Hang in there. You can get through this holiday season. While we do not focus on the “things” aspect so much (yay for less stress), I do enjoy having a few fun things for the kids to open and we do some activities (like our Gingerbread Pancakes to Decorate or Decorate a Tree Advent Calendar Activity.). One activity we enjoy is filling stockings with unconventional gifts. I decided I would share a list of unconventional and unique stocking stuffer ideas with you.
This list of unconventional stocking stuffer ideas is modeled after my very-popular unconventional Easter basket filler ideas post. You can reference this post for even more ideas. While many overlap, each list has some different ideas that are not on the other. This stocking stuffer ideas list contains items that should fit in a standard-size Christmas stocking.
Unconventional Stocking Stuffer Ideas
These stocking stuffer ideas are categorized by theme for your convenience and many are linked with my affiliate links/ are linked to non-affiliate informative posts for your convenience. A few items overlap, but some that could overlap are only in one category, so check out a couple different categories that are similar. Please consider age and safety when preparing your stockings (I know, I shouldn’t have to say this, but for legal reasons…please keep safety in mind.). Due to the length of this list, I have added “jump to text” links in this table of contents below:
- For Eating
- For the Artist
- For the Crafter
- For the Author
- For the Bookworm
- For the Curious/For Learning
- For the Actor/For Dramatic Play
- For the Baker/Chef
- For the Coffee Lover
- For Little Caregivers
- For Self-Care/Beauty
- For Wearing
- For the Decorator
- For the Organizer
- For the Housework Helper
- For the Photographer
- For the Sports/Exercise Enthusiast
- For the Musician
- For the Gardener
- For the Winter Months
- For the Sentimental/Giving
- For the Handyman
- For Babies
- For Teens
- For Your Spouse
- For Fun
- Other
We don’t exactly like stuffing stockings with buckets of candy (we already have plenty of that from Halloween), so instead I love adding more unconventional items–things that kids really do enjoy and are excited to receive that are different from what one would normally think to add in a stocking. We always highlight some essentials that we would need anyway–healthy snacks, personal care items, etc.–but we get the “fun” kinds that the kids wouldn’t always get to choose on an average day.
Fill your stockings entirely by theme or mix and match them like we do! Think of your child’s interests and have fun with it.
Read also: 250+ Unconventional Easter Basket Fillers by Theme and Huge List of Allergy-Friendly Non-Candy Halloween Treats
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Eating
We love adding some fun and more nutritious treats (that work well for snack time or school lunch) to the boys’ stockings, so here are some edible stocking stuffer ideas.
1. Fruit like bananas, apples, and oranges (There are several fun stories behind oranges in stockings–the one I remember from Old World Wisconsin was that during the Great Depression they would give oranges/other fruit as a very special treat for the holidays, as fruit was expensive back then. The other is to resemble gold balls St. Nicholas is said to have given to a poor man who was unable to afford dowries for his daughters to marry; he dropped the gold balls down the chimney…isn’t this a fun history lesson to include with the stocking?)
2. Juice packs/boxes
3. Organic white/chocolate milk boxes (These do not have to be refrigerated, so they work well.)
4. Pretzels/crackers/popcorn
5. Bottled water (The small packs are fun and you could even decorate the bottle.)
6. Hot cocoa mix with marshmallows
7. Tea bags (Perfectly paired with an invitation to an exclusive tea party with the recipient.)
8. Baking mix–cake, cookie, bread (This can be removed from the box with the directions cut out so it fits better.)
9. Peanut butter and jelly/jam
10. Space foodMRE/camping food (for those who want to try meals that astronauts or soldiers eat.)
11. Fruit cups/squeeze packs–mandarin oranges, applesauce
12. Dried/freeze-dried fruits–raisins, apple crisps
13. Box macaroni and cheese
14. Fruit snacks
15. Cheese (Many cheeses are shelf-stable.)
16. Granola bars
17. Dry soup mix
18. Uncrustables (As long as it will be opened and eaten within 8 hours of being placed in the stocking.)
19. Oatmeal packets
21. Jerky
22. Gelatin mix
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Artist
Have a doodler? Does your little one live for coloring (like mine)? Here are some amazingly awesome stocking stuffer ideas for your artist.
23. Coloring books (My book, “Let’s Color Together” makes a great gift! It can be gently bent vertically to fit as it is soft-cover with space to fit more goodies in the center. Learn more about the book or buy it here.)
