Unless your kid is getting a lump of coal this Christmas, then it is officially time to start thinking about what kind of toys, games, and activities that you and Santa can shove into those stockings for your well-behaved little ones.
The best stocking stuffer gifts are not only small enough to fit inside a decorative holiday sock, but they are also affordable enough to add on top of the already significant pile of presents while also being universal enough that you can get the same items for multiple children.
We know Santa is busy this time of year, so we took the liberty of coming up with a list of some of the best ideas for stocking stuffer presents that the year has to offer, all with plenty of time left for you to complete your holiday shopping.
Here Are The Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids In 2023
UNO Card Game
If a rousing game of UNO isn’t already a part of your family’s holiday tradition, then it needs to be. This is hands down one of the best card games around. It is a snap to learn which means that even a big family can start having fun immediately, right out of the box, instead of taking literal hours to learn the rules of a more complicated board game. The compact nature of the Uno box makes it a high-impact choice for road trips and vacations, as there are few, if any other ways to fit this much fun into that small of a space.
Flipbook Animation Kit
Creating small moving flipbooks is a childhood art that not every kid gets to experience for one reason or another. While there are some kids out there who can draw their own amazing little postcard sized animations, not everyone has the talent or patience to do it all themselves. This Flipbook Animation Kit from Fliptomania includes two pre-illustrated animations that can be colored in for a more personalized little movie. For those kids who want to try their own, a blank flipbook is also included. Because there is no cutting, taping, or stapling required, this is a great activity for any kid who is 5 years or older.
Glow In The Dark Yoyo
Playing with a Yoyo is the kind of activity that can either be incredibly simple or incredibly complicated based on how skilled the user is. For this reason, the distance in quality and price between entry level kids’ yoyos and professional-level models is significant. Fortunately, the novice and advanced Yoyo-ers alike can all agree upon the Merlin Pro. Its affordable enough for any child to access, and yet has a few design elements that places it closer to some of the more expensive “pro” style Yoyos that you see in real competitions. And of course, if we didn’t mention it by now, this Yoyo glows in the dark!
Kids’ Knock-Knock Jokes Paperback
As if your kid wasn’t already enough of a smart-aleck, now they can become sharper and wittier than ever before with this fun book that is jam-packed with different versions of the world’s favorite joke. Rob Eliot has collected here some of the more classic answers to the knock-knock incitement, as well as added a few of his own creation. The result is a must-have book for any young humorist. Parents can rest assured that all the content is friendly and totally kid-approved.
LEGO Mini-figures
Whether or not your kid is already into Legos will be irrelevant when they see the lighthearted yet detailed design of their new Lego minifigure. These are the plastic people that populate the perfect planet of Legoland, and each one seems more unique than the one before it. From pirates to astronauts, wizards to skateboarders, there is a Lego minifigure for every kid out there. Part of the fun however is not choosing the figure yourself, but rather experiencing the excitement that comes from opening the back to find out what kind of figure you got. With hundreds to collect, every minifigure you order is likely to be unique.
Lip Smacker Party Pack
Everyone’s favorite flavored candy lip balm is back in a big way with the Lip Smacker Original Flavors Party Pack. A total of 8 different classic flavors like oatmeal cookie, kiwi fruit, and tropical punch will provide day after day of delicious lip-quenching fun. As a functioning lip balm, Lip Smackers will keep your kid’s lips moisturized, smooth, and glossy, just like the non-flavored brands do. This party pack is not only a great stocking stuffer for the individual child, but makes for a great way to help fill goodie bags for holidays and birthday parties.
Magic 8 Ball
It has been called one of the most iconic toys of all time, and we don’t think that there would be a whole lot of people that would disagree. The Magic 8 Ball has provided answers to our burning questions since its release several decades ago. Now it’s back and better than ever by being more durable and more affordable than ever before. The option to choose the “Retro” model is a nice touch and will surely be popular among older and younger generations alike. The only question that remains is, will your kid like it? Answers the 8-Ball: “It Is Certain.”
Wikki Sticks Doodlers
Any parent can tell you how even the smallest amount of excess energy in their child can lead to a significant amount of fidgeting and fiddling about. Giving your kid a creative way to utilize this energy not only stimulates their imagination, but will keep them entertained for hour after hour. Don’t know what a Wikki Stick is? It’s basically a bendable, pipe-cleaner type stick toy that is soft to the touch and completely bendable, allowing the child to make all sorts of custom creations by bending, twisting, and connecting the pieces to one another. Don’t forget to get multiple packs!
Build A Snowman Foam Putty Pack
Anyone who has had a child in the house anytime over the last five years has surely heard one question above all others, and it is usually sung at the top of their little lungs: “Do you want to build a snowman?” The answer is of course you do. Everyone likes building snowmen, and now it is possible to do in the palm of your hand without even having to go outside. This 3-pack of foam putty includes everything needed to sculpt your own small snowman, including plastic stick arms, eyes, and an adorable carrot nose. The fact that there are 3 in a set makes this an ideal choice for parents who have multiple children.
