Finding stocking stuffers that aren’t just cheap plastic trinkets can be a challenge. Here are twenty-three gift ideas that have lasting value.
Stocking stuffers get me every year.
Just after I’ve crossed everything off of my to-do list – the gift buying, gift-making, cookie-baking, etc. – I sit back and relax. “Now all I have to do is wait for December 25th,” I tell myself.
And then it happens. About a week before Christmas it hits me – “Oh no – I forgot to buy stocking stuffers!!”
In a bit of a panic, I hop online trying to search for the perfect tiny presents that fit into a gigantic sock.
Sure it would be easy to just run over to the nearest stationary or drug store and find little plastic knickknacks.
But we already have enough good-for-nothing things in our house – that have no other purpose but to drive me crazy with the clutter they create.
If I’m going to buy a gift – even a tiny gift – it has to have a purpose, be meaningful, and hopefully, last until the next Christmas comes around.
Below are a few stocking stuffers that pass that test. Each has a purpose and are arranged by kids’ interests. Happy shopping!
Science Related Stocking Stuffers:
Insect Lore Bug Viewer and Case: Help your young scientist observe bugs in this bug-friendly viewer.
Jar of Glow Stars: Recreate star constellations with these glow-in-the-dark star stickers.
A flower and leaf press to save outdoor treasures
The company Green Science puts together a number of small kits that let kids try their hand a science. Here are a few:
- Solar Rover Kit: transform a soda can into a solar-powered vehicle
- Potato Clock: Use a potato to power a clock!
- Weather Station Kit: Observe and record weather conditions around the home with this kit.
- Clean Water Science: This kit demonstrates the scientific way to extract salt from seawater
Educational Stocking Stuffers
This Color the Earth Inflatable Ball helps kids get a better sense of world geography while using their creativity. It also makes for a fun toy after all the drawing is complete! See also the Color the Galaxy Inflatable Ball.
Stocking Stuffers for the Artistic & Creative Kid
Filling a stocking with art supplies is always a winner with kids who love to create! These products are eco-friendly to boot:
Invisible Ink Pens: What could be better than writing secret letters that no one can see unless put under a special light?
This sun art paper mixes creativity and science by letting kids create images with the sun. Place any object on this paper for a short time in the sun and a film-like impression will appear.
This series of cute books called 32 Ways to Dress a…Dog, Cat, Fox, Pig, Bear or Bunny shows the beginning design of an animal but leaves the clothing to kids imagination.
The Gift of Experiences
Museum membership cards: Science museums, children’s museums – the gift of membership not only supports these institutions but also provides the chance for many family outings.
Tickets to a sporting event: If you have a kid who loves sports, give them the gift of a trip to see their favorite team. Even if it’s too early to buy tickets, you can create a card kids can cash-in later.
Tickets to a performance: If you have a ballerina, a theater nut or you know your kids will love seeing Disney on Ice, wrap up a few tickets to these performances.
Games and Puzzles that Fit Inside a Stocking
Snatch It: This competitive and fast-paced word game challenges players to think quickly while putting their vocabulary skills to the test. Here’s how it works: Place 100 letter tiles face down and then take turns flipping one tile over at a time until a word of three or more letters can be formed.
Go Fish: What kid doesn’t like Go Fish? It’s easy to play, easy to understand, and fun for all ages.
Melissa & Doug Family Dinner Box of Questions Game contains 82 conversations starters – a great way to get kids talking during dinner time.
Gifts of Charity
Global Giving: Encourage kids’ generosity with a Global Giving gift card. Global Giving is a crowdfunding community that lets donors choose from thousands of projects to support. Kids will feel empowered knowing exactly where their money is going.
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