Don’t pay a lot for stocking stuffers. Here are some cheap stocking stuffer ideas for kids that are all under $5.
*DISCLAIMER: When I wrote this post, these things were $5 and under, but inflation as increased prices. I tried to find a lot of these items around $5 if possible. It’s probably closer to an average of $7 items.
Cheap Stocking Stuffers
I don’t know about you, but I do not like to pay an arm and a leg for stocking stuffers. I mean, I love getting stocking stuffers. I think they are super exciting, but paying $10 for each stocking stuffer can add up quickly. Especially if you have a few kids. I also don’t want to just put ONE thing in the stocking. Where is the fun in that? Lastly, I don’t want to just put any cheap old thing in the stocking because then it just lingers in my house and no one ever uses it. I like my stocking stuffers to be useful and practical.
My mom used to give us razors and shaving cream every year in our stocking, and I loved it. I looked forward to it every year!
If you need a bunch of cheap stocking stuffer ideas for kids, look no further. Here is a great list of stocking stuffer ideas that cost less than $5.oo. ($10.00 with inflation ;))
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Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids
Socks
You could buy some socks that they need, or some slipper socks or fun socks.
Candy
You might be sick of them eating candy, but maybe just a piece of their favorite candy. There is also “coal” candy out there. It’s chocolate candy, but it looks like coal. That’s pretty funny. You’re kids may not be old enough to get it, but your spouse might. haha. You could also get the fun candy dispensers like the ones that have a fan on top or that pop out like the Pez.

Chapstick
Kids love Chapstick. You could also get the cool ones with lots of flavors.
Notebook
A sketch book or notebook with a fun saying or their favorite character on it. I’m actually surprised by the notebooks at the dollar store, they aren’t bad.
Stickers
What kid doesn’t like stickers? You can get them cheap at the dollar store. You could also get some fun smelly good stickers, but if you want to start a sticker subscription, you can also check out pipsticks.

Crayons/markers
Crayons or markers paired with a coloring book or activity book. These can also be found at the dollar store. You can get these cool color changing markers for a good price.

Mittens/beanie
If it’s super cold where you live, it might be nice to give new gloves, mittens, or a beanie every year.

Jewelry
My daughter loves getting a little Frozen necklace or bracelet. You could also do friendship necklaces or bracelets.
Cups or water bottle
A cup or water bottle that’s all their own. (Since water bottles are all the craze now, they have gone up in price. However, you can still find some cheap ones at Ross or Marshalls, so don’t forget to check there.)

Pillowcase
I started a tradition where I make them a pillow case every year. You could buy one instead, if you wanted. It’s small, but the kids love it and can look forward to it every year.
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Have them get a new toothbrush and toothpaste every year in their stocking.

Toiletries and Accessories
You can buy essentials that your girls or boys need, or some fun accessories:
- Hairbrush
- Scrunchies
- Deodorant
- Razer and Shaving cream (my mom actually bought these for us every year and I looked forward to it)
- Make up
- Bubble Bath
- Mini hand sanitizers
- Nail Polish
Blankets
Who doesn’t like a new blanket? I have found cheap little throw blankets or fleece blankets at different stores.
Underwear
Who doesn’t like getting new underwear in their stocking? Especially if it has their favorite character on it!
Fubbles
Fubbles are perfect for little kids.

Small electronics
You can get headphones, noise cancelling headphones, or a fun reading light.

Small game
A small card game, or dice game. My kids love games, so I definitely do this. Some of our cheap favorites:
- Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
- Spot It
- Uno
- Pass the Pig
- Apples to Apples Junior, sometimes you can find a travel one that is cheaper.
- Tapple
Squishmallow
I don’t always like buying stuffed animals for my kiddos because they just build up and clutter things, but some kids absolutely love them and mean a lot to them, and if that’s your child, these would make a great stocking stuffer. You can find mini ones everywhere.
A small craft
Sometimes you can find a cute little craft like making lip gloss, coloring a stuff animal, or making bead jewelry for pretty cheap.
Bath Bombs
My kids love bath bombs. You can find them almost anywhere these days.

Surprise Balls
It really is the simple things for kids. My kids LOVE surprise balls and they LOVE watching surprise balls being open on YouTube. The Surprise 5 brand is pretty inexpensive.
Sensory Toys
There are so many fun sensory toys out there that are new to the market, and aren’t that expensive that kids love to play with and find in their stocking. Including these calming sensory items.

Playdough
A little playdough set complete with playdough utensils. There are some pretty inexpensive ones out there.

Slippers
Some fun and cute, but simple slippers are a great gift.

Small Toys
Sometimes when I’m in the toy section, if I just look for something small that I know the kids love, I’ll get it. I think I picked up a polly pocket this year for my daughter, and I’m going to stick it in her stocking.
Where to get Cheap stocking stuffers for Kids
I have included some links above where you can get these things for cheap, but here are a few extra places that you can look in your area (depending on where you live).
5 Below
I LOVE this store. Everything in it is $5 or less. I love just looking around that store. Some of the things there are cheap, but there is also some good quality stuff. I’ve gotten journals, books, socks, make up, games, stickers, candy, and headphones from there. It’s worth looking around.
Wal-Mart
I don’t LOVE Wal-Mart, but I feel like they have really good black Friday sales. I often find discounted Pjs, blankets, socks, clothes, etc…
I love the dollar store. I know that it’s not good to buy all things there because some things aren’t a good deal or too cheap, but they do have some good stuff. I love to buy their crayons, markers, coloring books, books, or craft supplies. They are just as good as buying them anywhere else.
Amazon
Of course you can find just about any of these things on Amazon, they aren’t always under the $5.00, so you can check out the other stores too!
End Caps
Check all the end caps at stores like Ross, Target, and JCPenny. They usually have cute stocking stuffer ideas for cheap.
Etsy
Etsy can sometimes have some inexpensive personalized items that are fun for stockings like crayons, puzzles, hats, blankets, jewelry, toys, stickers.
Good luck finding your stocking stuffers this year! I hope you get them for cheap! 😉
Check out these other fun Christmas Printables for Kids:
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Related: The Ultimate Christmas Activity Bucket list for Kids (that you don’t want to miss)




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