! Cupcakes Bandages - $3.99
We can never have enough bandages, and a box of fun ones usually shows up in my kids' stockings. This year, I think I'll go for the cupcake bandages for my daughter and the mac and cheese bandages for my son — or maybe mustaches. Check out all the great design choices at Perpetual Kid.
Your Name Scribblers by Scribblers 2nd Chance Crayons - $8.75
These crayon letters are made with non-toxic crayons mixed with soy wax, giving them a smooth and creamy texture. Pick seven letters for $8.75 and spell out your kids' names. Each set comes in a natural cotton bag.
Sherbet Collection Gentle Elastic Hair Ties by ReStylista - $3.75
I have to admit, my daughter received a jar of elastic hair ties for her birthday this year, and I sort of claimed them for myself. I love the fun colors they come in, and when they're not holding a ponytail, you can wear them comfortably around your wrist.
Cat's Cradle - $9.95
This is handheld gaming at its best. Cat's Cradle was one of my favorite games as a kid. This kit includes a tie-dyed string loop and illustrated instructions for five different games.
Hohner Bluesband Harmonica - $6.95
Every stocking needs either a harmonica or a kazoo. This harmonica is portable musical fun that's hugely entertaining for kids or adults. It's super easy to use, and no lessons required!
Assorted Bead Tilt Games - $1.99
My kids went crazy for these $2 bead tilt games. I'm telling you, they have enjoyed HOURS of intensely focused playtime mastering the skill of getting all the beads in the holes. They play in the car on bumpy road trips for an extra challenge.
4M Magnetic Racer - $4.25
This pocket-size race car is a great way to let your kids play around with the power of magnets. Make sure each kid gets one, so they can have a friendly little magnetic racing competition.
Animal Hands Temporary Tattoos for Talking Hands - $5.99
I'm not normally a fan of temporary tattoos, but in this case, I'd make an exception. How cool are these animal hands? They're instant talking-hand fun!
Pinky Ball - $1.50
When my son turned 5, he had his birthday party at one of those bouncy house places. I included a Pinky Bounce ball in the goody bags, so we've had a few of these rolling around the house ever since. They're good clean high-bouncing fun.
Geyser Tube - $4.99
You've probably seen the Mentos-in-Diet-Coke geyser experiment on YouTube, but I can tell you that it's much more exciting when you're creating the explosion in your own backyard. Make sure you also have a bottle of diet soda on hand, because your kids will probably want to get right to it!
Rock Candy - $9.98
If there's ever a morning to start your day off with a little candy, it's Christmas morning. I still remember how cool it was to eat rock-shaped sweets when I was a kid. Choose from jelly-bean-like candy pebbles or candy-coated milk chocolate rocks. Yum.
My Art, My Writing Set - $11.95
These "My Art, My Writing" journals encourage your kids' creativity with prompts like "I can draw my best friend," or "I can write about my neighborhood." I love seeing what comes out of my kids' minds when they write and draw.
Doctor T's Supergoop Acai Fusion Lip Balm - $8.50
This mild, natural lip balm is perfect for those tiny chapped lips. It also has SPF 30 for those of you who are hitting the ski slopes — or live in the sunny desert like me.
Fafu Silky Blue - $9
Silk scarves were a big part of my own pretend play when I was a kid. If your little ones like to play dress up, or are into dramatic playtime, you might want to include one of these Fafu silk cloths in their stocking loot.
Magic Beans - $9.98
We've read Jack and the Beanstalk a zillion times, and I know my kiddos would love having their own magic beans. Each bean has a sentiment stamped on it, and after being planted and watered for a few days, the bean will sprout and display its special message.
Bike Horn
Ah-ooo-gah! Surprise your kids with a little bike bling in their stocking — especially if a new set of wheels is under the tree. This old-fashioned bike horn comes in blue, red or black.
Next: 20 Gifts to Tickle Your Funny Bone
Next: 20 Gifts to Tickle Your Funny Bone