There’s nothing more festive than the sight of stockings hung by the fireplace. In 33 great ideas for sustainable stocking stuffers, I shared ideas for sustainable ways to fill those stockings. Over the next few days, I’ve got ultimate lists of stocking stuffers for everyone on your Christmas list. Today, I’ll kick things off with stocking stuffers for kids and babies.

This post was originally published in December 2020 and updated in October 2023.

The legend of the Christmas stocking

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the tradition of filling stockings at Christmas dates back to the days of St. Nicholas. According to legend, the tradition started when a recently widowed father of three daughters worried their poverty would make it difficult for them to marry. Knowing the father would refuse charity, St. Nicholas slid down the chimney and filled their socks that were hung to dry by the fire with gold coins.

Filling those stockings

These days, most people don’t hang up their socks. Instead, they use special stockings designed for Christmas. When my daughters were small, I bought them these oversized stockings. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, I soon realized that those giant stockings took a lot of filling! Over the years, it was always a challenge to come up with new ideas.

Here is my list of stocking stuffers for the youngest members on your shopping list.

Stocking stuffers for babies

Baby’s first Christmas is such an exciting time. It’s a good opportunity to buy some fun things and also some sentimental keepsakes. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Soother/pacifier
• Soother/pacifier clip
• Teether
• Stuffed animal
• Rattle
• Small bath book
• Books
• Stacking cups
• Bibs
• Sleepers
• Sippy cup
• Clothes
• Socks
• Slippers
• Bath toys
• Baby’s 1^st Christmas ornament
• Winter hat

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Stocking stuffers for kids

As kids get a little older, there are more fun ways to fill those stockings. Here are some fun suggestions.

Minimalist gifts

And, if your family isn’t into accumulating stuff, here are some ideas that won’t end up in the landfill.

• Handwritten coupons for fun things to do together over the Christmas holidays
  • An afternoon of cookie baking
  • Building a snowman
  • Skating on the pond
  • Pyjama day
  • Movie night
  • Favourite homemade dinner
• Movie passes
• Tickets to a concert or sporting event
• Gift cards
• Cash
• Tickets for a family getaway or vacation

I hope you found some useful ideas for the babies and kids on your list. As you make your Christmas shopping list, check out these posts for more ideas:

• Ultimate list of stocking stuffers for teenagers
• The complete list of 123 stocking stuffers for adults

Is there anything you’d add to this list? Tell us below.