Best cheap stocking fillers

Stocking fillers

by Adejumoke Ilori |
Updated on

Cheap stocking fillers are the perfect way to put a smile on your loved ones' faces, without having to worry about the bigger items on your Christmas shopping list. They're not just for kids either, there are some brilliant cheap stocking fillers for adults as well, and they are great to add a bit of fun on Christmas morning.

Children love hanging their stockings at the end of their beds on Christmas Eve so that Father Christmas can surprise them with small and cool gifts and there are some brilliant stocking fillers for toddlers. Let’s be honest, coming up with remarkable gift ideas is often tricky but it is worth it in the end. When the kids wake up in their classy and festive pyjamas and see their stocking filled up, it makes a great start to Christmas Day. But what should you fill those stockings up with, without breaking the bank?

If you want to try and do Christmas on a budget, but there is always one more thing to remember, then some cheap stocking fillers will be helpful and hopefully keep your budget on track.

Best at a glance:

Best overall stocking filler: Christmas snap, buy on Amazon
Best stocking filler for storage: Helix Pringles Pencil Case, buy on Amazon
Best stocking filler for parents: Decision Coin, buy on Amazon

And remember, while the excitement of lots of little gifts on Christmas Eve or December 25th is very much appreciated by the younger members of the family, grown-ups love them too. Cheap stocking fillers are exciting gifts for mums, dads and grandparents.

So, if you’re looking to add some unique and fun presents to their gracefully wrapped pile, we can promise that you’ll find all the crucial creativeness in this selection of our dashing gifts. Best of all, they all cost less than £25.

Best gift for drawing

Description

These bright and creative coloured pens are great for highlighting your work and making it pop with vibrancy. With five amazing colours to choose from: pink, purple, yellow, green and orange, this highlighter, safe to use, will have you marking working, classwork or even drawing a cute little picture.

Review: "I absolutely love this highlighter. I am constantly taking notes and organizing paperwork and it's fantastic to have so many colours available in your hand. Plus, it's adorable. Great buy!"

Pros

  • 5 Colours in one handy highlighter.
  • A star shaped pen that kids will love.

Cons

  • Running out quite quickly.

Best gift for sport fans

stocking filler
Price: $17.00

Description

This sporty eraser collection is perfect for those budding and aspiring sports fans. This collection includes three sculpted balls plus a funky baseball cap, all packed in a cute eraser box, and is great for adding to your pencil case collection. A great gift idea for your loved one who adores creativity and takes pride in keeping their work neat.

Review: "I was hunting for stocking fillers and for £3 I thought I would give this a go and purchase one. So glad I did, they are very cute and I know my daughter will love them."

Pros

  • Contains for sporty erasers.
  • Great for kids who have a passion for sports

Cons

  • Not many sport eraser options to choose from.

Best mini brands stocking fillers

Mini Brands Disney Platinum 100 Years of Wonder,

Rrp: $13.86

Price: $8.70

Description

The Mini Brands Disney Platinum 100 Year of Wonder is a great addition to the Mini Brands collection. With five surprises inside, you won't know which figures you'll be getting! This makes a great stocking filler gift.

One review said: "Really good fun to open as you don't know what you will get! five authentic characters in there own mini packaging. Great collectors item and fun for kids to build the collection and relate to the films! everyone has a favourite character!"

Pros

  • Nice surprise gift
  • Well presented

Cons

  • Can't see what characters are inside

Best stocking filler gifts game

Description

This is a game that's fun for all the family and super easy to follow along with! Dobble is a clever game where you have to match an image on your card, with one in the middle. Similar to snap, it's a test of recognition. Little ones will love this game!

One review said: "Played this with adults and again with my 5year old grandson excellent game, great for camping."

Pros

  • Fun for the whole family
  • Easy to follow game

Cons

  • Cards can be bent

Best gift for storage

stocking filler
Price: $19.26

Description

Is your little one a Pringle fan? Why not up their game with this quirky and unique pencil case. With three colours to choose from, and with great storage for all of your accessories, this case will not only have them stand out in class, but you'll be able to open the zipper with ease.

