What should you put in your toddlers stocking? Whether you have a Montessori approach or you just want to ensure they receive useful items, it can be hard to fill their stockings. These practical stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers are not only useful but they will keep your kiddo busy too!
This past Christmas I really struggled with what to put into my daughter’s stocking. I feel like most moms shop in Target’s Bullseye Playground and call it a day. This section has cute little toys, but they are not at all practical.
If I’m being completely honest, I don’t love toys. Especially, the cheap little stocking stuffers that children lose interest in. That’s when I decided to find some practical stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers…. That they would LOVE!
The BEST Practical Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Toddlers
In this list of practical stocking stuffers for toddlers, you will find everything from everyday items to Montessori toys. With my daughter, I like to include something she will love, an item I know she will use, and another to help her learn.
At Bless Our Littles, we like to talk about things we love and think you might enjoy too. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links (see disclosure here). This means we will receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This is no extra cost to you. There are some products we have tried and others that we haven’t but think would be helpful to you!
1. Wooden Chopping Knife
I love that this is an item that your toddler can use daily, while helping you out in the kitchen. This is such an amazing life skill to be learning at this age.
My daughter received this chopping knife around 18 months old and has loved it ever since. It gives her the option to use it in the kitchen, with play dough, or even for outdoor play with nature!
2. Kid Friendly Cooking Set
My daughter loves to help out in the kitchen, so this set is a must for her. I would individually wrap the set, just so she had more things to open up.
3. Toddler Size Apron
Again this is a great item to add, especially for a messy toddler. This could be used while they are cooking or for art projects. You could roll it up and put a bow around it.
I love this personalized apron by Little Boats Designs!
4. Small Spray Bottle
If your toddler loves to help you clean, grab an inexpensive spray bottle and put it in their stocking. You can fill it with water and give them a rag so they can help you around the house!
5. Small Watering Can
Most children love to play with water, so a watering can is a fun way for them to interact with water but will come in handy when helping you in the garden.
6. Wooden Tools
What kid doesn’t want to be just like their daddy? My daughter is always outside trying to help dad fix things. This wooden tools set by Busy Puzzle is a fun way for them to fix things too.
7. Gardening Set
I mentioned a watering can earlier, but if you have a garden a tool set is a must! This will allow them to help while you are caring for your plants.
8. Color Matching Toy
Now we will head into toys, I love all of the wooden toys. I truly don’t think we could own enough. Their durability and option for open ended play make them the perfect stocking stuffer for a toddler.
9. Montessori Mushroom Screw Toy
This Montessori screw toy by Simply To Play will help your toddler with their hand-eye coordination and their eye-sight measurement. I would bring this in the car or on a plane since it’s nice and small!
10. Schleich Animals
If your child loves animals they need these plastic figures. Schleich brand is some of the top quality plastic toys for kiddos. Many Montessori parents swear by these!
11. Toddler Size Utensils + Placemat
Let’s look at some everyday useful items for toddlers. I’m a HUGE fan of Lovevery (you can read my biggest regret in my review here). They have so many Montessori-like products and my daughter has loved everyone. This utensils and placemat will help your toddler to work on those fine-motor skills
12. Hat + Gloves
What toddler doesn’t need a new hat and glove set? Maybe you gave them a new jacket for Christmas, so you include a matching hat and glove set in their stocking.
13. No Slip Socks
I had no idea how important it was for toddlers to have no-slip socks. My daughter loves them and usually picks them out over the regular ones. They help her to run throughout the house with a lot less falls and slips.
14. Training Underwear
Is it almost time to start potty training? If so, include some cute training underwear. My daughter is obsessed with Frozen right now, so we got her some undies with Elsa and Ana…. We was sooooo excited!
15. Hairbrush
This might just be the cosmotologist in me, but every little girl needs her own hair brush. My daughter hates having her hair brushed, but magically started enjoying doing it herself. This is a very useful gift that will get her involved in the getting ready routine.
16. Water bottle
I feel like my daughter is ALWAYS in need of a new water bottle. She received one with a straw in her stocking and hasn’t put it down. (BONUS… it’s also spill proof!)
17. Toothbrush
Just like with the water bottle, what kid doesn’t like a new toothbrush? My daughter started liking Elmo, so when she opened the Sesame Street toothbrush she was so excited!
[Here are some FUN Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Toddlers]
18. Bath Crayons
We love bath time in our home. Bath crayons seemed like a fun new bath toy that would keep her busy.
19. Wooden Stamps
Depending on how old your toddler is, they may enjoy wooden stamps. You could get some craft paper to go along with it!
I stumbled on these Montessori inspired playdough stamps by Barn Owl Kids and think they would be perfect for younger kiddos too!
20. Playdough
I loved play dough as a kid. I could stay entertained for hours…. And so can my daughter. If you purchase the cooking set above, they could also use it for playdough.
21. Washable Paint Set
If you are looking for some new art supplies, washable paint is messy…… just what toddlers love! You could include some paint brushes too!
22. Stickers
We could NEVER have enough stickers in our house. The biggest hit was this sticker book by Roger Priddy.
23. Books
Books always make for such a great gift. My daughter loves to read. I usually include a small board book. When she was younger, I bought the Indestructibles….. she STILL LOVES THEM!
[Check Out Our FAVORITE Books for Babies 6-12 Months old]
24. Water Wow Pad
These are pure magic! I love that they are no mess and offer hours of fun. We love this Bible Stories water wow pad, its a nice way to keep Christ at the center of Christmas.
25. Flashlight
Pick up an inexpensive flashlight for hours of fun! Maybe you make a fort together or bring it with you camping. The options are endless for what you can do with a flashlight!
26. Small Binoculars
As a Montessori minded mama, these next two stocking stuffer gift ideas for toddlers are right up my alley. We love to take little adventures outside, so a small set of binoculars are a fun way for her to explore in a different way.
27. Nature Kaleidoscope
I loved my kaleidoscope as a kid. Most kids really enjoy them. It’s a classic gift that they will enjoy exploring the beautiful outdoors.
We love this Kaleidoscope by For Small Hands. When we go on hikes and take adventures, my daughter likes collecting things to put into it!
28. Egg Shakers
I’m not one for noisy gifts, but egg shakers are FUN! I know my daughter would love to add these to her music makers collections.
I love this simple Christmas themed egg shaker from Tilly + Bella Store!
29. Matching Letters and Word Games
Like I mentioned earlier, I do like to include a gift that is educational. This puzzle-like matching letters and word game by I FIT Montessori is the perfect mixture for toddlers. They will not only learn the alphabet, but will enjoy the challenge of a puzzle.
30. Kids Fishing Game
I’m a sucker for anything felt. This kids fishing game by Maisie Taylor Designs is great for their hand-eye coordination and color recognition!
My Thoughts…
Choosing stocking stuffers for your toddler isn’t easy. Especially when there are so many cheap and easy options out there. For the parent who is looking for practical stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers, I hope these gifts helped you to choose something you and your kiddo will love.
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