30 Festive Stocking Stuffers for Kids, Toddlers and Babies
The gifts under the tree may garner all the glory, but sometimes it’s the stuff in the stockings that make Christmas morning extra joyous. The best stocking stuffers for kids are small but mighty. Many are fun and interactive—and some kind of educational aspect never hurts either. It’s also key to keep things age-appropriate and safe to avoid any choking hazards, which is especially important when it comes to stocking stuffers for baby.
If this seems like a North Pole-sized challenge, don’t stress: We’ve rounded up our favorite stocking stuffers for toddlers and babies of all ages. Ready to be the ultimate Santa come Christmas Day? Scroll down and discover our favorites.
The holiday season comes with a long shopping list, and many leave buying small items, like baby’s stocking stuffers, to the last minute. To help you find the best mini-gifts that’ll fit inside a Christmas stocking, we did the bulk of the research so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. When creating this roundup:
- We researched what was being said about kids’ stocking stuffers in The Bump community and forums to learn what parents looked for in these seasonal items.
- To see how these toys and treats have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in stocking stuffers.
- When choosing which stocking stuffers for babies, toddlers and kids to feature in our roundup, we considered several factors, such as age-appropriateness, fun-factor and, of course, size.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Good news: The under-one-year-old crowd is typically pretty easy to please. From festive stuffed animals to cheerful sensory toys, these are our favorite stocking stuffers for babies.
Sweet stuffed animal
If you can’t get enough of Jellycat stuffed animals, then this puppy is a must-have stocking stuffer for babies. “My daughter loved Jellycat when she was little,” says Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce content for The Bump, “and she loves them now as a big kid. You can’t go wrong with their plushies.” With floppy, soft ears, spotted fur and a suedette nose, the the brand’s classic dog design is given a seasonal update with a berry-colored knit scarf. The adorable stuffed animal is sure to make baby smile on Christmas morning, and best of all, it’s suitable for cuddling with from birth.
Festive baby socks
Socks are classic stocking stuffers for all ages—and just because they’re practical doesn’t mean they can’t be fun. Take this holiday set from Bombas, for example. It comes with four festive pairs that are decorated with wintry critters, like polar bears and penguins. The brand’s infant socks were a big hit with our product tester Bernadette, a mom of a 4-month-old, who told us: “My little one likes to tug, bite, stretch the toes of the socks, and they keep their form and stay on her feet. […] I’ve washed them three times in a two-week span, and they feel brand new.” Needless to say, these baby stocking stuffers will still be in rotation after the holiday season draws to a close. An added bonus: Use code BUMP20 at checkout for 20 percent off your first purchase.
Age rating: 0 to 6 months | Dimensions: N/A
Mini board books
Board books are another popular choice for baby stocking stuffers among The Bump community. We’re fans of this set from Baby Einstein, which contains 12 mini-stories covering topics like letters, shapes, animals and seasons. Created with teeny tiny hands in mind, the chunky, small designs will be easy for your little one to hold. Plus, they come in a convenient carry case to make storage a breeze.
Age rating: 0 to 2 years | Dimensions: 6.5" (L) x 3" (W) x 8.6" (H)
Our community says:
I got [my little one] some smaller cardboard books. – ghdst1, The Bump forum member
[Our] stocking stuffers are Toy Story 2, […] some stickers and small board books. – rara855, The Bump forum member
Traditional orange
For decades, if not centuries, oranges have been traditional stocking stuffers. MissDemeanor, a member of The Bump community forums, says: “Growing up, our [stockings] were filled with small, inexpensive things like chocolates, little toys, socks, new toiletries, etc., a candy cane at the top and an orange in the toe.” Whether you grew up receiving a clementine on Christmas morning or not, this plush toy is a playful take on the custom. The whimsical orange has striped arms and legs, along with a smiling face. Your little one will love snuggling and playing with this plushie on December 25th and beyond.
Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 10" (H)
Handknit finger puppets
Take storytime to the next level with these adorable finger puppets. Each is crocheted by artisan moms who are passionate about creating beautiful, handmade products for little ones. The cute cast of characters—which includes a penguin, duck, frog and hippo—is made entirely from GOTS-certified organic cotton for added peace of mind.