Review: "Really nice, sturdy, beautifully designed and unusual pencil case! I would buy it again and again. It's just a shame that you can't choose the colour beforehand. There is more than enough space for pens and utensils of all kinds. Very tall case - so no problems."

Pros

  • Hard wearing material.
  • Large main compartment for easy access.

Cons

  • Only available in three flavours; Original, Salt & Vinegar and Sour Cream & Onion.

Best gift for creativity

Description

Having an animal finger puppet show from the comfort of your own home is the best feelng ever. This pack of 10, with 4 different themes: farm animals(cow, sheep, chick, duck), pet animals (dog, cat, rabbit), zoo/wild animals(tiger, monkey, panda, bear), sea animals (whale, frog, turtle, hippocampus), will have the entire family fully entertained. With its elastic loop on the bottom, it makes it easier to use and suitable for most adults' or children's fingers.

Review: "I have purchased 3 sets of these so far. My first great-grandson is now 9 weeks old and loves being entertained with them - so I bought two more sets. My second great-grandson is due in November and I gave a set to his daddy on Father's Day."

Pros

  • They are made of premium soft velvet fabric, filled with cotton, no loose fibers, no bad smell, with big seams, are safe and comfort toys for toddlers and small children. 
  • Each doll has an elastic loop at the bottom, suitable for most adult and child fingers. 

Cons

  • Kids need to be supervised

Best gift for phones

Description

A portable and amazing desktop stand, suitable for smartphones or tablets. Not only will this phone holder add humour and lots of fun in your spare time, but this high-quality plastic and lightweight item will make your travel easier, as it fits easily into your bag.

Review: "I bought the holder for the kids because they shouldn't have a stand or shelf at the desk, but they like to look at their cell phones and therefore like to have a good view of them. This small plastic piece is easy to store when you don't need it."

Pros

  • Portable desktop stands compatible for smart phones or tablets used at home, office, kitchen. 
  • Most distinctive design, this phone holder will bring lots of fun to your leisure time.

Cons

  • May not be able to support your phone in landscape orientation.

Best gift for footwear

Description

How cute are these? And if you happen to be a big fan of pizza, then this is for you. Just like a real pizza, these socks come in a box, just like a take-out from a restaurant, and come printed with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions and onions.

Review: "What else can you get for a pizza lover as a gift?! I was really pleased to see that when you open the "pizza" box the socks are all rolled up and placed so they look like a whole pizza. My son thought they were brilliant. Great quality socks, very funky, perfect novelty gift for any pizza lover!"

Pros

  • The elaborate pizza socks box will bring fun, laughter and love to your life.
  • These funky socks feel soft, breathable and deodorizes.

Cons

  • Hand wash only.

Best gift for item labelling

Description

Have you had enough of misplacing your charger, or accidentally taking someone else's? Well say hello to these must-have iPhone charger stickers! This will help you identify what is yours and add organisation in your life, making sure that you never lose it again. So wave farewell to chaos and frustration because this sticker will always be with you when you need it.

Review: "This is great! especially if you come from a large family like mine and don't want chargers getting mixed up. I use to have issues with identifying which charger was mine, but now, no one can take mine, ha!"

Pros

  • Perfect for iPhone chargers, tablets, controllers, game consoles.
  • The included self-adhesive wire labels help you identify each cable.

Cons

  • You can only choose from polka dots, rainbow, confetti, and gnome designs.

Best gift for games

Description

This card game will be sure to get everyone together for a day full of laughter this Christmas. With 54 cards in 9 different Christmas character card styles, this game will keep the kids occupied and entertained during the Christmas festivities. 

Review: "I’ve bought this in advance for Christmas, it’s a great game that I can play with all my kids.
Would recommend this item."

Another reviewer said: "Bought this for Christmas and really enjoyed with family. Our 5-year-old also enjoyed it and was able to play."

Pros

  • 54 Game Cards.
  • 9 Different Styles

Cons

  • Only suitable from 3 years old and upwards.

