Frugal Stocking Stuffers for Elementary Kids

The holiday season is upon us, and as parents, we’re always on the lookout for affordable yet exciting gifts for our little ones. Stocking stuffers for elementary kids are a lot easier and cheaper typically then when you get into the teen years.

My favorite place to shop for frugal stocking stuffers is Dollar General. Dollar Tree is up there too BUT Dollar General has an entire section dedicated to $1 finds. Throughout the store there are plenty of items that are only $1. It’s kinda crazy that now that’s cheaper than Dollar Tree. Is anyone else annoyed with that extra $0.25 increase?

Remember that you can find most of these items at Dollar Tree, Target’s Dollar Spot, and Dollar General. They may not be the same ones I’ve shared because my finds are from Dollar General.

Learning to coupon and couponing at Dollar General is a game changer if you want to take your grocery budget and get closer to your debt-free journey.

Stocking stuffers are a great way to add extra joy without breaking the bank.

Most of these are $1 some are higher and should be marked. Most Dollar Tree stores now have a $5 and up section too. How long until Dollar Tree hardly has $1.25 items?! Shop and take advantage while you can!

Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffers

1. Colorful Pencils and Erasers

These aren’t just any pencils; think of ones adorned with fun characters or colors. Pair them with quirky erasers shaped like animals or fruits. They’re practical for school and fun for home. And guess what? You can snag a pack for under $5.

2. Mini Puzzle Sets

Puzzles are a great way to keep kids engaged and build their problem-solving skills. Mini sets are perfect for stockings. You can find cute 24-piece puzzles at dollar stores or online for just a few bucks.

3. Temporary Tattoos

Kids love temporary tattoos, and parents love how easily they come off. Find packs with their favorite characters or cool designs for less than $5. It’s a small gift that brings big smiles.

4. Stickers and Sticker Books

You can never go wrong with stickers. From dinosaurs to unicorns, there’s something for every kid. Add a small sticker book to keep them busy during the holiday season. Packs start at around $2.

5. Crayons and Coloring Books

A timeless classic! Look for miniature coloring books and crayon packs. They’re not only affordable but also offer hours of creativity. You can often find sets for $3 or less.

6. Play-Doh

Mini containers of Play-Doh are perfect for little hands and fit nicely into stockings. They encourage creativity and are available in packs for under $10.

7. Card Games

Simple yet so much fun. Teach your children old-school games like War, Rumi, and more. I spotted these for a $1 at Dollar General. They also had card games like Uno and others too.

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Stars

Turn their rooms into a mini-planetarium with glow-in-the-dark stars. It’s an educational and entertaining gift. A pack can cost as little as $5.

9. Mini Board Games

Look for travel-sized versions of classic board games. These are perfect for road trips and family game nights. Mini versions of games like Connect 4 or Guess Who? can be found for under $10.

10. Bubble Wands

Kids love bubbles, and you can never have too many bubble wands. They’re great for outdoor play and cost less than $2 each.

11. Kites

I found kites for $1 and $2.50 at our Dollar General.

12. Plastic Bugs/Snakes

These are perfect to use for stocking stuffers for bug lovers. Our Dollar General had a good selection to choose from too. You can’t beat a $1! They also had little snakes, which I think Dollar Tree has too.

12. Hot Wheels

Got a little fan of racecars? Score a handful of Hot Wheels cars for $1.25 each. I spotted these at Dollar General.

13. Slime/Noise Putty

You can always find some small container of slime for a $1. I know parents hate it, but this is a small amount 😉 Or opt for the Flarp, which stays in the container and makes farting noises.

14. Slinky

This is a classic kid’s toy and it’s found at many Dollar type stores.

15. Bouncy Balls

My girls love getting new balls to use on the Trampoline. There are so many different ones you can find at Dollar Type stores, too. This one shown was at Dollar General for $1.

15. Magic Reveal Pads

My girls have loved these since they started Pre-K! They will still get a kick from doing them now in their teens. The marker reveals things throughout the book. These are perfect for car rides. I spotted these small ones perfect for stocking at our Dollar General for $1.

