Jumping Bug
Meet Leopold. Push down on this little cricket until his suction cup meets a hard surface, and then wait. Soon, he'll jump up—and we mean high. By Kikkerland, this is one of those great toys that functions just as well as a design element.
To buy: AllModern, $17
Crystals
The really fun thing about these little bags of crystals is that each one is totally unique—you won't know the colors, shapes and sizes of your crystals until you buy and open the bag. Use them as decoration or for any small magical procedures.
To buy: Urban Outfitters, $8
Finger Puppets
Made in Denmark, these five cotton finger puppets are more than just cute toys. Come on, they make your fingers into animals. Make your hand a virtual menagerie with elephant, tiger, lion, giraffe and monkey characters. It's a zoo out there!
To buy: Poketo, $35
Hamster Calendar
Just about as tall as your thumb, this teeny-tiny calendar is as cute as the critter it features. With a different hamster for each month, it'll keep you on track for the entire year. It even comes with a base to keep every hamster upright and at the ready.
To buy: ModCloth, $8
Journal
A cute little notebook always makes a great stocking stuffer. This one, with a splatter-paint printed cotton canvas cover, is especially fun. It has 72 pages—more than enough room for all the recipient's important thoughts.
To buy: Anthropologie, $20
Little Miss Sunshine
It's never too late to break out the classic Mr. and Little Miss series, by Roger Hargreaves. These adorable books tell the stories of small monster-types with big personalities—perfect for the beginning reader or the adult who's especially funny … or cheerful … or brave … or chatty … and on and on.
To buy: The Land of Nod, $4
Magnetic Putty
For the person who is (just barely) beyond Silly Putty comes magnetic putty. It has all the goodness of regular gooey substances, with one amazing extra attribute: When placed close to the included magnet, the putty itself becomes magnetic. Watch it stretch and move in response to the magnet, and pick up objects like paper clips and tacks. It's like magic!
To buy: Uncommon Goods, $15
Bird Origami
Certified by the Nippon Origami Association, this set of 120 large and brightly colored sheets of paper and folding instructions will help you make a whole flock of beautiful birds.
To buy: Muji, $5
MORE: Best Toys From the '90s
Micro Cubebot
This miniature wooden robot provides lots of ways to play. He comes in a cube, and easily unfolds into a friendly character. Strong elastic bands let him hold all sorts of different poses, and—if you're clever enough—you might even be able to fold him back into his original cube.
To buy: Restoration Hardware, $7
Raccoon Wobble
Whether you use it to entertain your toddler or as your own fun desk ornament, this wobbly raccoon will provide hours of fun. The round, weighted bottom helps it to stay standing no matter how much you push or pull at it.
To buy: Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store, $9