CAT Mini Machines Set of 5
There is something inside a kid’s mind that just makes them want to build things, which is why toys like stacking blocks, Legos, and erector sets have been so popular for such a long time. Toy trucks have also been a mainstay of childhood excavations, as they allow the kid to become the foreman and make the work site their own. This set of 5 different Caterpillar construction toys has everything needed to get that patch of backyard dirt prepared for the RC rally, and because no batteries are required, the fun can continue without any interruptions.
Mermaid Slap Bracelets
The perfect gift for any mermaid-themed party, these cool and colorful sequin-studded slap-on bracelets are both stylish and versatile, coming in a wide array of different color patterns so everyone at the party can have their own unique style. The adjustable size make them perfect for boys and girls, as well as adult men and women in most instances. There are actually a number of different manufacturers making Mermaid Slap Bracelets like these, so it is important to look for the ones that are made by Kuuqa, as they are significantly more durable than their competition.
Micro Racers Mini Cars
Ditch the fidget spinner … the Micro Racers Mini Cars by USA Toyz are one of the best new micro-sized toys of the season. Light-up LED action is distilled down into a toy that is the size of an average keychain, meaning that it can go anywhere that your kid does for 24/7 entertainment. Put the mini-race inside the included plastic stunt ball and then watch in amazement as the car disappears into a brilliant swirl of LED lights and high-octane action. Our favorite feature though is the rechargeable battery, meaning that you won’t have to burn through dozens of AA batteries just to keep the fun going.
Whoville Figurine Set
Fans of Dr. Seuss’ iconic Christmas Classic The Grinch will appreciate this collection of faithfully recreated figurines, the perfect size for your own nativity-style tabletop display. Alternatively, give them to the kids and sit back as they enjoy hours of fun with the whole Whoville gang, everyone from Cindy-Lou to Izzy, Ozzy, & Axl. Not so familiar with this newest version of the Grinch story? Don’t worry. Your kid will likely know more about it than you do. With 10 pieces in all, this is a complete return to Whoville that will have all the kids laughing & playing along with their favorite Christmas movie.
Washable Window Markers
Anyone who has had a toddler in the house knows the value of having plenty of real estate available for drawing and coloring projects. Once the paper is gone, kids will go straight for the wallpaper, and that happens to be one of the hardest-to-clean spots in the whole house. Now, with the Washable Window Markers from Crayola, your kid can use any window in the house as their next canvas, creating colorful holiday decorations or fun and vibrant pictures. These markers wash off with nothing more than a bit of warm water and a paper towel, so parents don’t have to worry about any permanent damage like they would with the drapes!
Washable Watercolor Paint Set
Watercolor painting is one of the easiest and most affordable activities to set up for children, whether it is on Christmas morning or grouped around the dinner table during an awesome birthday party or gathering. These watercolor paints are totally washable, meaning that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get the colors out from your kids clothing, or the dining room carpet! 8 different bright & primary colors are included along with a paintbrush, which means that the only thing your kid needs to get started is paper and water. Larger packs are available for teachers and party-throwers from most online retailers.
Washable Sidewalk Chalk
Even if you don’t live near any pavement, a box of Sidewalk Chalk is a great gift for any boy or girl because of how lightweight and portable they are, making it easy to bring these along on a trip to the park or a weekend excursion to Grandma’s house. With 16 different bright colors, many of them delicate pastels, there is hardly a limit to the kind of artistic creations that your kid can bring into the world. Yet ‘washable’ remains the key word. Whether the chalk is on the ground, your kid’s skin, or your kid’s clothes, Crayola Sidewalk Chalk washes out easily with nothing more than a little bit of water.
Thinking Putty
While we have never heard of “Thinking Putty” until recently, we can see exactly why they chose such a mysterious, enigmatic name for their product. This stuff is some of the most amazing clay-like material that we have ever seen, and your kid is going to be dazzled. The color-shifting tones and metallic finish are nothing if not alien-like. Still, this rubbery thinking toy is the perfect way to keep a pair of hand busy, whether it is tearing, squishing, or sculpting. There are no rules to something like Thinking Putty, which makes it one of the most universally guaranteed stocking stuffers that you can buy.
The Original Slinky
We challenge any parent out there to name a toy that is as iconic as the slinky is. For decades upon decades, the Slinky has managed to capture the hearts of children and adults all over the world by offering good, old-fashioned stair-descending fun. Simple place the slinky at the top of the stairs and give it a little nudge. In no time it will be taking it step by step, cascading downwards in that classic Slinky way that can really only be described as elegantly zany. Also, all Slinkys are made in the USA, which certainly can’t be said for a lot of toys out there.
