Parents, don't forget to stuff that stocking or shoe on December 6! We're here to help with St. Nick gifts that will delight kids of all ages.
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Finding the perfect stocking stuffer gifts for kids is so much fun, but it can be pretty challenging. The best stocking stuffers are small gifts that offer a little fun or creativity that fit inside a stocking. The options are endless, from clever toys and games to practical items and sweet treats. Check out our list of 41 budget-friendly ideas that will bring joy and excitement to kids of all ages this holiday season.
Kids get to choose—or rather, spin—their way through these thrilling adventure books that blend fiction with real-world survival skills and savvy decision-making. There are multiple outcomes, so readers can experience new plot twists each time. Choose from four exciting titles: “Frozen Mountain,” “Deep Space Danger,” “The Pharoah’s Curse” and “Pirate Peril.”
Don’t have room for a foosball table? All you need is a table with Foosbots on the Go! Kids of all ages will have a blast spinning, kicking and scoring their way through this fast-paced game. All you do is squeeze the Foosbot’s arms to set it spinning and kicking the ball. The set comes with a pair of Foosbots, goal lines, a ball and a storage case that makes it easy to take this game on the road.
Make learning fun with this terrarium kit that gives them the tools to create, grow and nurture a mini ecosystem that they can get started in as few as four days. The kit contains a jar, potting mix, seeds, stones and glow-in-the-dark figurines and sand. The terrarium absorbs daylight, then glows at night for an amazing display of up to two full planting cycles.
Whether you’re starting them off on their musical journey or adding an instrument to their collection, this petite ukulele is sure to please—even if it’s sticking out of the stocking a bit. Don’t let the size or the price fool you: this instrument is tunable and playable, plus it’s lightweight and easy for little hands to learn on.
Reward them for reading—even if it’s past their bedtime—with these charming clip-on book lights. One’s shaped like a cat and the other like a sloth; both have eyes that light up to illuminate the pages. Each is powered by a button (battery included) and turns on or off with a simple switch.
Encourage them to stay hydrated even more with the Stanley Quencher Boot and Straw Cover. Content Director Nicole Doster says this about this useful Stanley mug accessory set: “The silicone boot protects the Quencher from scratches on hard surfaces and also prevents the bottle itself from clanging, assuring a softer landing on countertops and tables.” It comes in more than a dozen colors to match or coordinate with their Stanley mug.
They love reading and watching anime, so give them a chance to draw some of their own with this anime drawing kit. It includes an activity book with step-by-step instructions and coloring pages, sketching paper, a dozen colored pencils and a mechanical pencil. This one focuses on Shonen (male) characters, but there are also ones for Shojo (female) and Chibi (cute, exaggerated characters) they might like as well.
Bring home the fun of an escape room with this set of aquarium-themed puzzles that test their logic and observational skills. The goal? Find the potion to break the spell or they’re really stuck—as a fish! There’s a grown-ups guide for setting up the hour-long brainteasers, plus a hint and solutions book for when they get stumped.
Whether you’re adding to the collection or introducing them to a new obsession, they’ll be thrilled to see a Jellycat in their St. Nick’s stocking. Choose a huggable animal or a super soft accessory from the vast selection, and you’ve got a gift that is sure to give them the warm fuzzies.
They won’t mind a practical gift when they’re as cute and comfortable as these slippers from Bombas. The soft lining and cushioned footbed are super cozy, while the grips on the bottom keep them from slipping and sliding on the floor. Choose from a dozen colors and patterns.
Gel pens are a delight to draw, color and write with, but erasable gel pens are even better. The set contains a dozen brightly colored pens that are more like pencils, thanks to the eraser on the tip that removes the dried ink cleanly from the page without damaging the paper.
Why give them an ordinary blanket when you can turn them into a magical creature from the sea with this plush mermaid tail blanket? They’ll find excuses to cuddle up with you on the couch—you can have your “me” time, and they’ll have their “mermaid” time.
Small coloring books are having a moment. Grab some as stocking stuffers to allow them a brief yet creative break during homework and study time. We won’t blame you if you want to get a set for yourself to take a breather during a busy workday.
Start them on a creative hobby or add to their supplies with this colorful friendship bracelet kit. It comes with a loom, pegs, threads, elastics, buckles, stickers and a step-by-step guide. There’s enough to make more than a dozen bracelets for their friends and classmates.
For the Disney fan in your life, this Crayola activity set is sure to please. It contains a coloring book featuring their favorite Disney princess like Snow White and Ariel, along with Crayola markers and stickers for them to color and customize the pages however they please.
No heat, just a good night’s sleep is what’s needed for this set of easy-to-use curlers. The four-piece set comes with a satin curling rod, two scrunchies, and a claw clip that will make them wake up with beautiful curls and waves in the morning.
For kids with a budding green thumb, this garden-in-a-box is sure to delight. Everything they need for a beautiful flower and herb display is right in the box: pots, seeds (cosmos, nasturtium and basil), a shovel and wooden labels, along with paint, brushes and stickers to decorate the pots.
If they love card games, they’ll love this set of six classics: Go Fish, Slap Jack, Old Maid, Crazy 8s, Memory Match, and a standard set of animal-themed playing cards. Each comes with a set of instructions if any are new to them or if they need a refresher on the rules.
They’ll run out of sidewalk before they run out of ideas of what to do with a box of Crayola sidewalk chalk. The box contains 24 thick crayons in bright and bold colors that they can draw with on pavement to their heart’s content; it washes off in the rain or after a blast from the hose.
