Lots of us will be having a scaled-down (but still gloriously festive!) Christmas this year as budgets are squeezed by the soaring cost of living.
The cost of stocking filler gifts can really add up, so I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite good value gifts for kids.
They may not be the main event, but they can still be fun and entertaining – and not break the bank.
Of course, if money is extremely tight, I think it’s always best to have an honest conversation with the relevant adults about cutting back on ‘extra’ gifts or reducing the number of people you buy for.
Surely everyone who loves you would rather have no gift than you feel obliged to spend money you don’t have?
But if you’ve got some budget for kids’ (and big kids’) stocking fillers – or you’re swapping big presents for little ones to save money – here are my favourite stocking filler toys and games ideas to get you going!
Just to let you know that – at no cost to you – I will receive a small commission on some products purchased via affiliate links on this page.
Orchard Toys Snowman Snap game – £5.50, Amazon
All the family will enjoy playing this festive classic – a simple, educational game suitable for everyone aged three and upwards.
It’s made of good quality cardboard, so it’ll last for ages – and despite the winter theme, it can be enjoyed all-year round!
Joke book: ‘Christmas Jokes For Funny Kids’ – £5.99, Amazon
Kids (and ‘grown ups!) love silly gags, and this huge collection of original and classic Christmas jokes, riddles and tongue twisters is the perfect stocking filler gift.
It’ll certainly keep everyone giggling while you’re waiting for Christmas lunch to be served.
Here’s a taster gag for you….
Q: Why did Santa Claus get his sleigh for free?
A: It was on the house!
Ho ho ho!
Lego Ninjago Kai’s Spinjitzu Ninja Training Spinner – £8.99, Amazon
This 32-piece lego toy is suitable for children aged six years and over.
It’s quite quick and easy to build, so kids can start to play as soon as possible.
Once the model is constructed, they can place the Kai Lego figure inside the spinner, pull the ripcord and watch as he spins around!
Lots of long-lasting fun.
Crayola Colour ‘n’ Style Unicorn – £8, Amazon
Perfect for animal-loving and creative kids, they can decorate the Crayola unicorn as many times as they like with dry erase markers, beads and a hairbrush for the mane and tail.
When your recipient wants to make a new design, they can simply wipe away what they’ve done and start again!
Suitable for children aged four and above, this is a fun and imaginative gift!
Brainstorm Toys animal torch and projector – £6, Amazon
The lucky recipient of this stocking filler gift will be able to project 24 wildlife images from around the world onto walls and ceilings in a dark room.
The projector comes with three slide discs and 24 colour images of tigers, elephants, alligators and more.
Images are clear and precise and up to one metre-wide – just twist the lens to bring them into focus.
It doubles up as a torch, which is ideal for camping and sleepovers!
If you have a young wildlife lover in your family, this will keep them entertained for hours.
Paladone Hogwarts Trivia quiz game – £4.99, Amazon
Do you know where Vernon Dursley works? Or the maximum speed for a Firebolt Broomstick?
Test the knowledge of the Harry Potter fans in your family, and see who remembers the most from the much-loved series.
This officially-licensed, entertaining card game includes 200 questions and a box featuring the Hogwarts crest in which you can keep the cards safe.
Box Buddies Boxibos Monsters – £5.29, Amazon
These paper toy monsters are easy and fun to make, with no need for cutting or sticking.
Each pack contains 12 monsters and each character stands at around 50mm tall.
Suitable for ages five years and up, your young gift recipient will love creating these colourful box monsters.
Christmas bingo – £3.99, Amazon
This fun game is just like traditional bingo, except the numbers have been replaced with Christmas-related items, such as ‘bauble’ and ‘Christmas jumper’.
Christmas bingo can be played by the whole family, whether the players are three-years-old or 100. Up to 20 players can take part, and a bingo caller box is included.
This family game will entertain family and friends alike during the festive season.
Hexbug MoBots MiMix – £8.99, Amazon
The very clever Hexbug MiMix can change the pitch of your voice, switch up the speed, or even make you sound like a robot!
This cute, fun and educational STEM robot toy is suitable for children aged three and over, but will keep people of all ages amused on Christmas Day.
I hope these ideas for children’s stocking filler gifts help save you some time and money this festive season.
Do let me know if you have any other ideas, and I’ll share them on social media!
Alex x
Prices and information are correct at the time of writing (21 November 2022).