The Don’t Laugh Challenge Joke Book
Here is a joke book that has been specifically designed to be used as a stocking stuffer, as it provides a fun holiday activity for kids and parents to participate in on Christmas morning that doesn’t require any assembly or batteries. From the moment your child cracks the cover the whole house is going to be rolling in stitches as you each try not to be the one that laughs. This wonderful collection of holiday-themed jokes can be brought out again year after year, ensuring that every holiday season has more laughs than the one before it.
Tattoo Pens
This combination of vibrant Ink-a-Do Tattoo Pens and Tattoo Stencils is the perfect thing for kids who might have had a bit too much sugary hot-cocoa and are looking for something to do with their hands. Bright and shimmery colors not only go on clearly, but wash off with little more than warm water and a paper towel. The included stencils make it possible to create beautiful and intricate designs with virtually no artistic experience. All the ink is totally non-toxic so kids can feel free to draw on their friend’s skin as much as they want!
Stretchy Flying Christmas Elves
It’s not often that you can manage to have this much fun with such a small and unassuming piece of rubber. These little elves (12 are included in the pack) are made from a highly stretchy rubber material that allows them to be propelled across the room at hilarious speeds, knocking ornaments off the tree or smacking up against the remaining Christmas presents. They work simply by looping the elves’ arms over your index finger, pulling back on their legs, and then releasing them like an arrow into the joyous holiday air. Because they’re individually packaged, these make great stocking stuffers for Christmas celebrations with a lot of little ones floating around.
Squeezable Play Sand
It is kind of hard to explain Kinetic Play Sand to someone who has never experienced it for themselves. It is a strange, sandy material that you can squeeze and shape into almost any form that your imagination can come up with, which makes it one of the most versatile play-things that we have yet to encounter. While it works like clay, it has a softer, sand-like foamy texture that is exciting for young children. It flows through your fingers just like sand, but if pressed together it will hold its shape, which for children is going to be seen as nothing short of a magic trick.
Snowball & Sand Ball Maker
Whether you are on a beach adventure or a winter-land escape, having this scoop & squeeze style snowball mold is a great way for your kid to take greater creative control over their environment. The whole thing works like a big pair of scissors, but instead of blades, each arm ends with a thick plastic half-cup. When these two sides are pushed together, the sand or snow that is captured inside is compressed into the shape of a perfect sphere. From snowball fights to sand castles, having this kind of engineering prowess on your side is more than worth the few bucks that this thing costs.
Snakes-In-A-Can Mixed Nuts Prank
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, but when performed correctly, it is also one of the most satisfying. This is the trick that everyone falls for at least once, where three springy snakes are compressed into an unassuming can labeled “mixed nuts”. The realistic label and nutritional information are detailed enough to fool anyone into falling for it. When the lid is opened, the three snakes spring into action and come flying out of the can and right into the face of the unassuming schmuck. If your kid is turning into a bit of a trickster, then this is the perfect addition to their repertoire.
Snake Cube Fidget Toy
Not all toys need rules, regulations, or goals in order to be a heck of a lot of fun, sometimes for hours on end. This Snake Cube Twist Puzzle can be played with in whatever way your kid wants, whether it is trying to get it perfectly folded up or simply bending pieces this way and that with no real goal or intention. Indeed it seems that sometimes kids just need to keep their hands busy, and a puzzle like this is one of the best ways to do it, especially for extended road trips where you rather would not have to listen to a loud electronic toy.
Smencils – Scented Pencils
From stickers to writing utensils, it seems that everything is a little bit more exciting if it smells good. This pack of holiday-themed scented pencils by ScentCo is the perfection of the form, offering bright, vivid aromas that grab a hold of your nostrils and won’t let go. Scents like cinnamon, candy cane, plum, and gingerbread work together to create the perfect bouquet of holiday smells … the perfect companion to an afternoon of writing letters to Santa. Earth-conscious parents will be glad to hear that Smencils are made with recycled newspapers, making them one of the more eco-friendly stocking stuffers on our list.
Self-Inflated Whoopee Cushion
Here’s a gag gift for the ages … one that never seems to get old though it has been around longer than any of us have. This Whoopee Cushion 3-pack from Kipi Toys is the pranksters perfect present, offering a fun and harmless gag that just about anyone can fall victim to. Whether it is a brother, sister, or annoying neighbor, placing a whoopee cushion under someone’s seat is the funniest way to bother those special people in your life. Their ability to self-inflate makes them streets ahead of the original whoopee cushion that you had to manually inflate.
Scratch Art Mini Notes
Move aside, Post-it notes. There’s a new notepad in town and it is going to have your kids entertained for weeks to come. The Scratch Art Mini Notes by the experts at Melissa & Doug hide brilliant and vivid colors under a black matte coating. By using the included stylus like a pen, it is possible to scratch off the matte covering, revealing the crazy colors beneath. Whether it is for making notes or creating brilliant artistic drawings and creations, the Scratch Art Mini Notes are one of the most exciting ways to get it done. With 125 notes per box, you can expect them to last quite a while!
