With your kids’ advent calendar poised and ready for action, the countdown to Christmas is right around the corner. You might be in a mad dash to figure out the best big ticket gifts, but sometimes the best ones aren’t under the tree–they’re in the stockings.

Growing up, opening my stocking was my absolute favorite part of the day—they were always full of everything from essentials to unexpected trinkets and candy. Those customized stockings, or the ones that have been passed down, are the perfect place for unique, fun and creative gifts for your littles.

The best stocking stuffers for kids prove that sometimes the real treasures come in small packages–but there’s also something to be said for being practical! I mean, what kid doesn’t love a great collection of colorful band-aids? Or a cozy pair of yeti-bedecked wool socks?

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite stocking stuffers for babies, toddlers and kids–from heirloom rattles to games that the entire family will enjoy. Apologies in advance, you may need a bigger stocking.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Our favorite stocking stuffers for babies

Mudpuppy Baby's First Words Ring Flash Cards

Mudpuppy

Baby's First Words Ring Flash Cards

$17.99

From car rides to waiting in line at the grocery store, these colorful first word flashcards are a fun and educational distraction. The chunky design (which is totally rip and drool-proof!) features a different image on each side and a removable plastic ring that keeps them all together.

Mud Pie

Animal Mirror Book

$33.50

This sweet book is a fun way to keep little ones entertained! Each page features a mirror and animal face they’ll delight in seeing reflected back. From a pokey puppy to an adorable lop-eared bunny, it’s guaranteed smiles.

loulou-lollipop-teether

Loulou Lollipop

Taco Teether and Holder Set

$19.99

Who says you can’t put a taco in a stocking? The colorful teethers from Loulou Lollipop come in tons of fun shapes and are made from safe-to-chomp food-grade silicone. And bonus points for the included clip and beads which keep you from having to pick it up off the floor and clean it a bazillion times a day.

Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Winter Dog

Skip Hop

Bandana Buddies Winter Dog

$16

A sweet and seasonally appropriate way to keep your little one entertained on the go. The fuzzy pup features multiple fabrics and textures along with a soothing chime sound when they shake it and the snowflake teether is perfect for bothersome gums.

zutano-baby-booties

Zutano

Cozie Furry Baby Bootie

$24

For those cold days you need to keep those tiny toes warm, we love these snuggly-soft booties from Zutano which miraculously never fall off.

Baby Banana toothbrush, one of Motherly's favorite products for 7 month olds

Baby Banana

Banana Toothbrush

$5.99

Even the tiniest giftees need a practical toothbrush in their stocking! The super popular Baby Banana offers little ones a soothing, nubby surface to chew as well as their first introduction to oral hygiene. The silicone bristles are a satisfying texture for sore gums while the “peels” provide an easy way to grasp. It can also be popped right into the dishwasher!

Itzy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt, one of Motherly's top teethers for 4 month old babies

Itzy Ritzy

Silicone Teething Mitt

$8.99

Just pop this cutie over their little hand and they’ve got a teether that requires just enough dexterity. The textured silicone on top soothes sore and swollen gums and the crinkle sound it makes keeps baby entertained.

vulli-sophie-the-giraffe

Vulli

Sophie the Giraffe

$24.99

Does it look like a fancy glorified dog toy? Yes. Does it also possess some freakish ability to calm, soothe and entertain (almost) any baby who gnaws on its squeaky head and hoofs? Also yes.

skip-hop-portable-baby-soother

Skip Hop

Portable Baby Soother

$15.99

Parents and babies alike love this highly-rated soother that makes naps on the go a breeze. The cute little owl plays nature sounds and two songs to keep them asleep without stressing.

Red & Olive Babies

Red & Olive

Holiday Baby Stuffies

$35

Sweet and snuggly, the pint-sized mini holiday stuffies from Red & Olive are more than just hand-made good looks. Each one is lovingly made by Peruvian artisans who are paid fair wages and 10% of all sales go to organizations and programs benefitting
seriously ill kids all across the US.

Maileg Teddy Rattles

Maileg

Teddy Rattle

$18

The sweetly detailed rattles from Maileg are made to be loved and handed down from one generation to the next. We just adore the charming linen teddies that are perfect for little hands.

Copper Pearl Bandanna Bibs

Copper Pearl

Bandanna Bib Set

$21.95

Drooling never looked so stylish. The absorbent bandanna bibs from Copper Pearl are a perfect combo of baby fashion meets function. Made from cotton on the front and polyester fleece on the back, they come in a wide selection of colors and patterns.

zodiac-board-books

Roxy Marj

Baby Astrology Board Books

$8

Introduce your little one to the traditional traits of their sign! I’m not going to say it’s always right but my perfectionist Virgo and spotlight stealing Leo kids might say otherwise.

