[disclaim]This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a small percentage from each commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through my links.[/disclaim]

We are leaping toward that magical time of the year –

CHRISTMAS!

Cue the holiday music, eggnog (spiked of course), and gingerbread cookies!

While this does happen to be my favorite time of the year, it takes work to make all that Christmas magic happen!  Lots of research goes into to building up to that stash of presents under the tree.  What everyone wants, who has the best prices, can it be delivered in time? Christmas prep is no joke… whether you are a parent or not!

The part I used to struggle with the most was filling stockings for my toddlers.  We don’t give our kids candy and we didn’t want to fill the stockings with more tiny toys to lose (or choke on).  The stockings started to look more like black holes and less like a fun tradition the more time I spent on them.  Then it hit me:

All stocking stuffers don’t need to be entertaining.

So obvious, right?

The first year I did stockings they were a bit disappointing.  Everything in her stocking was some kind of toy and it was too stimulating.  The point became more about emptying the stocking and then moving on to breakfast than it was taking the time to play with anything in it.  Now that she’s a bit older (with a couple of younger sisters behind her) I have learned that kids really only need one or two things with that ‘instant gratification factor’ the rest can be put away for later.

So, without further adieu, here is my list of favorites I’ve used over the years.

Awesome List of Baby Stocking Stuffers!

Bibs

These bib aprons are great for those who love to rip their bibs off

These ones are great for teethers or major droolers

Eating Utensils

Like this great stainless steel set

Socks or Slippers

Non-Slip Booties

 

Anti-Slip Toddler Socks

Mirrors, Rattles, or Teethers

This one is great once a tooth has already broken through.
The “bristles” on it seem to really help little gums.

This little giraffe will quickly become your little ones travel buddy.

Pacifiers

These little pacifiers are THE BEST! Easy to find at night, a lovey for baby to cuddle, and easy to clean!
They come in a million different adorable animals.  I can’t recommend them enough!

Soft Blocks

These are great for stacking!

Hats and Mittens

This set even includes booties!

[line]

Awesome List of Toddler Stocking Stuffers!

Bubbles

These bubble machines are great at any time of the year.  We even use one in the bathtub on rainy days.

Kazoo or Harmonica

For the brave and tolerant parents…

Kazoo

 

Harmonica

Hair Bows, Headbands, or Barrettes

Headbands

 

Hair Clips

Fun Socks

My kids have an obsession with toe socks.  Believe it or not, they are difficult to find anytime outside of the Christmas season.

Play Putty

The ‘Old School’ traditional 

 

Cool ‘New School’ putty (with a ton of other variations) 

Bath Bubbles

We LOVE this brand!  It even comes with a bubble wand.

Travel Magnet Tin

These are awesome for travel or dinner out!  They come with several sheets of character magnets and a few backdrops.  Add a little imagination and your kids are happy for a long while!
Fun Plastic drinking cups

Target is my favorite place to get kids cups.  They are always cute, super cheap, and BPA free.  There are several different styles but this one below is my favorite.  The lid helps to prevent spills and it’s very easy to clean, unlike so many other more complicated straw style cups.

Stickers

I mean really… who doesn’t love stickers?!?

Matchbox Cars

Classic

Or Characters

Board books

Gloves / mittens / hats / earmuffs

Play props like glasses and mustaches

Puzzles or an etch-a-sketch

This is not an instant gratification toy for young toddlers.  It takes a little bit of a learning curve, but once they get it kids can be entertained for quite a while with this.

Crayons and coloring books

Egg-shaped crayons for little hands

Or triangular crayons for grasping (and not rolling off the table!) 

 

Brush/Comb

These Wet/Dry Brushes help to detangle without the ‘ouches’ kids avoid.

Hair ties

Plastic bands for braids and wispy hair

Fabric covered, non-metallic bands for regular ponytails and thick hair

Finger puppets

Bath squirters

Washcloths (the kind that expand in water)

I have no idea why these are so exciting… but they are! 

Card Games

Beginning card games help to improve number recognition and focus
This card holder is the best to help little ones play.  
They can focus on the game and not a stack of cards they frustratingly can’t hold. 

Batteries

Obviously, you only want to add batteries if there is something under the tree that requires them.
I always tell my kids that Santa is extra thoughtful to remember batteries for their new toys.

That’s all I have for now.  I’ll be sure to update this list if I find anything else for my kids this year.

Happy Shopping!