24. Printable coloring pages (My Cut, Color, and Assemble fairies are always a hit and these can be used to make mobiles, puppets, and more!)
25. Colored pencils (I like to buy my kiddo the “grown up” colored pencils, but ones just for kids work too–you can even find some wide ones that are easier for kids to grip.)
26. Markers/crayons
27. Paints and brushes
28. Mini canvases or art pads
29. Gel pens
30. Doodle book (This book can be made for a child or adult or can be made by the child to gift later.)
31. Calligraphy pens and instruction book
32. Chalk/chalk marker
33. Colorful permanent markers and a light bulb (so he/she can decorate the light bulb)
34. Snow paint
35. Colored pens
37. Kwik Stix
39. Roll-up pencil/art supply carrier
40. Wooden figurine/manikin
41. Coupon for Special Display Space–your wall/refrigerator/work desk
42. Enrollment in an art class
Stocking Idea: Color-In stocking–buy one pre-made or purchase a white stocking and use a black fabric marker to make a fun design to color!
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Crafter
Some kids prefer the glitter and the glue. Here are some fantastic crafty stocking stuffer ideas.
43. Craft kits/books
44. Craft sticks
45. Clothespins
46. Googly eyes, sequins, rhinestones, pom poms, and other mini craft supplies
48. Paper punches–pick out some fun shapes
50. Sun catchers
51. Washi tape
52. Sewing supplies
53. Glitter glue
54. Stickers
55. Art supplies (see “For the Artist”)
56. Craft store coupon (let them pick out any one craft item up to a certain amount, then share how they can save money by using the coupon)
57. Origami paper
58. Paper straws
59. Construction paper
60. Jingle bells
61. Tie dye kit
62. Plan a date to attend a craft class (like Michaels craft classes) and include an invitation card
Stocking Idea: Buy a plain stocking and decorate it.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Author
If your child loves writing and getting creative, encourage that! It’s an amazing quality that can die off if not nurtured. Encourage it with these fantastic stocking stuffers for writers.
63. Create your own book kit (This can be removed from the box to fit a stocking.)
64. Story Cubes
65. Aqua Notes (My husband bought me this as a gift because I’m always wanting to write, even in the shower; they’re awesome.)
66. Journal
67. Fancy pen
68. Calligraphy pens
69. Quill pen
70. Bath crayons
71. Voice recorder
72. Stamps, envelopes, and stationery
73. Writer’s Prompts game (This looks neat.)
74. Have one of their finished stories published
75. Dictionary/thesaurus/rhyming dictionary
76. White-out pen
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Bookworm
Nose always in the books? Here are some fun gift ideas for avid readers.
77. Book club subscription
78. Book light
79. Bookmark
81. Toobaloo (This is a great tool for kids learning how to read, as it lets them hear themselves.)
82. Kid’s Bible
83. Books (This is a given.)
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Curious/For Learning
My E is always wanting to learn more. He is obsessed with magazines and science kits and worksheets. These educational stocking stuffers will encourage your child to keep on learning and give them fun ways to learn.
84. Flash cards
85. Activity books
87. Science kit
88. Test tubes
89. Prism
90. Math dice
91. Puzzles/Wood 3D Puzzles/Mazes
92. Mini Perplexus
93. Tangrams
94. Calculator
95. Small, educational board/card/dice games–Cribbage, UNO, Dominoes, Bananagrams, LCR, travel chess game
96. Compass
97. Magnifying glass
98. Binoculars
99. Highlighter
100. Wikki Stix
101. Play dough
102. Kid magazine subscription–Ranger Rick Kids, National Geographic Kids, God’s Big World, see my STEM list for more
103. Math cubes
104. Ruler
105. Translator (I had one of these growing up and had a blast with it!)
106. Career-encouraging gifts (For instance, my son wants to be an engineer, so I will look for STEAM gifts.)
107. LEGO bricks
108. Rolled-up map
109. Mini globe
110. STEM DVDs
111. Online educational program subscription–Rosetta Stone, ABC Mouse, etc.
112. Tickets to a museum–children’s museum, Smithsonian, science museum
114. Tickets to the aquarium/SeaWorld
115. Passes for the zoo/a farm tour
116. Tickets for an animal experience–snorkeling, horseback riding, feeding tigers, swimming with dolphins
117. Book of logic puzzles
118. Brain Quest games
119. Stethoscope
Check out this list of educational stocking stuffers from My Little Poppies.
