• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Artisan Life
  • Dot Marker Pages
  • Learning Center
  • Free Printables
    • Free Printables for Summer
    • DIY Squishies
    • dramatic play printables
    • Printable Calendars
    • Fall printables
    • Winter Printables
    • Valentine's Day printables
    • St. Patrick's Day printables
    • Earth Day
    • Easter printables
    • Mother's Day
    • Thanksgiving Printables
    • Christmas Printables
  • Preschool + K
    • Alphabet Tracing Worksheets
    • Dot Marker Pages
    • Cut & Paste Crafts
    • Preschool Math
    • Fine Motor Practice Pages
    • Spanish Preschool Pages
  • Coloring Pages
  • Recipes
    • Healthy dessert recipes
    • main dish recipes
    • Side dish recipes
    • sourdough recipes
    • Drink Recipes
  • Gardening
  • Wood Working
    • Timber Framing Classes in South Carolina
    • Timber Framing Tools and Resources
    • Mrs Claus Wood Carving Tutorial
    • Easy Scandinavian Inspired Wood Santa Carving Tutorial
    • How to Carve a Wood Christmas Tree
    • How to Carve a Wood Jack O'Lantern
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Dot Marker Pages
  • Free Printables
    • Preschool worksheets
    • Free Printable Coloring Pages
    • Printable journals & planners
    • Shape Templates
  • Recipes
    • breakfast recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • main dish recipes
    • sourdough recipes
    • breakfast recipes
  • Crafts
  • Learning Center
  • Shop
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Dot Marker Pages
    • Free Printables
      • Preschool worksheets
      • Free Printable Coloring Pages
      • Printable journals & planners
      • Shape Templates
    • Recipes
      • breakfast recipes
      • Drink Recipes
      • main dish recipes
      • sourdough recipes
      • breakfast recipes
    • Crafts
    • Learning Center
    • Shop
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ร—
    Home ยป Toddler Toys

    Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers That Aren't Junk: Non-Plastic, Non-Candy Gifts for Toddlers

    Published: Sep 15, 2019 ยท Modified: Feb 4, 2025

    30 shares
    • Share

    You want your favorite toddler to experience the joys for their own Christmas stocking, but finding stocking stuffers for toddlers can feel so overwhelming. It seems like everything is either a chocking hazard, candy, or plastic junk that will be broken and forgotten by New Years.

    That's why I'm here to help you with the best stocking stuffers for toddler's that aren't plastic junk or food.

    These toddler stocking stuffer ideas are mom and toddler approved. Many of them are things I've personally purchased or used over the years. I hope you (and your little one) enjoy!

    toddler stocking stuffers that aren't junk

    This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on purchases made through links at no additional cost to you.

    If this is your first visit to The Artisan Life - welcome!

    I want to let you know that 1) I hold a Masters of the Arts in Teaching so I'm very big on developmentally appropriate, open-ended toys and 2) I only recommend things I would personally actually give my own toddler.

    Most of the selections in my toddler toy guides and toddler book guides are items we've actually used. I put a lot of thought and effort into picking the best stocking stuffers for toddlers that aren't junk and I hope you find this list helpful!

    Alright, let's get started!

    Stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers

    Crayons make fantastic stocking stuffers. You can take them out of packaging, if you want to, and tie them in a bundle with ribbons. 

    There are several types of crayons to pick from. My favorite crayons for toddlers include triangular crayons (easy to grip and don't roll), Crayola Twistables (no paper to eat and you don't have to sharpen them), and beeswax crayons (natural and creamy). 

    Table could not be displayed.

    Washable markers are another fun option. Be careful, though, because marker tops can be a choking hazard. My daughter's favorite markers are Crayola Supertips and Do a Dot markers. 

    Table could not be displayed.

    Toddler coloring books are usually flexible enough to bend and put into a stocking. 

    I Can Color Toddler Coloring BookI Can Color Toddler Coloring BookLetters, Shapes, and Animals toddler coloring bookLetters, Shapes, and Animals toddler coloring bookNumbers, Colors, and Shapes Toddler Coloring BookNumbers, Colors, and Shapes Toddler Coloring Book

    For mess-free drawing, grab a clip-on DoodlePro. It's super easy to bring along in your purse for doctor's appointments and other times when you'll need to wait!

    No products found.

    Mini board books make a good stocking stuffer that isnโ€™t junk. Look for a themed book block set so you have plenty of options! You can open the block and put the books in the stocking individually (this means you can set a few aside for later, too!).

    Table could not be displayed.

    Hair bows (and headbands) are another useful stocking stuffer. My daughter went from hating bows to demanding multiple bows at a time. Like many little kids, her eyes light up when she sees a new, colorful bow. The best place to shop for cute bows is, of course, Etsy.

