Best Stocking Stuffers for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids

November 12, 2021
The toys under the tree may garner all the glory, but sometimes it’s the stuff in the stockings that makes Christmas mornings extra joyous. We think you’ll agree after you check out our roundup of stocking stuffers for infants, toddlers and big kids. The best fillers are small but mighty. They should be fun, interactive and educational to boot. Opt for age-appropriate toys, festive threads and a few tasty treats for good measure.
Whether you want to find a little something cute for baby or a few cool stocking stuffers for toddlers, we’ve got the lowdown on the trinkets, treasures and goodies you’ll need to be the ultimate Santa come December 25th. Ready to score great stocking stuffers for babies, preschoolers and beyond? Scroll down and scoop up some favorites. While you’re at it, check out our picks for the best stocking stuffers for parents, and get nifty gifts for your other half too.
In this article:
Stocking stuffers for babies
Stocking stuffers for toddlers
Stocking stuffers for kids
Sure, baby may not remember what was stuffed inside their first Christmas stocking—but that doesn’t mean you can’t go all out. These sweet stocking fillers will make the holiday special, and many of them can be used all year-round.
Carter’s First Christmas Teething Bib
The perfect stocking stuffer for drooling, teething babies? A bib, of course! This sweet bib, complete with easy snap closures and a Santa Claus motif, is a lovely memento for baby’s first Christmas.
Buy it: $8, Carters.com
SoapSox Tank the Shark
This toothy-grinned fellow is actually a washcloth with built-in finger pockets and a clever opening for liquid or bar soap—so you can amuse baby and get the nighttime routine going at the same time.
Buy it: $15, Amazon.com
Chewable Charm Hayes Silicone and Wood Teether
Teething toys make the best baby stocking stuffers. They’re small and pack a ton of entertainment value. This maple wooden ring with food-grade silicone beads is great for encouraging fine motor skills and soothing sore gums.
Buy it: $27, Maisonette.com
Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Chime & Teethe Toy
Not too big, not too small—this friendly yeti has a teether at the base, makes soothing chime sounds and is super-soft for cuddling. What’s more, the clip lets this little monster ride along in the stroller too.
Buy it: $6, SkipHop.com
Jellycat Amusable Candy Cane Stuffed Toy
A candy cane is a classic stocking stuffer for kids—but sugary treats aren’t the best option for infants and toddlers. Luckily, this quirky stuffed toy is a great alternative. The cheerful candy cane is soft, squishy and suitable from the get-go. .
Buy it: $19, Nordstrom.com
Doddle & Co. The Pop Pacifier
Is there any truth to the five-second rule? With this ingenious pacifier, it doesn’t matter. Not only is it stylish, it’s engineered so that when baby drops it, the nipple retracts into the casing and never touches the dirty floor. Genius!
Buy it: $19 for a set of two, TheTot.com
LouLou Lollipop Darling Pacifier Clip Ebi
How fun is this sushi-inspired pacifier clip? Almost too cute to eat, it’s made from food-grade silicone. This clever stocking stuffer for babies keeps soothers, teethers and toys close at hand (and off the floor!). Simply tie baby’s must-have item to one end, and fasten the clip to a diaper bag, stroller or clothing.
Buy it: $17, LouLouLollipop.com
Emmerson and Friends Bun Headband Bundle
Looking for stylish stocking stuffers for babies? Go with these chic bun headbands—perfect for adding some festive flair to baby’s Christmas outfit.
Buy it: $29 for a set of three, Maisonette.com
Meri Meri Elf Baby Booties
Few baby stocking stuffer ideas are as adorable as this one! Crafted from soft knitted-cotton, these charming elf booties will keep those little feet warm and cozy amidst the festivities. Suitable for infants up to 6 months.
Buy it: $25, MeriMeri.com
The Tot Stocking Stuffer Gift Set 0-2 years
Looking for a one-stop stocking-stuffer shop? Head straight to The Tot. This online store has a great range of pint-size toys—plus, stocking stuffer gift sets for kids up to the age of 5. This option for infants and toddlers includes a percussion set, a festive board book, a key teether and a set of flash cards.
Buy it: $50, TheTot.com
Finn + Emma All-in-One Macrame Toy
A new (and totally on-trend) twist on baby stocking stuffer ideas: This organic cotton macrame toy was hand-knotted by artisans in India and features an array of textures, perfect for tactile exploration. Clip it onto baby’s stroller, high chair, car seat or play gym for a guaranteed good time.
Buy it: $16, FinnandEmma.com
Your tot is likely old enough to get into the holiday spirit—so make this Christmas memorable with a selection of fun toddler stocking stuffers. From books and bath toys to super-cute accessories, browse our favorite festive gifts below.
Melissa & Doug Natural Play Book Tower: Little Learning Books
These mini board books make terrific stocking stuffers for toddlers. After all, little hands love holding palm-size books. Included in this set are 10 stories featuring early learning concepts and adorable animal friends to help build your kiddo’s burgeoning vocabulary.
Buy it: $17, MelissaandDoug.com
Dregeno Classic Rabbit Car
In a zippy wooden car with wheels that really work, this speedy rabbit is sure to put a smile on your little one’s face. The adorable vehicle is heirloom-worthy and a sweet throwback to old-school stocking stuffers for kids.
Buy it: $33, Maisonette.com
Jaq Jaq Bird Doodle It Book
Hooray for stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers that replace the iPad on road trips! This travel-friendly book is full of blank “chalkboard” pages, so your little one’s imagination and creativity can run wild. Plus, the special chalk is dust-free for minimal clean-up.
Buy it: $22, TheTot.com
Tender Leaf Toys Sunny Doll Family
Meet the Sunny doll family. They’re made from sustainable rubber wood, and are small enough to fit in most dollhouses, play structures and vehicles—so there are endless possibilities for pretend play. Bonus: They also come in other skintones.