Our favorite stocking stuffers for toddlers

Roshambo Baby Sunglasses

Roshambo

Unbreakable Sunglasses

$24.49

The colorful polarized glasses from Roshambo are not only great at keeping your little one’s eyes safe from the sun, but they’re virtually impossible to break. (We know, we tried!) They come in a ton of colors and sizes for the whole fam as well.

Bombas Toddler Holiday Gripper Calf Sock

Bombas

Toddler Holiday Gripper Calf Sock 4-Pack Gift Box

$38

Eventually they’ll learn to appreciate the practical stocking stuffers! We love the giftable collections from Bombas for little feet because they’re not only super cozy, they also feature grips on the soles to keep your tiny speed demon from wiping out on the wood floor.

CaaOcho Pure Natural Rubber Bath Toy

CaaOcho

Pure Natural Rubber Duck

$14.99

A classic rubber duckie makes a perfect stocking stuffer! The eco-friendly rubber ducky from CaaOcho is not only sustainably crafted of 100% natural rubber from Malaysian Hevea trees (making it safe for little ones to chew on), but it’s designed without holes so no gross mold can thrive inside.

Fat Brain Toys Original Dimpl

Fat Brain Toys

Original Dimpl

$12.95

Babies, kids and even parents can’t resist the satisfying fun of the Dimpl. The colorful silicone bubbles can be popped in and out to help little ones work on their fine motor skills and keep their hands busy. The best part? It’s sensory exploration that’s totally mess free!

Mudpuppy Animals of the World Kaleidoscope Motherly

Mudpuppy

Kaleidoscope

$9.99

Adorable illustrations on the outside, a cascade of wonder on the inside!

Infantino My First Tumbler

Infantino

My 1st Tumbler

$8.99

Practicality rules when it comes to toddler stocking stuffers. These mini me leak-proof silicone toddler tumblers are great for hydrating at home or on-the-go.

the-snow-day-board-book

Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day

$6.11

Or you could slip in a classic. Ezra Jack Keat’s 1962 award-winning The Snowy Day is a toddler bookshelf must-have. With bold and colorful illustrations and a timeless story of the wonder of being outside in the quiet snow, it’s destined to be favorite for generations.

Sarah's Silks Mini Streamers

Sarah's Silks

Mini Streamers

$11.95

From dance parties to princess duties, the silk baton twirlers from Sarah’s Silks make movement a little fancier. The 100% silk rainbow ribbon flutters through the air to make shapes and swirls and even offers a fun way to practice writing and identifying letters and numbers.

Melissa & Doug Sticker Wow

Melissa & Doug

Sticker Wow!

$11.99

Melissa & Doug’s Sticker WOW! sets have graced us with countless hours of quiet time. The pre-loaded (and refillable!) Sticker Stamper is oh-so-satisfying for little hands to stamp and quite frankly, we’ve snuck a few dabs in ourselves. (Can confirm. Maybe this is half the thrill of Bingo.)  They’re great for travel, mess-free and the stickers are super easy to remove if they end up somewhere they shouldn’t. (Because they always do.)

fubbles bubble tumbler

Fubbles

No-Spill Bubble Tumbler

$9.99

Every kid who has ever played with bubbles has likely cried over spilling bubbles. That’s why we love the spill-proof tumblers from Fubbles. The size is great for little hands but big enough you won’t have to refill every five minutes.

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Crayons

Crayola

Silly Scents Twistables Crayons

$14

When you’re a kid, few things are more satisfying than a new box of crayons. Not only are these twist up crayons a great option for younger kids who tend to snap the traditional kind at first use, each one is a fun scent. From fruits to candy to outdoor smells like beach and pine, their doodles will be a multilayered experience!

Two Sisters Holiday Bath Bomb

Two Sisters

Holiday Bath Bomb

$8.99

Making the nice list can really wear a kid out. Stick a bit of relaxation in their stocking with the delightfully fizzy and yummy scented bath bombs from Two Sisters. The gift-ready box comes with a peppermint kid-safe bath bomb with a surprise holiday-themed squishy toy inside. And the gift to you? It won’t stain your tub.

Ooly Tattoo-palooza

ooly

Tattoo-palooza Temporary Tattoos

$7.50

Whatever your kiddo is into, there’s an ooly tattoo for that. Their colorful temporary tattoo collections span everything from monster trucks to hot dog doodles that can be fashioned into their own tot-sized sleeve. The great thing is they go on easy and last just long enough–they don’t scrape off in a few hours nor do they require a gallon of baby oil and a prayer to be removed.

