Christmas morning is such an exciting time for little ones as they empty their stocking in front of the Christmas tree.
If you are looking for the best stocking stuffers for your little one…I have you covered!
When it comes to the best stocking stuffers for toddlers, I recommend picking items of the perfect size that fit into their stockings.
Although at our house we usually have a couple of items that maybe don’t fit that we will wrap and lay underneath the stocking.
In this post you will find ideas of what to put in your toddler’s stocking that will encourage development, are practical, and of course fun as well!
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Make Bath Time Fun with these Great Stocking Stuffers
Are you worried your toddler may not want to take a bath on Christmas day?
My kids seem to always look forward to it when they open their stockings only to find some bath time fun!
Bath time accessories can be exceptional stocking stuffers that your toddler will absolutely love.
For instance, a bottle of bubble bath can make their bathing routine a fun-filled experience.
It’s not just about the bubbles; it’s about the joy of creating a little, sudsy world in the tub.
We have also been putting these color tabs (check them out here) in the stocking for the past few years and they have always been a hit as well.
Then you have bath crayons.
These wonderful and washable accessories allow your toddler to unleash their creativity right on the bathroom tiles.
With a sweep of a sponge, the ‘canvas’ resets, ready for the next bathtime art session.
Always make sure to check them on your bathroom tile to see if they wipe away cleanly.
And let us not forget about the bath bombs (grab some here.)
These small but exciting bath additions can turn a routine bath into a sensory spectacle, as they fizz, color the water, and often release delightful fragrances.
With these bath time essentials tucked into their Christmas stockings, your toddler’s bath time is sure to become an eagerly anticipated part of their day.
Bath Toys Make a Great Stocking Stuffer
Bath toys are a perfect addition to your toddler’s Christmas stocking.
Not only do they fit perfectly in the stocking, but they also add an extra layer of excitement to bath time.
From rubber ducks (I love this set that comes with a net) to toy boats, these toys can transform an ordinary bath into an exciting splash-filled adventure at sea.
Bath toys also aid in the development of toddlers’ fine motor skills and encourage imaginative play.
They can also serve as educational tools, helping toddlers learn about different animals, shapes, and colors.
Moreover, these toys are built to endure water and are thus long-lasting.
So, for a stocking stuffer that’s fun, educational, and durable, you can’t go wrong with bath toys.
You can see all of my favorite bathtime toys HERE.
Fun Board Books are One of My Favorite Stocking Stuffers
Board books indeed make for excellent stocking stuffers, serving both as a source of enjoyment and a tool for early childhood development.
These sturdy, compact books are perfectly sized for little hands, encouraging the development of fine motor skills as toddlers turn the pages.
Moreover, the vibrant illustrations and simple text provide an ideal platform for language skills and cognitive development.
As toddlers listen, view, and interact with these books, they begin to associate words with images, enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of the world around them.
Board books are also perfect for your toddler to explore independently as they are still learning how to care for books and these ones allow them to explore without being destroyed.
Additionally, these books can foster an early love for reading, setting the foundation for literacy skills that are crucial for their future learning journey.
So, if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer that’s entertaining, educational, and bound to be a hit with your toddler, you can’t go wrong with a fun board book.
You can see some of my favorite books for toddlers HERE.
Fun Stocking Stuffer Ideas that Encourage Open-Ended Play
Plush toys, dolls, and blocks are great choices for stocking stuffers that promote open-ended play, allowing your toddler’s imagination to roam freely.
Plush toys, for instance, are soft, cute, and cuddly, making them an instant favorite among toddlers.
Their friendly appearances can spark imaginative scenarios, encouraging your child to engage in pretend play.
Besides, plush toys can also serve as comforting companions for your little one, making them a brilliant stocking addition.
Dolls, on the other hand, provide a medium through which your toddler can explore social play and relationships, fostering their emotional development.
Whether it’s feeding the doll, dressing it up, or simply cuddling it, dolls can enable an array of play scenarios that nurture your toddler’s empathy and caregiving instincts.
Finally, blocks are an enduring classic in the world of childhood play.
These simple toys can aid in the development of your toddler’s spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills.
In addition, blocks can pave the way for your child’s creativity, as they build towers, castles, or anything else that their imagination allows.
