Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids

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.

Kid-sized binoculars with decent 6-by-21-millimeter 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.

Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes

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

Best Bang for the Buck

Melissa & Doug

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

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 by 3.5 inch note sheets.

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

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.

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

Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops

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

Play Visions

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.

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 or harmful ingredients. Stimulates the imagination.

Invisible Disappearing Ink Pen, Pack of 12

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

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.

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.