Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Kids to Encourage Outdoor Play
Christmas is just around the corner. It seems like I’m always attempting to think of ideas for Christmas Stocking Stuffers that are practical but also fun. If you’re like me and have exhausted with the knick-knack junk and have all the basic fillers: candy, chalk, bubbles, jump ropes, coloring books, kites, lip balm, water bottle and socks. Then here are some unique toy ideas (with Amazon links included) for both girls and boys that have been popular with my 4 children. Fostering imaginative play outdoors and indoors, these non candy stocking stuffer ideas are perfect for the backyard or while camping, plus they are small and budget friendly. If you’re still searching for Christmas presents ideas for your kids that they will actually use, here are our favorite outdoor toys to inspire outside play.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for purchases made through the links, at no additional cost to you. All items are ones I recommend.
ZipString
Zipstring
Have you heard of ZipString, it was just recently featured on Shark Tank and is one of the newest toys on the market. This pocket-size toy can easily travel with you and is ideal for both indoors or outdoors. I personally love that it fosters creativity, my children are constantly coming up with unique tricks and fun games with this entertaining and gravity defying toy. Purchase the single Zipstring or two pack here, there is even a cool glow in the dark Zipstring on Amazon.
Citronella Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Citronella Reusable bracelets
These nifty citronella bracelets are infused with essential oil and bonus they can be reused again and again. When kid’s are playing outdoors or on a camping trip this will help keep pesty mosquitoes away.
Waboba
IF you’ve been at the beach or a lake recently, you may have seen a ball skipping across the water. While camping by Lake Michigan, I noticed a family playing with this item. After inquiring, I knew I need to get a hold of one of these water skimming balls for our beach bag and hiking backpack for family camping trips.
Waboba water ball
This pint size toys are great as a stocking stuffer. My youngest son has been obsessed with plus pluses for a number of years now. I stash them in my purse for my kids when we’re out and about. Similar size as Legos, they help foster creativity and find motor and are enjoyed by a wide variety of ages (ages 3-10).
Games
These are the best travel compact games, close to the size of a deck of cards for kids. They are great for all ages and even parents can enjoy playing them. They are quick games that travel well and are easy to store. Several of the games work on math, cognitive skills, fine motor, and most importantly, they are loads of fun.
Sleeping Queens, Spot It, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Tenzi, and Blink and Kanoodle .
Nut Cracker
Isn’t this the cutest nut cracker ever. The wooden mushroom shaped nutcracker is such a fun idea for nature loving kiddos to put in there stocking, especially if your child loves to collect acorns and nuts.
Uno Splash
A waterproof game is ideal for the outdoors. This popular game is now even better with a waterproof design and splash proof cards. Now its easy to play all year long at the pool or beach. Bring along Uno Splash where ever you go without worrying that the deck of cards will get wet or ruined. Bonus they have a sturdy loop design to keep organized or hook to a backpack or beach bag.
Sling Shot
Set up a target and let the kids have fun shooting their Daisy B52 Sling Shots. We often head to the bridge by our house and shoot at trees or object along the river. Easily making a game out of blasting trees and various targets, something fun for both adults and children to enjoy together. Not to mention, there is a never ending supply of rocks for ammunition. Even my youngest son can use these sling shots with just a little help from an adult.
Bike Lights
Out family is obsessed with riding bikes, especially late in the evenings. These bike lights are so much fun and help extend play in the evenings, especially if you camp or live in a neighborhood. They come in a wide variety of color choices. Here is a picture of a fun night ride we did in the summer while at a state park.
Reusable Water Bomb Balloons
These are a game changer for parents. Say goodbye to the endless hours of filling water balloons, only to have them all busted in minutes. These reusable water balloons are insanely easy to fill, even my youngest child can do it effortlessly. We love they will last all summer long, year after year. My four children spend hours splashing each other in the backyard. Grab the 18 pack with the draw string sack for organization purposes.
Reusable water balloons
Aegend Kids Swim Goggles
It’s no secret kid’s love goggles. Plus it makes learning to swim and pool games so much better. Finding a good pair of swim googles can be tricky. As a mom, I don’t want to be constantly adjusting goggles for different head sizes so that’s why I love Aegend Swim Goggles. These goggles quickly unsnap and adjustments become quick and painless, plus they come with there very own storage case.
Goggles
Magical Flame Color Starter (12)Fire Pack
Campfires are a our favorite things to enjoy in the evenings. Circling up around a bonfire while listening to stories is the best. This year it can be even more colorful with magic flame colored starters. These fun additions to a fire come in a multitude of bright colors. Be mesmerized as the flames dance in shades of blue, pink and green. Highly recommend buying the bulk 12 pack to make your fires spectacular all year long.
Hand Pocket Wire Saw
Give your kids a bit more independence and survival skills with these hand saws . Kids love being able to cut branches and sticks with the use of these simple but efficient wire hand saws. They easily store in your pocket or day pack when outside or on adventures.
Bug Box
Got a bug loving kiddo in your home. This basic wooden bug box is perfect, I even had a similar one when I was a child. With a simple design made of natural wood, help your children collect all the bugs and critter they can find.
Glow Sticks
Can you ever have enough glow sticks. Do yourself a favor and purchase this pack of 100, so it will last you through the year and can be split among multiple stockings. They even contain connectors so you can make necklaces. We love making games with them and tossing them as frisbees at night.
Headlamps
The practical but also fun headlamps are ones my kids love and utilize all the time in the evening for walks, night bike rides or just building forts in the basement. These specific headlamps are waterproof, plus they contain a red light feature which is crucial when visiting dark sky parks because it won’t mess up your night vision.
Diving Sticks & Rings
Just because it’s getting colder, don’t forget about purchasing fun items for the summer months like a pack of diving sticks and rings. Or better yet plan a fun family Spring Break trip, check out our favorite family-friendly locations in the United States.
Youth Hiking Backpack
A really fun idea for a larger present or in place of a stocking is putting all these fun items into a child’s very own day pack. Help them build independence with their very own youth pack to carry. The Osprey Daylite Kid’s backpack is an ideal option that is both functional and affordable for parents. Let your children carry their own water bottle, hiking essentials and snacks.
Rechargeable Book Light
A vital role to make reading a habit with your children is to have a good book light. My heart is always so happy when I see my children snuggled up in bed with a good book. I encourage my children to use their rechargeable book lights, especially if they share a room with other siblings. Often I find my children have fallen asleep with their lights left on, which doesn’t bother me since these little babies are rechargeable. This item pairs well with a beloved book, here are some of my family’s favorite Christmas picture books we’ve read time and time again.
Closing Thoughts
So what item are you adding to your kid’s stockings this year. Are there any stocking stuffer ideas or items we should add to our list? Hopefully this list helps ease the stress of the holidays and makes Christmas morning a special time for your children. Wishing you blessed Christmas Season. Don’t forget to pin this for later and following Discovering Anew on Facebook for more kid activities.
Christmas time can bring with it a lot of holiday stress, remember to help ease stress by carving out time to get outdoors in nature with your family. We understand it can be a bit challenging in cold weather, so here are 21 Outdoor Winter Activities to Keep Kids Active.
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