Rainbow Water Beads
So what exactly is a water bead? We have to admit that we had to look it up ourselves. These amazing little things start out as hard, tiny spheres in a number of bright colors, but the moment you add water too them, they start growing. Over the course of the next hour, they will grow to about the size of a marble. At this point they are squishy and fun to roll around in your hand, but they also serve as a great decorative element for almost any occasion. In fact, watching them grow is perhaps the funniest part, though squishing them around through your fingers takes a close second.
Rainbow Fidget Spinner
If your kid doesn’t already have a fidget spinner, then the likelihood is that they don’t want one. However, if they are one of the poor kids who simply have not yet had the pleasure, then throwing one of these rainbow-colored metal fidget spinners in their stocking is going to be a real treat come Christmas morning. The whole idea behind Fidget Spinners is that they allow for a excess energy, stress, and anxiety to be dispersed via the operation of a simple spinning device. It’s kind of like a stress ball … just with more moving parts.
Portable Hand Sanitizer (8-Pack)
No matter what the season, kids have a talent at getting into some pretty nasty stuff. Equipping them with a portable clip-on bottle of Purell Hand Sanitizer Gel will boost their chances of avoiding seasonal viruses, especially in the cold winter months when everybody seems to be getting sick. Purell is one of the most trusted sanitizer brands and is used in a large majority of hospitals across the country, so parents can rest assured that they’re getting a product that is truly strong enough to get the job done. This 8-pack includes four different scents, including Aloe, Ocean Kiss, & Naturals as well as Original.
Play-Doh Party Bag
Play-Doh is the kind of kids’ toy that will never really become out-of-fashion, if for no other reason than how remarkably versatile it is for play time. Kids from ages 2 to 99 can enjoy a good Play-Doh session, because there are no rules. Rather, the imagination runs the show, letting the child turn their inner dreams into vibrant 3D creations. This party bag comes with 15 fun sized cans, which not only provides a good selection of different colors, but also enough Play-Doh for everyone at the party to have their very own can. Or, save a few in the closet and rotate them out to keep the Play-Doh fresh & moisturized.
Piggy Paint Nail Polish
There comes a time in every girl’s childhood when they want to start painting their nails, and why shouldn’t they? The best kid-approved nail polishes offer bright vibrant colors that help the child express who they are on the inside, and that is always a good thing. Piggy Paint takes it a step further, by offering craft-scented polish formulas that are as good-smelling as they are non-toxic. Unlike a lot of kid nail polish, Piggy Paint skips the DBP, Formaldehyde resin, Bisphenol A, and a lot of other nasty-sounding contaminants that are bad for child and environment alike. If that’s not enough, their entire product line is animal cruelty free.
Paintable Pet Turtle Rock
We’ve heard of pet rocks before, but paintable pet rocks are an entirely different story, and turtle-shaped paintable pet rocks are off the freaking charts. This is not just a new turtle friend for your little on, it is a creative activity that stimulates their imagination and can entertain them for hours as they try to create the perfect shell-design for their new buddy. Included is 6 weatherproof paints that will stand up to the wind and rain, meaning that this little guy can be an outdoor turtle if you want him too. Whether you just want a rainy day activity on hand or are looking for an ideal stocking stuffer, this gift rocks.
Original Silly Putty 24-Pack
We probably don’t need to spend a whole lot of time telling you about Silly Putty, seeing as how it is easily in the top five most iconic toys of all time. The incredible simplicity of Silly Putty made it ubiquitous in toy chests across the world, and now it’s possible to have a whole bunch of it to hand out to your kids, party-goers, or whoever you think might want to have a large amount of fun with a small amount of putty. These little putty-pods come with their own plastic carrying case, which keeps the moisture in and effectively protects the putty from dirt and pocket lint.
Nose Shaped Pencil Sharpeners (3-Pack)
If there is one thing that kids have in common across the generations, it is the ability to appreciate a good novelty, and that is certainly the point with this quirky and fun nose-shaped pencil sharpeners. Fun to watch but entirely functional, this is a great gift for anyone going to school or simply anyone that knows how to laugh at the silly things in life. Small and compact, this is a great little sharpener for carrying around in the backpack, briefcase, or simply in the top drawer of the desk. Then all you need to do is sit back and wait for someone to ask to borrow a sharpener … you’ll love their reaction.
Nose Paper Cups
Here is another wacky toy that is sure to entertain. Perfect for your next holiday party, this collection of 24 printed cups feature the images of 12 different schnauzers of both men and women. Mustaches and lipstick are going to look ridiculous on people when they drink form these gag cups, and before long the whole room is going to be chuckling at the sight. At 12 ounces, these cups are perfect for your child’s favorite holiday drink, from cocoa to eggnog and much more. Best of all, every cup is fully recyclable but strong enough to use a few times before throwing it in the bin.