Get ready to mesmerize a special someone this St. Nick’s Day with this deck of Marvin’s Magic cards. They’ll learn fifty of the most dazzling card tricks and build a routine that will stump their audiences. Tricks include Mysterious Hearts, All the Hearts, Psychic Vision and dozens of others.
Jazz up their favorite pair of Crocs with these cute and colorful holiday-themed Jibbitz charms. They come five in a pack and measure approximately 1 x 2 inches and attach easily to their sandals. Choose from several different holiday themes, including this set featuring a gingerbread man and marshmallow snowman.
Do you remember Shrinky Dinks? Now you can share the fun with your kids and make some unique art right in your kitchen. The set comes with everything you need to color and bake up 3D art. Parental supervision is required, but that means you get to have fun watching as they shrink up in the oven.
Sweeten up their collection of kinetic sand with this fun set featuring pink, white and brown sand that smells like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate “ice cream.” They can mix, scoop and even mold ice cream into sandwiches, thanks to a waffle press that comes with the set. They’ll also get a freezer-style tray, a scoop, a cup, a cone and other accessories to set up their own ice cream parlor.
A fun way to celebrate St. Nick is with these temporary holiday tattoos that celebrate the jolly guy himself. What’s even more fun is that they glow in the dark. They’ll have fun plastering themselves and their friends with this 100-piece set that’s easy to apply and even easier to remove later.
They love bubbles, but you can do without the soapy spills. This spill-proof bubble maker is a win-win for both of you. It comes with four ounces of non-toxic bubble solution so they can get to the fun right away. It’s safe for children 18 months and up—and we dare you not to have some fun yourself!
This one is a unicorn of a St. Nick’s gift—quite literally! Whether they’ve been around the Lego block before or they’re just getting started, this 3-in-1 playset is sure to please. They can build a unicorn, a seahorse or a peacock, all with movable parts.
They’ll have a ball setting up their own at-home nail salon with this colorful DIY nail art kit. The box comes with five nail polish/pen combos, four glitter jars, confetti and more than 200 stickers, along with a nail file, buffer, brush and a pair of tweezers—all the tools they need to create fun manicures.
If they love stickers and love even more to keep them organized, then this reusable sticker book is the perfect St. Nick’s gift. It contains 100 double-sided sheets for displaying their stickers or for easier access later. The album features a cute cover design and opens flat for convenience. It comes with two pockets with plastic zippers for storing tools, including the two that are included: a spatula for smoothing the stickers and a pair of tweezers to avoid curls and fingerprints when handling them.
Hair chalk lets them express their unique style without damaging their hair or regretting their decisions. This colorful set features clamp-style applicators in pink, red, purple, blue, green and yellow. The chalk glides easily onto dry or damp hair and washes out easily with regular shampoo.
All your young artist needs is this creative activity box and some water to create papier-mâché animals and objects that can then be painted and decorated with stickers. The set includes detailed instructions along with two bags of papier-mâché powder, paint pots and a brush, stickers and other accessories to complete their creations.
Creative kiddos will love waking up to a new set of crayons—especially when they spell out their name! Choose between bright pastels or primary colors, then pair with a Christmas coloring book.
OK, these won’t fit in a stocking. But St. Nick’s Day is the perfect excuse to gift matching family Christmas pajamas. Plus, your little ones will get a lot more wear out of their festive ‘fits than if you wait until Christmas Eve. Want more? Browse these family Christmas pajamas to find your perfect fit.
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with this personalized children’s book. The sweet story and eye-catching illustrations include tons of hidden details and family names. Reading through this sentimental gift will become a treasured holiday tradition.
With a price tag well under $5, you can’t go wrong with these cheerful holiday hair ties. They’re perfect for the girl who’s already rocking her holiday best.
Gift your aspiring sugar plum fairy this dazzling holiday puzzle. It’s inspired by The Nutcracker ballet and, when finished, takes the shape of a holiday tree. Keep in mind that this 500-piecer is pretty complex, though, and should be reserved for older kids.
We love St. Nick gifts rooted in tradition, and an orange is said to symbolize the gold St. Nicholas presented to needy families. This Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a sweet upgrade!
Whether it’s during a holiday movie marathon or after a cold day of sledding, this custom hot chocolate mug will get a lot of use. Choose between a ceramic mug, campfire mug or lidded travel mug, then add your little one’s name.
If your little one loves to help out in the kitchen, this kid-sized Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch apron is a practical addition to their stocking. She can wear it while decorating a gingerbread house or helping bake Christmas cookies. Kids who love food will enjoy these child-friendly cooking kits, too.
For kids who need an outlet for anxiety, energy or stress, these pop fidget toys are great St. Nick gifts. We love the trio of cute, seasonal shapes.
The whole family will enjoy digging into these yogurt-covered pretzels shaped like snowflakes from Harry & David. It’s a great option for when you need a snack trifecta: sweet, salty and festive!
This non-sticky sticky putty is great for kids and adults alike and makes an ideal sensory gift for those who enjoy being creative with their hands. It has a magnet to manipulate the putty, making it easy to stretch and mold.
This depends on the child! Focus on what they enjoy and choose something practical, fun and engaging.
Sweet treats are a classic stocking stuffer. Candies in small colorful boxes fit perfectly and are always a hit.
Look for items that inspire creativity or curiosity, such as science kits, arts and crafts supplies or puzzles.
