Last week, I posted a blog with stocking stuffer ideas for girls. This post is dedicated to the boys in my life. I love filling Christmas stockings. They’re the first surprise of Christmas morning, and choosing what goes inside is part of the fun. I do not enjoy filling their stuffers with useless items that will be trashed in no time.
Everything on this list is either already tried and tested in our home, gifted to others, or I plan to add to their stockings this year.
Looking for more ideas? Here’s my list of stocking stuffers for girls.
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Brain Games and Puzzles
In a day and age where kids are glued to the screens, give them something where they will use their brains and thinking power to continue to grow intellectually.
Kanoodle Extreme
My son already has the basic Kanoodle, so we’re giving him the next level this Christmas. These compact logic puzzles are great for keeping kids thinking and busy. If your child hasn’t tried Kanoodle before, I’d start with the basic version.
Rubik’s Cube
Give your child a challenge that feels manageable. This version is easier to learn than the traditional 3×3 cube, and the smooth twisting action makes it enjoyable to use.
Magic 8 Ball
My boys received one as a gift, and we’ve had quite a bit of fun with it. Ask a yes-or-no question, give it a shake, and see what answer appears. Some of the answers have us laughing!
Spot It!
This is a quick game to pull out when the kids need something to do together. We especially like it when we have guests because it’s an easy icebreaker, and everyone catches on quickly.
Brain Teasers
If your child is into logic puzzles, these are really challenging on-the-go puzzles to add to their stuffers. I can see my 7 year old, who loves any form of puzzle, playing with this until he can solve it.
Tangram for their desk
If your child has a desk in their room, this is at the perfect gift to keep there for when they are bored.
Travel Chess Set
My boys love playing chess, so a small set they can carry around would get plenty of use. It’s something to bring on road trips, to restaurants, or while waiting for a sibling’s activity to finish in the evening hours.
Card Games to Play Together
Flip 7
A fun choice for a child who enjoys card games and a little risk-taking. It’s easy to pick up; even your seven-year-old can learn it and teach everyone else.
Monopoly Deal: Harry Potter Edition
You get the fun of Monopoly in a fraction of the time, with a Harry Potter twist. And honestly, I think Monopoly Deal is much more fun than the original game!
Uno Dare
This is a unique twist on the UNO game, which my kids love to play on repeat.
Small LEGO Sets for Stockings
A small LEGO set gives kids something to build right away on Christmas morning. These shorter projects are satisfying to finish, and the finished creations give them something to play with afterward.
Depending on the size of your stocking, you may need to tuck in the sealed bags and instructions separately or wrap the box alongside it.
LEGO Sets to Look for Under $10
Prices change, so check the current price before buying. Amazon has been offering some really good discounts on these sets. I even saw one for $6.75.
- LEGO Technic Yellow Motorcycle — 151 pieces
- LEGO Space Shuttle — 144 pieces
- LEGO Turtle — 124 pieces
- LEGO Technic John Deere — 117 pieces
- LEGO Backhoe Loader — 104 pieces
- LEGO Fire Helicopter — 85 pieces
- LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Wild Animals: Surprising Spider — 153 pieces
- LEGO Cute Hamster — 166 pieces
LEGO Sets to Look for Around $15
For a slightly longer building project, these Retro sets are worth checking out:
- LEGO Retro Gaming Console — 268 pieces
- LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Retro Camera — 261 pieces
- Lego 3-in-1 Retro Telephone —- 383 pieces
Creative Activities for Quiet Time
Dot Coloring Books
My boys love these coloring books. They bring them in the car, use them while waiting for siblings during evening activities, and even took them on our flight this summer. They’ve been well used in our house.
Paint by Sticker Books
These are another favorite. My boys will happily work on them together, which is always a bonus! There’s no paint to clean up, and they have a finished picture to show for their efforts.
Wreck This Journal
This is exactly what it sounds like, a journal you’re encouraged to wreck. With prompts to doodle, tear, and splatter, it’s a fun choice for a child who likes creating and experimenting.
Prayer Journal with Lock and Key
Does a prayer journal need a lock and key? No. But which kid doesn’t like having one? This journal also includes secret codes and creative ways to help children spend time in prayer.
Paper Airplane Kit
My boys love making paper airplanes. This kit gives them planes to fold, decorate, and race; and plenty of opportunities to pick different designs.
Little Gifts They’ll Actually Use
A Kids’ Joke Book
Joke books are a huge hit with elementary-age boys, and I often give them as birthday gifts too. Just be prepared to hear every joke on Christmas morning! We have a few in our home and this is the most popular among my boys.
Flashlight
My boys use theirs for reading under the covers and at sleepovers with tents. It’s a simple gift, but having a flashlight of their own is surprisingly exciting.
Boys’ Wallet
Both my boys received these wallets last Christmas when we made the transition from keeping their money in a piggy bank to carrying some with them. A useful gift that makes them feel a little more grown-up.
Tic-Tac-Toe
A simple game to bring along when you’re heading out. It’s easy to play, needs very little explanation, and gives two kids something to do together.
Stocking Stuffers for Boys Who Love to Read
Neck Reading Light
My boys share a room, so this is handy when one is ready to sleep, and the other wants to keep reading. It’s hands-free and makes reading in bed much easier.
Clip-On Book Light
If your child would prefer something smaller, a book light is another option. Clip it onto the book, adjust the light, and they’re ready for another chapter.
A Good Book
I think every stocking should have a book or at least one wrapped beside it! Here are a few books that your boy might enjoy reading.
- Harriet the Spy
- Team Chu and the Epic Hero Quest (sequel to Team Chu and Battle of the Blackwood Arena)
- The Restorationists
- Rover’s Story
- The Academy
- The Wild Robot
- The Doldrums
- Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief
If you need more ideas, these lists are a good place to start:
- Christian chapter book series kids will love
- Middle Grade chapter books
- Early Chapter books.
- Novels in verse for ages 8–12
What’s one stocking stuffer your kids have loved and kept using? I’m always happy to find another good idea!
Final Thoughts
A stocking doesn’t need to be stuffed to the top to feel special. A puzzle, something to build, and a good book can keep boys happy long after Christmas morning. Have a budget and stick with it.
If you liked this post about stocking stuffers for boys, you might also like:
Stocking Stuffers for Girls