Monkey Stringy Balls 5-Pack
Everyone remembers these from one stage in their life or another, but perhaps not everybody knows that they are actually called Money Stringy Balls. We would be hard pressed to come up with a more descriptive name ourselves, so we’re going to go with it. These high-quality silicone ‘furballs’ are the perfect projectile to launch (quite harmlessly) at your closest sibling or cousin. Or you can simply toss them back and forth from hand to hand as a thinking exercise, or use them to practice for your upcoming juggling performance. No matter what kind of fun your kid gets into with these, you can rest easy that they certainly aren’t going to get hurt.
Money Soap
Well here is an interesting way to get your kids to bathe. By hiding a real bill in every bar, kids will have to do a lot of scrubbing to get to the cash. And it’s not just one dollar bills, either. Kids will have the chance to find $1, $5, $10, $20, or even $50 bills in some instances. It’s kind of like buying your kid a very slow, nice-smelling lottery ticket. This blend of luck and cleanliness make this one of the coolest stocking stuffers around, and considering the asking price, it could very well turn out to be a lucrative investment.
Mini Sketch Pad
The young mind is truly alive with ideas, questions, and dreams, and there is perhaps no better way to encourage the realization of those abstract ideas than a simple pad of reliable sketch paper. When a kid gets their very own sketch pad, they start to explore their creative world more thoroughly, whether it is learning to sketch a butterfly or writing down their thoughts in a free-form, lineless journal. All the pages here are acid free and fade resistant so they can keep their artistic creations for as long as they’d like. Perforated pages makes it easy to tear out sheets for sharing and saving.
Mini Bubblegum Dispenser (12-Pack)
The classic style and functionality of old-school bubblegum dispensers is back with the Dubble Bubble Mini Dispenser 12-Pack … a party sized collection of adorable gum dispensers that any kid would go crazy to get their hands on. These little guys are small enough to fit on the corner of any desk or play table, and the gum can be accessed with nothing more than a casual turn of the knob on the front. Three different bright colors provide a bit of variety and is particularly helpful for things like birthday parties.
Magic Flying Butterfly 5-Pack
We’ve seen a lot of toys in our days, but these Magic Flying Butterflies from Heytech just might be our absolute favorite in recent years. It is the perfect blend of innovation and affordability, and the result is a high-flying toy that provides a lot of bang for the buck. They work by simply winding the front wing section with your finger. A rubber band builds up in tension, and when that tension is released, the little butterfly goes flying into the air, just like a real butterfly. This five pack comes with five unique butterfly designs, perfect for the avid butterfly fan or to be split up for a multi-kid household.
Liquid Motion Bubbler
Not all kid’s toys need to be stimulating … in fact, some of them can be downright calming. With the Liquid Motion Bubbler by Super Z Outlet, kids can watch as graceful bubbles of colored liquids work their way up and down the shaft of an elongated plastic tube, creating a psychedelic soothing effect that you can’t help but continue to stare at. This calming entertainment can last for minutes or hours, the choice is yours! Half lava lamp and half hourglass, this neat toy also acts as a sort of clock so that passing the time doesn’t have to be so dull.
Light Up Christmas Bulb Necklace
The magic of the holiday season is now more portable than ever with this innovative and brightly-glowing LED Christmas bulb necklace. Use it as an impressive accessory to an existing holiday costume, or alternatively, just throw it over your sweater or jacket for an immediate burst of holiday cheer. The LED lights are encased in thick plastic bulb casings, which are far safer than their glass counterparts and less likely to break. 6 different lighting modes like strobe and pulse turn this into the guaranteed center of attention at any holiday party. Or, get a whole set of them and wear them for the family photo!
Lego Power Digger
There’s nothing quite like LEGO when it comes to toys that encourage kids to use their imagination. The Lego Power Digger set gives kids the option of building one of three pre-designed building vehicles by following big, easy to read instructions, or simply using the included pieces to dream up something entirely of their own. There are really no limits with Lego except how many pieces you have to work with, which is another good reason to keep the Lego toys coming year after year. Your kid’s imagination and ingenuity will certainly thank you for it.
Jelly Beans Spinner Gift Box
As if Jelly Beans weren’t awesome enough, now they can be even more fun with the inclusion of this Jelly bean Spinner from Jelly Belly. Not only does this come with a 3.5 ounce pack of delicious (& weird) jelly beans, but the spinner wheel comes right in the box and lets fate decide what flavor is going to be going into your mouth. Classic delicious flavors like chocolate pudding and strawberry banana smoothie is where you will want the spinner to land, but the inclusion of ‘gag’ flavors like rotten egg and canned dog food make this a game of chance that will have the whole room laughing.
