Christmas stockings are one of the loveliest little traditions of the festive season.

There is something magical about watching a baby or toddler discover a stocking filled with small surprises on Christmas morning - especially when those surprises are chosen with their age, interests and stage of development in mind.

But finding Christmas stocking fillers for babies and toddlers can sometimes be surprisingly difficult. You want things that are small enough to fit into a stocking, exciting enough to feel special, and genuinely useful or enjoyable rather than simply adding to the pile of toys.

So, if you are looking for stocking filler ideas for babies, toddlers and children under 5, here are some thoughtful ideas to consider this Christmas.

1. Small board books

You really cannot go far wrong with a little book at Christmas.

Small board books are particularly lovely stocking fillers for babies and toddlers because they are easy for little hands to hold, can be enjoyed again and again, and don’t need batteries, screens or complicated instructions.

For younger babies, look for simple books featuring:

• Animals
• First words
• Colours
• Faces and familiar objects
• Simple textures
• Everyday experiences

As toddlers grow, books about vehicles, animals, sounds, numbers and familiar characters can become wonderful additions to their little library.

A small book can also be a lovely reminder that Christmas presents don’t always have to be big to be special.

2. Bath books for little bookworms

If your little one loves books, why stop at bedtime?

Bath books make fun stocking fillers for babies and toddlers because they combine story time with one of their favourite parts of the day - bath time.

They are particularly useful for little ones who enjoy exploring books but aren’t quite ready to sit quietly with a traditional paper book.

Look for waterproof bath books with bright pictures, simple concepts and chunky pages that are easy for small hands to hold.

They can turn an ordinary bath into another opportunity for talking, pointing, naming objects and enjoying a story together.

3. Buggy books for adventures on the go

A buggy book can be a brilliant little Christmas present for babies and toddlers who spend lots of time out and about.

These compact books are designed to be easy to take along on walks, shopping trips, visits and journeys.

Felt flaps, textures, pictures and simple activities can give little ones something interesting to explore while they are sitting in their buggy.

They also make lovely stocking fillers because they are small, practical and designed around real everyday family life.

4. Reading lights for little readers

For older toddlers and preschoolers, a small children’s reading light can make a lovely Christmas stocking surprise.

A book light can become part of the bedtime routine - especially for little ones who enjoy looking at books independently or pretending to read after the main light has gone off.

At Discover Books, our children’s reading lights are designed for children aged 3+, with fun designs including dinosaurs, unicorns, owls, cats, dogs, robots and bookworms.

They are particularly nice paired with a small book to create a simple little “book and reading light” stocking gift.

For babies and younger toddlers, always check the recommended age and product safety information before giving them any battery-operated item.

5. Sensory and interactive little books

Stockings don’t have to be filled with conventional toys.

Small sensory and interactive books can be fantastic for babies and toddlers because they encourage little hands to touch, lift, feel, turn and explore.

Depending on age, you might look for:

• Lift-the-flap books
• Touch-and-feel books
• Finger-puppet books
• Sound books
• First-word books
• Books with textures
• Simple activity books

These are especially good choices if you’re trying to encourage more screen-free play at home.

6. Small bath-time treats

A stocking is a good opportunity to add a few inexpensive things that make everyday routines a little more exciting.

For toddlers and preschoolers, suitable bath-time additions could include:

• Bath crayons
• Colourful washcloths
• A small bath toy
• Children’s bubble bath
• A fun toothbrush
• A character toothbrush cup

For babies, choose products specifically designed for their age and avoid anything with small detachable pieces.

7. Something cosy to wear

Not every stocking filler needs to be a toy.

Little practical presents can be just as exciting when they’re wrapped individually.

Consider things such as:

• Christmas socks
• Warm slipper socks
• A cosy hat
• Mittens
• A festive bib
• Pyjamas
• A little pair of gloves

For babies and toddlers, festive clothing can be particularly useful because they will grow through it surprisingly quickly!

8. Small creative activities for toddlers

For children who are getting closer to preschool age, a small creative activity can be a great stocking filler.

Ideas include:

• Chunky crayons
• Washable colouring pencils
• Stickers
• A small colouring book
• Simple activity books
• Stampers designed for their age
• Playdough or modelling materials suitable for young children

These can be particularly useful during the Christmas holidays when children have lots of unstructured time and parents are looking for simple ways to keep little hands busy.

9. A little treat

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t feel quite the same without a little treat.

For older toddlers and preschoolers, this could be something simple such as:

• A small chocolate treat
• A mini festive biscuit
• A small packet of raisins or dried fruit
• A child-friendly snack
• A festive fruit snack

For babies, however, stick to foods that are appropriate for their age and stage of weaning, and always consider allergies, choking risks and any dietary requirements.