Vango Bizyboo Snowman Seek & Find

Vango

Bizyboo Snowman Seek & Find

$9.99

The clever Bizyboo bags are like a scavenger hunt in their pocket. Peek through the clear window to find 30 hidden objects from Christmas trees to candy canes. It’s the perfect restaurant toy, too!

Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Lego Spaceman Key Light

LEGO

Lego Spaceman Key Light

$14.99

A new design from LEGO, the Spaceman minifigure keychain features a handy little flashlight in the foot. Perfect for when they’re searching for lord knows what at the bottom of their backpack pit.

Mudpuppy Unicorn Dreams Painting Kit

Mudpuppy

Unicorn Dreams Painting Kit

$12.99

All they need to add is water and a little bit of creativity! Mudpuppy’s Unicorn Dreams Painting Kit includes 10 paintable cards, each with a built-in watercolor palette at the top which makes them a fun project either at home or on-the-go.

Handy Famm 3-in-1 STEM Starter Tool

Handy Famm

3-in-1 STEM Starter Tool

$15.99

Get them involved in your next home project with this kid-friendly tool from Handy Famm. The 3-in-1 bird design isn’t just cute–it’s the real deal! With an ergonomic shape that’s easy for small hands to hold and a built-in level and and angle finder, it offers a safe way for them to help with jobs big and small.

Petit Collage Magnetic Dress Up, Music Maker

Petit Collage

Magnetic Dress Up, Music Maker

$14.79

It’s not folklore. This 25-piece magnetic dress up set is guaranteed to keep kiddos busy as they get their star stage-ready. Ready for a new ‘fit? Just shake it off. 😉

Super Smalls Lucky Streak 4 Leaf Clover Necklace

Super Smalls

Lucky Streak 4 Leaf Clover Necklace

$35

Some kid-friendly bling with a side of good luck! This super giftable necklace from Super Smalls is bedecked with a real four-leaf clover set in resin with a halo of rainbow gems to create a piece that’s as unique as they are. Inside the box they’ll also find a sweet little booklet reminding them of all the reasons they’re lucky to be who they are.

Smartwool Yeti Socks

Smartwool

Yeti Over The Calf Socks

$21

What’s a more apropos stocking stuffer than socks? And when it comes to socks, Smartwool is the absolute best. This pair will keep them warm whether they’re on the slopes or snuggling in front of the fire. (And who can resist a skiing yeti?)

Mudpuppy Hot Cocoa Penguin Scratch and Sniff Mini Puzzle

Mudpuppy

Hot Cocoa Penguin Scratch and Sniff Mini Puzzle

$8.99

With just enough pieces to be tricky but not overwhelming, this cute penguin puzzle is perfect for restaurants or travel. The best part? It smells like hot chocolate!

glowing-bathtime-cubes

Glo Pals

Glowing Bath Time Cubes 12-Pack

$34.95

A relaxing candlelit bath, but make it kid friendly. These colorful cubes light up when the tub is full and turn off once it’s drained.

bananagrams

Bananagrams

Bananagrams Word Game

$13.79

Take away the complicated scoring and unwieldy board aspects of Scrabble and you get portable, fun and easy-to-play Bananagrams. Whether you’re playing kiddos who are just learning to spell word-nerds like myself, it’s a family hit!

Crazy Aaron's Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty

Crazy Aaron's

Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty

$14.95

Stretch it, roll it, twist it, bounce it–there’s endless ways to fiddle with Thinking Putty. There are a bazillion different varieties, but the biggest hit at my house are the Hide Inside style. Mixed into the putty are hundreds of tiny clay pieces including six special ones to hunt for. It’s a great on-the-go toy for restaurants and even long car rides (if they’re old enough not to accidentally grind it into the upholstery, of course.)

Nailmatic Nail Polish for Kids

Nailmatic

Pop Nail Polish and Stickers

$22

Safe, non-toxic and made with littles in mind, the colorful nail polish and nail sticker sets from Nailmatic are vibrant and fun to apply–and happen to wash off with just soap and water!

welly bandages

Welly

Peculiar Pets Bravery Badges

No one likes getting hurt, but everyone loves a good bandage. The flexible fabric bandages from Welly are always a hit with their fun patterns and oh-so-stylish (and reusable!) metal tin.

Holiday Smencils

Smencils

Holiday Smencils

$8.99

Make homework time a little more fun with pencils that smell like holiday treats! Each one is made from recycled newspapers and comes packaged in its own little tube which not only keeps the scent around for longer–it also makes them a great option for distributing among multiple stockings.