Hot Wheels 5-Pack
You can’t really go wrong with Hot Wheels, which is unarguably the most popular toy car company of all time. Their iconic 1:64 scale cars have been zipping around playrooms and backyard racetracks for decades, and it doesn’t seem like they are getting any less popular in time. Featuring both new and classic vehicles and constructed with incredible precision and attention to detail, these little machines are hands-down the best gift for any kid who has got that need-for-speed. Every 5 pack includes different varieties of cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles, so getting more than one pack is essential for the young collector.
Handihorse
Some stocking stuffers are just so quirky and cute that you are just going to have to get one for yourself. The Archie McPhee Handihorse is a 5-part horse costume for your hand, with one piece worn on each finger. Four legs and a detailed horse head complete the equine with this fantastic filly holiday toy. Fun is ready to go out of the box … and each included finger puppet is made of soft and comfortable vinyl so that they can be worn throughout the whole Christmas party.
Handheld Scalp Massagers (2 Pack)
If you haven’t had the pleasure of having one of these babies rub up against your scalp, then you really haven’t lived. Kids will love the way that these Handheld Scalp Massagers feel, but they will also enjoy giving scalp massages to everyone in the house, even their annoying little brother. But it isn’t just about the comfort! Scalp massagers have a lot of other benefits, including the ability to increase blood circulation. And it’s not just for the scalp, either. Knees, joints, ankles, and elbows will all appreciate a light massage with one of these.
Grow Snow
For kids who aren’t living in the right part of the country to enjoy a real white Christmas, there is Grow Snow, some pretty amazing dehydrated snow-like powder that feels a lot like the real thing, just without that whole melting part. Whether your kid is looking to make a snowball or a miniature snowman, they will find that Grow Snow is pretty easy to shape and sculpt, and holds its shape very similarly to real snow. This is a pretty big jar that can make up to 2 gallons of snow, but after looking at the price, we would recommend getting more than one to ensure that the snowstorm doesn’t have to cut out early.
Glow In The Dark Stars
If you never had stickable glow-in-the-dark stars when you were growing up, then you have been missing out. See that your child doesn’t miss out as well by providing them with this 200-count glow star pack from Kangaroo Toys. Featuring stars of various shapes as well as a bonus Moon piece, this kit has everything you need to get the average kid’s room set up with an artificial night sky. Or, get multiple packs and see your ceiling turn into a view of the entire galaxy. One cool bonus feature is a constellation guide that you and your child can use to create faithful recreations of your favorite star-bound shapes, stories, & figures.
Flingshot Flying Monkey Toy
We bet you didn’t think that you were going to see a flying monkey today, and yet, here we are. It’s time to embrace the zaniness of the holiday season with the Flingshot Flying Monkey Plush Toy by Playmaker. Not only does this adorable little monkey find a way to fly across the room with a simple flick of the wrist, but he does it while wearing a superhero mask and cape. If that’s not cool enough, the little guy plays realistic screaming monkey sounds when he crashes into a wall or the back of the couch.
Flashing LED Light Gloves
The only thing cooler than a pair of kids gloves that light up in brilliant colors is the fact that those very same gloves are also offered in adult sizes, which means, at least this once, that us parents are able to get in on the action just the same. The LED Light Gloves from The Noodley are battery operated and provide red, green and blue color options that can be toggles between solid, flashing, and alternating patterns. The light action is controlled by the press of a simple button located on the cuff, which means that the party doesn’t have to stop while you’re looking for the strobe.
Finger Hands
This is one of those gifts that has no real purpose other than being simply hilarious. It’s a tiny pair of hands designed to fit on the tips of your two fingers, which is an admittedly humorous sight, but for the life of us we can’t imagine who came up with this idea. Still, these are a great party favor or stocking stuffer because of how quickly they can bring a set of smiles to the room. The pair comes with one left hand and one right hand, so get ready to offer your own tiny applause at how affordable these are.
Easy-Assembly Airplane Gliders
Maybe it’s just us, but we remember having these very same foam-cut airplane gliders when we were kids, and they were a heck of a lot of fun. Because of how lightweight, affordable, and easy to assemble they are, any kid will have no problem getting right into the fun. This 6-pack includes a collection of different plane designs that every kid at the party is going to want to collect, so it might be a good idea to order a few more packs than you were planning on. For our dollar it doesn’t get any cooler than the Thunderbolt F-47D!
Disappearing Ink Spy Pens (12-Pack)
Whether your child is an aspiring secret agent or a girl who wants to keep her notes hidden from the prying eyes of an annoying little brother, Disappearing Ink Pens are the perfect way to give your kid a way to keep their communications hidden from unwanted elements. It works simply through the not-so-magic invisible ink which becomes visible when exposed to UV light. And wouldn’t you know it? Each one of these spy pens comes with a miniature UV light built into the cap, so anyone with a spy pen will be able to decode the message at will.
