What to Look for: When Buying a Toddler a Stocking Stuffer
At this age (12-36 months), toddlers will be drawn to the large toys, however you can make stocking stuffers just as fun! Smaller gifts can become favorites, read on for our recommendations this 2020 Christmas season.
Tips when choosing toddler stocking stuffers:
1. Buy toys that are large enough to not pose a choking hazard
2. Choose brightly colored gifts – to compete with big toys
3. Choose things that will provide sensory activities later (bathtub crayons, finger paints). Your future self will thank you!
4. Pick toys that can be used in the car for travel
5. Include small, fun practical gifts (banana shaped toothbrush for example)
6. Take toys out of their packaging to fit better in the stocking. Your toddler will never know the difference!
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Related Gift Guides:
Best Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers
These inexpensive stocking stuffers for toddlers (2-4 year olds) are a mix of practical ideas with silly and fun toys. If the packaging makes them too large to fit into your stocking, take them out of the packaging - your toddler will never know.
Before you put out your stocking, be sure to Read 5 Rookie Mistakes Parents Make On Christmas Eve to make sure you don't accidentally ruin the magic of Santa!
If your daughter doesn't love getting the hair in her eyes clipped back, these adorable animal clips might change her mind. Select from 15 different animal styles.
For the toddler who has everything these crayons are not only beautiful, but completely usable! Help your toddler practice spelling their name with this great gift set.
These little eggs provide two matching games - match the face on the shell to the color of the egg and match the shape of the shell to the bottom of the carton.
Toddlers will love practicing their colors and shapes as well as hearing the eggs squeak when you press down on them.
This adorable set is perfect for the teething toddler. They can play dress up and relieve some pain when they are suffering. Lots of colors and styles to choose from.
100% toxin free, these crayons and bath drops make bath time so much more fun! Let your toddler's artistic talent shine during their bath. These clean up easy as well with a wipe (check instructions for first time use).
These little books are great for travel - fill the reusable pen with water and your toddler can practice their alphabet and animals. Best for older toddlers.
Expand your toddlers vocabulary with this wonderful 40-Piece Set – Each of the alphabet’s 26 letters are included in the set, along with doubles of more common letters (A, B, D, E, I, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, and U)
Small board books are great for toddler's stocking stuffer. This book is a best seller for a reason: its positive message to spread happiness. The brightly colored pages and rhymes will make it a toddler favorite.
Related Toddler Gift Guides
Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers - Boys
Studies show that young boys do have toy preferences prior to socialization influence. So, as parents you can feel secure in knowing there is no "harm" in giving a toddler boy a truck or car - because he naturally prefers it!
Place 200 stars on your toddler's ceiling and he will love gazing up before bed time. The set includes one moon as well.
Your toddler boy can master his building skills with this smaller set from LEGO DUPLO. With this set your son can build the police van and small bank building.
These little wooden vehicles will provide hours of imagination and fun to any child.
Little boys are fascinated with big trucks. This yellow dump truck with big black wheels is sure to delight any boy. Comes with a satin ribbon to hang on the tree.
Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers - Girls
If you want to add a few items for your toddler girl that are more gender specific keep the following in mind:
Studies show that men tend to have better spatial awareness then women. There is debate whether this is a result of nature or nuture. So why not help your daughter with toys that help her master this skill - blocks, balls, puzzles.
And throwing in a few cute bows or socks isn't going to hurt anyone either.
This little quiet book of felt will entertain your toddler while travelling for the holiday! On the cover you will find a pocket in which you can put candy.
This remains one of my toddlers favorite dolls. Small and perfect for sleeping with or travel.
This wooden hairbrush in pink white tones is a personalized unique gift for a little girl.
Toddler Stocking Stuffers - under $10
Many of the above mentioned toddler stocking stuffers were budget friendly as well, but here is a list of our favorite under $10 gifts to keep your little one busy.
Pull the string to activate the propeller and make bath time extra fun with motion. Encourages motor skills while teaching floating and sinking.
Melissa & Doug carry a few versions of their 'My First Temporary Tattoos". Sports & Adventure, Fairies & Butterflies, etc. Your toddler will love their first temporary tattoos.
- Includes 3 Kids’ Safety Scissors for “ouch-free” paper cutting
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Dollar Store Finds
The dollar store is a great place to find little stocking stuffers for toddlers that won't break the bank. Load up on:
Crayons
Markers
Paint Brushes
Stickers
Coloring Books
Bubbles
We use the Crayola Bath Dropz every day at bathtime! Great list – thanks for sharing!
Awesome! I love them!
This is a great list of stocking stuffers for toddlers! I’ll have to keep a few of these in mind for the upcoming holiday. Thanks for putting this together!
Great! Let me know if you find any other toys to add to the list!
This is such a great list!! I am saving it for a little bit closer to Christmas! It’s coming fast!
These are really great ideas! I can’t wait to try some of these for my little one’s first christmas.
This post just reminded me how close to Christmas we actually are! I best get started…thanks for the inspiration! …Jen xx
Wooden blocks were always a hit in our house. And my kids loved anything Melissa & Doug. Great list!
What a great list my son turns 1 on Dec 15 so this is a great birthday list as well. Thank you for sharing it.
Happy early birthday to your son! I also have a gift guide dedicated to one year old boys you should check out! https://mominthesix.com/gift-toys-1-year-old-boy/
My kids love bath drops! Great ideas on this list.
Some great gift ideas thanks for sharing!
Perfect! All great ideas for my daughter, nieces and nephews!
I struggle with these ideas every year! I love these gifts! I pinned to my account so I can read this again as Christmas gets closer. I especially like the included dollar store finds list. gotta love the dollar store when kiddos are this young!
Great! Thanks for pinning too! The Dollar Store is great for activities (crayons, paints, etc), but I find Amazon better for actual toys.