Affordable Stocking Stuffers for Kids of All Ages

Some of the best gifts cost less than $20. Here are some of our favorite stocking stuffers for kids of all ages.

Stocking Stuffer for Adults and Kids (1st grade and up):

I am crazy about Bananagrams. This travel-sized game is about the size of large banana– perfect for stashing in your purse to keep kids happy while you’re waiting for your food to arrive at a restaurant or for your plane to board at the airport. There are several variations of this creative twist on the traditional Scrabble game, so this fun, fast-paced game is perfect for 2 to 8 adults and kids of various ages. $14.95 at LittleJetSet (www.littlejetset.com).

Stocking Stuffer for Dad:

While my Mr. Fix It loves nothing more than gift cards from HomeDepot, you could try buying something based on what Dad likes or dislikes. For example, a friend of mine bought the Zibra Open It Universal Package Opener ($12.99) for her husband since he has a serious hatred of hard plastic clamshell packaging that so many companies use on their products. It’s kind of a present for her too since she won’t have to hear him cursing when he cuts himself on the packaging anymore. Now if only companies would stop using the oh-so annoying and environmentally-unfriendly plastic clamshell packages…that would be a gift to all of us!

Stocking Stuffer for Mom:  

 Philosophy’s bath gels smell good enough to eat. The Recipe Box set contains strawberry shortcake, red velvet cake and sweet cream frosting scented shampoo/shower/bath gels in a cute recipe box. $18 with free shipping at Beauty.com.

Want Mom to really love you? Get her a gift certificate for a pedicure or manicure and then (this is the real gift!) watch the kids while she gets her nails painted.

Stocking Stuffer for Tween Girls and Boys:

Bella Sara Trading Cards (read our full review here) are Chaotic Trading Cards bridge the gap between trading card games and video games. Both allow free online gameplay using the same cards purchased in the store. Card packs are under $5.00 at stores like Walmart, Target and Toys R Us. I’ll admit that I’m biased towards the sweet looking Bella Sara horses my friend’s tweener daughter adores, but these Chaotic cards (while confusing to me) are all the rage with many tweener boys. I’d suggest reading the parent guide at Chaotic if you’re at all interested.

Stocking Stuffer for Your Teenage Babysitter:

While teens tend to prefer cold hard cash, movie gift certificates and iTunes gift certificates always are appreciated. You can get gift certificates delivered by email at GiftCertificates.com.

 

Stocking Stuffer for Toddlers (18mo-3 years):

Crayola First Beginnings TaDoodles (under $10 for a 3 pack) are cute egg-shaped markers and crayons perfectly sized for little hands. I bought some for Candace’s little girl this summer, and she’s used them to make some adorable artistic creations. You can find these at craft stores, many toy stores and Amazon.