Dino Fossil Dig Toy
It’s no secret that just about every little boy (and quite a few girls!) go through a phase where there is simply nothing cooler than dinosaurs. From Tyrannosaurus Rex to the flying Pterodactyl, dinosaurs have captured the imagination and attention of little ones since they were first discovered. Now, you child can experience what it is like to find a dinosaur skeleton for themselves, just like the real archaeologists out in the field. Every toy comes with a collection of dinosaur bones hidden inside a pile of sand. Kids can use the included archaeology-style brushes to unveil the ancient remains, and then snap the pieces together for display on the included wood-style platform.
Crayon Bandages
Though buying toys is a lot more fun for the kid, keeping an eye on first aid supplies is an essential part of any parent’s job. The next bump, scrape, or cut that you kid experiences can now be patched up with these bright and colorful crayon-styled adhesive strips. They are flexible, thick, and highly breathable, making them a great first aid adhesive even without the cool crayon coloring. But there is no doubt that when the next boo-boo hits, having some fun Band-Aids around is always helpful at keeping everyone calm and collected, parents included.
Cotton Candy Reindeer Farts
Imagine how hard the whole family will laugh when your little one opens up their stocking on Christmas morning and the first thing they see is this novelty bag of delicious cotton candy, cleverly disguised as Reindeer Farts. Just looking at the package is enough to bring a smile to even the ‘grinchiest’ child, not to mention the fact that it is actually just candy and everyone knows that Christmas morning is not complete without a hard sugar binge. If all that isn’t enough, these Reindeer Farts directly support charities that provide toys to children in need by donating 10% of all profits. Those are some pretty generous farts!
Color-In Socks
With a pair of color-in socks by Crayola and Living Royal, your child gets to become the designer and craft their very own pair of high-end designer socks. Using one of the four included fabric pens, they can carefully fill in shapes from a number of different design templates like Dinosaur Safari, Under the Sea, and Unicorn Land among many more. Because the fabric markers are permanent, the color will last through multiple washings so your child’s colorful artwork can continue to be preserved, at least as long as the sock is still around.
Colored Bath Drops
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of color to completely re-invigorate just how clean your child will be on any given day. These bath coloring drops by the color experts at Crayola will let you swap “It’s time for a bath” with “What color bath do you want tonight?” Turning bath time into a fun activity is the best way to ensure that they’ll be wanting to bathe regularly. Plus, the multi-color tablets are a cool way to teach your kid what happens when you mix blue and yellow! This 2-pack includes two containers for a total of 120 drops, enough to last more than a year even with regular bathing.
Classic Playing Cards
Without question, playing cards are the ultimate stocking stuffer. They’re cheap, easy to get, and provide access to literally thousands of popular card games that can be played with friends or completely alone. They’re also remarkably compact, in fact one of the few games that a kid can fit in their pocket quite easily. This 52-card deck by Bicycle (the gold standard in playing cards for games lie poker, rummy, & blackjack) features the same historic “rider” themed back that they have used for centuries. Tired of the old card games? Log into the Bicycle Cards App and you’ll have access to a whole database of games you’ve never even heard of.
Christmas Fun Mad Libs
Every kid knows how much fun can be had with a Mad Libs book, whether it is with a group of friends or all by yourself. Mad Libs are not just a great way to pass the time but they also provide a unique, if not somewhat silly way to practice using the different parts of speech. This can be a learning experience for younger kids, while older kids will simply get a kick out of how silly most of the stories turn out to be. This special Christmas-themed Mad Libs book is designed exclusively for the holiday season, making it the logical addition to any Christmas morning.
Chocolate Gold Coins
Imagine what it would be like as a child on Christmas morning (or any morning for that matter) to wake up and find a whole pile of shimmering golden coins with your name on them, only instead of heavy metal chunks, the coins were made with decadent milk chocolate. While the foil wrapping is realistic enough to fool the casual look or glance, there is no hiding how delicious these chocolate pretend coins can be. They’re a great way to pack that Christmas stocking, decorate that pirate-themed birthday party, or simply to hand out as rewards to properly-behaving children.
Branch & Twig Colored Pencils
Though you might see a product like this marketed under the ‘novelty’ section of your favorite online retailer, ‘novel’ is hardly the only word that we would use to describe these colorful, sustainable, and totally unique wooden pencils. This set of 12 naturally crafted coloring pencils will be the absolute hit of the classroom, and their thick grip and real bark texture will make them ideal for even younger kids and toddlers. Eco-conscious parents can rest easy knowing that every one of these pencils is made from sustainably harvested wood so it is as good for the planet as it is for the kids.
