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I’ve started a list of practical stocking stuffer ideas for kids and I thought I’d share it with you!
Some of the goodies have shown up in every stocking I’ve stuffed, some were gems from the past, and some will be brand new this year.
I think this series of gift ideas will give you a pretty clear understanding that I prefer practical, useful gifts that will actually be used.
When I spend money (usually way more than I expect) filling stockings, I want it to be with stuff that has a purpose and not just an initial thrill.
Practical Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids That Are Also Fun
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. That means anything you buy through these links will help pay for the stuff in our stockings… so thanks. 😉 Don’t worry I only include the best stocking stuffers!
Most of the items will work great for a tween and a teen. I’ve included a few extra options of the same practical stocking stuffer ideas the older kids will be excited about on Christmas morning.
Toothbrush – This is funny. Big M said to me this morning. “I was going to say I want a new toothbrush but then remembered it’s almost Christmas. Santa will put one in my stocking.”
This two-pack of battery-powered toothbrushes is a great choice. For extra fun, check out these character toothbrushes: Barbie, Super Mario, or look for your kids’ favorite character.
Tween and teen options: Oral-Charcoal Toothbrush or Bamboo Eco-Friendly Toothbrush.
Comfy Socks – You’ll probably find comfy socks on every list I make… so if you ever meet me in person, you know what will win me over!
Thesecolorful socks have great reviews and come in many styles. If you’re going for warm and snuggly, these playful socks will be perfect.
Tween and teen options: Warm wool socks or neutral-colored socks.
Book Lights –If you have a little one who loves reading, this necklight is great. It comes in a lot of different colors. AWESOME! (It’s also great for finding the perfect LEGO in the bottom of the bin.)
Bubble Bath – It doesn’t matter if you pick up an inexpensive version or go for something a little fancier; a bubble bath (like Lavendar Bubble Bath)will always bring on smiles for bath time.
Water Cup –Pretty much everyone has a water bottle and can get excited about getting a new one. We love, love, love ourFuntainers. You can get them in plain color or with a cute design. There’s also a 16-ounce Funtainer Bottles. They have the same great design, and they hold more water.
Tween and teen options: Insulated water bottle.
Art Supplies – Stockings are the perfect place to replenish the art center. Thinkmarkers,crayons,colored pencils, and paint. The kids will appreciate 
the fresh supplies (and you were going to buy them anyway, right?)
Tween and teen options: Small sketch pad and sketching pencils.
Gloves or Mittens – We live where it’s pretty warm all year.Hat, Scarf & Glove Setsare more for fun than necessity, although now that we’re watching baseball games late at night, they’ll probably get more use.
Tween and teen options: Touch Screen Gloves.
Toothbrush Timer – Do I need to say anything else?The “Wash & Brush” Timer
even has a hand-washing timer! (Update: The reviews weren’tgreat, but we’ve now had ours fortwoyears. We had no problems at all and the kids use it twice a day!)
Dice or Cards – There are so many games that can be played with diceorcards. (Here are a couple… 10,000 dice game& Golf card game.)
Watch – Little M is learning to tell time. It’s so fun; I can’t wait for her to have her ownwatch. (Here’s a great digital watch too).
Tween and teen options: Smart watch.
Notebook Set – Everyone in our family loves notebooks and pens. Since notebook sets encourage writing… I love them even more. You can find small ones at any store, or here are a couple of fancy diaries that would go over big with our family: Dinosaur diary or Cat diary.
Gum –Little M is my gum chewer. She would chew gum all day if I let her. I found this fun peppermint gum that she will go crazy for!
Hair Accessories – How often are you searching for the hair clips you put in early in the day? Add to your collection in the form of a stocking stuffer. These clips are adorable!
Tween and teen options: Beauty supplies like nail polish, lip gloss, or shaving cream.
Gift Cards– What a simple way to add to the “BIG” gift! Little M is getting a desk this year. (SHHH!!!) A gift card to an office supply store will be aperfect compliment to her gift. Get creative… what gift card would add to the big gift Santa is bringing this year?
Tween and teen options: Gift cards are especially great for tweens and teens. Gift cards for the restaurants they frequent with friends or a place selling their favorite treat are always good.
Band-Aids –Plain old band-aids would be very practical but not much fun as a stocking stuffer for kids. I found three super fun band-aids that are just begging to be stuffed into a stocking. Bacon Shaped Band-Aids,Pickle Band-Aids, and Cupcake Band-Aids. How fun are these?!?
Card Game – Earlier I suggested a plain deck of cards. This is a twist on the same idea. I like card games because they are a small, inexpensive way to add to the game closet. We personally loveUno Flip, Spot It and Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza.
Wallet –We’re working on a payment/chore system (more on that later), which means the kids are getting a regular income. They need a better way to carry their money than they currently have. I like these wallets because there is a zippered spot for coins, which turns out to be very important! I found this black and blue wallet anda cute pink wallet.
Tween and teen options: Slim wallet, wristlet wallet, or phone case wallet.
Cereal – I know it’s kind of a weird stocking stuffer BUT hear me out. For the past few years, we’ve added an individual cereal boxthe stockings. (I buy one per kid, the link takes you to a large pack, but I’m sure you can get one box at your grocery store). They take up quite a bit of stocking space and they give the kids something to nibble on while Hubby and I make breakfast. Win, win, win!
I know I’m not the only practical Mom out there… do you have any practical stocking stuffer ideas to add?
There are some awesome stocking stuffer ideas for kids that have been added in the comments as well.
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