The distinction between stocking presents and ‘main’, under-the-tree gifts is not hierarchical.
Each set of generous, festive delights elicits a different all-around sense of joy on Christmas morning for little ones and adults alike. Some families even have their own house traditions which dictate that Santa sacks (another popular term for stockings, except empty pillowcases are used to resemble Father Christmas’ bustling bag of presents) should be opened last, rather than first.
The stocking tradition has been a Christmas staple since the early 19th century, with families hanging old socks above the fireplace in the hopes that Saint Nicholas would deliver golden coins, chocolates, candies and more to the less fortunate. A larger sock meant more room for presents, which led to the creation of purpose-built Christmas stockings which became more ornate and decorative over time.
Stocking fillers are now a regular festive fixture, especially if your household has little ones running about. Traditionally stuffed silly with small, sweet treats like taffy and peanut brittle, today’s stocking fillers are far more exciting and varied. They often take centre stage on Christmas morning, dangling from mantlepieces with gloriously fun presents spilling out.
If you’re stuck on ideas of what to fill your children’s stockings with this Christmas, we’ve got you covered. From miniature beauty essentials to LEGO toys and of course, plenty of chocolate to fill in the gaps, they promise to leave kids giddy for the big celebrations. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best.
Shop now
Lego Harry Potter 76424 Flying Ford Anglia
Though it may not seem it at first, the Harry Potter films are a veritable Christmas classic. This adorable little Lego model of the Flying Ford Anglia from the second instalment in the series features miniature figures of Ron, Harry, Hedwig and Scabbers.
Buy now £10.99, John Lewis
Roblox Physical Gift Card
Enter a custom amount and treat your Roblox-obsessed kiddo to an in-game shopping spree. Each gift card also includes a free, surprise virtual item when redeemed.
Buy now £20.00, Amazon
Scribble Writing Alarm Clock
Brilliant for forgetful kids, this scribble light-up alarm clock will ensure they no longer forget their PE kit, lunch box or water bottle ever again.
Buy now £15.00, Prezzybox
Cocoba Hot Chocolate Bombes - Pack of 3
One for the sweet tooths this festive season, Cocoba’s hot chocolate bombes are filled to the brim with delicious marshmallows which are magically released as the 100 per cent Belgian milk chocolate dissolves into your hot milk of choice.
Buy now £12.00, Prezzybox
Warmies Baby Turtle Plush
Fully microwavable, this adorable Warmies turtle plush is a winter season staple. It’s also weighted to provide anxiety-reducing, sensory relief.
Buy now £20.00, Prezzybox
Nerf Fortnite SP-L Nerf Elite Dart Blaster with Detachable Barrel
Combining two kid-favourite brands, this Nerf x Fortnite Elite Dart Blaster is sure to put a smile on your little one’s face come Christmas morning or on their birthday. It’s inspired by the blaster used in Fortnite and is realised in a game-accurate colourway.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Snoopy Scoute 35mm Camera
Teach your kids the art of analogue photography by treating them to this adorable Snoopy-adorned 35mm film camera. It’s powered by AAA batteries and has a built-in flash.
Buy now £50.00, Urban Outfitters
Marmite Yellow Marmife
You’re never too young to be a Marmite lover. For the children who love a piece of buttery toast with a hefty dollop of marmite for breakfast, this special spreading knife allows Marmite obsessives to reach every last drop of the molten elixir.
Buy now £12.00, Prezzybox
NeeDoh Gumdrop Squishy Fidget Toy
A TikTok viral sensation, the NeeDoh Gumdrop is the ultra-satisfying, wonderfully squishy fidget toy that provides sensory relief for the overactive mind. This magical anxiety-reducer has a unique, silky soft and stretchy texture, and is filled with non-toxic dough-like material.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Gudetama 3D Light
This uber-adorable portable light is sure to add a touch of character to your space. It’s battery-powered for ease, and would look great on a bedside table.
Buy now £25.00, Urban Outfitters
Sylvanian Families Hedgehog Family
A veritable classic, you simply can’t go without a Hedgehog family in your Sylvanian collection. They even come with their own combs and brushes to tame those bristly locks.
Buy now £12.99, John Lewis
Jellycat Bartholomew Bear
Every child needs a classic, sumptuously soft and uber-cuddly teddy bear. Luckily, Jellycat specialises in just that, and the cult-favourite brand’s Bartholomew Bear is set to be an instant hit with your little one.
Buy now £25.00, Jellycat
Tony's Chocolonely Rainbow Tasting Pack
The gift of Fairtrade chocolate is a universally loved one. Tony’s gets it right with irregular portions - so you can be as greedy or good as you like - and tasty flavours that promise to leave a smile on your chops.
This six-pack consists of the brand’s bestsellers, lined up in rainbow order. Stick a glittery bow on it, and you’re done.
Buy now £7.20, Amazon
Glossier Hot Cocoa Balm Dotcom
If you’re as obsessed with Glossier’s Balm Dotcom as we are, we have some good news. The cult lip product is now available in a new limited-edition flavour and it’s as tasty as you hope. Adding to the range that includes the likes of Mango, Rose, Cherry, and Mint comes Hot Cocoa.
Buy now £16.00, Glossier
LOL Surprise! Mermaids Tots Assortment
This adorable assortments collection from LOL Surprise! features a groovy underwater mermaid theme. It even comes with accessories to make your very own colourful mermaid tale so that your tot can splash around in the provided water bowl.
Buy now £9.99, Hamleys
Funko Pop! Marvel Holiday - Deadpool
Add the bright-red superhero (or rather, anti-hero) to your little one’s Funko Pop! collection this festive season. This 9.5cm tall decorative toy is even wearing an adorable Christmas jumper clad with stylish snowflakes.
Buy now £16.69, Amazon
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Gift Set
Part of a limited-edition series of festive flavours, this awesome foursome of Burt’s Bees lip balms makes a brilliant stocking filler for adults and kids alike. The hydrating balms are made with ingredients of 100 per cent natural origin, and the included flavours are Shortbread Cookie, Cranberry Spritz, Salted Caramel and Peppermint.
Buy now £7.82, Amazon
eatsleepdoodle Colouring Pencilcase for Kids
This fabulous washable pencil case offers endless doodling possibilities thanks to the inclusion of 10 dedicated wash-out pens to colour with. It’s offered in six different designs including vehicles, butterflies, dinosaurs, fairytales, space and a world map.
Buy now £13.95, Amazon
Zuru Snackles’s Series 2
These adorable, 12.7cm high collectable plush animals known as Snackles come with their favourite licensed snack, ranging from Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Hershey’s bars to Pringles and Bubble Tea. Delight your little one with these adorable creatures and collect them all to create your very own Snackle family. They’re also available in small, medium and large sizes – with the 12.7cm option being the mini.
Was: £9.99
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