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Actor/Dramatic Play
In this house, we love to play dress-up. It gives us a chance to try something new, learn something new, and play pretend.
120. Floppy hats that can easily be folded–beret, brim hat, ball cap, beanie, bandana, newsboy hat
121. Fancy white gloves
122. Cape
123. Clip-on earrings and chunky necklaces
124. Feather boa/scarves
125. Play makeup
126. Tiara
127. Play glasses
128. Hair accessories
129. Wigs
130. Fake mustaches
131. Masks
132. Career outfits–jacket, play doctor kit and tiny stuffed animals/baby doll for a vet or prenatal doctor, etc.
133. Temporary hair color
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Baker/Chef
For the ones who love to cook and bake up a storm, help them out in the kitchen with these kitchen-friendly stocking stuffer ideas.
134. Fun spices
135. Cupcake liners
136. FunBites/sandwich shape cutters
137. Cookie cutters
138. Ice cube trays/molds and ice pop molds
139. Candy molds
140. Cookbook/cooking magazine subscription (Here’s one for kids.)
141. Milk mixer
142. Sugar cones, cake mix, sprinkles
143. Small kitchen utensils/gadgets–measuring cups, mini whisk, melon baller, wooden spoons, Nessie ladle, potato masher
144. Apron
145. Chopsticks (My boys love trainer chopsticks.)
146. Straws
147. Mini cake pans
148. Edible ink pens
149. Cake decorating kit
150. Frosting/food flavoring/colors
152. Kitchen timer
153. Chef hat
154. Oven mitt/hot pad
155. Mini cutting board and knife kit (for older kids and to be supervised)
156. Grocery store gift card to shop for ingredients
157. Ravioli maker
158. Wooden rolling pin
159. Recipe ingredients–rice, beans, flour, nuts, olive oil, certain spices (Check a few specific recipes in a book and grab ingredients to try those.)
160. Enroll in a cooking/baking/cake decorating class
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Coffee Lover
Coffee. It’s essential, right? If you have an extreme coffee-lover in your life, this coffee-themed stocking stuffer list is definitely the way to go.
161. Coffee (of course)–bagged or k-cups
162. French press
163. Coffee flavor syrupor powder creamer
164. Shortbread cookies or Biscotti cookies to go with the coffee
165. Milk frother
166. Coloring for Coffee Lovers adult coloring book
167. Coffee mug
168. Stir sticks
169. Mug warmer
170. Mug sleeve (This knit one is adorable.)
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Little Caregivers
I have met so many sweet little kids who always want to play doctor or help when I get hurt, my boys included. Encourage them to keep helping others with these useful stocking stuffers for caregiving.
171. First aid kit
172. Fun bandages
173. Cute ice packs/boo boo bunnie with ice cubes
174. Thermometer
175. Sunscreen
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Self-Care/Beauty
The essentials are always essential to our Christmas stockings. My boys love receiving these common everyday items in the more exciting versions that we don’t usually bother purchasing.
176. Fun handsoap
177. Loofah/fun rag
178. Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner (Crazy Foam is fun!)
179. Deodorant (for preteens)
180. Chapstick/lipgloss
181. Cool toothbrush and toothpaste
182. Flossers
183. Travel toothbrush cap
184. Mouth wash
186. Travel toiletries
187. Lotion
188. Pore strips
189. Pumice stone
190. Bath sponge
191. Sugar scrub
192. Bath soak/salt/bubble bath
193. Fizzy bath bombs
194. Bath color tablets
195. Spa mask
196. Razor (for older kids–fake one for younger kids)
197. Shave soap/brush
198. Makeup
199. Hair pomade
200. Hair accessories
201. Manicure kit
202. Nail polish/stickers
203. Pocket/hand mirror
204. Brush/comb
205. Sleep mask
206. Back Massager
207. Travel-size hair straightener (for older kids)
208. Bath toys
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Wearing
Give them things they need to stay warm and clothed and fabulous this holiday season.
209. Slippers
210. Fun socks/tights
211. Lighter clothing that can be rolled up small–leggings, t-shirts, etc.
212. Fun undies (for potty-training toddlers)
213. Jewelry (with a small jewelry box)
214. Wrist watch
215. Dressy scarf or fun ties
216. Hats and gloves/mittens
217. Sunglasses
218. Wallet/coin purse
219. Small purse/wristlet
220. Patches
221. Brooch
222. Keychain decorations
Stocking Idea: wear it as a hat afterwards (just for fun).