Boggle Classic
America’s favorite head-to-head word search game has returned in a smaller, smarter, and more advanced form that makes it a lot more portable without sacrificing on the original game’s simplistic but faced paced charm. If you have never played Boggle, then do yourself a favor and smash that ‘Add To Cart’ button right now. This is simply one of the best letter games out there, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t need more than one player to have an excellent time. In fact, solo Boggling can become so addicting to the point where it is difficult to pull yourself away from the table!
Blues Harmonica
No matter what key you decide to go with, a good old-fashioned Blues Harmonica is one of the easiest ways to introduce a child to the magic and power of music. Because they are easy to use and hold, harmonicas are particularly suited for young children who might not be big enough to hold a guitar. The really selling point is that this harmonica is made by Fender, one of the most trusted brands in musical instruments and equipment in the world. A hard plastic case is included that will protect the beautiful chrome finish from the hazards of a kid’s everyday life.
Amazon Gift Card Pop-Up Box
From action figures to dollhouses, electronics to board games, there is no toy that cannot be found on Amazon.com. If you are struggling for the perfect stocking stuffer for that special kid to find on Christmas morning, then maybe one of these elegantly-packaged gift cards is the perfect thing. Available in a number of different denominations, Amazon Gift Cards allow the recipient to get the gift that they really wanted, instead of the one that you only thought that they did. The best part is that there is no additional cost for the beautiful Christmas-themed pop-up box that the gift card comes in!
3X3 Rubik’s Cube
Before you say anything, yes, it is the original Rubik’s Cube, and yes, it is still a heck of a lot of fun. One of the biggest reasons that the Rubik’s Cube has managed to hold its position as one of the most popular puzzle games for so many decades is because of how universally challenging they can be to kids and adults alike. They say that there’s over a million different combinations that are possible, but there is only one solution, and it will be up to your child to find it. This model now comes with a cool stand that is a great way to display your most recent Rubik’s victory.
3D Puzzle Game For Kids
In today’s era of smartphones and tablets, it can be a good idea to keep the brain occupied in more traditional ways. 3D puzzle games are a great way to stimulate the mind, encourage critical thinking, and of course, to entertain. This 3d Puzzle Game by Educational Insights includes 12 different puzzle pieces that can be utilized to play a whopping 200 different puzzle challenges. An illustrated guidebook can walk you through the details. Best feature is probably the 365-day guarantee offered by every purchase from Educational Insights, though we have a feeling that you are going to be hanging on to this one.
3D Drawing Pad & Glasses Set
The future of drawing and sketching is here with this 3D Drawing Pad set from NPW-USA, the creators of some of the wackiest and most popular toys and gag gifts of the year. Included is a pair of #D glasses with dual red and blue shaded, allowing the user to view their drawing in the third dimension in real time, which is one of the most remarkable experiences for a young artist to experience. This new form of drawing and sketching is sure to stimulate the ongoing creativity and innovative nature of young artists, not to mention facilitate the creation of some pretty impressive refrigerator art for mom & dad.
Glow In The Dark Parachute
Parachute men continue to be one of the best value toys that you can find anywhere, for no other reason than how much entertainment a kid can get from a single parachute man. Tossing them from the porch over and over is seeing where they’re going to land is a game that doesn’t get old. Or if you have more than one, then your kid can simulate an air-raid on their sister’s backyard Barbie party. What could be more fun than that? When it comes to boys’ birthday parties, this is one of the most reliable goodie-bag gifts around.
Knit Beanie Hat
No matter ho0w old your child is, they are going to need a little something to keep their head warm through the long winter months. Why no choose something that is also a clear style upgrade, with this stretchy, comfy skull-style beanie from the SK hat shop. Available in over twenty colors, this hat is going to be a pretty good fit for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 7. This is far more stylish that what kids hats normally are, and instead looks more like the kind of hats that mom and dad wear. At only two bucks this is a guaranteed winner for any Christmas morning.
Cute Animal Socks – 5 Pairs
As parents, getting our children socks for Christmas is our right and responsibility. Traditionally, no kid is ever too thrilled by opening a pair of socks on Christmas morning, but that certainly isn’t going to be the case with the HzCodelo Toddler Crew Cute Socks, a collection of blended-fabric girls’ crew socks that depict a number of different adorable animals. From zebra to piggy, kitten to fox, all of the very cutest woodland creatures are here to keep your little girl’s feet warm for five days out of the week. These socks are available in sizes designed for ages 3 to 14.
Star Wars Socks
The most popular franchise in the galaxy is back in sock form, and the young Jedi Knight in your family is going to want to get in on the action. This set of five different Star Wars themed no-show style socks are not only comfortable, but they also allow your kid to proudly display his love for such classic characters as Yoda, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca among others. Not only are there five socks to a pack, but most online retailers offer multiple different packs, which means that there are literally of dozens of Star Wars socks out there for your little one to enjoy.