Best gift for humour

Description

Becoming a parent represents a new beginning, and also comes with those lovely night feeds, bath time, laundry, diaper changes and singing those cute lullaby songs to soothe baby. This decision coin can be used on any occasion and is a fun and humorous way to help make those decisions.

Review: "Bought as a joke for me and my partner, but can see it becoming VERY useful when baby comes! A well-made coin!"

Another reviewer said: "I've bought these a few times for new parents. Great novelty gift and always seems to go down well."

Pros

  • The decision coin is made of environmentally friendly and robust stainless steel.
  • The cute decision coin is printed on both sides, with dad's turn on one side and mum's turn on the reverse. 

Cons

  • Not suitable for children under 4 years old.

Best gift for baths

stocking filler

Rrp: $13.99

Price: $9.99

Description

Great for bath time, these rainbow bath bombs, are rich in bubbles and perfect for fizzing during relaxation time. If you or your little one loves colour, then you will definitely fall in love with this.

Reviews: "I bought these for my granddaughter and ended up buying 2 lots. My friend came to visit so I gave her the first lot for her young girl who was having a struggle behaving she used them as a reward, and so after the first fizz in her lovely bath she was very well-behaved for another 3 days. I need to buy more. The kids love them."

Pros

  • Made with highly concentrated coconut oil, sea salt and sunflower oil to better care for and smooth the skin.
  • Comes in four different colours.

Cons

  • No scent was put in water.

Best gift for teething babies

stocking filler

Rrp: $10.30

Price: $7.99

Description

The very hungry caterpillar teether rattle includes vibrant colours to help attract and stimulate any baby, making it an eye-catching baby rattle toy for your little bubba.  The soft and green material teether tail will encourage a calm teether for your little one, reducing discomfort in teething, and introducing them to the world of visual awareness and sensory exploration.

Review: "This is a childhood favourite of mine and does not disappoint. I purchased this as a gift for a friend's new baby boy and it went down a treat! The main body of the caterpillar is soft fabric and looks colourful and bright which babies will love. The final piece (I'd say the tail but caterpillars don't have tails) is made of soft rubber/plastic which is just the ticket for any teething baby. If I remember rightly, it has small ridges on it also which are fab for little gums."

Pros

  • Helps with teething.
  • Super sopdft caterpillar for little hands.

Cons

  • Not many designs to choose from.

Best gift for planting

Description

Looking for a gift that involves a lot of patience and curiosity, then investing in this simple two-piece cardboard magic tree will give you just that. Placed into a container of liquid (that is supplied), within a couple of hours, colourful flowers will begin to appear and flourish. If taken care of and correctly positioned, it will go on to grow and produce stunning and attractive things.

Review: "I bought this for my niece and must say I am delighted with it. I cannot comment on anything other than saying that I think it looks good, as I did not see it being assembled nor growing. Great price too!"

Pros

  • Activity set to make a tree that’s covered in brightly coloured crystals.
  • Suitable from ‎4 years and upwards.

Cons

  • Warning:To be used under the direct supervision of an adult.

Best gift for use in the dark

Description

Press a button and watch the LED light up and hear the sound of a unicorn right before your very eyes. This super exciting toy is the perfect flashlight or keychain accessory that will bring happiness to your kids and adults too. Great for adding sparkle and colour to your bag or keys, this will be the perfect addition to the key family.

Review: "My 3-year-old granddaughter adores it. I had to take the key ring off as she insisted it was hurting her but the torch/neigh was a delightful surprise. I think I might need a spare."

Another reviewer said: "Lights up makes a noise not the strongest but pay for what you get and only wanted as a little stocking filler so fine for what I wanted."

Pros

  • Available in pink, purple, blue, and yellow.
  • Made from plastic and metal.

Cons

  • Not many colours to choosse from.

Best gift for candy

Description

Want to create your own little pick-and-mix sweet store? You have come to the right places, as this mini candy vending machine made for kids, has an exquisite and lovely look to it. Strong, safe and with a long-lasting material, the quality of the mini gumball machine is promised and can be used with ease.

