We know how it goes. You think you've got all the Christmas shopping done...until you look up from your laptop and see the stocking hanging by the chimney with care. Shoot.
So, back online you go to grab anything cute, cheap and small enough to fit in a stocking. Candy, socks...my mom would even put travel packs of tissues in there. They're quite handy, actually.
But why not take your stocking game to the next level and plan ahead. We've got our 10 favorite stocking-stuffers for the 2017 holiday season. Some are classic. Some are surprising. And some are so weird, we just had to include them (money soap, anyone?).
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley is back for his next adventure! This timehis family decides to get out of town for the holidays and escape to a tropical island. Butthere's trouble in paradise as their vacation goes horribly wrong. Will they survive?
Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Mini Notes
When it comes to great gifts for kids, Melissa & Doug have it down to a science. Chances areyou have a few of their bigger toys wrapped and under the tree.
These Scratch Art Mini Notes are just plain fun. And you can steal themfor lunchbox notesor chore lists, too. Chores are way more fun when they're written out in rainbow colors, right?
Slinky
I wasn't kidding when I said we had a few classics on here! We all know the Slinky, and we know how much fun setting up Slinky obstacle courses is! Show your kids how to do it and keep them entertained right up until Christmas dinner.
A word to the wise, though: Follow the age guidelines on this toy. Younger kids will most likely stretch it out as soon as they get their hands on it. (My kids might have done that.)
Money Soap
It's exactly what it says it is: green soap with a rolled up bill in the middle. The surprise is you don't know whether it's a dollar bill or a Benjamin until you finish using the soap. That'll get your kids washing their hands for dinner!
Crayola Color Bath Dropz
Here's another incentive for your kids to get clean. Drop one of these tablets in the water and watch it turn a crazy color. It's from Crayola, which is pretty good about safe, non-toxic products for kids. And most Amazon reviewers will tell you they don't stain the tub. Just make sure you read the directions and use caution if your kids have sensitive skin.
Shrinky Dinks
This is another classic! Who remembers coloring these in and then baking them in the oven? Well, now you can make them into key chains and charms! This stocking-stuffer makes a great indoor activity for those cold, snowy days.
Fingerlings
These are the hottest toy of the year. Slip the little monkey, unicorn or sloth on your finger. It reacts to motion, touch and sound. You can even get little playground-style play sets for them. They are super cute, but a little on the pricier side when it comes to stocking stuffers. Still, who could resist those faces?
Minecraft Plush Toys
Have a gamer in the house? Are they totally into Minecraft? Isn't every kid? These plush toys are fun and go great with any Minecraft-themed bedroom.
PJ Masks Capes
If you have toddlers, you know PJ Masks. Your little guy or gal will go nuts for these cape sets that come with matching mask and bracelet. Get them their favorite, or get all three, and let them switch from Cat Boy to Gekko to Owlette.
Christmas Mad Libs
This is another classic toy that's great for keeping kids busy. Bring it in the car for the trip to Grandma and Grandpa's, or set them up in the living room while you clean up all that wrapping paper. On second thought, get a few books. You might actually get to sneak in a shower!
Don't make those stockings an afterthought. Grab any of these gifts for your kids (or maybe for yourself) and win stocking-stuffing.
For more great gift ideas, check out our toy finder and book finder!