Age rating: 6+ months | Dimensions: N/A
Musical board book
Give baby the gift of music with this bilingual book. The interactive story features six classic Spanish nursery rhymes and traditional songs for your little one to discover. “Last Christmas, my daughter was almost 10 months old, and this musical book was (and still is) a hit,” says Anahí, mom of one. Better yet, it doesn’t need any batteries; simply charge it with a USB-C cable for more than four hours of play.
Age rating: 0 to 5 years | Dimensions: 8" (L) x 8" (H)
Cute teether
This adorable teether will fit easily into a baby’s stocking, as well as their stroller and carrier. Thanks to its sensory-driven design, the travel toy will keep your little one engaged at home and on the go. Baby will light up as they discover the textured teether and chime sound. Choose from several sweet critters, including an elephant, a koala and a zebra.
Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 5" (L) x 5" (W) x 15.2" (H)
Colorful stacking toy
Around the 6- to 9-month mark, infants love to reach and grasp at playthings, which makes stacking toys great baby stocking stuffers. This set comes with eight colorful cups that baby can stack and sort to their heart’s content. Each one is also numbered and has draining holes for water play. When discussing stocking stuffers, we-love-to-try, a member of The Bump forums, says: “[My little one's] really digging 'stacking' stuff so I'll look for some stackable cups or something like that.”
Age rating: 6+ months | Dimensions: 3.5"(L) x 3.3" (W) x 2.5" (H)
Our community says:
I plan on doing board books, socks, bath gel, bath toys, probably a new teether, stacking cups [and a] sippy cup. – MamatoJack, The Bump forum member
Organic footie pajamas
On the hunt for baby stocking stuffers that are fun and practical? Look no further than these breathable, organic-cotton PJs from Burt’s Bees Baby. The festive footie pajamas can be rolled up compactly and tucked snugly into your little love’s stocking with ease. Choose from holiday-inspired prints, including jolly reindeer, snowy cabin scenes and sweet treats. They also come in a range of sizes, from newborn to adult, so you could pick up sleepwear for the whole family.
Age rating: Newborn to 2 years | Dimensions: N/A
Sleek sippy cup
Sippy cups are another popular stocking stuffer for babies. This option from LALO offers a clever 3-in-1 design that can be adapted to meet your little one’s changing needs. Baby will also appreciate the easy-grip handles at every stage. It’s made from FDA-grade silicone that’s dishwasher-safe—plus, it comes in a variety of on-trend colorways. We’re fans of the olive and sage green options for Christmas. What’s more, you can use code THEBUMP10 for 10 percent off your order.
Age rating: 4+ months | Dimensions: 2.5" (L) x 4.3" (H)
Our community says:
I usually do things that the child needs in their stocking - sippy cups, forks and spoons, new tooth brush, some cookies that they like and a small toy or two (such as thomas train or small play cell phone). – Cat-in-Boston, The Bump forum member
Our youngest is getting a Christmas book, a sippy cup, binkies, tights and two types of snacks (fruit melts and a blueberry cereal type snack). We're not stressing about overfilling it and tried to make it pretty practical.
– SpartanGirl, The Bump forum member
Plush baby booties
These teeny tiny UGG booties are luxe stocking stuffers that baby will be able to use throughout the winter season. The adorable design is made from cozy terry cloth to keep your little one’s feet warm in the chillest weather. The Velcro strap makes them simple to put on and take off, and the slip-resistant rubber print on the soles offers added stability for infants who are cruising and attempting wobbly first steps.
Age rating: 0-6 months to 12-18 months | Dimensions: 2.3" (H)
Crinkly sensory toy
“Our 4-and-a-half-month-old baby is having fun grabbing and pulling right now and loves anything that crinkles. Her favorite toy is a plush 'tissue' box filled with sheer and crinkle tissues, so we're going to replicate that with her first stocking, but with crinkle books and baby paper,” Jaclyn, a mom of one, told us. This crinkly paper toy is sure to result in smiles and giggles on Christmas morning as baby discovers the contents of their stocking. Better yet, the super-soft, crunchy-sounding design doubles as a teether and a sensory toy. While it may seem simple, many parents say that it’s their little one’s favorite plaything!