Review: "I loved purchasing this for my daughter, all I had to do was buy jelly beans or Skittles from my local corner shop and top up her candy machine. It really helped save me some money."

Pros

  • Has enough candy bin capacity.
  • Gives your little one a real candy shop experience.

Cons

  • Only comes in three colours; blue, red and white.

Best gift for bathtimes

Description

These bath crayons are 100% toxin-free and safe for kids and adults to use. They are completely waterproof so your kids can use them during baths and have a splashing time. Waterproof and designed as a pen with a ribbed design for easy grip, it comes with an adjustable height button, making it super easy to use the crayon when it is about to run out.

Review: "I was sceptical at first but I thought it's not much with the price so worth trying. And I'm in love! I already got another one on order as a gift, they're brilliant! So easy to remove, so easy to use. Just make sure they don't get inside the bath for to long as they melt. Otherwise, I can't recommend enough, especially if your child hates baths."

Pros

  • Comes with 6 vibrant colours crayons.
  • Your child will love exploring their inner creativity.

Cons

  • Colours may end up running everywhere.

Best gift for making notes

stocking filler
Price: $18.75

Description

Have you got a future mini-writer in the house? or maybe you like to make note just in case you forget something? This notepad will encourage you jot down your desired shopping list, or have your kids keep you up-to-date with those extra activity clubs. A perfect size for a stocking stuffer that will come in handy for the whole family! 

Review: "Ordered these for my daughter. She absolutely loves them. Said they were really cute and she's put them all over her flat. Fast dispatch and delivery. Highly recommended."

Pros

  • Designed in a cute festive pudding.
  • Pink colour.

Cons

  • Not many colours to choose from.

Best gift for reading

Description

Fandina soft cloth books are a great early educational gift for babies, especially those 0-24 months, which can stimulate reading ability, sensory skills and imagination. The children's toy book gives your child endless hours of fun, and you won't have to worry about getting juice or formula on it, because this wear-resistant book is washable and safe for babies.

Review: "These are amazing. My boys and 2-year-old even love them! They have a sensory aspect too as well as learning and also wipeable!! So colourful and happy. We are really pleased with these and would happily purchase for a gift too! 100000% recommend!"

Pros

  • Wonderful way to stimulate language and reading skills.
  • Beautiful colours and pictures.

Cons

  • Comes with different textures and crumpling sound between different materials.

Best gift for grandparents

Description

If you want to create life-long memories, this unique white ceramic personalised Merry Christmas Nanny and Grandad decoration is a stunning ornament gift for any grandparent. This beautiful decoration can be a personally personalised gift with any name on it.

Review: "I purchased this and I’m absolutely delighted with the tree decorations."

Pros

  • The white ceramic decorations are a unique keepsake gift.
  • The hanging decoration comes with a length of 5mm wide white satin ribbon.

Cons

  • Only comes in white.

Best gift for jewellery

Description

The perfect necklace is engraved with the words "Big Sis Little Sis", making it a gorgeous gift for best friends and sisters, no matter how far apart you may be. So, why not celebrate friendship with this necklace and gift a sister, mother, daughter, aunt, niece and keep your hearts together.

Review: "The grandchildren will love this, ideal present"

Pros

  • A fashion necklace which comes with a jewellery bag.
  • Perfect gift for sisters.

Cons

  • Only comes in a silver colour.

Best gift for hair care

stock filler

Rrp: $11.99

Price: $10.99

Description

This curly hair detangling brush has a unique design that easily makes it way through tangles and helps reduce breakage. With one-shaped plastic bristles to divide the hair sideways instead of down, it softly separates even the stubborn tangles. Suitable for when using in the shower or on dry hair before styling, you will never have to worry about those tough hair days.

Review: "Lightweight easy to hold in hand. Just a little scratchy for me as I have thin hair so maybe perfect for someone with lovely thick locks. My daughter has the same brush and she likes it too, get all tangles out but not scratchy for her scalp as more hair!!"