You don’t need to fill a stocking with sweets to make it feel special. A couple of carefully chosen treats can be more than enough.

10. A little everyday essential

Some of the best stocking fillers are things parents would have bought anyway - just made a little more fun.

Think about small essentials such as:

• Children’s toothbrushes
• Hairbrushes
• Hair clips or bobbles
• Washcloths
• Socks
• Bibs
• Small reusable snack containers
• Character cups

These are particularly useful for toddlers because they are becoming increasingly interested in doing things for themselves.

A new toothbrush, for example, can suddenly become much more exciting when it has their favourite animal or character on it.

11. A tiny vehicle book for a vehicle-mad toddler

If you have a toddler who is currently obsessed with diggers, tractors, buses or trains, use that interest to your advantage.

A small vehicle-themed board book can make a brilliant stocking filler - and it’s much more likely to be picked up and enjoyed when it connects with something your child already loves.

A little push-along book can be especially fun because it combines a familiar book format with something interactive.

These are also a lovely option for children who might otherwise gravitate towards screens whenever they want something entertaining to do.

12. A little book about their favourite animals

Animals are another easy stocking-filler theme for young children.

From farm animals and pets to jungle creatures and ocean life, animal books give you plenty of opportunities to talk together while reading.

You can ask simple questions such as:

“What sound does the cow make?”

“Can you find the dog?”

“Which animal is hiding?”

For babies and toddlers, these tiny conversations are part of the fun. The present isn’t just the book - it’s the time you spend exploring it together.

13. Make a mini book bundle

One of my favourite ideas for a baby’s or toddler’s stocking is to create a tiny book bundle.

You don’t need a huge present.

Try combining:

One small board book + one sensory or interactive book + one little practical item.

For an older toddler, you could swap one of the books for a reading light or another small activity.

It creates the feeling of a carefully chosen little collection rather than simply stuffing the stocking with random objects.

14. Don’t forget the experience

Perhaps the best stocking filler doesn’t actually have to be something that lasts.

You could add a little homemade voucher or note for an experience such as:

• “One special Christmas story before bed”
• “Hot chocolate and a Christmas film”
• “A Christmas lights walk”
• “Choose tonight’s bedtime story”
• “Christmas baking with Mum or Dad”
• “A special trip to see the Christmas decorations”

For babies and toddlers, the memories created around Christmas are often far more meaningful than the number of presents underneath the tree.

How many stocking fillers does a child really need?

There is no magic number.

It can be tempting to keep buying because small items are relatively inexpensive, but a stocking doesn’t need to be overflowing to feel exciting.

For babies and toddlers, a handful of carefully chosen items can be more than enough.

A small book, something practical, something to play with and perhaps a little treat can make a lovely balance.

And importantly, don’t feel pressured to fill every inch of the stocking.

Sometimes less really is more.

Choosing safe stocking fillers for babies and toddlers

When buying presents for children under 5, especially babies and younger toddlers, it’s important to check the recommended age and safety information for every product.

Small parts can present a choking risk for young children, while button batteries and magnets can be particularly dangerous if swallowed. Consumer safety investigations have repeatedly highlighted problems with unsuitable children’s products sold through online marketplaces.

When choosing a stocking filler:

• Check the recommended age.
• Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Avoid products containing loose or easily detachable small parts for babies and young toddlers.
• Take particular care with magnets and button batteries.
• Supervise young children when appropriate.
• Remember that a product being small does not automatically mean it is suitable for a baby.

It’s also worth buying from retailers where you can clearly identify the product, age guidance and manufacturer information rather than simply choosing the cheapest option available online.

A Christmas stocking can be about more than presents

For babies and toddlers, Christmas isn’t really about how much is inside the stocking.

It’s the excitement of pulling something out.

The look on their face when they discover a new book.

Sitting together and reading a story.

Playing with something new.

Having a little treat.

And creating those small family moments that you remember long after the wrapping paper has disappeared.

That’s why books make such lovely stocking fillers. They’re small enough to fit into a stocking, but they can become part of your child’s everyday life for months or even years afterwards.

If you’re looking for small Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for babies and toddlers, we’ve put together a collection of little finds including books, bath books, buggy books, interactive books, reading lights and other child-friendly ideas:

Explore the Discover Books Stocking Fillers collection:
https://discoverbooks.co.uk/collections/stocking-fillers

Whether you’re buying for your own little one, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, or searching for a small Christmas gift for a friend’s baby or toddler, hopefully this gives you a few ideas for making their stocking feel thoughtful, useful and just a little bit magical.

After all, sometimes the smallest presents create the biggest smiles.