I will admit when I first had kids and started helping Santa with the stockings, I needed to learn a thing or two.
Like the fact that the kids were MUCH more excited about their stockings that I had anticipated.
There is an art to finding just the right items for the stockings — fun but useful, engaging but seasonal and something that Mom probably wouldn’t give to the kids (let’s face it, Santa is waaaay cooler than Mom).
I think the key to a great stocking is one that has a few memorable items that will be treasured for a while along with some fun treats to eat. So I like to start in November to hunt for some creative items that fit a current hobby or obsession — and ones that are good and will last well past winter break!
Great Stocking Stuffers for Kids
We love it when Santa leaves items that are played with for a long time or ones that lead to a great experience. Mini science kits, puzzles, seasonal items and cool ‘practical’ gifts are always a big hit.
Here’s our list of some of the great items Santa has left at our house along with affiliate links so you can decide if you want to put them on your list for this year!
Seasonal Fun
Santa always leaves something ‘christmas’ for us – probably made by the elves. We love these items and keep them from year to year.
Christmas art items are always fun (and by December, it’s nice to have a new set of crayons or markers again!). Try some Holiday Stampers or these cute little Crayola Pip-squeaks Markers
Another big hit are holiday coupons! Try these Coupons from Santa for Good Boys and Girls: Stocking stuffer coupons to redeem throughout the year!
You might also find some mini holiday toys like the ones in this fun Christmas TOOB
And we just adore these fun 3D Christmas Glasses
Fun & Engaging Activities
Mini-figurines — Kids love mini! We love the figurines and play items from Safari Ltd. and use them quite a bit for both pretend play and educational activities. They have a huge selection of Toobs with a variety of animals & structures to fit any child’s interests!
Card Games — always a big hit because they are interactive. Try Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat Card Game
Books, Books, Books — yep, Santa loves to encouraging reading! We always find some fun seasonal reads in our stockings.
Babies & toddlers will adore A Christmas Carol: A BabyLit Colors Primer 
For book ideas for preschoolers & elementary age kids, check out New Holiday Books post and also our book list for fun Christmas traditions.
Tweens & teens will appreciate books that focus on a favorite hobby, interest or some creative Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids
Give an Experience
Some of the items we find in our stockings lead to even more fun! If you have a child who loves to help in the kitchen, maybe they’ll find an apron and a real set of Kids Kitchen Tools!
Or maybe you have an outdoor explorer in the house? In that case, a copy of The Kids’ Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things to Do in Nature Before You Grow Up
Creative Gifts
These ideas are ‘outside of the box’ fun that kids will love! First is Crazy Aaron’s Purple Thinking Putty
Another classic art/science item are Shrinky Dinks (remember those?!). Try Non-Toxic Talking Animal Hand Tatoos
Two more creative toys include Pocket Etch A Sketch
Classic Toys
And of course, there’s always those wonderful toys that stand the test of time. We’ve already mentioned a few — the Uno Card Game and the Etch-a-Sketch — other memorable ones include a Classic Metal Original Slinky and the Rubik’s Cube — both will offer hours of fun for the kids!
More Great Gift Ideas for Kids
Creative Gifts that Feed Your Child’s Passion
7 Gift Ideas for Creative Kids