Choosing these stocking stuffers not only promises fun-filled playtime for your toddler but also fosters their cognitive and socio-emotional skills.
So, encourage imaginative play this Christmas by filling those stockings with plush toys, dolls, and blocks.
You can see my full list of toys that encourage open-ended play HERE.
Sensory Toys Can Be a Big Hit
Sensory toys are another fantastic option for stocking stuffers that can keep your toddler engaged.
These toys stimulate a child’s senses, encouraging them to explore and interact with their environment in new ways.
Sensory toys can include items such as textured balls, fidget spinners, or materials for a toddler-friendly sensory bin, all of which can be perfect for keeping small hands busy and minds active.
They can aid in developing fine motor skills, improving focus, and promoting cognitive growth.
The beauty of sensory toys is their versatility—they come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and textures, providing endless possibilities for fun and learning.
Their size and durability also make them perfect for tucking into Christmas stockings.
As a bonus, the excitement of discovering a new sensory toy in their stocking might just keep your little one occupied while you enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning coffee.
Encourage Fine Motor Skills with these Fun Stocking Stuffers
There’s a plethora of stocking stuffers available that can aid in the development of your toddler’s fine motor skills.
Fine motor skills involve the use of small muscle groups, particularly in the hands and fingers, and are essential for tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and tying shoelaces.
Toys such as stacking cups, lacing cards, or even puzzles can all serve as fantastic tools for enhancing hand-eye coordination.
As toddlers grip, stack, lace, or piece together these toys, they unknowingly work on finger dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and precision.
Additionally, these toys are usually compact and robust, making them perfect candidates for stocking stuffers.
Egg shakers (like this), with their compact size and intriguing sound, will captivate your child’s attention, stimulate their auditory senses, and promote dexterity as they learn to grip and shake the toy with their little hands.
Dot markers (my kids love these), an innovative twist on traditional coloring tools, offer a fun, hands-on way for children to engage with art.
They invite your toddler to coordinate their hand movements precisely, fostering fine motor skills while nurturing their creativity.
Sticker books (these ones are great) are an excellent choice for stocking stuffers.
They present a fun and engaging activity that encourages hand-eye coordination and precision.
By peeling and placing stickers, toddlers enhance their fine motor skills in an enjoyable and satisfying way.
You can find more ideas for fine motor toys HERE.
These stocking stuffer ideas encapsulate the perfect balance of fun and learning, making them wonderful gifts for your child this Christmas.
Stocking Stuffers: An Excellent Opportunity to Replenish Art and Craft Supplies
Art and craft supplies are a brilliant choice for stocking stuffers, combining fun with creativity, and allowing you to restock your child’s toolbox in a festive manner.
Crayons, finger paints, and non-toxic watercolor paints are not only compact but also encourage your toddler to express their creativity and imagination.
Play-dough, with its vibrant colors and tactile nature, introduces your child to a world of texture and shape, stimulating their sensory and motor skills.
Craft kits, with pre-cut shapes and adhesive stickers, provide an enjoyable activity that also enhances hand-eye coordination.
Glitter pens, stickers, and other decorative accessories can add a spark to your child’s artwork, fostering their attention to detail.
So, this Christmas, make full use of the stocking tradition to replenish your child’s art and craft supplies and fuel their creative journey.
Practical Stocking Stuffer Ideas That Get Plenty of Use
Practical stocking stuffers are a wonderful choice, as they blend utility with the thrill of unwrapping a Christmas gift.
Items that can be used daily, like electric toothbrushes with favorite characters, colorful fun socks, slippers or catchy water bottles, can make for delightful stocking additions.
Your little one would love to use a toothbrush featuring their favorite cartoon character, making brushing time fun and instilling good hygiene habits early on.
Patterned socks and water bottles (these ones are cute) also add a dash of excitement to everyday routine, while being essential items.
Other practical ideas include child-friendly cutlery (these ones are fun), small notebooks, or new pajamas.
Opting for practical stocking stuffers ensures that your gifts are not only enjoyed on Christmas day but continue to bring joy well into the new year.
Experience Gifts: A Unique Twist to Stocking Stuffers
Experience gifts bring a unique dimension to stocking stuffers, offering not just a tangible present but memories to cherish.
These can include memberships to places of interest, such as local museums or zoos.
