Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Updated January 2019
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bresser
BlueCabi 6x21mm Binoculars
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Bottom Line

The perfect stocking stuffer for young explorers. Kids who enjoy bird watching and discovering nature will love that they are powerful enough to see details from a distance.

Pros

Kid-sized binoculars with decent 6x21mm power. Rubber coating protects them against drops and bumps. Comes with accessories including a carrying bag and wrist strap, and backed by a 2-year warranty. 2 color options.

Cons

Can take a little time and effort to focus. Some may have flaws, but the warranty provides peace of mind.

Mad Libs
Christmas Carol Mad Libs
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Bottom Line

If you are looking for an inexpensive game that also makes a great stocking stuffer, you can't go wrong with Mad Libs – a popular word game for generations.

Pros

Classic Mad Libs word game with a Christmas theme that focuses on popular carols. Contains new stories (than other Christmas Mad Libs). Makes an affordable stocking stuffer for school-aged kids and teens.

Cons

Some kids may not "get" the ad lib concept or enjoy word games.

Best Bang for the Buck
Melissa & Doug
Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes
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Bottom Line

An affordable stocking stuffer that works for boys and girls, and is suitable for older kids too – even adults enjoy using them.

Pros

Cool scratch notes that are a fun way for kids to explore their artistic and creative abilities. Black finish scratches off to reveal a rainbow of colors. Comes with a dispensing cube, wooden stylus, and includes 125 3.5 x 3.5" note sheets.

Cons

Not intended for very small kids, as the stylus has a pointed tip.

Play Visions
Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops
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Bottom Line

Though you may want to pass on this kit if your tub has a porous finish, it's a neat way to add color and creativity to youngsters' bath time.

Pros

Offers a unique way to add fun to bath time, thanks to the colorful bathtub crayons and 60 fizz tablets that tint water. No toxic/harmful ingredients. Stimulates the imagination.

Cons

Although the cleanup is easy in most circumstances, the colors have been known to stain some tub surfaces. Crayons feel somewhat waxy – most parents and kids like the fizz tablets best.

SyPen
Invisible Disappearing Ink Pen, Pack of 12
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Bottom Line

These invisible ink pens make great stocking stuffers for older kids who like novelty items or enjoy playing games that involve a bit of detective work.

Pros

Mystifies kids with the invisible ink that can be seen with each pen's built-in light. A neat item for playing detective or spy games. You get 12 pens, so this is a great pick if you have lots of stockings to fill.

Cons

While the pens come in several colors, the color of the ink doesn't vary. Some packs had pens with dim or non-working lights, and the batteries aren't replaceable.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 36 Models Considered
  • 9 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 442 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    When Christmas morning rolls around, dipping into their stockings is one more thrill that kids can't wait to experience. Regardless of what's inside, part of the fun is searching through numerous toys and gadgets that are just the right size to fit. There are almost countless options when it comes to stocking stuffers that kids of all ages will love, but the best ones are interesting, useful, and made to create lasting holiday memories.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Jennifer
      Jennifer
      Writer
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    Bresser

    BlueCabi 6x21mm Binoculars

    Bresser

    BlueCabi 6x21mm Binoculars

    The perfect stocking stuffer for young explorers. Kids who enjoy bird watching and discovering nature will love that they are powerful enough to see details from a distance.

    $24
    ×

    Mad Libs

    Christmas Carol Mad Libs

    Mad Libs

    Christmas Carol Mad Libs

    If you are looking for an inexpensive game that also makes a great stocking stuffer, you can't go wrong with Mad Libs – a popular word game for generations.

    $4
    ×

    Melissa & Doug

    Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes

    Melissa & Doug

    Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes

    An affordable stocking stuffer that works for boys and girls, and is suitable for older kids too – even adults enjoy using them.

    $10
    ×

    Play Visions

    Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops

    Play Visions

    Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops

    Though you may want to pass on this kit if your tub has a porous finish, it's a neat way to add color and creativity to youngsters' bath time.

    $12
    ×

    SyPen

    Invisible Disappearing Ink Pen, Pack of 12

    SyPen

    Invisible Disappearing Ink Pen, Pack of 12

    These invisible ink pens make great stocking stuffers for older kids who like novelty items or enjoy playing games that involve a bit of detective work.

    $12

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