Age rating: N/A | Dimensions: 3.4" (L) x 1.7" (W) x 2.5" (H)
Silicone bubble popper
This squishy sidekick is the perfect stocking stuffer for infants in the teething stage. It’s made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, so it’s entirely safe for baby to gum on. Plus, little hands can poke and prod the colorful bubbles for tons of sensory fun. If you’re going to be out and about during the holiday season, you can also count on the Dimpl to be a handy travel toy, thanks to its lightweight, compact design.
Age rating: 10+ months | Dimensions: 5.8" (L) x 6.3" (W) x 1.3" (H)
Our community says:
“Fidget toys are a go-to little gift in our household. My daughter loves them, and they’re perfect for stockings or other little gift bags.” – Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce content for The Bump
Holiday snuggle buddy
How sweet is this lovey from Little Sleepies? Mistletoe the Reindeer is an adorable Christmas companion that your little one won’t want to put down. The charming design takes the shape of a sleepyhead reindeer complete with an attached blanket that’s made from the brand’s signature bamboo-viscose blend. This buttery-soft lovey is sure to be a nap- and bedtime favorite well after the holiday season ends.
Age rating: N/A | Dimensions: 11" (L) x 11" (H)
Christmas baby bibs
What’s the perfect stocking stuffer for babies in their drooling and teething phases? A bib, of course! This pack includes four bandanas made from absorbent cotton and complete with easy-snap closures that can be adjusted to fit infants and toddlers alike. Best of all, each is decorated with a fun seasonal print inspired by classic Christmas movies, including Frosty the Snowman and The Polar Express.
Age rating: 0 to 3 years | Dimensions: N/A
When it comes to stocking stuffers for toddlers and preschoolers, many parents aim for a balance between fun, silly trinkets, sweet treats and practical items, like toothbrushes and socks. Check out some of our favorites, as well as suggestions from parents in The Bump community, below.
Festive gripper socks
“Growing up my mom always filled our stockings with silly toys, candy, socks, a few practical things, but mostly fun and silly things with candy,” says lihau88, a member of The Bump community forums. If you’re looking for a practical toddler stocking stuffer that’s still fun, opt for these snuggly snowflake socks from Bombas. Each pair has a seamless toe, cushioned footbed and gripper bottoms, so they’re ideal for new walkers. Plus, parents will appreciate that for every pair of Bombas purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need, making this a stocking stuffer for toddlers you can feel good about giving. Better yet, use code BUMP20 at checkout for 20 percent off your first order.
Age rating: 1 to 5 years | Dimensions: N/A
Our community says:
I am putting socks in [my daughter's] stocking, along with some small board books. – jdouglas84, The Bump forum member
Color-in posters
This poster set makes the perfect gift for budding artists. The gold-foil illustrations depict festive scenes that your little one can color in while you prep Christmas dinner. Trust us, this toddler stocking stuffer will keep them entertained for hours. The posters also come in a Toblerone-shaped tube, so they’re simple to stick in a stocking.
Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 19.8" (L) x 30" (H)
Santa Tonie
Toniebox-loving toddlers will be big fans of this Santa Tonie. The customizable figure allows you to record and upload up to 90 minutes of seasonal songs, family stories, messages from loved ones or anything else you have in mind. Then on Christmas morning, your little one can place Santa on top of their audio player and listen to the stories and songs you’ve shared with them. To make the holiday even more magical, you can even download a personalized message from Santa (complete with your child’s name!) from the brand’s website.
Age rating: All ages | Dimensions: 3.9" (L) x 2" (W) x 7.1" (H)
Jumbo crayons
Unleash the inner artist in your toddler with these jumbo crayons. Their large size makes it easy for tiny hands to grip and scribble but nearly impossible to break (a coloring win-win). Our product tester Korin told us: “Lebze’s crayons hit that sweet spot between being too thick and too thin, which adds to the durability, and they survived falling off my dining room table with no issues.” Korin’s kids also loved how these crayons glided across paper, so they’re great for younger toddlers who are just getting the hang of coloring. Pair them with a coloring book for a stocking that will keep your kiddo entertained on Christmas morning.