A museum membership can unlock a world of wonder for your toddler, allowing them to explore a plethora of exhibits that not only educate but also entertain.
It’s an opportunity to nurture your child’s curiosity and love for learning, fostering a lifelong interest in art, history, science, and culture.
Similarly, a zoo membership can serve as an exciting gateway to the animal kingdom, letting your little one get up close and personal with a wide variety of wildlife.
The joy of observing animals in their habitat and learning about their behaviors and ecosystems is a priceless educational experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
Even better, these memberships often come with extras like discounted tickets for family and friends, early access to special events, or exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.
So, this Christmas, consider giving an experience gift as a stocking stuffer—these membership cards might just be the ticket to a year filled with discovery, learning, and fun.
Yearly Christmas Ornament or Decoration
Introducing a yearly Christmas ornament gift can be a delightful tradition to begin during the toddler years.
This simple yet memorable practice not only adds to your festive decorations but also creates a unique timeline of your child’s growth and interests.
Each year, you can select an ornament that reflects their favorite toy, character, or hobby at that moment in time.
As they grow older, they will look forward to this annual ritual, reminiscing about past ornaments and anticipating the new addition.
This tradition fosters a sense of continuity and nostalgia, turning your Christmas tree into a beautiful, tangible reflection of your child’s journey.
A bonus is the joy your child will experience when they get to hang their very own ornament on the tree, a task that also enhances their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Gifting a Ginger Bread House can be a Fun Family Activity
Another cherished tradition that we do is the gifting of a gingerbread house from Santa on Christmas day.
This delightful gift not only brings a smile to your child’s face but also serves as a fantastic family activity.
Building and decorating the gingerbread house together fosters a sense of togetherness, encouraging teamwork and offering an opportunity for creative expression.
It allows everyone to contribute, whether by sticking candy onto the frosted roofs or placing gingerbread characters around the house.
Plus, it’s a treat for the senses — the spicy aroma of gingerbread, the bright colors of the candies, and the fun of hands-on design make this an experience to remember.
This tradition not only adds an extra dash of magic to your Christmas festivities but also creates lasting family memories.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Don’t Forget to Add Some Snacks and Treats
No stocking stuffer assortment is complete without the inclusion of your toddler’s favorite snacks and treats.
This delightful surprise can turn their Christmas morning into a tasty adventure.
From healthful fruit such as an orange or apple to bite-sized cookies or holiday-themed chocolates, these tasty tidbits will surely bring a twinkle to their eyes.
Even better if these snacks are shaped like their favorite characters or animals!
Just remember to ensure that all treats are age-appropriate and safe for your child to consume.
Besides, adding a couple of these treats to their stockings also serves as a reminder of the festive season’s indulgent spirit.
I hope you and your little one have a magical morning!
Choosing the perfect stocking stuffer ideas for your toddler could be a delightful balance between fun, learning, and practicality.
From imaginative play toys to sensory ones, these small gifts can enhance your child’s cognitive and motor skills, while keeping them engaged and excited.
Practical items, designed with their favorite characters and patterns, can add an element of fun to their daily routines, and serve as a long-lasting Christmas memory.
Don’t forget to include a few treats to sweeten their festive morning.
Remember, the key is to select age-appropriate, safe, and engaging items that cater to their interests and developmental needs.
With these ideas in mind, you’re all set to make your toddler’s holiday season truly magical and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing stocking stuffers for an 18-month-old involves a mix of practical items and delightful surprises. Practical gifts such as warm socks and mittens are a great choice. Another practical gift to consider is a new cup.
Include some of your toddler’s favorite snacks to make their Christmas morning even more special. Bite-sized crackers, fruit puree pouches, or even small packs of their favorite cereals can be tucked in.
For an 18-month-old, consider toys that stimulate their cognitive, physical and social development. Building blocks, shape sorters, and musical instruments are great for this age group. Items like a pull toy or push cart can help them practice their walking skills.
Other interesting gifts include books with large pictures or colorful puzzles.
An 18-month-old may not be able to understand the concept of Santa, but they do enjoy festive activities such as decorating and singing Christmas carols. The excitement of opening gifts or the fun of searching for presents can be fun. Now is a good time to get on the same page with your partner or other family members about what this tradition will look like in your house.
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.