Kids stocking filler ideas: 21 new ideas for Christmas stockings that cost £10 and under

Kids stocking filler ideas to give you ten more minutes in bed

Kids stocking filler ideas illustrated by collage
(Image credit: Future)

Kids stocking filler ideas are always welcome, especially if they come in under £5 or £10. 

A Christmas stocking can be more than a Christmas tradition, like matching family Christmas pjs or Christmas bedding, it's also a bold and strategic parenting move. It can help you to eke out a few more hours in bed before the carnage begins, and you move on to opening the top Christmas toys under the tree.

Goodto's consumer editor and mum-of-three, Heidi Scrimgeour agrees: "Stockings are strategic. I think of a stocking - and its contents - as my last-ditch attempt at five more minutes in bed. The best kind of stocking filler is reusable, educational or entertaining." So, we’ve scoured the virtual shelves for the best and most original, time-consuming stocking filler toys. Only settling for choices that stand out for play potential, value for money and  how many more minutes you get in bed on Christmas morning.

Kids stocking filler ideas

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

Kids stocking filler ideas under £5

1. Large star bath bomb - View at Amazon

1. Large star bath bomb - View at <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QWRSKGP/ref=emc_b_5_i?tag=georiot-trd-21&th=1&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21&geniuslink=true" data-link-merchant="amazon.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon

RRP: £4.40 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it?  A star-shaped bath bomb that promises to create a colourful fizzing bath adventure and change the colour of your water and gives of a delicious strawberry scent.

Why we love it: Anything that will help get the kids in the bath and stay in it for more than 12 minutes is a winner for us. Plus these are marketed as skin safe, drain safe, easy clean and stain free as well as being biodegradable and vegan friendly.


2. Design Your Own Door Sign - View at&nbsp;Matalan

2. Design Your Own Door Sign - View at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matalan.co.uk%2Fproduct%2Fdetail%2Fs2923414_c000%2Fdesign-your-own-door-sign-multi%3Futm_source%3DSubaffiliate%26utm_medium%3DAffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Dskimlinks_phg_305950%26pz%3Dtrue%26click_id%3D1100lwoqrgdQ&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - matalan.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matalan

RRP: £2.45 | Age: 3+ | Click & collect: Free

What is it? A set containing everything your little one needs, including a wooden plaque, sticker letters and space foam shapes, to make a sign for their bedroom door.

Why we love it: A sweet little gift that will allow a creative moment without any preparation on your part, and will hopefully keep little hands busy for a few minutes in the lull between Christmas and New Years.


3. Slinky Original - View at&nbsp;Smyths

3. Slinky Original - View at <a href="https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/pocket-money/slinky-original/p/198135" data-link-merchant="smythstoys.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smyths

RRP: £4.99 | Age: 3+ | Click & collect: Free

What is it? A brilliantly super stretchy and fun spring. Juggle it from hand to hand, set it at the top of the stairs and watch it walk to the bottom, or 'yo-yo' it the floor and see if it comes back. 

Why we love it: It has a strong retro 90s vibe which we're here for. More than 300 million Slinkys have been sold across the world since its launch 60 years ago and this classic toy will be a hit with children and grandparents alike.


4. Lego mini figures - View at&nbsp;Amazon

4. Lego mini figures - View at <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=24340&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lego.com%2Fen-gb%2Fproduct%2Fseries-23-71034" data-link-merchant="click.linksynergy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon

RRP: £3.49 | Age: 5+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? Each pack contains one of twelve cool characters. The finely crafted, highly detailed LEGO buildable Minifigures comes in a sealed 'mystery' bag with 1 or more accessory elements, plus a collector's overview leaflet. This will put a smile on anyone's face.

Why we love it: These mini figures make the perfect kids stocking filler. They take up no space - they're so tiny - but pack a punch in the 'wow-look-what-I-got!' department on Christmas morning. 


5. World's Smallest Topple Tower - View at&nbsp;Matalan

RRP:&nbsp;&nbsp;| Age:&nbsp;Delivery:

5. World's Smallest Topple Tower - View at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.matalan.co.uk%2Fproduct%2Fdetail%2Fs2923381_c000%2Fworld-s-smallest-topper-tower-multi&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - matalan.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matalan

RRP: 
£3.15 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A teeny weeny version of the well-loved stacking game with 30 blocks to stack and a pair of tweezers to finesse your game play.

Why we love it: A little version of a classic game that everyone knows how to play- so no need to get your head around new rules and instructions- this will keep the whole family entertained at  the table for Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner time!


6. LOL SURPRISE Art Club Secret Surprise Nails - View at&nbsp;Boots

6. LOL SURPRISE Art Club Secret Surprise Nails - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Flol-surprise-art-club-secret-surprise-nails--10285688%3Faffwin%26cm_mmc%3Daffiliates-_-Editorial%2520Content-_-TechRadar-_-103504%26utm_source%3Daffiliates%26utm_medium%3DEditorial%2BContent%26utm_campaign%3DTechRadar-103504%26sv1%3Daffiliate%26sv_campaign_id%3D103504%26awc%3D2041_1670581172_e1ec9ce9c62f7a5ba0ffee0c601701d3" data-link-merchant="boots.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Boots

RRP: £3 | Age: 5+ | Delivery: Free

What is it?  An Art Club Nail Set with two secret surprises in hidden in the box! In the box you get, Peelable Nail Polish, Nail Sticker Sheet and a ring.

Why we love it: It's a mess-safe version of what your kids will soon want for real i.e. actual 'stain-the-dining-room-table nail polish'. Simply peel sticker off nail and wash with warm soapy water.


7. House of Marbles Go Fish Card Game - View at Amazon&nbsp;

7. House of Marbles Go Fish Card Game - View at<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/House-Marbles-Fish-Card-Game/dp/B06XHQ7NY3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="amazon.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Amazon 

RRP: £3.49 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A fish themed card game which has players collecting 3 of a kind to gain a point, by asking your opponents "Do you have any crabs?" If not, they can reply "Go fish".

Why we love it: A quick card game to entertain everyone, and hopefully keep the kids away from their screens for an extra few minutes and engage with the other humans in the house!


Other ideas for less than £5

An image of a Christmas Stocking with candy canes, chocolate coins and an orange.

(Image credit: Future)

Stocking costs can spiral really rapidly, especially if "Santa" is making stockings for the whole family, so don't forget to add the traditional edibles; chocolate coins, an orange (or the chocolate version, for the fruit-averse), and individual favourite snacks.

Kids stocking filler ideas under £8

8. Natural History Museum Creepy Crawly Torch and Projector - View at Amazon

8. Natural History Museum Creepy Crawly Torch and Projector - View at <a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Natural-History-Museum-N5130-Projector/dp/B01C76CO3K/ref=asc_df_B0079FCBBK?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="amazon.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon

RRP: £6.99 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? This creepy-crawly themed projector provides 24 colour images of beetles, bugs, bees and insects to help illuminate any dark room. Your kids simply aims the torch at a blank surface and it creates a temporary light display. This awesome presentation not only impresses but is also educational.

Why we love it: For starters this comes with the batteries, so big high five there. And, as a dark room is best for it, you'll hopefully have a little more time in bed on Christmas morning while your little ones project all over the room.


9. STABILO BOSS Mini Pastel Highlighters - View at&nbsp;WH Smith

9. STABILO BOSS Mini Pastel Highlighters - View at<a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3017&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whsmith.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fstabilo-boss-mini-pastel-highlighters-chisel-nib-multi-ink-pack-of-5%2F4006381514514.html%3Futm_campaign%3Deq_whs_78888%26utm_medium%3Daffiliates%26utm_source%3Dawin%26awc%3D3017_1636023273_93a71fb6cf1d652b77a266250528691a%26utm_campaign%3Deq_whs_78888%26utm_medium%3Daffiliates%26utm_source%3Dawin%26awc%3D3017_1670582727_a3aa152c20a9d5c533a6679527cf8b55" data-link-merchant="whsmith.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> WH Smith

RRP: £5.99 | Age: 6+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A pack of five cool mini highlighters in a range of pastel shades make a functional and fabulous kids stocking filler. Useful and cool, decorated with illustrations by German artist Hannah Rabenstein.

Why we love it: A great buy for any teens who may be going into exam years  to brighten up all those revision notes, or for little ones who enjoy creating 'art', or just like writing messages. These are perfectly paired with a block of sticky notes.


10. Rubik’s Cube Keyring Edition - View at&nbsp;Amazon

10. Rubik’s Cube Keyring Edition - View at<a href="https://amazon.co.uk/Rubiks-Keyring-Classic-Accessory-Travel/dp/B0007QU67E/ref=sr_1_58?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Amazon

RRP: £7.02 | Age: 8+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A perfect, miniature version of the original Rubik's cube on a key chain.

Why we love it: Not only is this a cute little accessory, but also a real, solvable puzzle cube for a bit of fun, or a genuine challenge. Want to keep the kids (or partner!) occupied for longer? There are guides online to learn how to solve the cube, which will be an impressive skill to show off at the New Years Eve shindig!