Buy it: $20, Maisonette.com
Tubby Todd A Very Tubby Christmas Collection Bubble Bath
Besides being just clean fun, this festive bubble bath is scented with tart cranberry and juicy mandarin. Better yet, it’s cruelty-free and made using natural fragrances. Practical stocking stuffers for toddlers that smell divine? Sign us up.
Buy it: $42, TubbyTodd.com
Munchkin Swimming Penguin
Bath toys are among the best stocking stuffers for toddlers, and this penguin toy is sure to make a splash. Simply wind up the penguin’s arms and watch as it swims through the water.
Buy it: $5, Munchkin.com
Fat Brain Toys Dizzy Bees
Tots will be buzzing on Christmas day, thanks to this fun, tactile toy. Three silicone bees connect magnetically to stack atop the honeycomb base. Kids can spin them, wobble them and pull them apart to explore each one.
Buy it: $20, FatBrainToys.com
Boden Sock Box 7 Pack Furry Animals
Presented in a rectangular gift box (that’s just the right size to slip inside a stocking), this sock set is a great stocking stuffer for toddlers. The seven pairs are adorned with colorful stars and winter woodland animals.
Buy it: $32, BodenUSA.com
Camilla’s World Miami Santa Baby Elle Cat Eye Sunnies
Depending on where you live, it might not be the time of year for fun in the sun, but that doesn’t mean your tot can’t rock sunnies during the festive season. These vintage-inspired cat-eye shades are one of our favorite stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers.
Buy it: $30, Maisonette.com
Thomas & Friends Minis
Choosing stocking stuffers for toddlers has never been so easy. Little ones can’t get enough of Thomas the Tank Engine and his gang of friends. Keep the love going with this multi-pack featuring 20 miniature train characters. It’s suitable for littles ages 3+.
Buy it: $25, Amazon.com
L.L.Bean Cold Buster Waterproof Mittens
Keep your little one’s hands toasty warm even when playing in the snow this season with these waterproof mittens—perhaps the coziest toddler stocking stuffers on our list. They feature heat-trapping Thinsulate lining and velcro cuffs so they won’t fall off even during snowball fights.
Buy it: $25, LLBean.com
What child doesn’t wake up on Christmas morning eager to unwrap all those amazing gifts? Give the youngsters something to truly look forward to with our favorite stocking stuffers for kids. From family games to interactive toys, these picks will make their day.
Kid Made Modern Ice Cream Crayon
A box of crayons is a traditional stocking stuffer idea for kids. This giant ice cream crayon is a fun twist on the classic holiday gift. Each of the edges is a different shade, meaning young artists can experiment with all the colors of the rainbow at once.
Buy it: $8, Macys.com
Melissa & Doug Wooden Stamp Set Happy Handles
Take your kids’ craft projects to a whole new level with this stamp set, perfect for stamping cards, drawings and more. The set includes six rubber stamps with easy-to-grip handles and washable ink.
Buy it: $13, MelissaandDoug.com
Educational Insights Kanoodle Junior
If you like board games, look for junior versions—they often make the best stocking stuffers for kids. This one is a spin-off of the award-winning Kanoodle brain game for older children. With 60 puzzles to choose from in varying levels of difficulty, your little one will never get bored. The larger puzzle pieces are perfect for small hands, and it neatly packs up in its own carrying case.
Buy it: $17, Kohls.com
VTech PAW Patrol Chase Learning Watch
Buy your mini-me their very own smart watch for Christmas. Designed for kids between the ages of 3 and 6, this Paw Patrol pick boasts four interactive learning games, a clock, timer, stopwatch and alarm. Talk about clever stocking stuffers for kids!
Buy it: $18, Walmart.com
GUND 6in P.Lushes Lissa Doemei
Plushies are having a moment right now. That’s why we’ve included this mini reindeer (it’s only 6” tall!) on our list of the best stocking stuffers for kids. There are tons of styles to choose from, including a festive plaid fox.
Buy it: $10, Macys.com
Jack Rabbit Creations Mouse and Cheese Bowling Game
How charming is this cheesy bowling game? The delightful toy is one siblings can play with together—simply pull back the little wooden mouse and watch as it races towards the cheese. Knock it over and get a strike!
Buy it: $20, Maisonette.com
Shutterfly Alphabet Memory Game
The perennially popular matching game for preschoolers can now be personalized with your child’s name and photo on every card. Plus, this set teaches little ones the alphabet too.
Buy it: $25, Shutterfly.com
LEGO Creator Colorful Chameleon
This bag may be small, but it’s got serious entertainment value—exactly what you want in a stocking stuffer for kids. Each bag contains 53 pieces for kids to build a chameleon or any other structure they can dream up.
Buy it: $14, Amazon.com
Bright Stripes LED Candle Critters Fox
Searching for stocking stuffers for crafty kids? Check out this unique ceramic nightlight that’s ready for children to decorate. It comes with three paint markers and a LED candle to illuminate their design. Choose from a crew of cute critters, including a corgi, turtle, unicorn and more.
Buy it: $25, Maisonette.com
Cubcoats Mask Buddies
Let’s face it, masks aren’t going away any time soon, so if you’re struggling to get your child to wear one these cuddly companions could be the answer. Available in puppy, kitten or fox designs, these cotton masks double as cute wristlets or hair ties when not in use.
Buy it: $20 for a set of three, Cubcoats.com
My First Bananagrams
Educational games make ideal Christmas stocking stuffers. This one is a junior version of Bananagrams, a cousin of Scrabble that crowns a winner based on speed, not points.
Buy it: $16, Walmart.com
Plus, more from The Bump: