So what do you put in your kid’s Christmas stockings? We asked our Family Days Facebook community for their ideas and they came up with a fabulous list of inexpensive and fun ideas. We wanted to include something they’ll need, something they’ll read and something they’ll eat. Here’s what our parenting community came up with…
As so many people asked where to buy these little treats, we’ve searched on Amazon and have added some links to suitable gifts. If you buy something from one of these links, we may earn a small commission.
Socks
Christmas socks are always a good idea. These ones made us smile.
Chocolate Coins
Chocolate is always appreciated! We sometimes use chocolate coins in the run-up to Christmas too for reminders that Santa is always watching. (Rewards for helping at home, doing well at school, being brave in the school assembly, etc.)
Tangerines
A proper traditional suggestion but one we always include.
Toothpaste / Toothbrush
These character battery-operated toothbrushes are always a hit with our kids.
Rubiks Cube
This was a great suggestion! We tried it in one child’s stocking and they all wanted one for the following year.
Stickers
Who doesn’t love stickers? You can choose their favourite character or some festive fun stickers.
Bubbles
A simple and fun activity that can keep the kids busy for ages.
Silly string
Be prepared for the silliness that will follow when they see this!
Fake dog poo
For the prankster in the family, get them this surprisingly realistic-looking fake poop! (Don’t worry, you can get your own back with these April Fool prank ideas!)
Pocket Kite
We really liked this suggestion and it means the kids want to get outside too!
Water Pistols
These can be super-elaborate these days. Pump action super-soakers are not for the stocking but these old-school water pistols will means some wet play time in the garden.
Bubblegum
It is Christmas, so there had to be sweets involved! Make sure the kids share so you can have a bubble blowing competition.
Skipping Rope
You’ll be surprised how much this idea is enjoyed. We’ve seen our girls go out onto the street to meet the neighbour’s children so they could all skip together!
Watch
A watch can make you feel really grown-up (even when you can’t tell the time yet!) And a watch with a calculator comes with lots of buttons so has always been a hit.
Slippers
New slippers at Christmas is not a cliche. It means snuggly warm toes and that’s a good thing. Never shy away from novelty slippers, we say!
Hairbrush
Getting your own hairbrush is another sign of growing up so the kids usually like this one a lot.
Juggling Balls
OK, I’ll admit, I’ve never got the hang of juggling but the kids love giving it a go and it’s another good reason to play outside (to save the light fittings!)
Books
Books, books and more books. You can’t go wrong with this idea. Picture books. Sticker books. Storybooks or full-blown novels. They all bring another reason to enjoy reading. We love this pocket edition (so it fits in the stocking!) version of a Christmas favourite.
Bag of popcorn
Pringles
Toy Cars
Whoopie Cushion
You know the kids will hide this under your cushion on the sofa. But you also know you’ll laugh with them when it makes that noise!
A Nutcracker
You’ll be surprised how much the kids actually enjoy cracking nuts. The squeezing ones are often a bit tricky for small hands but this one is much easier to work. And it means I get a bowl of nuts presented to me by the children each evening!
Colouring Books
Stationery
This is a great idea to ensure those thank you letters get written.
LEGO Mini Figures
We like these as you’re never sure which character you’ll get.
Foam Soap
This is a great excuse for a bubbly bath at the end of the day. Foam soap is good fun as you can mould it to make funny hairstyles.
Diary
A diary that comes with a lock and key is perfect for those secret thoughts.
Calendar
This can be an aminal calendar. Or cars. Or monsters. Or whatever makes them happy. Magnetic calendars are good to help show the plan for the day.
Top Trumps
We’ve got lots of packets of these card games. But that doesn’t stop us wanting to play a new version each year.
Lip Gloss
For kids who want to wear makeup but you’d rather they didn’t, a fruity smelling/tasting lip balm can be a good choice.
Nail Varnish
The kids love painting each other’s nails so a kit like this is well-used in our house. Just make sure you get some nail varnish removed too!
Rocket Balloons
Playing Cards
Have a game of ‘Cheat’ with the kids and then show them how to play ‘Patience’ so they can enjoy a game on their own too.
Glowsticks
We use glow sticks for fun all year round. You could try a Glow in the Dark Shower. We’ve got lots of Fun in the Dark Ideas for Kids.
Alien eggs
Kinder Eggs
Gloves
A torch
Magic Flannel
We all love watching these grow!
Batteries
It may seem obvious, you’ll need to make sure there are enough batteries in the house to keep the toys working over the holidays. (Or you could this as the excuse to get rechargeable batteries and charger.)
Joke book
Hot chocolate sachets
Umbrella
Small packets of cereal
Marshmallows
Underpants
Hot water bottle
Bouncy Balls
Mini Cans of Pop
Pot of Candy Floss/Cottom Candy
Bubble Bath
Scratchcard
Hair Bobbles
We are always losing these so Christmas is a good time to get a new pack.
Gliders
Tattoos
Candy Canes
Mini-books
Box of Cake Mix
Modelling Clay
It’s a brave parent who gives the kids playdough or modelling clay in their bedroom stocking. But if you don’t have carpets, this is a fun idea!
Harmonica
Pencil Case
A Yo-yo
Party Poppers
Box of Chocolates
Chocolate Santa
Slinky
Bracelets
Body Spray
Squirty Cream for Hot Chocolate
We’d like to thank our
Family Days Tried & Tested parenting community on Facebook
The home of award-winning family fun
for all the fabulous ideas!
Why not check out our other Christmas ideas?
60+ Christmas Activities For Kids
Magical Christmas Traditions & Fun
35+ Fun Christmas Food Ideas
100 + Elf On The Shelf Ideas
And whatever you do, have a fabulous family fun-filled magical Christmas!
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