11. Wind Up Racing Sprouts - View at&nbsp;The Range

11. Wind Up Racing Sprouts - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=5238&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therange.co.uk%2Fchristmas%2Fchristmas-party-and-games%2Fchristmas-party-games%2Fwind-up-racing-sprouts%2F#19771" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Range

RRP: £5.99 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? Two wind-up racing sprouts. Have a giggle watching these dash across the Christmas dinner table. Race friends and family and become the sprout racing champ!

Why we love it: These are your classic kids stocking filler!  Plus you can use it to decide who has to do the dishes after Christmas dinner - winner gets the sofa.


12. Feeling festive hairbands 6 pack - View at&nbsp;Monsoon

12. Feeling festive hairbands 6 pack - View at <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=45117&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monsoon.co.uk%2Ffeeling-festive-hairbands-6-pack-4104862900.html" data-link-merchant="click.linksynergy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Monsoon

RRP: £7 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? Adorable Christmas character-themed hair bands, which make a fabulous stocking filler. Your little one can take their pick from a snowman, Christmas pudding or tree characters.

Why we love it: You can never find a hair band when you need to, so having a few extra lying around the house is always a bonus. A Christmas accessory also adds flair and will help your little one feel super festive.


13. Sluggy Duggie fidget toy - View at&nbsp;Smyths

13. Sluggy Duggie fidget toy - View at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetoyshop.com%2Fpocket-money%2Ffidget-toys%2FSluggy-Duggie-19cm-Fidget-Toy%2Fp%2F558063&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - thetoyshop.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smyths

RRP: £5 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A bright, rainbow coloured fidget insect. A fidget toy is a good anxiety stress reliever, believed to calm anxious behaviour. Sensory fidget toys can calm us by providing something external to focus on. The repetitive motion of twisting and clicking can boost concentration and productivity because of their calming effect

Why we love it: It's a slug/worm/caterpillar and is really cool to fiddle with, twist and spin around. Fidget toys were initially designed as a sensory and tactile experience to help children - and adults - who may need help focusing. That's occasionally us, so this may well be the winning stocking filler.


Other ideas for less than £8

An image of Christmas stockings being opened

(Image credit: Future)

Don't underestimate the excitement that Christmas wrapping paper can add to anything! Adding necessary items alongside the fun, frivolous and edible gifts is a great way to fill stockings without a huge expense. We recommend buying toiletries; a fancy toothbrush, favourite bubble bath, or a face mask will be appreciated- and if not, blame Santa!

Kids stocking filler ideas - £10 and under

14. Sass &amp; Belle Queen Bee Trinket Dish - View at&nbsp;WH Smith

14. Sass & Belle Queen Bee Trinket Dish - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3017&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whsmith.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fsass-and-belle-queen-bee-trinket-dish%2F5055992754733.html%3Futm_campaign%3Deq_whs_78888%26utm_medium%3Daffiliates%26utm_source%3Dawin%26awc%3D3017_1670592962_ea88ad696c1bd8dc36065f0ae4d394d5" data-link-merchant="whsmith.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WH Smith

RRP: £8.50 | Age: Teens | Delivery: Free

What is it? This cute porcelain trinket dish has 'Queen Bee' emblazoned on it and a buzzing bee addition. Perfect stocking filler to keep in the bathroom or on your  bedside table to leave your jewellery in. Designed by Sass & Belle, who specialise in on-trend gifts.

Why we love it: It's a quirky and funny gift for the 'Queen Bee' in your life. Plus, if they don't want it, it's perfect for your earrings.


15. 'So Proud Of You' token - View at&nbsp;NOTHS

15. 'So Proud Of You' token - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18484&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.notonthehighstreet.com%2Fkutuu%2Fproduct%2Fso-proud-of-you-pocket-star-token%3Fawc%3D18484_1670593176_0136103bdc9decd07311189fd9def7e0%26utm_source%3DAWIN%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3DFuture%2BPublishing.%26utm_term%3D103504" data-link-merchant="notonthehighstreet.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NOTHS

RRP: £8 | Age: 5+ | Delivery: From £2.75

What is it? A beautiful little token to let someone you love know how proud you are of them. This solid pewter star token - about the same size as a £2 coin - comes stamped with "so proud of you" on it. And it makes us teary just looking at it.

Why we love it: Sometimes, when life gets busy, parents don't always say what they're thinking. Being able to leave that thought and feeling with your child is the best. They can carry it around with them and give it a squeeze any time they need it.



