Stocking fillers - what is fun that isn't chocolate or 'tat'?

[Iknowitisheresomewhere]

Really trying hard not to buy for the sake of it. Kids are 4-14. They will get 'necessary but nice' stuff like socks, soap and toothpaste. They will get an apple, an orange, a book, and chocolate. But I am seaching for something that they will enjoy and play with lots, rather than just a novelty.

The fact that I can't think of anything obviously means whatever it is they don't 'need' it, but - well it is Christmas!

Christmas tree decoration
Keyrings
Mousemat
Calendar - of favourite sports team, pop group etc
Pens/stationery

@IncyWinceySpiderWillies - so true about toothpaste!

I’ve given cactus and house plant seeds before. So they can get them growing

@IncyWinceySpiderWillies

Not criticising giving toothpaste btw I’ve just never heard of toothpaste being referred to as a nice gift

Mine get Christmas toothpaste, cinnamon or clove flavour

Wireless AirPods (fake)
Phone accessories - charging bank
Voucher
Magazine
Lanyard

I used to give DD toothpaste and a matching toothbrush in her stocking when she was little, Peppa Pig or similar, she loved it! She wouldn't be impressed with a tube of oral-b at 13

I forgot about stationery, I always put that in, I know its not a toy, but if it has some novelty value, like mini bits, or gel pens, mini highlighters, or fun little memo stickies, or a themed set like Harry Potter, Friends, and when she was younger, My Little Pony and so on.

This year she has a Stranger Things notepad, pen set, t-shirt and mug.

slippers, toothbrush, choc coins, bubble bath/soap/shower gel, stationery, gloves/hat, pants

Stockings are boringly useful in our house, pants, socks, vests, toothbrushes and pjs

I love putting stockings together and am always on the lookout for stuff. The DC absolutely love them.
So far this year I’ve got them each a personalised Santa popit but that’s it - I need to get a move on.

Last year’s hits where a microwaveable hottie near thing that keeps you warm in bed. DD has used it nearly every night. And a little bag of “reindeer poo” marbles. DS loved that. Got it in Sainsbury’s I think.

Hottie bear that should have said

Oh yes they usually get a rolled up magazine and this year they’re going to get phone chargers and power banks.

Scratch card?

Top trumps
Dominoes
Highlighters or felt pens
A favourite magazine rolled up.
For the older ones - usb sticks
Packets of seeds
Bath bombs
Lip balm
Bubbles
Hair bobbles/grips etc

Our stockings are mainly Christmas chocolates and fun novelty items, nothing remotely practical. The children have their stockings at the end of their beds so uts nice to have a 'goody bag' of treats to keep them entertained before heading down for the main event.

I wouldn't say it's tat though, not like Christmas cracker prizes or kids party bag rubbish. Things like blind bags, Christmas themed chocolate, novelty Christmas themed items like Christmas themed earrings or candy can scented pencils. Nothing overly expensive, just little treats.

The youngest will be almost three months so it's all boring practical bits for him, dummies, bibs, teething toys, bath ducks.

Top Trumps. Bet there’s a theme for all the age groups!

Great thread.

Joke books go down a storm here.

Pass the pigs game
Fart cushion (I know but they will use it a lot)
Big tube of smarties
Wooden dominoes

We did little playmobil packs when the dc were younger, or schleich animals - plastic, but not tat iyseim.

Bath bombs can be fun and get used up. Small instruments like a tin whistle are good if you can stand the noise.

My dc enjoy a magic trick now they are a bit older - the ones aimed at adults. Or a small game e.g. harry potter dobble.

Stationary always popular too e.g. Post its or bluetack.

Slime
Playdoh
Hair accessories
Lego mini set
Hand creams / nail varnishes / lip glosses / bath bombs

Hot wheels car

Crayons that spell out their name

Battery operated candles
Coloured tights
Batteries
LED torch
Designer mini cake cases
Those strands of fabric to weave bracelets
Handcuffs were very popular with small boys , for some reason

A nice photo, properly printed and framed (smaller sized frame obviously for a stocking!).

Wallet / purse

Penknife

Photo mug?

Mini cactus in a pot wrapped in bubble wrap with a warning!!

Smiggle stationary is always a big hit in our house, it’s used lots too. So far I have smiggle pencils that smell of hot dogs and another that smells of fizzy cola bottles, rubber in the shape of a dog and dinosaur felt tips. They will get used but a bit more fun than boring smith’s stationary.

Loving these ideas, DH is a terrible one for buying the kids plastic tat that either breaks within a few hours or is never touched again after Boxing Day!