    Handmade Hairbows

    There are too many cute hairbows in the world to list them all, but these are all on my personal short list for holiday shopping this year.

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Dinosaur Hair Bow Clip or Headband

    Photo Credit: Kindribbon on Etsy

    This dinosaur bow is on our shopping this year. It's perfect for dino-loving little girls!

    Reindeer Hair Bow

    Photo Credit: PrettyPosiesandBows on Etsy

    Spread holiday cheer with this adorable Christmas bow featuring a reindeer feltie.

    Unicorn Bow

    Photo Credit: LexieReesBabyThings on Etsy

    This unicorn bow is so sparkly that your toddler will squeal with delight.

    Winter Velvet Bow

    Photo Credit: MadeByMaeBowtique on Etsy

    Velvet bows are a classic! Dress them up for a speical occasion or wear them every day for a classy touch with any winter outfit.

    A set of large lacing beads for toddlers makes a great stocking stuffer. Make sure to get a set with big beads so theyโ€™re safer and easier for your toddler to use.

    I prefer the Hape shaped beads for several reasons. Hape is a reputable toy company who I trust to make non-toxic toys. Also, the different shapes also provide the opportunity for additional open-ended play and imaginative play. 

    Table could not be displayed.

    Wood cars and other play vehicles are lots of fun for toddlers! My daughter is endlessly fascinated by a rolling wood duck that was my sisterโ€™s. Again, I prefer Hapeโ€™s toy vehicles to plastic ones. Wood is more durable and eco-friendly, too!

    Table could not be displayed.

    Smaller bath toys make good stocking stuffers. I love Caaocho natural rubber bath toys because theyโ€™re non-toxic and sealed (so they donโ€™t get full of mold!)

    Table could not be displayed.

    Stickers are hugely popular at our house! A roll or pad of stickers is sure to delight almost any toddler.

    Table could not be displayed.

    Cute socks make an adorable and practical stocking stuffer.

    Table could not be displayed.

    A battery free echo microphone is a lot of fun without being too loud and annoying for adults.

    No products found.

    A small stuffed animal is the perfect stocking stuffer. Place it at the top so it's visible to catch your toddler's eye and get them interested in their stocking! Jellycat and Aurora stuffed animals are always soft and well-made.

    Table could not be displayed.

    Maybe it sounds odd, but an electric toothbrush makes an awesome gift for a toddler. My husband and I use electric toothbrushes and our daughter used to imitate us by making humming noises while brushing her teeth. She tolerates toothbrushing way better now that she has an electric toothbrush!

    No products found.

    Toddlers are little people with big emotions. The Hape Eggspresions toy can help teach toddlers about emotions and the egg cup stands are good for working with colors.

    No products found.

    Chunky wood puzzles can keep toddlers entertained for ages. If your child is new to puzzles, show them how to remove the pieces first. As they learn how to "do" the puzzle, store it on their shelf "undone" with the pieces in a basket or tray nearby. My daughter can't resist a puzzle when it's taken apart, but usually ignores them when they're completed.

    No products found.

    If you're wiling to hear a little noise, wood instruments for toddlers are great stocking stuffers. I've never met a toddler who didn't enjoy banging on things!

    My daughter adores her music classes and happily bangs her claves together to her own beat whenever she has the chance. Although it seems like you could easily buy and cut your own dowel to make music sticks, I don't recommend it. We tried this route before buying them - the dowels immediately dented and started to splinter. Learn from my mistake and get real hardwood claves.

    No products found.

    Toddlers love being independent. Grabease forks and spoons are my daughter's favorite utensils because they're designed for little hands. They're also my favorite for meals on the go because they come with a convenient reusable zip pouch to keep them clean in my purse.

    Table could not be displayed.

    The ezpz Tiny Cup is another great tool for promoting toddler independence. It's a tiny silicone cup that's perfect for introducing an open cup to younger toddlers. Although my daughter can handle a larger cup now, we still enjoy using our Tiny Cup because it's super easy to pack in my purse when we're eating out or at a friend's house.

    No products found.

    Reusable snack bags are a stocking stuffer idea that will see plenty of use! You can get reusable fabric snack bags and ones made from silicone.

    Table could not be displayed.

    If you'd prefer soothing a little harder to dump out, a cute Skip Hop snack cup is the way to go!

    Table could not be displayed.

    We purchased these silicone straws a few months ago and use them frequently. Silicone straws are safer and more eco-friendly than hard plastic straws, and my toddler enjoys playing with them when we're out and there's nothing else for her to do.

    Straws are one of the leading causes of mouth injury for young children and soft silicone straws are much less likely to hurt your little one.

    No products found.

    Related: Free printable Christmas bingo

    Christmas stockings for toddlers

    So they're not actually stocking stuffers, but I couldn't resist adding a few Christmas stockings, too!