16. LEGO Marvel Black Panther Mech Armour Figure Set&nbsp; - View at&nbsp;Argos

16. LEGO Marvel Black Panther Mech Armour Figure Set  - View at <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100625229-15240409?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9644285" data-link-merchant="anrdoezrs.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Argos

RRP: £9 | Age: 7+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A hands-on treat for young superheroes and Marvel fans, this is a buildable mech, with movable limbs and mega crushing claws to fight his enemies. It also includes a pilot Minifigure.

Why we love it: It looks like it may take some time to put together. Time that weary parents can spend drinking tea and/or napping.


17. Wooden Emergency Vehicles - View at&nbsp;ELC

RRP:&nbsp;&nbsp;| Age:&nbsp;Delivery:

17. Wooden Emergency Vehicles - View at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elc.co.uk%2Fwooden-toys%2FEarly-Learning-Centre-Wooden-Emergency-Vehicles%2Fp%2F546407&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - elc.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ELC

RRP: 
£8 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? This wooden emergency vehicles set makes a great stocking filler and encourages role play, and boosts your little one's imagination. The classic play set promotes both independent play and provides the opportunity for inventive play.

Why we love it: Wooden passive toys are great, they tend to be more durable, biodegradable and may even be made with sustainable wood. Plus they don't need batteries!


18. Rainbow Necklace - View at&nbsp;Meri Meri

18. Rainbow Necklace - View at <a href="https://merimeri.co.uk/products/rainbow-necklace" data-link-merchant="merimeri.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Meri Meri

RRP: £6.25 | Age: 8+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? Little rainbows are so beautiful and magical. This mermaid pendant crafted from glitter and acrylic, has a fabulous shimmering silver tone chain. You're little pre-teen will feel so grown up with this kitsch pendant.

Why we love it: Meri Meri is an eclectic brand who create some amazing pieces, it's a great introduction into your child finding their own style early on.


19. Personalised Paper Planes Kit - View at&nbsp;NOTHS

19. Personalised Paper Planes Kit - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=18484&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.notonthehighstreet.com%2Fclaireclose%2Fproduct%2Fpersonalised-paper-planes-kit%3FreferredBy%3Dplp%26awc%3D18484_1670594264_b47a37d6f9b2c016a0000298e5796800%26utm_source%3DAWIN%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3DFuture%2BPublishing.%26utm_term%3D103504" data-link-merchant="notonthehighstreet.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NOTHS

RRP: £10 | Age: 8+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A classic jet fighter, a futuristic jet fighter, a supersonic jet and a stealth plane. These are the four amazing easy-to-fold designs you get in each kit. You can have your little ones  name printed on it too. They really make a fantastic and nostalgic gift and a great gift for creative children.

Why we love it: The nostalgia mostly. It's great passing down stories of how you learned to fold a paper aeroplane, or the top tips you had for making it go faster. Making paper aeroplanes never goes out of fashion.


20. Pirate skittles bowling - View at&nbsp;Amazon

20. Pirate skittles bowling - View at <a href="https://amazon.co.uk/deAO-Multi-coloured-Skittles-Bowling-Toddlers/dp/B0842W5CMV?tag=hawk-future-21&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-21" data-link-merchant="Amazon UK"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amazon

RRP: £9.99 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? Six beautifully bright, pirate themed skittles ready for a kids stocking filler knock down fun! This set includes six skittles and two foam balls, perfect for both indoor and outdoor fun.

Why we love it: Little ones will learn all about cause and effect with this set. And it will help develop hand-eye coordination. Pick up the ball, take aim and knock down the skittles. Encourage them to set these up as soon as they get them out of their stocking - should give you at least 15 minutes to slowly wake upon Christmas morning.


21. Kids Baking Set - View at&nbsp;Dunelm

21. Kids Baking Set - View at <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3769&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunelm.com%2Fproduct%2Fkids-baking-set-1000205745" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunelm

RRP: £8 | Age: 3+ | Delivery: Free

What is it? A baking set as a kids stocking filler? Why not. The packaging is practically perfect for it. Slots right in. The set includes a chef's hat, mixing bowl with cookie mixes, cookie cutters and a spatula.

Why we love it: This kit includes cookie mix, so you won't need to dredge through the cupboards for endless ingredients, and your little chef can get going straight away - Happy baking!


Other ideas for less than £10

An image of three pairs of feet wearing Christmas socks

(Image credit: Future)

The magic of Santa is that he knows what size everyone is, so can also bring socks, tights, gloves, and slippers. Not keen on including wearables? Stationery is also a great thing to include in a stocking; notepads, fun-themed pens, pencil cases, or any item that may need replacing after a hard first-term of school- the great thing is that Father Christmas knows that too.


Stephanie Lowe
Family Editor

Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodToKnow covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. Just keeping on top of school emails/fund raisers/non-uniform days/packed lunches is her second full time job.