Age rating: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 3.2" (L) x 3.2" (W) x 5.1" (H)
Our community says:
In [my daughter's] stocking: jumbo crayons, a mini magna-doodle, alphabet magnets, a little Christmas board book and some red leggings. – shihtzumomma, The Bump forum member
For my little girl: stickers, crayons, colouring book, Winnie the Pooh pencil "case", bath toys and probably a flip/picture book. – xyrius, The Bump forum member
So far I have a new set of crayons and some pink playdough (her favorite so it has dried up before the other colors), a toothbrush and some treats. – spainy17, The Bump forum member
Fun mittens
Stocking stuffers for toddlers that are as cute as they are functional are sure to please both parents and kids alike. Take these fluffy mittens, for example, which feature a spiky back and pointy teeth, all made out of a super-soft fabric. Your kiddo will love the fun dinosaur design, and you’ll love that they’ll keep your little one’s hands warm and toasty.
Age rating: 3 to 6 years | Dimensions: 8" (L) x 5" (W) x 2" (H)
Our community says:
We're doing practical things in her stocking plus a little car we bought today. Toothbrush, hair brush (she's finally growing some), mittens, hat, slippers. – keebz, The Bump forum member
Custom board book
Treat your little bookworm to a custom board book this Christmas. Artifact Uprising offers a variety of themes, layouts and color palettes, making it easy for parents to design a personalized story for their child. Whether you’re creating a unique holiday tale, one-of-a-kind ABCs or an album of family photos for your little one to look through, this stocking stuffer is sure to be a hit. Plus, you can use code THEBUMP20 when checking out for 20 percent off your order.
Age rating: All ages | Dimensions: 5.8" (L) x 5.8" (H)
Toy cars
Small in size and budget-friendly, Hot Wheels are ideal stocking stuffers for kids and toddlers. This pack comes with five colorful vehicles decorated with unique patterns and details that toy car-enthusiasts will love. If your little one asked Santa for a Hot Wheels track, these mini sets of wheels would be a perfect pairing. And even if they didn’t, your kiddo is bound to love rolling them on any and all surfaces in your home.
Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 1.5" (L) x 4.3" (W) x 10.5" (H)
Our community says:
[My son] is getting hot wheels cars, bubbles, bubble bath, and letter/number fridge magnets in his stocking this year. – milkyway, The Bump forum member
[My little one's] stocking will have firetruck shirt/socks, ABC blocks, […] and some little cars. – cmcmillan, The Bump forum member
Arts-and-crafts supplies
Spark creativity on Christmas Day with a stocking full of kid-friendly art supplies. “I'm doing arts and crafts supplies in [my son's] stocking: new paint brushes, paints, glitter glue pens, pom-poms, etc. […] We definitely didn't need any more trinkets in the house, and he was running low on some art stuff, so I decided to do this,” shares jayhawk25, a parent from The Bump forums. To streamline your shopping experience, opt for this arts-and-crafts bucket from Target. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of supplies, including foil sticker sheets, glitter craft paper, foam stickers and fluffy pipe cleaners. While this set is space-themed, the sparkling, shiny contents could also easily be turned into festive crafts as well.
Age rating: 6+ years | Dimensions: 8.1" (L) x 7.9" (W) x 8" (H)
Seasonal stuffed animal and book
It’s never too early to introduce your little one to the holiday classics. Make story time extra special by stuffing their stocking with this book-and-lovey duo. The gift set includes a copy of the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas and a snuggly Grinch stuffed animal. If that’s not all, it’s less than $10, so it’s an affordable stocking stuffer to boot.
