Stocking Stuffers for Kids That Aren't Junk
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The best stocking stuffers are still in use in February. Small games, puzzles and learning toys fit a stocking and get played again and again. Here is a simple test, and ideas sorted by age.
The February test
Before you buy, ask: will they still use this in February? Good stocking stuffers usually do one of these things.
- Get played again. A deck of cards, dice, a small puzzle.
- Get used up. An activity book they will finish.
- Travel well. Something for the car or a waiting room.
- Teach a little. Flash cards or letters that make practice fun.
Ideas by age
| Age | Ideas |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | Chunky puzzles, magnetic letters, a simple matching game |
| 6 to 8 | Card games, maze and word search books, flash cards, a small jigsaw |
| 9 to 12 | Travel games, a puzzle cube, dice games, a harder jigsaw |
| Teens | A magnetic chess set, a deck of cards, logic puzzle books |
Always check the age label on the listing. Small pieces and loose magnets are not for children under 3, and little siblings get into stockings too.
Small games that fit a stocking
A kids card game or a dice game costs little and works anywhere. Magnetic travel games keep pieces in place in the car. Older kids may like a magnetic travel chess set. Our chess set guide explains what helps kids learn.
Puzzles and books
A 100 piece jigsaw puzzle can be a good step up for school-age kids. Check the age on the box. Activity books such as maze books keep hands busy on trips. A puzzle cube is a classic for older kids.
Learning gifts that feel like play
Flash cards for math facts or sight words fit a stocking, and kids like quizzing a grown-up too. Magnetic letters turn the fridge into a spelling board. Teachers and homeschool families can find more ideas in our math manipulatives guide.
Free stocking stuffers you can print
Print a little puzzle pack at home, free. Our printable mazes come in easy, medium and hard, and the word search maker lets you pick a theme and add a title. Roll the pages up with a ribbon and a pencil. For a little screen time, see our free kids games, or the free worksheets in Learn.
Quick checklist
- Will they still use it in February?
- Check the age label; small parts are not for under 3.
- Games that replay: cards, dice, travel games.
- Books that get finished: mazes, word search.
- One learning gift that feels like play.
- Add a free printed puzzle pack.
Questions
What are good stocking stuffers that are not junk?
Things that get used again or used up: card and dice games, small puzzles, activity books, travel games and flash cards.
What stocking stuffers work for a 6 year old?
Card games, maze and word search books, flash cards and a small jigsaw are popular. Check the age label on each item.
Can I make stocking stuffers for free?
Yes. Print a small pack of free mazes and word searches from Handeware, roll it up with a ribbon and add a pencil.