Are you looking for stocking fillers ideas? Stockings are such a fun tradition, especially when you can move away from sweets (the last thing kids need at this time of year is more sugar!) and into more interesting and useful gifts. Even when I have a pretty clear idea of what I’m going to go with, I love looking at stocking fillers ideas for inspiration. Here are some of the best ideas I’ve come across recently in case you’re stuck!

1. Mad Libs

These classic books will have the whole family laughing out loud. They feature stories with certain words left out. One player, the reader, will ask everyone else – who hasn’t seen the story – to supply random nouns, adjectives, colours, etc. as prompted by the book. The reader then inserts the words into the blanks and reads the story aloud – and hilarity usually ensues. There are lots of fun Mad Libs with different themes available. 

2. Detangling brush

If your daughter’s hair is a nightmare to untangle after every wash, a good detangling brush will make your days a lot smoother. These brushes fit perfectly into stockings and come in all kinds of fun colours and patterns, and they’re extremely practical without feeling too much like a utility gift. The Tangle Teezer is my personal fave.

3. Card games

Card games are great stocking stuffers for kids. They are highly portable, which means they’ll come in very handy when you go on holiday, and they’re a great way to pass the time with family over the festive season. You could go with a classic like Uno, which comes in a lot of fun themes like Minecraft that can suit your child’s tastes. I’ve heard Sushi Go is a great one too. If your child is a bit older, Monopoly Deal is a fun choice. We also love Exploding Kittens!

4. Colouring supplies

If you’re looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas, consider some fun twists on the tried-and-true crayons and markers they use every day. I’m talking glittery crayons, metallic coloured pencils, or markers with fun scents. As an added bonus, it will give them something to do during the holiday break from school!

5. Lip balm

Everyone can use lip balm at this time of year, whether it’s for those evening sports matches in chilly, windy weather or to combat the drying effects of all that hot cocoa they’ve been sipping in the lead-up to Christmas. This is one of those stocking fillers ideas I go back to year after year. There are lots of natural, plain choices if you need something subtle, but if you have a fashion lover in your home, consider a shimmery lip gloss or a balm that comes in a fun-shaped tin. 

6. Craft supplies

Stockings are the perfect size for stuffing in craft supplies, whether it’s washi tape, glitter glue, beads, sequins or pompoms. You could go with something they always seem to run out of, or take the opportunity to introduce a new crafting supply they don’t usually work with to stimulate their creativity.

7. Bubbles

When my kids were little, they always got a bottle of bubbles in their stocking – and usually often managed to use up half of it before the day was over! Whether you invest in some high-quality bubbles, a jumbo bottle, or those with a fun wand that makes different shapes, bubbles are usually well received!

8. Sidewalk chalk

Another fun stocking filler that will get them outdoors and away from their screens for a while is sidewalk chalk – assuming you have a suitable space for them to use it, like your patio or terrace or the driveway at grandma’s house. There are lots of fun shapes and colours and even glittery options. When it comes to creative stocking stuffers ideas, this is a really fun one. 

9. Finger puppets

Finger puppets are a lot of fun, and they’re also a great way to help your child build their storytelling skills. You can find all sorts of cute themes, and if you have more than one child, they can get different sets to mix and match and make even more creative tales.

10. Rubik’s cube

A Rubik’s cube is a classic for a reason, but if your child has already been there and done that, consider one of the more challenging variations on the standard 3×3, such as a 4×4, 5×5, or pyramid-shaped cube. Some kids love trying to figure it out on their own, while others get a lot of mileage out of trying to learn the different algorithms that can help them solve them quickly – there’s lots of help on YouTube!

Happy stocking filler shopping! 🙂