Are you stuck for inspiration when it comes to filling your tween’s Christmas stocking? Finding little bits and pieces that feel exciting rather than babyish can be tricky, so we enlisted some expert help — our own tween! Here are 20 funky stocking filler ideas for tweens this Christmas that they really, really want.
Hopefully your tween still loves the magic of a well-stuffed stocking waiting for them on Christmas morning. Here are some tried-and-tested suggestions to inspire your stuffing efforts.
Funky Stocking Filler Ideas for Tweens
Older Colouring Books
Colouring books continue to be popular with all ages, and there are now far more grown-up options for older kids and adults. Look out for mindfulness colouring books, or ones themed around Roald Dahl, Harry Potter and other favourite characters.
Stationery and Pens
Tweens tend to love stationery — anything from notepads to Sharpies and fineliner markers. Gel pens or scented pens are usually high on the wish list too. You’ll find plenty of choice online and in local stationery shops.
Vouchers
Vouchers are always a hit — for a favourite shop or shopping centre, an online retailer, phone credit, or a digital gift card for their favourite app store or streaming service (tweens never seem to have enough credit!).
A Joke Toy
Make them giggle with a joke toy like a whoopee cushion or a plastic spider.
A Deck of Cards
Tuck in some instructions for fun card games and easy card magic tricks to go with it.
A Puzzle Toy
Something like a mini Rubik’s Cube, juggling balls, a Sudoku cube, or a travel version of a classic game like Connect 4, Solitaire or Battleship.
Mini Figure
A small figure from their favourite game or TV series always goes down well.
Retro Sweets
Popping candy or fizzy sticks are firm favourites with tweens.
A Novelty Key-Ring
One to clip onto their school bag or coat.
Smellies
Bath or shower treats, like a fun shower gel or a bath bomb.
A Book
The latest release from their favourite author.
A Money Box
Something to pop coins into, encouraging them to save up for holidays or their next big wish.
A Mini Jigsaw Puzzle
A set of mini jigsaw puzzles themed around something they love — cats, space, or whatever their current obsession is — makes a lovely small surprise.
Tickets For An Experience
Tickets to ice-skating, the cinema, bowling, or a voucher for their favourite café, so they can go along with a friend while you sit at another table (or leave them to it entirely)!
Novelty Socks
Festive Christmas socks, or some cosy fluffy or slipper socks for lounging around the house.
A Notebook or Journal
Perfect for doodles and thoughts. A nice notebook or journal in a design they love makes a small but well-used gift.
A Pass
A bedtime pass or a chore pass, so they can stay up a little later or skip a chore when they hand it over to you.
A Promises Cheque Book
Put together a little book of promises for things like a cinema trip, a café outing, a lift to school, an afternoon of shopping, ice-skating or bowling.
Hot Chocolate
Tuck in a sachet of hot chocolate, a hot chocolate stirrer, or a small bag of marshmallows.
Christmas Ornament or Decoration
Something they can hang on the tree this year and enjoy again in years to come.
If you’re looking for more festive craft inspiration, try 20 Homemade Christmas Decorations for the Kids to Make.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on stocking fillers for a tween?
There’s no set amount — stockings work best as a mix of small, thoughtful items rather than one big-ticket gift. Many parents combine a few inexpensive treats (sweets, stationery, a joke toy) with one slightly bigger item like a voucher or an experience ticket.
What are good non-toy stocking fillers for tweens?
Tweens often appreciate vouchers, experience tickets, novelty socks, journals, hot chocolate sachets, or a “pass” for a later bedtime or a skipped chore — these feel a bit more grown-up than traditional stocking toys.
How many items should go in a tween’s stocking?
There’s no rule here either. Some families aim for a small handful of items, others fill it to the brim. Focus on variety — something to use, something to eat, something to make them laugh, and something a little bit special.
When should I start buying stocking fillers?
Picking up small items gradually in the weeks before Christmas makes it easier to build a good mix without a last-minute scramble, and lets you grab sale items like stationery or socks when you spot them.
You May Also Enjoy
- 15 Fun Card Games for Kids
- 8 Easy Card Tricks for Kids to Delight and Amaze
- 20 Homemade Christmas Decorations for the Kids to Make
Save These Ideas
Bookmark this page or add it to your Christmas planning notes so you’ve got a full list of tween-approved stocking filler ideas ready to go when you start shopping.
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Have your say! Do you have any other funky stocking filler ideas for tweens? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
