The BEST Baby and Toddler Stocking Stuffers

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happy toddler dressed in Santa hat

It’s tough to fill a baby or toddler’s stocking

After all, how do you find items for the under threes that are small enough to fit into that awkward sock shape, yet not so small that they are liable to choke on them?! And how do you do it without breaking the bank? (After you’ve already spent a small fortune on the other gifts!) It’s all about the wrapping paper at this age anyway, right?

Of course, most of them won’t know if they don’t have a stocking- it’s certainly not mandatory. But perhaps you have older kids around who will notice if Santa leaves out their sibling, or maybe you want that cute photo opportunity of baby with their first filled stocking.

There are plenty of creative options out there for things that your under three will both enjoy and (perhaps more importantly) actually use. That way you won’t just feel like you’re spending money just for the sake of it. These tried and tested ideas are here to help!

The Best Baby & Toddler Stocking Stuffers

  • Snacks: If your little one is already self-feeding (or will be soon) a few little packets of their favorite finger foods are just the thing. Depending on their age, try freeze dried yogurt drops (My son is totally addicted!), puffs, cheese crackers, animal crackers or baby oat bars. Even a baby food pouch would fit in there. And look, if you want to sneak a piece of chocolate in there for the older toddler, I’m not going to judge!
  • First utensils: Even if your baby doesn’t need these yet, they soon will and they’re the perfect size to slip in a stocking. We like these Monee toddler utensils, but there are so many fun options like this construction themed set or ones that feature familiar characters like Paw Patrol or Bluey. For those at the very beginning of their feeding journey, there are plenty of uniquely designed first feeders like Grabease or GOOtensils.
  • Toothbrush set & teethers: After all those snacks, it’s time to keep those new baby teeth clean and healthy! Another practical choice, there are plenty of fun options too, like this  Elmo  Toothbrush Set with flouride free training toothpaste .(There’s also a finger brush version for the very tiny ones.) Top tip: Pair with the Elmo toothbrushing song for greater toddler toothbrushing compliance! You can thank me later. Teething toys are also a great option, like these Infantino water teethers that can be chilled in the fridge.
  • Bath toys: These are a great for baby and toddler stockings.Magic  bath book, rubber duckies,  tub squirters and boats are just a few ideas. One year we put these floating bubbles in our 18-month-old’s stocking and they were a big hit!
  • Wash cloth: A great accompaniment to the bath toys. These organic muslin wash cloths look so soft and gentle for sensitive baby skin.
  • Sensory balls: This is one of my faves for the younger babies! Buy a bag of sensory balls and wrap them individually to fit in the stocking! (We love this Infantino textured ball set!) This has the added benefit of making the unwrapping fun last longer!
  • Toddler cars or trucks: Just like the balls, you can split the pack and wrap them individually. We’ve enjoyed this set of engineering vehicles.
  • Soft books or board books: Okay, so you’re not going to be able to fit an encyclopedia in there, but soft books can roll up to fit in (We love the Manhattan Toy soft activity books) and small board books are perfect to add down that stocking end. A few of our favorite miniatures are Where is the Green Sheep? and Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks from A to Z. There’s plenty to look at in these books and they’re handy to slip in a bag for when you’re out and about.
  • Small items of clothing:  You won’t get a full outfit in there, but a fun shirt or a pair of cozy socks are perfect! (What baby doesn’t love a pair of socks to pull off and leave in places when you’re out?). Zutano baby booties or Robeez crib shoes are great for keeping little feet warm all winter.  They’re easy to get on and will stay put because of their unique designs. If you’re approaching potty training, some fun big kid underwear could also be just the ticket.
  • Stuffy or Lovey: This could also be the perfect time for baby’s first lovey or new stuffed animal! We like the jellycat loveys that can go in the washing machine.
  • Accessories: Think hair ties, bows, a cute dress tie or bow tie, etc… If you’re buying them for the holiday photos anyway you may as well slip ’em in there!

Bonus Tip:
Remember you don’t need to fill your toddler’s stocking to overflowing! They will be slower unwrappers than their older siblings. As long as they have something to unwrap, other kiddos are unlikely to notice if they get less.

A few thoughtfully chosen items are all you need for stocking success! (And let’s face it, nothing beats the love that you give them all year round!) What’s your favorite way to fill your baby or toddler’s stocking?

A toddler in a red dress is in front of a christmas tree with toys at the bottom.