In this article
The holidays are quickly approaching and many parents are trying to find ways to make it as special as possible, knowing what their children have had to deal with thanks to COVID-19.
One common holiday dilemma: what to put in the holiday stocking. It’s part of the Christmas morning magic but also an opportunity for some practical gifts, especially for younger children. “Remember, just because something is small doesn’t mean it won’t be big with kids,” Marissa DiBartolo, senior editor at The Toy Insider, told Mom.com.
And while you’re at it, why not search for some unusual, unique stockings to hold those fun gifts — a beautiful stocking can become a keepsake that lasts generations.
Here are some ideas for all types of stocking stuffers for vario us aged children. And the best part — all of these can be ordered and delivered to you or family and friends, if there are concerns about shopping during COVID.
Ideas for Christmas stocking for baby
Stocking stuffers for babies are probably the easiest to handle since they aren’t likely to hold a bad choice against you — they likely won’t remember what they got anyway. Note: it’s important to remember not to put anything in the stocking that might be a choking hazard.
1. Green sprouts stay dry bib
Bibs are a great stocking stuffer gift for babies who might not yet appreciate oodles of toys. What your baby will appreciate is a bib that collects all that spit up and keeps your baby dry and comfortable during the winter cold. These are machine washable and reversible. Moms will appreciate that they are free from dyes as well.
2. Sophie La Girafe Teething Toy
Looking for a gift that is visually appealing to your baby and practical. Try the cute Sophie La Girafe baby teether. This will help fussy babies find comfort from painful teething while being fun to hold and play with when they don’t need it. One of the advantages of this teether is the long legs that get to the back teeth where other teethers don’t.
3. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Newborn Bottle Gift Set
Got a fussy baby? This baby bottle may be a stocking stuffer that mom appreciates more than baby because it will help reducing burping and gas. And we all know that when baby is happy, mama is happy.
4. Estella Organic Cotton Avocado Rattle
Who doesn’t love avocado with everything? That includes babies and this rattle gets style points for being contemporary and fun. This 100% organic cotton rattle is safe when baby sticks it in her mouth. The light rattle sound is soothing to your baby’s ears and light enough to not drive mom crazy while trying to deal with errands.
Christmas stocking ideas for toddlers
Toddlers are really exploring their world and love a wide variety of things you can get. Whatever choices you decide to fill the stocking with should be age appropriate. Here are some suggestions to appeal to the artist, cuddler, and reader.
5. Melissa & Doug Water Wow
Let your toddler explore his or her creative side without worrying about the mess. With a magical swipe of the brush, color appears without messy paints or crayons. Best of all, Water Wow books are reusable with kids getting to perfect their favorite scenes. “This is a lifesaver that my daughter loves and I do too because I don’t have to worry about the fallout of spills and splatters,” mom Joy Becker told Mom.com.
6. Jellycat Bumbly Bear Stuffed Animal
As far as teddy bears go, the Jellycat is plush and friendly-looking. He’s perfect to become your toddler’s best friend for years to come. And at only 12 inches, he squishes down enough to stuff into a stocking for a bright Christmas morning surprise. Your toddler will love the luxurious softness of the teddy bear that isn’t too big to carry everywhere.
7. If Animals Kissed Good Night Bedtime Book
Helping toddlers wind down for the night helps them fall asleep better. This book has gentle illustrations with adorable animals going through their nighttime routine with their own babies. Your child will have pleasant dreams about their animal friends when reading this book. It will surely become a bedtime favorite for all.
8. Rainbow Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups
Help your toddler love math with this stimulating color and shape sorting pack. Bears come in six colors with matching cups. Roll the dice and match the color and number that come up. This is a great family game that teaches math concepts such as adding and subtracting in a fun way.
Christmas stocking ideas for preschoolers
Your preschooler likely has a very long list of things they’d like to get for Christmas. The nice thing about stocking stuffers is you can pack a lot of fun in for them to enjoy.
9. Thomas & Friends
Start your preschooler with a set of trains they’ll love and want to collect. Fill the stocking with with train pals with an engine four pack that includes Thomas, James, Henry, and Charlie. Watch the popular show with your preschooler as they reenact scenes from their favorite episodes.
10. SainSmart Jr. Wooden Tetris Puzzle
Get your kid away from the digital world by challenging them to put together this tetris wooden puzzle. Your kids may have been amused over the years with Tetris on your phone or an iPad. This gets them into holding the pieces and finding ways to make the whole puzzle work. This will challenge their mind and keep them busy for hours.
11. Rative Non Skid Socks
Fun colors and styles are sure to catch the attention of your preschooler wanting to look his best down to his socks. Non skid means they are safer for running around without shoes in the house. Best of all for moms, these socks are made of durable materials that stand up to the test of preschoolers.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item from this post, Mom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