    This dinosaur Christmas stocking is seriously cute! My daughter is really into dinosaurs right now, so it's on my shortlist for this Christmas.

    No products found.

    This Rudolph stocking has a light up nose that will delight your toddler.

    No products found.

    This sweet owl stocking has sparkly sequins that are sure to catch your toddler's eye.

    No products found.

    Don't lose track of this post! Pin it now.

    text "20+ toddler stocking stuffer ideas" above a picture of a little girl in red and white striped pajamas playing with a wood train. Stuffed animals are visible on the couch behind her and there's a Christmas tree with lights in the top right.

    More toddler toy guides

    Toddler toys & books

    I'm a "picky mom" when it comes to toys, books, and, well, basically anything I'm giving my daughter. I want everything I give her to be developmentally appropriate, nontoxic, and high-quality.

    Get the benefits of my hours of research by checking out these toddler toy and book guides!

    The Best Gymnastics Toys for Toddlers (toddler play-tested and approved!)

    These gymnastics toys for toddler are all toddler play tested and approved!

    The Best Toys for Toddlers who Like to Climb - finally tire out your toddler!

    These climbing toys for toddlers are perfect for toddlers who love to climb. There are also practical suggestions, like learning towers and stools, to empower your toddler.

    The Best Bath Toys Toddlers (& How to Keep Bath Toys from Growing Mold!)

    Discover non-toxic bath toys that aren't made with PVC and learn an all-natural way to keep bath toys clean.

    20+ Fun Easter Basket Stuffers for Toddlers (that aren't candy) Updated for 2020!

    Looking for toddler Easter gift ideas that aren't candy? Check out these great Easter gifts that aren't food or plastic junk!

    The Best Non-Toxic Wood Toys for Toddlers

    This is the ultimate guide to non-toxic wood toys for toddlers! Discover the best wood toy brands and developmentally appropriate wood toys for toddlers.

    The Best Frog Toys for Toddlers (+ Awesome Gifts for Toddlers who Love Frogs!)

    The Best Animal Books for Toddlers

    15+ Ocean Books for Toddlers who Love Fish

    17+ Awesome Gross Motor Toys for Young Toddlers

    These indoor gross motor toys for young toddlers are toddler tested and approved!

    The Best Non-Toxic Sippy Cup Alternatives - Toddler Cups & Bottles That Aren't Plastic!

    Free Easter Matching Game Printable (an easy screen-free activity!)

    Valentine's Day Matching Game Printable

    Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Matching Game (& a difficult version for older kids!)

    More Toddler Toys

    • text "the best frog toys for toddlers" overlay on an image of a little girl in a blue and white dress kissing a toy frog
      Super Cool Frog Toys for Toddlers (& Awesome Gifts for Toddlers who Love Frogs!)
    • Text "The best dinosaur toys for toddlers" with an image of a toddler sitting at a white table playing with two plastic toy dinosaurs
      The Best Dinosaur Toys for Toddlers for Dino-Obsessed Tots
    • 20+ Fun Easter Basket Stuffers for Toddlers (that aren't candy)
    • The best toys for toddlers who love to climb
      The Best Toys for Toddlers who Like to Climb - finally tire out your toddler! (updated for 2021)
    30 shares
    • Share
    text "access hundreds of printables now"

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Text "Hello! I'm Natasha!" with an image of a woman a blue shirt

    Hi, Iโ€™m Natasha! I'm so glad you're here.

    I'm a former classroom teacher with a Masters of the Arts in Teaching turned homeschooler. I share educational & planner printables for busy parents and teachers. Simplify your life when you discover how to instantly access 700+ printables here!

    More about me โ†’

    Popular

    • text "free printable alphabet coloring pages" with a preview of six alphabet coloring sheets
      Free Printable Alphabet Coloring Pages
    • text "free printable apple basket craft" with a preview of the printable and photo of two completed crafts
      Free Printable Apple Basket Craft
    • text "bold and easy cozy fall coloring pages" with a preview of three bold and easy style coloring pages
      Free Printable Bold and Easy Fall Coloring Pages
    • text "free printable music dot marker pages' with a preview of three dot marker coloring sheets
      Music Themed Dot Marker Coloring Pages

    The Artisan Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    The Artisan Life also uses affiliate links for other sites. For a full look at my policy, please visit its page here.

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Save Time

    • Join the Learning Center for quick & easy access to hundreds of printables

    Contact

    • Contact

    If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly here: natashalh(at)stalkingthewildsnark(dot)com. I do not accept guest posts and will not respond to unsolicited requests for guest posts or links. Stock images byย Depositphotos

    COPYRIGHT ยฉ 2012 โ€“ 2025 The Artisan Life ยท ALL RIGHTS RESERVED