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Decorator
Make your space more beautiful with these stylish stocking stuffers for the designer/decorator.
223. Wind chimes
224. Small photo frame
225. Chalkboard labels and chalkboard marker
226. Small vase
227. Candle–flameless candles or tealights are great for younger kids
228. Roll of cork with pins
229. Paint
230. Small photo canvas print
231. Small wall decor or shelf trinkets
232. Placemats, fabric napkins, and napkin rings
233. Small lava lamp or other fun lamp
234. Fun nightlight
235. Bookends
236. Pillow sham
237. Bathroom decorations–fun toothbrush holder, cup, soap dispenser
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Organizer
Some people love to organize. As disorganized as I may be at times, I do love the process of organizing and am obsessed with organizational tools. Help someone get organized with these!
238. Daily planner
239. Sticky notes
240. Planner tabs and stickers
241. Colorful pens and highlighters
242. Small organizing jars/bins
243. Pencil case
244. Label maker
245. Magnets
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Housework Helper
Have a little one who always loves to help around the house? Even if you don’t *think* your little one loves to help, he/she very well may. My boys don’t love chores, but if I hand them a duster or a sponge, they will happily clean up around the house! Note: this may not be a great stocking stuffer idea for your spouse…he/she may get offended.
246. Swiffer dusters
247. Dust glove
248. Sponges
249. Small spray bottle
250. Lint roller
251. Dish soap
252. Dish rags/towels
253. Laundry bag
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Photographer
My boys love taking pictures, just like Mommy. Just check out our Photography for Kids post! Help someone capture the moment with these stocking stuffers for photographers.
254. Disposable or point-and-shoot camera
255. Gift card to get photos printed
256. Memory/SD card
257. Small frame/photo album
258. Small photo props
259. Camera strap
260. Tripod
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Sports/Exercise Enthusiast
Get in gear with a stocking stuffed with sporting or exercise essentials or fan gear.
261. Gym shorts (Roll them up to fit them in better.)
262. Gym shoes (Small sizes should fit; fill the shoes with other items to conserve space.)
263. Sports/exercise gear–jump rope, cones, mouthguard, wrist and head bands, deflated pilates ball
265. Water bottle
266. Stopwatch
268. Fan gear
269. Sports drinks or protein powder
Stocking Idea: Stocking for a favorite sports team.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Musician
The musician in your life will love these.
270. Small instruments–castanets, maracas, harmonica, juice harps, rain stick
271. Foldable music stand or foldable plate/cookbook holder
272. Sheet music
274. Lined sheet music for composing
275. Metronome/tuner
276. Instrument cleaning supplies/accessories
277. iTunes gift card/CDs (I know, sort of archaic now.)
278. Tickets to a concert/symphony
279. Guitar picks/straps
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Gardener
Get ready for spring gardening with these garden essentials.
280. Gardening gloves
281. Seed packets (Hey, check out my Seed Packet Valentines!)
282. Trowel
283. Plant food
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Winter Months
If the weather gets cold and snowy by you, plan some fun with these winter-wonderful stocking stuffer ideas.
285. Winter hats, gloves, ear muffs
286. Scarves
287. Snow paint
288. Fuzzy socks
289. Snowman supplies–soft hat, carrot, buttons, etc.
290. Small tissue packs
291. Garland supplies–construction paper, popcorn, string, cranberries
292. Hot cocoa mix and a mug
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Sentimental/Giving
Bring some cheer with stocking stuffers from the heart. Whether the recipient loves to give to others and wants nothing big, or if he/she loves all things hand-made and meaningful, these ideas are perfect.
293. Special Christmas ornament
294. Small family heirloom
295. Handmade items–knit scarf, sock snowman, painting to hang
296. Coupon book for activities to do together–spending one-on-one time for coffee dates, window shopping trips, going to the park
297. Something to give/donate (Most kids don’t make a lot of money, but they want to give to others; this is a great time to give them the gift of paying it forward and the life lessons that come with it.)
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For the Handyman
Get ready to build and create with these stocking stuffers for the handyman. We love giving the boys tools that they can use as they get older. It’s a ways away, but check out this cute Father’s Day printable!
