When I was a kid, opening up the smaller stocking filler items were one of my favourite parts of Christmas – even more so than the big presents under the tree. There’s something really exciting about a whole sack full of surprises, and it’s a great way to give some useful things, and include something a bit quirky too!
Here a few last minute stocking fillers ideas for all ages, from some of the fun products we’ve tried over the past few weeks and months.
Smart Eggs
These cool smart eggs are logic puzzles, where you need to move the stick from the top of the egg to the bottom, via a labyrinth of paths. There are a variety of different difficulty levels, the trickier ones can take up to 3 hours to pass!
These are recommended for age 6+ and I would say that’s right. My 7 year old loved trying them, and I have to admit I enjoyed them myself too. They’re great for Christmas time, as all the family can have a turn and you can challenge each other.
They are available from Waterstones from just £5.99 and are a handy small size to fit into a stocking.
Thermos products
If you’re putting together a stocking for a more grown up person (let’s face it, it’s not only the little ones who would love a stocking!) then a travel mug for coffee and other hot drinks would be a great idea. We have the Genuine Thermos Brand 470ml Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler which fits into our car cup holders, perfect for taking our beloved coffee with us on the go. You can get them in lots of different colours, to make it more personal
All products are available at Thermos.co.uk
Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters – The Complete Season Three
Including a DVD is a must for every stocking, and if your kids are into Transformers, then the complete season 3 is bound to be a hit, and gives you hours of entertainment with approx 338 minutes run time in total.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, this card game created by world famous composer and cellist Philip Sheppard makes a fun and educational gift for kids. Kids can create their own compositions by ordering the cards, and then enter the codes online to hear what they have created. There are 60 transparent cards with different notes/combinations on. You simply arrange them in any order you wish – the cards can go any way up and can be flipped over too. The idea is that kids can create incredible musical compositions of their own, without any prior knowledge of music or tuition in reading music.
Little Ondine Nail Varnish
If you have girls, nail varnish is a great staple stocking filler. Who doesn’t love adding a bit of colour to their nails? Earlier in the year, I was introduced to the Little Ondine brand which is great for younger kids because it simply peels off once you’re ready to remove – so there is no need for harsh nail polish remover. This is so much more child friendly, it also has natural ingredients and it comes in lots of fun colours including glittery sparkly ones.
For more info visit uk.littleondine.com
This is a colourful new construction toy which gives children the complete freedom to let their imaginations run wild. With prices starting from just £4.99, it makes an ideal stocking filler. My boys enjoyed putting together different shapes and creations using these plastic Bizzy Bitz pieces
Fire Station Activity Book and Playset
Activity books are usually a hit with little ones. This Fire Station Activity Book and Playset from Parragon has pieces to build and play, and will be handy to keep little ones occupied indoors over the two weeks of the Christmas holidays.
Child’s Farm
Sneak something useful into the stocking, with the Child’s Farm Little Essentials kit, including hair & body wash, Moisturiser for silky skin, 3in1 Swim for hair-to-toe after swim care and Detangler for flowing locks. The award winning products use natural ingredients and essential oils.
Crafty Kids Kits
Craft kits are always a hit with most kids, and make great stocking fillers. This puppet kit from Paul Lamond is lots of fun, and will keep the kids busy over the Christmas holidays. There are lots of varieties available from dinosaur, to pirate, to fairy, so you can tailor your choice to your child’s interest
I hope these suggestions are useful. Wishing you all a merry Christmas!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.