Christmas seems to get more expensive each year. Check out the best Dollar Store stocking stuffers that are proven kid favorites!
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Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas From the Dollar Store
Kids are usually the easiest family members to shop for come Christmastime, but stocking stuffers are a whole different story.
You’ve purchased, wrapped, ribboned and displayed the kids’ Christmas presents, but what about stocking stuffers? Since most of your budget was probably spent on the large gifts, here are a few ideas for cheap stocking stuffers for kids.
For more cheap Christmas gifts, check out these posts:
- Early Black Friday Deals: The Best Deals You’ll Want to Get First
- 50 Gifts for Kids $10 and Under
- 20 Frugal Christmas Gifts When You Want to Keep Christmas Thrifty
- Minimalist Gifts That Are Good For the Environment
- 45 DIY Christmas Gifts That Are Easy and Budget-Friendly
- 10 Cheap Gifts for Dad Who Wants Nothing (he will love these!)
Dollar Store Stocking Stuffers
Here are 8 simple and cheap stocking stuffer ideas, and stocking stuffers under 5 dollars.
1. Batteries
Think about all of the electronic toys that you bought your kids for Christmas this year, and then think of all the batteries it will take to run them.
Batteries are cheap and can be wrapped or left free in the stocking; just be sure to add something besides batteries to the mix.
Related reading: –> Here are 9 frugal and festive ideas if you are holiday budgeting
2. Playing Cards
If your kids enjoy playing card games on the weekends or if you’d like to teach them a few, put a couple decks of cards in each stocking.
You can even find Christmas-themed playing cards at The Dollar Store store to add a festive touch.
3. Travel Games
If you and your family ever go on road trips – or if you’ve traveled to your Christmas destination – get your kids a few travel games to play in the car.
Most travel games will fit inside a stocking, and will also give you a break from sing-alongs or reading books while traveling.
We never go on a trip (either road trip or flight) without bringing this travel game with us. They carry a generic version at The Dollar Store or you can buy them here (also a cheap stocking stuffer idea for how much your kids can use them!)
4. Art Supplies
Are your kids artfully inclined?
Art supplies make great stocking stuffers as long as they can’t leak into the stocking.
You can get amazing value from all-in-one art sets like this one.
Markers, crayons, rubber stamps, ink pads, stencils and rolled-up coloring books are just a few ideas. You can also pick up inexpensive art smocks, art kits for kids, construction paper, and even little wooden birdhouses with paints.
There are also Christmas-themed crafts and art supplies, similar to this set for making Christmas ornaments.
5. Stuffed Animals
To top off your kids’ stockings, purchase little stuffed animals to peak out of the top. Your kids will be thrilled to see a cute little face peering out from the stocking, and your options are infinite.
You might consider a little stuffed Santa or snowman to keep with the Christmas theme.
Or you could go totally random with something like this egg noodle bowl stuffie because it’s adorable.
6. Fun-Saver Camera
I actually can’t believe these are still around, but a fun-saver camera is sure to be a kid-favorite stocking stuffer under 5 dollars.
A little disposable camera will thrill most kids because they can take pictures of the whole family.
Give them a way to make memories for next year, and only spend around $5.
If you’d rather go for a non-disposable camera, there are really inexpensive ones that are child-proof/drop-proof, like this one.
7. School Supplies
Why not kill two birds with one…stocking?
School supplies are usually enjoyed by kids and it keeps you from having to go shopping just before school starts up again.
Paper, pens, markers, compasses, calculators, pads of paper, pencil cases, and other school supplies make great stocking stuffers.
8. Candy
What kid doesn’t like to get candy for Christmas – or any other time of year?
You can purchase large bags with assorted candies at the dollar store or at your local food mart for just a couple of dollars.
Not only will the kids be thrilled, but they fill stockings rather quickly.
Some of my favorite candy are these low-sugar candies that actually still taste really good! (and aren’t made with artificial sweeteners)
For more popular Christmas posts check out these:
- Preschool Gifts: 6 Unique Non-Electronic Gifts
- Wooden Toys Gift Guide – Safe and Non-Toxic Toys for Kids
Have you ever bought any Dollar Store stocking stuffers? Share in the comments below!
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Beverly
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Suchot, What did we do before the Dollar Tree? I love that store. Great gift ideas for kids for Christmas. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/11/thursday-favorite-things-party_01358882.html Hugs, Bev
TheCuriousFrugal
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Hi Bev! It's so true! Dollar stores are great for stocking stuffers, and travel toys for kids too. Thank you for the feature! xx
Karen Kasberg
Friday 12th of November 2021
I love the Dollar Store for so many things, but even more so for the ideas you have provided for stocking stuffers. Kids love this type of thing. Playing cards are always a hit with my grandkids.
TheCuriousFrugal
Friday 12th of November 2021
Glad you liked these Dollar Store stocking stuffer ideas. :) What card games do you play with your grandkids? It's mainly Go Fish over here, and Miss O heard me mention poker and she said she wants to learn how to play that lol.
Carol Cassara
Monday 8th of November 2021
Just shared this in a group I am in. Thank you. Found you through the Linky!
TheCuriousFrugal
Monday 8th of November 2021
Thank you Carol! I'm happy you liked these Dollar Store stocking stuffers. Have a wonderful day!