Best Stocking Stuffers for Tweens

ooly magic puffy pens

ooly

Magic Puffy Pens

$16.95

From posters to journals, these magical pens make everything a little more special! Just apply the heat from a hair dryer and watch the pen strokes come to life.

Bic BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers

BIC

BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers

$19.99

Do they prefer doodling on themselves instead? The Body Mark Temporary Tattoo Markers from Bic are designed to create colorful body art that can be washed off with just a little soap and water. Along with the markers, each pack includes a collection of stencils to spark some inspiration.

Cocofloss Confetti Cake Dental Floss

Cocofloss

Confetti Cake Dental Floss

$9

Dental floss might not be the coolest stocking stuffer, but this is the coolest floss. I mean, it is confetti cake flavored after all. And it’s not just the dessert-inspired flavors we love. The floss, which is made up of hundreds of tiny filaments and coconut oil acts like a scrubby in between teeth and works far better than the waxy stuff we grew up with.

tenzi-dice-game

Tenzi

Dice Party Game

$16.95

With nine ways to play, this seemingly simple set of dice is about to become a family night staple. Each game is fast, easy to learn and teaches kids number recognition, thinking on their toes and even hand eye coordination.

Bubble Polar Pair Cheat Sheet

Bubble

Polar Pair Cheat Sheet

$12

Unlike some of the skincare your tween may be hounding you for, this product duo from the TikTok famous brand Bubble are formulated with ingredients which are appropriate for the younger set. The Polar Pair Cheat Sheet Set includes their Fresh Start Daily Cleanser and Slam Dunk Hydrating Cream Moisturizer to cover just the basics while looking very aesthetic on their bathroom counter.

Herbivore Hot Cocoa Body Scrub

Herbivore

Hot Cocoa Body Scrub

$24

They probably don’t need any excuses to take up alllll the time in the bathroom these days, but the deliciously scented Herbivore Hot Cocoa Body Scrub is as good an excuse as any. It’s packed with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter and sugar to leave skin soft and hydrated.

Anker Power Bank

Anker

Power Bank

$19.99

Keep their phone, tablet and headphones charged while they’re out and about with Anker’s top-rated Power Bank. The compact design gets them juiced up quickly and because we know they’ll drop it as often as they drop their phone itself, it’s super durable and scratch-resistant.

WIld Deodorant

Wild

Natural Deodorant Bundle

$15.20

Slip in a deodorant they’ll actually be psyched about and you’ve got a win-win situation. The aesthetic and effective formulas from Wild are a current favorite at my house. They come in two parts–a planet-friendly sustainable aluminum case and a compostable deodorant refill which you can mix-and-match. Each of the layered and bougie scents feel like luxury body care and the cases come in a variety of cool colors and seasonal prints they’ll be excited to show off. And did I mention it works better than any anti-perspirant without any of the nasties?

K'lani Hair Tie Bracelets

K'lani

Hair Tie Bracelets

$19.99

When their hair ties spend as much time on their wrists as they do in their hair, why not opt for something more stylish than just a simple elastic? The brilliant 2-in-1 design of these K’lani Hair Tie Bracelets look like minimalist jewelry but are ready for action whenever the need strikes. And maybe that means they won’t get lost as quickly?

Butter and Me Choco Body Scrub

Butter and Me

Choco Body Scrub

$18

It might look like a bougie chocolate bar, but these gorgeously packaged treats are actually body scrub! Just break off a piece and get to work polishing away dull, dry skin. They melt right in and a little goes a long way! They come in a collection of intoxicating scents like matcha vanilla and strawberry cacao and are almost too pretty to use–but too dreamy not to!

Sneaker Balls

Sneaker Balls

Sneaker Balls

You love them, but let’s be honest. They stink. Their bag stinks. Their sneakers stink. And don’t even think about their sports gear unless you want to get nauseated. Pop a bit of a reality check into their stocking with the hard-working, stink-busting Sneaker Balls. All their friends moms by whose door they abandon their shoes will thank you.

Hagbis Airpod Cleaning Pen

Hagbis

Airpod Cleaning Pen

$7.75

If they have in-ear headphones of any kind, there’s a good chance they could use a cleaning. This highly-rated 3-in-1 tool includes implements to freshen up every nook and cranny.

Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches

Starface

Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches

Zit stickers, but make it fashion. And not only are they adorable and effective, they also come in their own smiley face carry case with a mirror inside for keeping tabs on the situation.

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