Age rating: 0+ months | Dimensions: 6" (L) x 0.6" (W) x 12" (H)
Adorable towel
Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? This hooded baby towel is the next best thing. The best-seller from Pottery Barn Kids can be used by infants and toddlers, so you can count on it to be a bathtime favorite for years to come. The luxuriously soft towel is made from pure terry cotton with a silky smooth sateen binding. What’s more, it can even be personalized with your little one’s name or initials for an extra special touch.
Age rating: 0 to 2 years | Dimensions: 31" (L) x 23" (W)
Our community says:
[My little one's] stocking is going to be all bath related: new hooded towel, new bath toys, bath crayons, etc. – Dulaney, The Bump forum
Foam bath toys
On the topic of bath gear, these stickable playthings are another awesome toddler stocking stuffer idea. The set includes 20 ocean-themed foam shapes, including smiling starfish, colorful seahorses, delightful dolphins and everything in between. Each soft design can be stuck onto tiles when wet to keep your little one entertained during bathtime. They also come with a mesh bag complete with suction cups to make storage a breeze.
Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 6.5" (L) x 2.3" (W) x 9.8" (H)
Mini toy trains
Is your kiddo train-obsessed at the moment? Then you can’t go wrong with these mini toy train stocking stuffers. The set of 20 includes Thomas the Tank Engine and a variety of characters your little one will know and love from the hit TV show. Some packs even include never-before-seen designs, like colorful safari animals, spooky monsters and intergalactic space engines, that are sure to wow your toddler. The classic toy trains feature easy-roll wheels and front-and-back hooks, so imaginative play opportunities are endless.
Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: 1" (L) x 2" (W) x 1.4" (H) (per train)
Our community says:
Last year [my son's stocking] was filled with Thomas Trains. A stocking of trains, he loved it. – Phillywife, The Bump forum member
Last year, [my little one] got board books, cars, trains and a new sippy. – titantsmama, The Bump forum member
Sticker activity book
When asked what stocking stuffers they were getting for their toddler, pinkram, a community forum member, said: “Definitely stickers. [My little one] loves her ‘tickers.’” If you’re in the same boat, opt for this cute set from Melissa & Doug. It comes with a dino-shaped stamper, offering a whole new way of playing with stickers. The bundle also includes two 24-page activity pads and a total of 500 prehistoric stickers. Parents traveling over the holiday season will also appreciate that it’s a great plane or car toy as well.
Age rating: 3 to 7 years | Dimensions: 6" (L) x 1.9" (W) x 10" (H)
Our community says:
I always get each kid a sheet or two of stickers or trading cards. – neverblushed, The Bump forum member
Winter arts-and-crafts kit
This arts-and-crafts kit will spark your little one’s creativity while introducing them to STEM concepts. With it, your little one will receive everything they need to create a wobbly snowman that doubles as a toy and a fun Christmas decoration. As your child assembles the festive friend, they’ll also learn about weight distribution, thanks to the included counterweight that keeps the snowman from falling over.
Age rating: 3+ years | Dimensions: N/A
Giraffe toothbrush
Toothbrushes are another popular stocking stuffer among parents in The Bump community—and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to start and end a day full of sweet treats. We’re fans of this fun training toothbrush. The giraffe-shaped design will get your kiddo excited about the daily routine, and its four legs create a stable base that keeps it upright. Other details you’ll appreciate include the super-soft bristles and the comfort grip handle.
Age rating: 6 months to 3 years | Dimensions: 1.3" (L) x 3.1" (W) x 7.5" (H)
Our community says:
[My toddler will] also get a new toothbrush and an apple [because] that was always put in my stocking when I was little. – Dulaney, The Bump forum member
My [son] isn't quite 3 yet, but for his stocking so far, we have: [A] new toothbrush, socks, a Cars puzzle, craft scissors, M&M's in a tin [and] lacing beads. – MamaNikki, The Bump forum member
For my [child], I usually do a little bit of candy, a new toothbrush and some little things like matchbox cars or awkward small things I don't feel like wrapping. – btrebus, The Bump forum member
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins to toddler learning towers and everything in between. As a digital media professional, she’s written dozens of articles on baby gear and especially loves putting together seasonal content to make the holidays easier for new and experienced parents alike.
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