I'm just going to come right out and say it: Stocking stuffers for kids are getting a bit out of hand. I'm all for starting Christmas morning on a high note with these tiny treasures, but I'm a firm believer that you don't need to break the bank (and, ya know, Santa's sleigh) to do so. And since I'm the type to put my money where my mouth is, I'm here with a list of kid-friendly fillers under $20 that are sure to bring the cheer.
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I take a more practical route with stocking stuffers for men and women , but kids? They deserve nothing but fun. Some of these stocking stuffers will make it to school (a mini Hydro Flask, for example) but most of them will be put to good use during winter break — there's a color-changing Rubik's cube, a retro metal Slinky and a travel-size tin of mini Magna-Tiles. I also threw in a few silly gags, like a bag of cotton candy disguised as reindeer farts, for good measure.
Best stocking stuffers for kids under $5
Fill their stocking with a little bit of magic — unicorn magic, that is. She may call it "lipstick," but you'll be glad to know there's no color payoff whatsoever — just a little shine, hydration and lip smackin' flavor.
Plus, as one five-star fan pointed out, the tube doubles as a toy. "After the lip balm finished, they still play with the unicorn," they wrote.
More than 20 years after the release of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, the fuzzy blue alien is still capturing hearts. This little guy has become even more popular in the last year due to the movie's live-action remake, and there are so many new toys to show for it.
Want to give 'em a really gooey time? Introduce them to slimy Stitch — just crack open the case to reveal vibrant blue slime. "It's squishy, not sticky," one satisfied slimer wrote , adding that they can "play with it and put it back without needing to wash my hands."
Amazon
You won't get creativity points for this one, but let me just say that the humble Slinky is a classic for a reason. It's been around for 80 years, and yet it's still charming kids everywhere (and the older folks raising 'em).
More than 60,000 Amazon shoppers picked up one in the last month (for stocking stuffers, I'm sure of it!), including one pleased parent who gushed that its mesmerizing motion is "better than a video game." They added: "I also feel it's educational as they will try to get the Slinky to 'walk' down steps. Any toy my boys still enjoy six months later is a hit to me!"
Target
A Lego set for $5? Cheese and crackers, it's a holiday miracle! This 33-piece build is super quick (especially if parents lend a hand!), but that just means they'll have more time to sip on a cuppa with Bluey and Chattermax.
Best stocking stuffers for kids under $10
Amazon
Don't limit their doodles to the page. That's right, they can mold 3D creations with these bendy, waxy sticks. One parent called them "pure magic." Why exactly? "Quiet kids, busy hands, and zero mess! My little artist turned the table into a mini sculpture museum, and I actually got to drink my coffee while it was still hot."
Give little ones the sugar-induced sillies with this toot-tastic treat, which smells — and tastes? — like cherries. Cue the fart jokes (sorry, parents, but it's all about those smiles, right?).
Pint-size spies can write special messages for their eyes only — or the eyes of the ones they trust (ahem, you). The ink is totally invisible unless they shine it with the blacklight from the pen's cap.
Amazon
A deck of cards can go a long way with kids. And while I'm sure you've got the basics covered, have you heard of Flip 7? It's a fast-paced game where you try to reach 200 points without getting any duplicate cards. Sure, there's plenty of strategy involved, but it's really a test of how badly you want to try your luck.
Paint a festive scene one glitter sticker at a time. It's the same idea as a paint-by-number, but they simply stick stickers in the right spot instead of putting a paintbrush to paper. (Less mess! Woohoo!) There are 10 seasonal "paintings," and each page is perforated, so they can tear out their masterpiece and hang it somewhere for all to see.
Forget Labubus — here's a blind box that won't break the bank. The same rules apply: Rip open the foil bag to reveal a new squad member, all of which have a subtle scent that'll help bring the stuffie to life.
Best stocking stuffers for kids under $20
Amazon
It's captivating to look at, but just wait until they get their hands on it. My guess: They'll squish, stretch and wiggle this self-soother for hours on end. "It's small enough to transport, but not too small, which is handy for travel," one reviewer pointed out.
Speaking of size, spring for the smaller one for little hands (although the larger option will still come under budget).
Amazon
Cracking the code a Rubik's Cube is hard enough as it is, but this light-up version adds another layer of difficulty for serious cubers. There's more than meets the eye here: It starts as a fully mirrored cube, but it'll light up with different colors with a push of a button. They'll have one minute to solve it before the lights go out.
Amazon
Come to think of it, bathtubs are really just a blank canvas. Alright, alright, hear me out: These washable paint sticks rub right off when little ones are nice and clean. Just be sure to tell your little artists to avoid unsealed grout and keep drawings to tub walls, tile and glass.
"Does not stain at all," one happy parent glowed. "All I used was a wet wash cloth and it came right off! She has colored on herself and it also comes right off."
When the weather outside is frightful, give 'em a tin of Magna-Tiles and watch their imagination run wild. This travel-friendly version has a seasonal twist — there are 24 tiles in snowy hues, plus two that look like Frosty (yep, that Frosty) when paired together.
"I love that my kids can either each play with a set independently or mix them all together to make something bigger as a team," one playful parent penned. Another added: "We keep a set in our vehicle and use it all the time. It’s great to take to appointments, restaurants or long car trips."
Amazon
This water bottle is teeny-tiny — I'm talking just shy of 7 inches tall with a volume of 6.7 ounces. Small but mighty, this kid-sized Hydro Flask still packs the power: It has a leakproof lid and an insulated design, which keeps drinks cold for up to seven hours — a full school day!
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
