Top Stocking Stuffer Toy Ideas for Kids

The stockings are so much fun, right? We open them first thing on Christmas morning and it’s so exciting to watch the faces of family members as they reach their hand in and pull out something special. From the candy to the fruit to the little toys, it’s all wonderful. My friend, Kathy, says no matter the age you need to put something in their stocking they can play with right away otherwise, Christmas is kind of boring. I totally agree!

Fruit at the Bottom

My mom would always put oranges and apples in the bottom of our stockings. Once my Grandmother Jean told me about a Christmas morning when she was a child. She had a banana in her stocking. It was the first time she had ever seen a banana. Such an exotic fruit at the time, grown in a much warmer climate. She tasted it and thought it was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. Can you imagine being introduced to a banana for the first time?

I keep up the tradition and always put apples and oranges in our boys’ stockings. If you are interested in the history of this tradition you can read more here.

Unique or Seasonal Candy

We always include candy in the stockings. When I was growing up I remember the plastic candy canes filled with kisses or skittles. For a while, we would always get a chocolate orange. I try to find seasonal or unique candy for our stockings but in reality, my boys love the traditional candy bars and treats at the check-out section of Target.

Savory Ideas

I lean more toward salty treats than sweet. I will put a Pringles can or bag of chips in our stockings. By the way, do you shop for your own stocking or does someone else fill it for you? I always want to buy my own stuff since I’m the one doing most of the shopping but I restrain myself because the boys love to pick it out for me. Chex mix or cheesy popcorn would also be good. Do you let your kids eat the treats right away?

Toys to Stuff the Socks

I try to not spend a ton of money on the stockings. I like to put in at least one toy that can be played with that morning. I mostly buy little things that are silly, that I know will be fun at the moment. I’m not expecting them to last, although some do. The point is to just enjoy and laugh! I’ll hunt for things at Dollar Tree, Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon, or a specialty toy shop.

Here are some toys we’ve loved over the years.

Snowballs for indoors – An all-time family favorite! We had snowball fights all over the house for days.

Themed playing cards – Play Go Fish with Charlie Brown and friends.

Harmonica – If you can withstand the music all morning! Looking for one of a bit higher quality, try this Fender Blues Deluxe.

Ice cream cone shooters (12 pack) – These are so fun! You’ll have enough for everyone, even the adults.

World’s smallest voice changer – I love anything tiny!

Silly String – Dollar Tree has Goofy String for $1 a can, in-store. Send the kids outside and let ’em go to town!

Yo-yo – If you have several kids or grandkids here is a pack of 6.

Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids – Also, one of my favorites. Great for road trips!

Twist stick fidget toy – Even fun for adults. Great for road trips, too!

Pocket (Mini) Etch A Sketch – Hours of entertainment.

Handheld water game – I’ve found something similar to this in the holiday section at Wal-Mart or the Dollar Spot at Target.

Light up gloves – Dance party ready at any time!🕺🏽

Pig Popper (They also sell an elf, a sock monkey, and a pug with a tennis ball) These were a huge hit and we still play with them!

My aunt Jacqueline was awesome at finding cool toys for her kids’ stockings. She had a way of knowing what they would love. My dad did the same thing. He’s the one that gave them harmonicas. My in-laws found the light-up gloves and the cousin dance parties were epic. My boys still love pulling those gloves out and grooving.

Some years will be misses but some years you’ll get them something they love and really enjoy in the moment. My hope is that this year, Christmas morning can be full of laughter with you enjoying the moment right along with your kids.

Do you have a favorite stocking stuffer from your childhood?

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