298. Small tools–hammer, screw driver, wrench, tape measure, stud finder, level
299. Nails, screws, nuts, bolts
300. Small pieces of wood
301. Small building kit
302. Wood glue
303. Ruler
304. Flashlight headband
305. Safety goggles
306. Unique gadgets (Swiss Army-type tools, mini tools)
307. Carpenter’s pencil
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Babies
Babies don’t need a bunch of toys and they certainly don’t need candy, but if you want to make their first stockings special, try these!
308. Onesie
309. Bib
310. Rattle
311. Oball
312. Household items without batteries (old phone cleaned up, TV remote)
313. Small stuffed animals
314. Teether
315. Diapers
316. Baby food and snacks
317. Keepsake ornament
318. Taggies blanket
Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Teens
We all know teens can be hard to shop for, but these are some essential and cool ideas your teen may actually think are pretty awesome.
319. Car wash supplies
320. Car fresheners
321. Phone accessories (They have some neat lenses you can add to phone cameras!)
322. Wireless mouse
323. Theme park or movie tickets (For a friend, too!)
324. Career-promoting gifts (If the teen is passionate about pursuing a certain career field)
325. Fidget toys/Rubik’s cube
326. Gym membership
327. Hair or nail salon gift date
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Your Spouse
Maybe you fill a stocking for your spouse. We do usually add something small for each other, often a hand-written letter and maybe a little trinket. Here are some great gifts to give to your spouse (and they don’t even need to cost much, you know, if you have a rule not to spend too much on each other.).
328. Coupons for date night activities (Check out my list of date night activities!)
329. Coupons for housework (i.e. Guys give coupons where they’d wash the dishes, ladies give coupons where hey’d take out the trash, vice versa…whatever works for your house.)
330. Dinner and a movie
331. Find a babysitter and plan a very special night, then announce as a note in the stocking
332. Have a very special photo preserved in a fun way
333. Check off something on your spouse’s bucket list or “I’ve always wanted” list…horseback riding lessons, swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing, family ancestry records, trip to Paris, locate a hard-to-find item from his/her childhood, sign up for an art class
334. Hand-written letter
335. Massage certificate
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Fun
Not just toys, folks. Some of these are a little bit odd, but the kids love them!
336. Bubble wrap
337. Tissue paper
338. Bubbles
339. Beanie Babies (My kids actually love these.)
340. Doll house accessories and peg dolls
341. Pet supplies to announce getting a new pet
342. Balloons/balloon animal kit
343. Glow sticks
344. Flowers in a vase (Ditch the water for now and just wrap the stems in a damp towel.)
345. Off-brand Yeti cup (Yeti cups are okay, too, but they cost more and the off-brand works awesome!)
346. Small building blocks
347. Glow-in-the-dark stars for the ceiling
348. Name a star (Great for young kids who are outer space-obsessed.)
349. Plastic toy animals (We love toys that don’t make noises and leave space for the imagination.)
350. Spinning tops
351. Thinking Putty
352. Hacky sack/Koosh Ball
353. Bean bags or play snowballs to toss (Re-use the stocking as a basket–attach a ring around the top to keep it opened.)
Stocking Stuffer Ideas Other
These are other great stocking stuffers that are often included in stockings, gifted around the holidays, or just something needed but often forgotten (ahem, batteries).
354. Bible
355. Money or gift cards
356. Calendar
357. Batteries
In the end, it really doesn’t matter what you give your children in their stockings. What they truly just want is time with you. Take advantage of the holiday to accomplish that and do something special with them. Don’t stress the gifts. Hopefully this list has helped you get some thoughtful ideas for your children so you can spend more time having fun with them and less time preparing for the day.
What are your favorite stocking stuffer ideas listed? Have any other fun ideas? Share with me in the comments!
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Read also: Fashion Style Guide to Selecting Cute Winter Outfits for Kids and 2016 Holiday Gift Guide by Arts & Crackers
Your very first list included my favorite stocking gift. When I was a child, Christmas was the only time of the year I had an orange and I could depend upon it. Rarely I received a banana. In addition, my long brown stocking usually had peanuts in the shell (for some reason Mom didn’t think about putting them in a separate container), nuts in the shell, hard Christmas candy filled with jelly, ribbon candy and vanilla creme drops. Yes, I was born a long, long time ago.
Wow so many great stocking stuffer ideas! I like to put a lil candy in our stockings but prefer to fill them with other goodies. Thanks for the ideas.
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