Pros

  • Gentle on wet and dry hair.
  • This brush easily removes every knot and tangle.

Cons

  • Not to be used on hair extensions.

Best gift for sensory interaction

Description

This 2 pack fidget toy can make sounds on both sides and can be used by children and adults, as a stress reliever. It also provides and is a great sensory toy for interaction and helps restore the mood, making it the perfect gift for kids, families, and friends.

Review: "The silicone feels really smooth and the pop sound is perfect! It's also got a firm enough hold the pops don't just collapse in on themselves. Smells lovely too, non of that plasticy wierd smell."

Pros

  • Comes in a 2 pack: unicorn and dinosaur.
  • A great sensory toy.

Cons

  • Not suitable for under 12 months old.

Best for family entertainment

Description

This stocking filler game will entertain the whole family on Christmas day, plus you might get a few funny photos too. The inflatable antler hat has 6 branches and there are 6 rings to try and throw onto them.

Review: "Once it is blown up it is great fun. It has a strap to tie under the chin so it fits adults and children. Rings can deflate fairly quickly but it takes 2 seconds to blow them up again. It's very entertaining and you can spend ages playing it."

Pros

  • Fun for all the family
  • Easy to inflate

Cons

  • Rings deflate quickly

Best spy pen for kids

Description

Kids will have great fun at Christmas writing secret messages with this spy pen. With invisible ink that can only be seen when they shine the UV light on it, they will be entertained for ages and enjoy playing spies.

Review: "For fun, write name or symbol on any surface, then shine the UV light on it and you will see
your name or symbol illuminate. This UV pen and light is a very handy tool to have."

Best for Christmas accessories

Description

With a total of 10 sheets of temporary tattoos, kids will love all the festive designs including Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, snowmen, snowflakes, elks and dogs. Every pattern is different so everyone can use a different design. Even better if you hold them under light they will glow in the dark.

Review: "I had so much fun with these at Christmas. Perfect for kids and adults and easy to remove even after just a few hours. Would buy again."

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Lots of festive designs
  • Glow in the dark

Cons

  • Don't use on sensitive skin

As we enter the holiday season with our focus on trying to buy that perfect Christmas gift, it can sometimes be overwhelming. We get it. This is why it is important to slow down a little and take some time to look after yourself and put your needs first too, perhaps even add some great beauty and wellness gifts to your Christmas list.

Don’t run your energy low trying to live up to Christmas traditions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the lights on the roof this year. Or if you forget the Christmas crackers, or forget to order mulled wine, Christmas will still be special. It's not the end of the world, and remember, Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and have fun, plus when it comes to gifts, even stocking fillers, it's the thought that counts.

What are traditional Christmas stocking fillers

These days, stocking fillers have no limit. From sweets and drinks to beauty products and stationery, stocking fillers come in all forms and dimensions. However, we can’t deny that chocolate stocking fillers are the most go to products, especially with grown-ups and children. Traditionally, stockings were filled with small toys, sweets or even fruit and coins. They don't have to be extravagant! In fact, an orange in a stocking used to represent the gift of gold from Saint Nicholas, which is a lovely Christmas traditionto start with your little ones.

What are the best stocking fillers for adults?

Christmas stocking fillers may have a status for only being a kid's thing, but adults can also join in on the festive excitement too and kids love giving gifts to dadand mum. Although you might not be able to get away with giving them a stocking filler full of crayons and stickers, there are lots of quirky ideas for adults too. Simply investing in a keyring, a comb, socks, a watch, a mini coffee maker or jewellery, or even homemade Christmas gifts like biscuits, will help sprinkle some magic.

What else can you use instead of a Christmas stocking?

A lot! You probably have an old sock, just staring at you, waiting to be used. Instead of buying one this year, why not get creative and bring your inner talent to life by using Christmas hats, cowboy boots or even a mini bucket. It could be a lovely Christmas craft activity to do with your little one. In fact you can even use their little crafts and drawings as stocking fillers too.

Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.

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