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'm going to have to stop checking this thread - every time I come back, there is something else that I love! Sandal socks - soontobe have you met my Dad ??? Pair ordered

Another order for LED lights here.

Not shopped yet but plan so far is
DS9
Lego stationery - pencil tub, ruler, luggage tag
Plectrum maker (if can find at good price)
Tudor catapult mentioned on here if I can find one

DD6
Moshi monsters set of 4 mini perfumes (boots)
Smelly pencils that were mentioned on here if I can find them.
Notelets

Both
Electric toothbrush that u customise yourself (£5 from supermarkets)
Expanding flannels
Chops/ sweets
Socks
Book

Things that have gone down well this year are the Motex label maker (DS) and wooden flower press (DD)

Forgot about this site til I reviewed my bookmarks:
crawleys and outdoor exploring things

I've discovered that smelly pencils are expensive.

Fantastic thread. I bought the finger lights too.

Also I bought the gloves that still let you use a smart phone. Genius!

We may need another thread for those of us who are Amazon avoiders this year.

Another idea for Men:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/200857106659?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0

and for teens:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/400326496871?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=83&ff19=0

liking this too:

www.gizzmoheaven.com/Doodle-Stylus-Keyring-for-Smart-Phones-and-Tablets/c2037/Product.html?adid=google_uk&CAWELAID=1874470449&catargetid=1917945145&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CIL6nMS2nroCFfMQtAodrhYAPw

By moonlight - would these do instead.
? Obviously if your dc is big enough?

Packs of cards are always good too and you can probably get them with whatever thing the person is interested in on the backs.

i.e. My son loves Anime so I've ordered these:

www.airyear.com/one-piece-figures-pattern-paper-playing-cards-poker-set-54piece-set-p-42607.html

My 10 year old DD is moustache mad. Admittedly these are plastic tat (but it's cheap plastic tat) www.amazon.co.uk/niceEshop-Handlebar-Mustache-Statement-Pendant-Black/dp/B00DUUY08A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1N68SS23U4250&coliid=I3RZIRPHY0EZGX

www.amazon.co.uk/NPW-Moustache-Pencil-Topper-Black/dp/B009O2134M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1N68SS23U4250&coliid=I1UTB7V7UBHHHC&psc=1

Also canvas book bags from Primark are only a couple of quid and those fluffy sock that leave bits all over your carpet are great for a £1-2.

Getting this play money for 3 year old DD.
www.amazon.co.uk/Peterkin-HENBRANDT-T09378-Sterling-Money/dp/B004TKWC4O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1N68SS23U4250&coliid=I2DBAU61K6M179

Thanks for all the ideas. Sorry if some of these are repeats but stuff I have used in the past are:
those little Maileg mice that come in 'matchboxes' - when DD1 was 3 she had this in her stocking - pretty expensive for a stocking filler but she loved it and played with it so much
blind bag Playmobil
those little plastic shapes with bubble bath in
propelling pens
mini torch
always have a noisy thing - really wanted one of those tubs that make a farm animal noise when you turn them upside down - loads of people had them when I was a child but I couldn't find any in time for the year I especially was looking. Last year I got those bird song whistles you put water into.
magnets
bits and pieces from charity shops - last year I found a Strawberry Shortcake doll that had sold out on Amazon; My Little Pony; one of those little dogs that quiver. Also you can usually find Beanie Babies with their tags on for about £1.
mini colouring books and pens
stickers
cheap bit of jewellery from Sainsbury's
hair clips and elastics
socks
a magazine/comic e.g. Sparkle World, Charlie & Lola. These are so expensive I hardly ever get them for my children.
mugs
a chocolate animal
flannel

This year I might get:
one of those cheap craft sets from Wilkinsons e.g. paint your own cat mask.
fimo
Dr Oetkker fairy cake sprinkles
those mini versions of the Usborne dolly sticker books
one of those felt fairies from the myriad site mentioned by PP
the now ubiquitous flashing light rings from Amazon!

We also have 'The Book Fairy' (my DDs are obsessed with fairies). Thsi is basically where each of the 12 days of Christmas the Book Fairy leaves a book for them each (or to share) in a box - usually from a charity shop/school fair or at most Book People. This is partly because we all love books and I love to buy them some for Christmas but they have more than enough to open. It also stops Christmas Day being a frenzy of excitement followed by 'flat' days (a concept discussed in an excellent book called 'Unplug the Christmas Machine' - i.e. media etc. leads children to put so much emphasis on one special day that is then all over in a few hours).

Brilliant thread. We bought spice kits last year which were great for adults, i will try and find a link...

Oh no! Not content with buying 40 finger lights I have now bought 3 pairs of 'converse' socks! This thread is costing me a fortune!

Ohhhh I love this thread ??

this website

there is NO catch, you CAN only buy the cheap first item - or more of the collection if you want.

Lovely, going to read through in a minute! I don't like the plastic party bag type stuff, as it will only end up in landfill all the sooner.

We've bought the Maileg mice in matchboxes, and Petitcollin dolls in matchboxes.
Also
Sonny Angel dolls

Japanese eraser and candy DIY kits

Pollocks matchbox theatre sets

Replica coins and quills from Historic Toys

Fluffsstuffs brooches

Loving this thread. I really enjoy putting ds stocking together but he has now started searching the house for stuff so that isn't so good. I had also bought a Matey to go in and he has already found that :(

Usually sell interesting stocking fillers here:
www.vandashop.com/

DSdad is getting some of those sandal socks eldritch and I saw them yesterday for £4.99 in WHSmith in their 3for2 :)

Aha, thanks for that tip Crotch!

But crotch once they have your details I bet they never leave you alone!

I don't understand the that Japanese link Eldritch. You add water to one the kits and it becomes an edible hamburger and fries

I have just bought DH some back copies of magazines from Ebay such as the New Yorker, Time and Lucky Peach. They make great gifts. There are also fabulous vintage travel posters in sizes from A1 to A4. Maybe buy a vintage poster of a special place for you both?