Budget Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Note: Amazon links are affiliated

After sharing non-toy gift ideas, and the few things I am getting my kids for Christmas, you may be wondering what kind of items make it to the list when it comes to stockings, since I am trying to simplify my life. Stocking stuffers are notoriously filled with 'fluff' and basically things that will get destroyed or thrown away in the first day of their being given. If you want your stockings to be less than $20 but not 20 things from the Dollar Tree, I hope you find this post helpful!

In the past I have done whatever random little toys I find on sale throughout the year, like blind bags, mini Paw Patrol figures, and while this is fun, it's also easily lost, and the fun is short lived. I've tried to transition more to fun but practical at the same time. I've started adding things like Paw Patrol socks and pjs, instead of the actual figures, and consumable arts and crafts, instead of breakable cheap toys. 

My son is 5 years old, and here are a few things he is getting in his stocking:

Paw Patrol 3 Card Game Value Pack - This is something we found for about $3 (which would make it $1 a piece) after Easter this past year. I love this because my son will enjoy both the character aspect of it, as well as something we can do as a family. He loves playing games together, and this will be something we can enjoy over and over again.

Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Grab and Go Play Packs (Pack of 12) - This is something I do recommend to get at the dollar store. They carry these grab and go play packs, that have stickers, coloring book, and some crayons. This is something that will be thrown away after one use, but my son loves these when we have long meetings, or during church. The Dollar Tree has all different characters to choose from, so these can be fun for a wide age range! ($1)

Crayola Crayons 24 ct (Pack of 2) - My kids has been so rough on his crayons this year! This would normally be a good thing to buy after school supplies go on sale, but my son has gone through those already-yikes! ( I will be buying 1 pack, so $2 max)

Earlier this year, Scholastic had a sale with $1 books. We got some Magic School Bus books, as well as some early readers. A couple of the books might be considered 'fluff' but I don't mind having a few that are fun and easy for Little Man to read. I have a book about losing teeth (Little Man has a loose tooth, so this is perfect timing!), and a simple reader. I don't have links to these, but I am adding a link to a favorite Magic School Bus book. ($2)
The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System

I am also adding a special hot chocolate packet and some candy (because it's Christmas, right?!). I am also buying Pajamas from Children's place for a about $10. This puts me right at $20!


Here is what Baby Girl, who just turned 1 this past week, is getting in her stocking.

Baby Touch and Feel: Baby Animals The DK touch and feel books are some of my favorites for little ones, and they are very inexpensive. I also bought this after Easter, but even on Amazon right now, they are normally around the $5 mark. (I paid about $3)

Colgate My First Baby and Toddler Toothpaste and Toothbrush This is a cliche stocking gift, but this will be Baby Girl's first 'real' toothbrush! This is perfect for a Baby's first Christmas, or even when they get a bit older, and gift it with their favorite character on it. (around $5 for set)

Baby Girl also will be getting a set of pjs ($8) and instead of candy, I will get her some puffs or other baby snack food ($2). This puts me at $18.

If you missed my past posts, click here to check out Non-Toy gifts for Babies and Toddlers.
Click here to check out Non-Toy gifts for the 3-6 age range! These include things that would make great stocking stuffers! My Amazon recommendations are some other things I think would make fun things to put in your child's stocking!

What you putting in your kid's stockings? Do you normally set a budget?