Stocking traditions - need inspiration

[FilthyforFirth]

So in DS1 stocking every year we give him a tsum tsum (little Disney cuddly for those not in the know!) He is 4 now and even though they no longer sell them they are easily available on Ebay etc.

DS2 was born in mid November so his first Christmas was a bit of a blur and I dropped the ball. I dont want him to have the same thing as DS1 but would love something similar.

So small enough to fit a stocking that will eventually turn into a collection. DS1 doesnt always play with them but Christmas just gone he was genuinely excited to see Santa had got him a new one.

I'd love that for DS2! Any ideas or inspiration for me?! What do you do for yours?

Living nature do tiny cuddly toy animals that are really sweet and we often put in the DC's stockings.

Brio carriages?

My dc are older, they’ll be 10 and 13 this Christmas We don’t have collectibles, but I work on

-something to eat
-something to read
-something you want
-something you need

The “eat” is usually Pringles or Marmite cashews.
The “read” used to be a Mr Man book (hah! Collectible!), then Horrible Histories book, now a paperback novel - started with Discworld this year.
The “want” is hugely variable
The “need” is always patterned socks!

There’s other stuff too. Mug cage mix and microwave popcorn have been popular. Glow sticks. The Beano. They both think that Original Source shower gel is a treat too, even though it’s only £1, because I usually try to avoid buying plastic bottles.

Batteries. Nothing more frustrating than getting a Christmas present that needs batteries only to find that there are none in the house.

I once face them half of a pair of walkie talkie each. That was fun😊

Top Trumps is such a good idea but I think a bit wasted on a 1 year old . I might start doing that separately though!

Walkie talkie idea is hilarious, definitely giving that a go when the boys are a bit older!

There is always one person who moans, this is the Christmas board! I didnt post in AIBU...

Op, when your boys are a bit bigger - Top Trumps to keep them entertained at 4am on Christmas morning; new pants and T shirt (of whatever they are into) so they get dressed; something to eat so they are not nagging for breakfast.

How about similar with the disney beanie toys? See shopdisney under the soft toys for them. Or maybe a disney ornament each year?

Place marking as some great ideas here! The Xmas presents I buy are generally quality, but stockings are for cheap and cheerful (crap ) slime, party poppers, toilet putty, yo-yos, whoopee cushions (can you tell I have boys?! ) Also little things like Mash Ems and any kind of fidget poppers/snappers etc go down a treat!

I think some people didn't really get what you're after..

I'd suggest Beanie babies, or if they like characters you can get paw patrol and Peppard pig small teddies. If you want to pay a bit more you can small Jellycat animals which are lovely.

Have you seen the RSPB singing birds? They’re plush and each one sings like a real bird when squeezed. I know birds are quite specific but my 1 year old loves his and there are quite a few to collect. They sound lovely rather than annoying too!

Ooh no I haven't heard of that, will look it up, thank you!

I have been given some great ideas on this thread so thank you everyone! DS1 tsum tsum arrived a few days ago which is what got me thinking about DS2.

It’s got to be a bath rubber duck! You can get really good novelty ones and the search each year will be just as fun for you as it will be for your dc to open it!
I’m imagining a teenage lad opening his stocking and finding his rubber duck and moaning ‘not another bloody duck mum!’ While secretly loving it!

Oh my god, that is hilarious. Totally tempted. DS1 got something called 'ducks for change' for his bday which is basically a load of ducks in different professions with the money going to charity. That could be a winner!

Collection wise
Mine always got a Ostheimer wooden animal in their stocking - always bought in asale (& small!)
It's nice looking back & remembering that we have the duck because my now teen was duck daft age about 3 & the different rabbits are all DD2's because she has always been devoted to rabbits etc

Toot toot cars here. DS loves them (hence the user name). This year I think I'm going to go with the dumper truck. Always take it out of the box so it fits in the stocking.

Although today I noticed some little Bing figures that I might wrap up separately and shove in.

I don't put cheap stuff in stockings. Just normal, small gifts plus some sweets. Although I did make an exception with a light up ball last year. That went down a storm so might do the same again. Hmm. It's a very small stocking. Gonna have to be selective

@FilthyforFirth not the point of your post I know, but have you seen the Christmas special of the Tsum Tsums on toys for a pound? £2 for a tin of 6!

Thank you so much @chocolateemergency, yes I have! Ordered and on the way. Can't believe how cheap they are!