Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time for Christmas shopping! Buying stocking stuffers is simple to do, but it’s easy to forget to do. Purchasing the bigger gifts becomes more important to parents. The smaller items become the last items on the shopping list. Last year, I even ran out on Christmas Eve to finish the kids’ stocking. This Christmas, I’ve made a list well in advance. Check out some of my top picks that kids will enjoy at a variety of ages.

Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Pencils

Support your child’s creativity with pencils and other art supplies. One item that tops my list is Sproutworld Pencils. I was brainstorming for this article when I saw the company featured on my favorite local news company, WBALTV. Reusing pencils to grow plants is a smart idea. Instill a sense of environmentalism in your kids. After you use the pencil, you plant the water soluble capsule in the ground. In 1-3 weeks, a plant, herb, or flower will grow. You can also buy colored Sproutworld pencils for your artistic child.

Books

Encourage reading by stuffing the stockings with high quality children’s literature. NY Times best seller Serafina and the Black Cloak is a thoughtful pick for kids ages 8-12. When I read the book, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. Since I went to college in Asheville, NC, and I still have family there, the setting at the Biltmore estate came alive to me. Published by Disney Hyperion, the book is a mysterious, adventure story that will appeal to many kids. Another connection I had with the book was that I attended Vanderbilt University, and the book was about the Vanderbilt family.

Another gift idea would be a variety of books from Ulysses Press. The Emoticat Stickers, Don’t Quit Your Day Dream, Cover Art, and Apuglogies items are all small enough to fit in a stocking. Buy the Cover Art hangable prints for anyone who loves classic literature. You get 20 tear-out prints of books, such as Pride and Prejudice and Alice and Wonderland. Since I buy a lot of baby literature, the book prints will go over well with my kids. The Apuglogies book is a wonderful way to teach your kids to apologize. Kids will be eager to hand out apology cards when things go wrong. Looking for something more motivational? Buy the Don’t Quit Your Day Dream card coloring book. The book is a great way to get your kids to send thank you cards for Christmas gifts.

Clothes

Roll clothes to fit them into the stockings. You can add socks and undershirts, but also toss in a some nice pajama sets. My favorite would be Hatley Pajamas, which come in fun designs and patterns. The latest movie or TV characters can fade in and out of style, but a classic pattern always looks good. The pajamas come in designs for girls and boys.

Kitchenware

For younger kids, toss in some feeding supplies. JJ Rabbit makes adorable Cuppies that have an animal at the bottom of each cup. Toddlers will be excited to finish every last drop of their drink. With two handles, the cups are easy for toddlers to hold, so you can prevent spills. The company also makes a high quality SiliMat, which works well as a placemat or as a plate. Wipe it off after each use, and use it to keep your table clean.

Toys

Looking for some simple toys to toss in the stocking? Tonka Die-Cast Singles are fun for boys and girls. My daughter recently took a trip to a fire station, so I know she’s going to be thrilled to get a fire truck in her stocking. Each vehicle has realistic details and vibrant color. The toys are also strong, so you can create your own city and construction site on your floor.

Another great stocking stuffer toy would be Stackins. The toys are small and can fit in any size stocking. Buy a variety of animals so your kids can start a collection. I received some of my kids’ favorite animals in their favorite colors. I’ll put a few in each girl’s stocking. The toys are small, cute, and cuddle, so they will appeal to my daughters.

Snacks

Keep kids smiling with a few edible treats in the stocking for Christmas Day. Start with Pretzel Crisps Holiday Indulgents, which come in delicious Christmas flavors this holiday season. I tried out the Dark Chocolate & Peppermint and the White Chocolate & Peppermint. The snacks were a huge hit with the entire family. Each bag is small enough to fit in a stocking, so toss in a few!

In my home, juices are a special treat. One of my girls’ favorite type of juice is Honest Kids. Buy a box, and throw several in each kids’ stocking. The juice is organic and sweetened with real fruit juice instead of the organic cane sugar that the company used to use in 2013. My girls love the taste, and they drink it all the time.

Another healthy, tasty snack idea is Ella’s Kitchen. The company offers a variety of items, including biscuits and juices. My younger daughter is a huge fan of the coconut water, which means our cow milk can last a little longer. Each item is organic and full of nutrients from real fruits and vegetables, so I’m happy to give it to my kids. I’ve fed my girls food from Ella’s Kitchen for years now, and they always like the taste.

Earth’s Best is another good option for healthy, delicious kids’ snacks. While the company is also known for its baby food, it makes food for infants, toddlers, and kids. Both of my girls adored the biscuits and graham cracker snacks. With Sesame Street characters on the boxes, the snacks have a huge appeal to my younger daughter. You can also buy Earth’s Best apple sauce and Fruit Wave pouches for older kids.

Bath Supplies

Add some bath supplies to the stocking. Kids always play before actually getting clean in the bath, so Crazy Foam is a great fit. Instead of coming out as a gel or a liquid, the body wash, shampoo, and conditioner is a foam that kids enjoy. Because the product has such a thick texture, it’s great for younger kids who lose regular body wash in between their fingers. The foam is so much fun to play with that kids won’t even realize they’re getting clean.

What are you adding to the kids’ stockings this year? Share your tips and ideas below in the comments section!

Disclosure

I received a free item, but it in no way affected my opinion!