We love every merry moment that the holidays hold, but it's time to be totally honest: The surprise and delight that stockings bring might just be the most magical part of the entire season! So much excitement is centered around this treasured ritual.
Chances are, searching through stockings is the first part of your gifting celebration. On Christmas morning (or the night before; or the Saturday before, because that's when everyone could get together and your aunt is flying in and that's just the way we're doing it this year, okay?), kids get to race to the stockings hung with care, their eyes holding a glimmer and their smiles as ecstatic as ever. Every reach into their special stocking brings another joy!
This part is truly the very best. Make it as happy as can be with the greatest stocking stuffers! We have so many ideas sure to wow kids at every age. Be sure to see our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide, which has stocking stuffers (plus every other sort of present!) all figured out.
1. Art Supplies
From colored pencils to mini watercolor sets, art supplies are so colorful and fun to open. This year, think outside of the pencil box of the traditional art supplies with art kits like mini origami sets, henna tattoo stencils and face painting kits that can turn an ordinary Saturday afternoon into an art fair at your own kitchen table.
2. Ornaments
We love the tradition of gifting an ornament to each family member every year! It's a heartfelt gesture that makes decorating the tree extra meaningful. Look for themed ornaments that align with their interests or ones with the year engraved. You can always do time stamping yourself with a permanent marker — just write their name and year on the underside and they can start to grow their own collection for future holiday traditions.
3. Statement Socks
A pair of comfy, fuzzy socks will make hanging out at home on cold winter days extra cozy. We like socks with a lot of personality for stocking stuffers that create a playful statement when jeans are rolled up or boots are kicked off! They can discover festive socks in the morning and then wear them all day for your fun holiday celebration.
4. Travel Games
Tiny puzzles, mini chess and checkerboard sets — games that can be tucked into car seat pockets get a lot of mileage! Kids tend to love activities they can take along with them. There are plenty of handheld electronic games and activity books filled with brain teasers (think word puzzles and sudoku!) that keep little minds engaged and happy on trips.
5. Tech Gadgets
What kid doesn't love tech gear? Think of any gadget small enough to fit in a stocking, like colorful earbuds or a wireless charger. Stylish smartphone cases offer protection from drops and scratches (and PopSockets® PopGrips make their phone easier to hold!). You can even help them stay organized while on the go with clever accessories like a tech case or cord organizer.
6. Tiny Books and Journals
From miniature fairy tales to poetry books and even the classics, there's a veritable library of tiny books that can fit in the palm of a hand. A tiny journal makes a great gift, too. They can doodle, log travel adventures and capture their dreams and ambitions. Don't forget a little, cute pencil or pen to round out the whole writing experience!
7. Mittens
Mittens. We love them, we lose them (well, usually just one of them) and average about a pair every year, so the holidays are the perfect time to stock up. Soft mittens are just the ticket on chilly winter treks and standing at the bus stop in January. For older kids tethered to their tech devices, touch screen gloves and convertible mittens that fold down to make fingerless gloves allow them to text and scroll to their hearts' content while still keeping their hands toasty.
8. Hair Accessories
From fun scrunchies to embellished headbands to colorful statement clips, there are so many adorable hair accessories trending right now. Oversized bows are another big item, as are oh-so-retro ponytail scarves that can be worn in a sleek high ponytail or a loose low one. Trust us; she'll have it in her hair before the stocking gifts have all been opened!
9. Keychains and Bag Charms
Whether they're old enough to have their own set of keys or not, these cute accessories add a touch of fun to any keyring, backpack or favorite bag. There are so many cute keychains and charms — adorable animals, tassels, or maybe something little something blingy. It's a form of self-expression, like stickers and patches, that she can use to dress up her bags so they're a reflection of her.
10. Gift Cards
A Gift Card or an E-Gift Card empowers your kids to pick out something of their choice. If they've been saving up for a big-ticket item like a new bike or sleepover camp, a gift card from a major credit card company can go a long way in helping them fulfill their wishes. Gift cards to their favorite stores and hangout spots (like the local coffee shop, ice cream spot or movie theater) are always well-received. Present the card in a wallet or zip ID for extra points!
11. Chocolates and Candies
A stocking wouldn't be the same without a sweet treat. We love to make ours holiday-themed and almost too pretty to eat … something they wouldn't find any other time of the year. Whether it's a homemade goodie or an elaborate gourmet gift, they'll love the little extra sugar on such a fun day.
12. Sunglasses and Blue Light Lenses
An unexpected present that can still fit inside of a stocking: a new pair of shades for sunny days or lenses that block out blue light from tech devices! Older kids and teenagers are sure to love reaching for their new pair of glasses. Chances are, they'll find an excuse to wear them that very day!
13. Personalized Jewelry
The holidays are a great time to give her something extra special. A necklace, ring or bracelet with her initial is always a treat. A charm she can add to a collection — or start one with! — is also great. We love putting this one in the toe of the stocking so it's one of the last gifts she opens. Watch her put it on Christmas morning and keep on forever.
