There is a wide range of inexpensive gifts suitable for filling your son’s Christmas stocking. Many families open their Christmas stockings first thing in the morning, so it should contain a selection of cheap items to tide your son over until the main events begin later on in the day. There are a number of cheap and practical items available and your choice will depend on your son’s own interests, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Novelty items as stocking fillers
There are a number of cheap novelty items available for filling your son’s stocking. Examples include jumping beans, silly putty, and pots of bubbles. A small mechanical puzzle may help keep your son entertained in the morning, or you could include a set of marbles or a pack of cards. Simple foam aeroplane kits are also available at a low cost, and could provide your son with hours of entertainment as he assembles them and perfects his throwing technique.
Stationery for school or creative play
Small items of stationery make good stocking fillers for boys of all ages. Younger boys can be given a set of crayons and a little pad for some early Christmas doodling, and they may also enjoy a set of stickers. Older boys may prefer some supplies for their school pencil-case, such as new novelty rubbers or pencil sharpeners.
Edible treats for stocking fillers
Traditionally, stockings would contain satsumas and maybe nuts for older boys, and if you take these from your own store cupboard it will feel like you have not spent a penny extra. Children also love little edible treats in their stockings, such as bags of chocolate money, or little Haribo packets.
Educational stocking fillers
There are small, cheap Lego and Meccano kits available which make perfect stocking fillers and will keep your son busy for a few minutes before breakfast. You could include a hyacinth bulb or a packet of seeds in the stocking to encourage your son to take an interest in gardening. Older boys might appreciate little tools such as a pocket knife or multi-tool or maybe a pocket torch.
Practical stocking fillers
Bulk up your son’s stocking by including some everyday items which need replenishing such as socks. You can also include supplies for any hobby he may have; for example, if he plays guitar he may need a new plectrum, or he might appreciate a small item for his train set or Warhammer collection.
Veronica Mitchell - Veronica studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University before becoming a secondary school science teacher. She enjoys writing about ...
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