Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bresser BlueCabi 6x21mm Binoculars
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 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.

Cons

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 Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes
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 by 3.5 inch note sheets.

Cons

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

Mad Libs Christmas Carol Mad Libs
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 newer 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.

Play Visions Crayola Bathtub Crayons with Crayola Color Bath Drops
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 or 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
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.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
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.

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.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Yoyo King
Merlin Pro Yoyo with Ball Bearing Axle and Extra String
SMALL FISH
22-Piece Sensory Fidget Toys Set
Tootsie Roll
Re-usable Bank Filled with Midgees
Play-Doh
Slime - Yellow, Metallic Purple, & Metallic Teal
NUTTY TOYS
Super Slow Rising Scented Unicorn Squishy
The team that worked on this review
  • Jennifer
    Jennifer
    Writer
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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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.

$22
×

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.

$7
×

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.

$17
×

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.

$10

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