Stocking Stuffers Your Child Will Actually Use

Finding stocking stuffers for little kids that they will actually use can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for gifts that spark their creativity and keep them entertained well beyond the holiday season. I’m much more a fan of stuffing the stocking with something they will play with all year long instead of candy and junk they use once and throw away. 

I broke down this blog post into the following categories: Car lovers, arts & crafts, toys & games, sensory, and music and movement. I find these categories cover many toddler and preschooler interests.  Each category is packed with ideas for small, meaningful gifts that encourage play, learning, and a whole lot of fun!

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We have a car lover in our house and I know many others do too! Many of these stocking stuffers are ones we either own or are going to be in our child’s stocking this year. I am so excited to see his reaction to the Blaze Tonie and the Card Racer.  

1. 1. Color shifters 
   2. Card Racer 
   3. Road tape 
   4. Car themed Tonie (Lightning McQueen or Blaze and the Monster Machines)
   5. Vehicle bandaids 

Consumables like arts and crafts make a super useful stocking stuffer for little kids. They will actually use pencils, markers, and other crafts supplies way more than a simple toy from the dollar store (even though there are some treasures there sometimes too). Here are some ideas that are super fun and unique. 

1. Colored Masking Tape 
2. Holiday Smencils 
3. Color Changing markers 
4. Scratch Paper
5. Kwik Stix Paint sticks 

Many of these toys and games stocking stuffers for little kids are great for on the go as well. So, if you plan on traveling this holiday season, these would be great to give your child. Games are also another go-to for family connection time and these ones are small but packed with fun.

1. Spot it https://amzn.to/3A3WeRr 
2. Uno (Classic, Mario , Princesses )
3. BizzyBoo Hide and Seek Busy Bag 
4. Take along magnetic puzzle
5. Quick Push Popper Game 

Can’t have a stocking stuffer guide without some sensory play ideas! These ones are some of our favorites and even include some mess-free options! 

1. Butter Slime 
2. Chuckle & Roar – Grand Sand Holiday Present 
3. Kinetic Sand Treasure or Kinetic Sand Surprise Wild Critters 
4. Fidget Board Unicorn or Dinosaur
5. Express yourself sensory bottles 

Music and movement toys aren’t just fun; they’re fantastic for developing coordination, rhythm, and self-expression. From simple instruments to playful props, these stocking stuffers get kids moving and groovin’. These small but mighty gifts are definitely going to make your holiday morning joyful, but will also make for many more “shows” throughout the year.

1. Harmonica
2. Kazoo
3. Sarah’s Silk Mini Rainbow Streamer 
4. DIY Creative Tonie
5. Yoto Card 

I would love to know what you are putting in your child’s stocking this year. Share with us in the comments below.