Unusual stocking fillers that aren't plastic tat

[ObtuseAngel]

The things that websites and shops tout as stocking fillers are usually nasty overpriced plastic toys that break straight away. What we need is a nice long list of things that will be cheap, useful and interesting. Obviously everyone already knows about patterned pencils and unusually shaped rubbers, but it would be good to have other stuff too.

I will contribute:

Plaque disclosing liquid/tablets. DS got a pack of these in a party bag last year and I thought WTF, but he and DD really loved using them.

Mini magnetic bookmarks, DS is a keen reader but gets very frustrated if his bookmark falls out and he looses his place so I bought him these and he loves them.

I have a 2yo dd and have started picking up little bits here and there if I see them. So far we've got Thomas playdoh stamper thing, a Jacobs ladder, bath crayons. Then there'll be choccy coins (obv), maybe stickers, little notebook, toy cars etc. Not hugely original but not plastic crap either. Interested to see other's suggestions. I remember last year u got some cool things from john Lewis' stocking filler section. wooden snake, led Lego shaped torch, bouncy ball filled with glitter.

Blind bags of Moshi Monsters/Playmobil/My Little Pony/Zelfs. DD1 (4.5) & her friends love them.

I'm putting in a torch for 2yo dd1 as she loves mine and I want it back! Also a triangle (as in the instrument) and shakers, a cd and small books. Last year dolls clothes and toy food (i got some second hand Melissa and Doug stuff) were popular.

Plaque tablets are a great idea, thank you!

My stockings are always extremely practical and I worry each year that this will be the year the kids realise they are crap. However we have enough plastic tat as it is. So...

Gloves/hats
Small lego sets (from newspaper giveaway)
Toothbrush
Pants
Funky hairbrush
Mr/Ms Matey
Some chocolate
Stationery
Satsuma of course
One thing that they have asked FC for.

And possibly a screwdriver. Maybe some batteries as we never have enough.

IKEA have a wind-up torch for £3.50, it's lovely, looks a bit like a peppermill.

I'm going to look for a magnet this year. We don't have one, surely it must be interesting and useful. My mum had one for picking up spilt pins

My older 2 like hot choc sachets with little packets of marshmallows, hair bobbles for dd, a Thomas fairy cake kit for ds1, bouncy balls, bath bombs, mini bottles of shampoo and conditioner to use on holiday. Have bought a tiny trebuchet for dh's stocking!

My dc like the LED finger lights - have included them in party bags too much to the delight of the guests. Amazon have 4 for 42p at the moment. Can split them up or give all 4. Dd1 has been caught reading under the covers with hers.

I put glow in the dark stars (the ones you stick to the wall) in ds1 stocking last year, he loved them. Paid about €1.50 in primark and they are still perfect!

"Nice" shower gel and hair wax (DS is 9 and continually moans that I will not pay through the nose for sparkly blue Lynx shower gel)
A variety pack of cereals DS is weird like that!
Seeds if you have a garden
It may come under the heading of tat but I have always found a whoopee cushion to be enormously well received :o

I always follow the "something you want, something you need, something to eat and something to read" rule when starting stockings, so usually include
New pants/ socks
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pens/ pencils for school
A notebook
A DVD
Chocolate coins
A book

Then I start bulking it out. So far I also have a mini colouring book and pencil set (€1 in tesco), a slinky, a massive bouncy ball with glitter in (39c in tesco!)

I can also vouch for the ikea torch, I got one last week for €1 as there was no packaging and the kids are already fighting over it. I also got paint sets in ikea for €1 each and reams of coloured paper for €1 each. If you live near an ikea, their bargain section is brill for small and inexpensive gifts

Cookie making kit- ingredients measured into Kilner jar
Hat, gloves
Book
Batteries
Blu tak
Shower gel or bath stuff
Toothbrush and paste
Hot chocolate
Pants
Water bottle
Notecards for thank you letters
Venus fly trap

Someone on MN recommended this natural history sea creature viewer. I've got one for dd2 they do different ones. It was cheaper when I bought it so might drop in price again.

I've also got a wooden harmonica, finger puppets and play doh and bubbles for 2yo dd2.

DD1 has a cheap disposable camera, a watch to learn to tell the time (£5 on Amazon), a new skipping rope, this little watercolour paint set for £2 and bubbles.

Great thread.
Have so far bought the finger lights, bookmarks and the plaque tablets. More ideas please

This is the bookmark in dd1's stocking

Have just ordered the lights as well - to good to miss at 42p!

Mini trebuchet - amazing idea!!!

Like those finger lights 3birthdaybunnies, have ordered some too.

:) someone somewhere will be wondering why the run on led finger lights! Can I ask where the mini trebuchet is from?

I also put in cheap cds which we listen to on way to activities. A french one was particularly popular so might try to find another of those.

Magnetic earrings, tattoos, body glitter, hair glitter spray, marbles, choc coins, post it notes, highlighter pens, mood ring, fancy headbands, top trumps

Mostly girly stuff sorry!

Oh and swim dive sticks!

Funnily enough I've ordered finger lights for dc's already.

Other than that;

Melissa and doug magnetic dress up set
Toy soldiers
Catapult
Kendama
Books
Old fashioned counter bell
Dolls sets as dd getting dolls house
Knee pads and elbow pads as ds getting a stunt scooter

Marking place (i know theres a watch button but it doesn't always work!)

I've just ordered those finger lights too, they look fantastic and for 45p I don't care if they aren't!

I've just ordered those finger lights too, they look fantastic and for 45p I don't care if they aren't!