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Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers for Grandkids of All Ages

Lots of Fun For Very Little Cash

By , About.com Guide

Some grandparents have a tradition of hanging stockings for grandchildren. That's a great idea when you have one or two grandchildren, but it can get expensive when you have a half dozen or more. These inexpensive stocking stuffers will fill the socks and thrill the kids without breaking the budget.

1. For Baby's First Year

Sassy Bathtime Pals make a cute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for a grandbaby.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Stockings for infant grandchildren can be filled with items that parents will appreciate, such as cute sippy cups, baby toothbrushes and toothpaste, travel-size baby toiletries and pacifiers. Other ideas include:

  • Teethers
  • Rattles, especially foot and hand rattles
  • Board Books
  • Music CDs
  • Caps or hair bows or bands
  • Socks and booties
  • Rubber ducky
  • Waterproof bath books
  • Bath toys like the Sassy Bathtime Pals (Compare prices)

2. For Toddlers

Toddler grandchildren will love the Farm Sounds Blocks from Melissa and Doug.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber
Toddlers are old enough to get the whole stocking thing, but young enough that toys with small pieces are off-limits. When stuffing stockings for toddler grandchildren, you can get by with a few items that aren't toys, but you'll need to tuck in some honest-to-goodness playthings. Check out these ideas:
  • Soft balls
  • Simple musical instruments
  • Large pop beads
  • Plastic tea set
  • Bubbles
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Easy-to-grip sippy cups
  • Themed adhesive bandages
  • Fun eating utensils
  • House slippers
  • Age-appropriate blocks, like the Farm Sounds Blocks from Melissa and Doug (Compare prices)

3. For Preschoolers

The Pocket Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art makes a good stocking stuffer for preschool grandchildren.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Once your grandchildren have reached that watermark age of 3, there are lots of toys that are considered appropriate for them that would make great stocking stuffers. Consider these ideas for preschool grandchildren:

  • Safety scissors
  • Matchbox cars
  • Finger puppets
  • Crayons, markers and watercolor paints
  • Paper tablets
  • Magnetic letters
  • Play people
  • Simple card games
  • Bath crayons
  • Boats for the bath
  • Superhero capes
  • Play-Doh
  • Pocket-sized games like the classic Etch A Sketch (Compare prices)

    • 4. For School-Age Children

    Why not stuff a stocking with a classic tin kaleidoscope, an inexpensive but fun stocking stuffer.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

    School-age grandchildren are probably the easiest kids to buy for. They are fascinated by all kinds of toys but not yet picky about gifts. If you live where the weather is mild, don't overlook bubbles and silly string. (Don't let them use the silly string indoors, as some brands will stick and stain.) Here are more ideas:

    • Super bounce balls
    • Inflatable punch balls
    • Mini jigsaw puzzles
    • Balsa wood airplane kits
    • Yoyos
    • Flashlights
    • Jacks
    • Lego mini figurines
    • Spinning tops
    • Mini art or stitchery kits
    • Air-dry clay
    • Kaleidoscopes (Compare prices)

    5. For Tweens and Young Teens

    Tweens love these Lego Key Chain Stocking Stuffers.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

    Tweens and young teens still need some fun for Christmas. They love useful items that still demonstrate their individuality. It's not a one-size-fits-all age, but some of these items are sure to please:

    • Ear buds
    • Journals
    • Scent gifts, mini-sized
    • Fingerless gloves
    • Cool caps or hats
    • Picture frames
    • Posters
    • Keychains
    • Wallets
    • Notepads
    • Lip balm
    • Pocket mirrors
    • Quirky keychains, like a Lego keychain that's also a mini flashlight Compare prices)

    6. For Older Teens and Young Adults

    Farkle or Farkel Party makes a fine stocking stuffer or gift for older grandchildren.Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

    It's not hard to find items needed by older teens and young adults as they begin to create their own lives. Still, some stocking stuffers need to be for pure fun. Check out this list for the grandchild who lives in a dorm or apartment, or is looking forward to doing so:

    • Kitchen gadgets
    • Luggage tags
    • Travel-size toiletries
    • Lounge/sleep pants
    • Jump drives
    • Toiletry bags
    • Magazines
    • Costume jewelry
    • College t-shirts
    • Pocket-sized flashlights
    • Nail polish
    • Mini tool kits
    • String of mini lights
    • Magnetic Poetry
    • Playing cards
    • Party games like Farkel Party (Compare prices)

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