16. Washable Paint

I love the Crayola paint for the younger ones because they get paint everywhere! There are lots of colors to choose from at Dollar General, and again, all for $1.

17. Fancy Pens/ Markers

Go for a type of pen/marker you wouldn’t get for school to give them with a notebook in the Dollar Section. The Doodlerz 10 pack Gel stick was $5 at our Dollar General. That is only $0.50 a pen.

18. Mini Notepads

These are cute, and all the Dollar-type stores have them and usually will change the covers to match whatever Holiday is coming up or season. This one above was from Dollar General for $1.

19. Coloring Books

These are only $1 at Dollar General. You can find easy-to-color coloring books or word-search books.

20. Easy to Read Books

Another fun stocking stuffer is the $1 book section I found at Dollar General. Most books at Goodwill are now $1 and up, and the kid’s books are usually pretty beaten up.

21. CANDY!

Can you ever go wrong with candy? If you are looking for individual bags, Dollar General has an excellent selection of candy for $1! See why this is one of my favorite stores?!

22. Air Dry Clay

This is a classic and I found it for a $1 at Dollar General. They had about five different colors to choose from.

23. Princess Magnets

These are fun things to keep the younger kids entertained. I spotted it at Dollar General for under $10.

24. Monster Trucks

I’m sure you can tell I don’t have boys, but this is a fun little $1 toy for a stocking stuffer idea.

25. Dry Erase Boards

These dry-erase boards are unique shapes and characters and small enough to fit on your child’s lap during a car ride. These were $2.

26. Fidgets

I suppose they are still popular right? They had a couple different styles to choose from at Dollar General for a $1 each.

I also spotted Putty with foam beads! You could even buy some of these and put them in a cute glass jar. They are $1 each at Dollar General.

DIY Stocking Stuffers

11. Homemade Slime

Making slime is not only a fun activity but also a great gift. You can find many recipes online that require just a few ingredients you probably already have at home. Package it in small containers, and you’re good to go.

12. Craft Kits

Create small craft kits with supplies like beads, pipe cleaners, and buttons. Please put them in a little bag with a note suggesting a few project ideas. It’s an excellent way to encourage creativity and spend time together.

13. Handmade Coupons

Make a booklet of coupons offering special treats like “One extra bedtime story,” “A day at the park,” or “Help with homework.” These are personal, meaningful, and cost nothing but your time.

14. Personalized Ornaments

Have your kids help you make simple ornaments. Use materials like clay, popsicle sticks, or felt. Not only do these make great gifts, but they also become cherished keepsakes.

15. Baked Goods

Whip up a batch of your child’s favorite cookies or brownies. Wrap them in festive packaging and tuck them into the stocking. Who wouldn’t love to find a sweet treat on Christmas morning?

Tips for Smart Shopping

1. Shop Sales and Clearance

Keep an eye out for sales and clearance items throughout the year. Stock up on small toys, art supplies, and other goodies when you find them at a discount.

2. Use Coupons and Discount Codes

Never underestimate the power of a good coupon. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores, and always check for online discount codes before making a purchase.

3. Buy in Bulk

Items like pencils, balls, and small toys often come in bulk packs. Split them among your kids’ stockings or save some for later. This can significantly cut costs.

4. Dollar Stores and Thrift Shops

Dollar stores and thrift shops are treasure troves for affordable stocking stuffers. You’d be surprised at the quality and variety of items you can find for just a dollar or two.

5. DIY When Possible

Handmade gifts add a personal touch and can be very cost-effective. Plus, DIY projects can be a fun activity to do with your kids, making the holiday season even more memorable.

In conclusion, finding frugal stocking stuffers for your elementary-aged kids doesn’t mean skimping on joy or quality. With creativity and smart shopping, you can fill their stockings with delightful surprises that they’ll love. Ready to make this Christmas unforgettable? Start shopping and crafting today!