With the holidays right around the corner, you might be trying to figure out the best wrapped gifts, but sometimes the best ones aren't under the tree... they're in the stockings. Growing up, opening my stocking was my absolute favorite part of the day—they were always full of everything from essentials to unexpected trinkets and candy. Those customized stockings, or the ones that have been passed down, are the perfect place for unique, fun and creative gifts for your littles.
From affordable options for the new baby to quality pieces for your older child, here are some of our favorite items to stuff the stockings this season.
Bebe au lait bandana bib
Your littlest love will look adorable in these absorbent muslin cotton drool bibs. It has adjustable snaps so it can grow with them and is machine-washable.
The Dough Parlour play dough
Break up this collection to add one to each child's stocking. They smell delicious, are 100% non-toxic and so much fun to squish into new designs. Just be sure to store in fridge after opening to optimize shelf life.
Bilingual Puzzle Cards
Want to tuck something educational into their stocking? Introduce your child to a new language with these engaging puzzle pairs from Canticos. These reversible, sturdy pieces help your preschooler to identify numbers, first words and opposites as they broaden their understanding of Spanish.
Doddle & Co. first year essential pacifier + teether bundle
Designed by two mamas who were tired of trying to clean dropped pacifiers when there was no sink around, the Doddle & Co. pacifiers feature a unique "pop when it drops" function, popping them into a protective bundle when your little one inevitably lets go. This bundle includes two pacifiers and a stylish teether!
Reversible face mask
Because it's 2020, fun face masks might be the most useful stocking stuffer there is. We love the reversible sets from Cubcoats—for 4-year-olds and up—because they're made of four layers of fabric, 100% cotton and washable.
Natural wooden teether
A gorgeous Montessori-inspired rattle and teething ring that is non-toxic and supports early motor skills. What more could we ask for?
Bling2o retro red swim goggles
If Marty McFly designed a pair of goggles, they'd look like this. Bling2O's line of kid-friendly, UV protectant goggles are not only great for marathon swim sessions but our kids love them for bath time too!
Tiny Tattly temporary tattoos
Okay so your kiddo won't be getting tattoos for a while, but these temporary ones will allow them to indulge in their creativity for a couple of days. This set comes with 10 temp tats (and we might sneak a few for ourselves).
Scenties scented hair ties
Take all the fun of scratch-and-sniff stickers and combine it with the trendy practicality of loading their wrists with hair ties and you've got their newest obsession. Scenties! These deliciously scented hair bands come in a rainbow of colors and flavors like bubblegum, cotton candy and apple.
Sontakey oath bracelet
If it's your little's first holiday as a big sister, we adore these precious bracelets to celebrate their new title. Crafted from 18k yellow gold, pick from a variety of other powerful statements—even mommy and me matching sets! They're delicate and dainty, but durable and can be adjusted to fit even the smallest of wrists.
Rocking penguin toy
From the youngest littles in your home to toddlers, they'll have a blast pushing around this wooden penguin—then watch it bounce right back up.
Fasker knee high animal socks
Keep their feet cozy during the winter months with these precious animal-inspired socks.
Munchkin bath toys
Connect the six boats to make a train or enjoy one at a time. They're easy for baby to grab and toss around during bath time.
Lovey + teether combo
Every child needs a beautiful stuffed animal and this one doesn't disappoint. Part-toy, part-lovey, it's luxuriously soft and will be their best bud for years to come.
Janod my first blocks
Although baby might not be able to make out the six animals on these blocks, they'll enjoy getting to play around and stacking them.
UNO Minecraft card game
This special version of UNO is a 'cooler' twist on the classic game we loved to play. The best part? You can play with anywhere from two to 10 players.
UGG baby bootie
For those cold days you need to keep those tiny toes warm, we love these snuggly-soft booties.
Melissa + Doug scratch art box
With 125 pages, kids can create fun illustrations or practice their writing skills on the brightly colored notebook. The wooden stylus will reveal the rainbow colors underneath the dark paper... like magic.
Melissa + Doug soft activity book
With crinkly flaps and cute animals throughout, your little will love playing around with this flap book. It's machine-washable too so you can keep it clean.
Itzy Ritzy silicone teething mitt
This food grade silicone teether is as cute as it is functional. The textured silicone on top soothes sore and swollen gums, with the mitt fits comfortably like a glove. We love the crinkle sound it matts to keep baby entertained.
The Polar Express book
A timeless classic that the entire family will love reading each holiday season.
Pottery Barn kids magnet letters
Help your child craft words and sentences on the fridge with magnetic letters.
Melissa + Doug tape activity book
With 20 reusable picture pages, kids will love getting to create more designs with tape. Perfect for keeping them occupied on the plane or in the car!
Bath crayons
Make bath time fun by drawing on the walls. We love that these easily wash off tile, too.
Want more gift guide inspiration? We've got you covered. Check out all of our 2020 Gift Guides here.
We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. You've got this.
