Stocking Filler Ideas for Every Age

There’s something about a Christmas stocking that makes even the smallest gift feel exciting.

Maybe it’s the fact that you have to dig around to find everything, or the little surprises tucked away at the bottom. A stocking doesn’t need to be filled with expensive presents either. Some of the best things are the little bits and pieces you wouldn’t necessarily think to wrap on their own.

Whether you’re filling a stocking for a toddler, a teenager, your partner or yourself (because why should the kids have all the fun?), here are some ideas to get you started.

For Little Ones

For younger children, it’s all about things they can discover and play with.

Stickers, crayons, colouring books, little puzzles, small books, bath toys, toy cars, hair accessories and small plush toys all make wonderful stocking stuffers.

You can also add a few Christmas-themed treats or a little decoration they can keep and put on the tree each year. Having their own special ornament can become a lovely little tradition as they get older.

And don't underestimate the excitement of something as simple as a new pair of socks. If they have their favourite character or animal on them, even better.

For School-Aged Kids

Once they're a little older, there are plenty of small gifts that can keep them entertained well beyond Christmas morning.

Card games, stationery, craft supplies, novelty socks, keyrings, fidget toys, small toys, notebooks and little activity books can all work well.

This is also a good age for adding something they can use over the summer holidays, such as a small game for family trips or something to keep them occupied on a long car journey.

And, of course, a few of their favourite sweets or chocolate never hurt.

For Tweens

Tweens can be a tricky age to buy for, but stockings are actually perfect because you can include a few smaller things that feel a bit more grown-up without spending a fortune.

Try lip balm, hair accessories, jewellery, stationery, phone accessories, mini games, fun socks, keyrings, skincare or little beauty products. 

You could also add a gift card for their favourite shop, café or takeaway. It might not look particularly exciting sitting in the stocking, but they'll probably be very happy to find it.

For Teenagers

Teenagers can be surprisingly easy to fill a stocking for once you think about the things they actually use.

Phone accessories, charging cables, headphones accessories, skincare, toiletries, snacks, gift cards, jewellery, books, socks and small everyday essentials are all good options.

You can also use the stocking as a place for something a little silly. A novelty item that makes them laugh can be just as successful as something practical.

And if you're really stuck, ask yourself: What does this teenager constantly run out of? There's your stocking filler.

For Adults

Stockings aren't just for children.

For adults, think about little luxuries, favourite treats and things they might not buy for themselves.

A nice pair of socks, coffee or tea, chocolates, stationery, a book, toiletries, a candle, a small ornament or something for a hobby can all make lovely additions. 

You could also include a handwritten note, a favourite recipe or a little voucher for something you'll do together. Not everything in a stocking needs to be something you bought from a shop.

For Your Partner

If you're filling your partner's stocking, this is your chance to mix the useful with the fun.

Think about their favourite snacks, hobbies, toiletries, socks, small gadgets, coffee or tea, books or something they've mentioned wanting but haven't bought themselves. I like to grab a few Pokémon booster packs for my hubby's stocking!

Then add one or two things purely because you know they'll make them laugh.

Sometimes those unexpected little gifts end up being the ones people remember.

The Secret to a Good Christmas Stocking

You don't need to fill every last bit of space.

A good stocking can be a mixture of something useful, something fun, something personal and something delicious. Add a few little surprises and you've got a stocking that feels thoughtful without needing a huge budget.

And don't be afraid to include things that aren't traditionally "gifts". A favourite chocolate bar, a handwritten note, a pair of socks or something they need anyway can all become part of the fun when they're tucked inside a Christmas stocking.

The best part is really the anticipation of finding out what's inside.