15 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Tweens

I love buying stocking stuffers, it’s actually my favorite part of Christmas shopping. I could easily spend a small fortune on stocking stuffers each year, but I try to stick to a modest budget. I enjoy looking for unique, fun, and useful items to fill the stockings and tend to limit the candy to just a few pieces. When the kids were little I relied on coloring books, stuffed toys, and board books. But now that they are growing up so fast, there are many more choices available. I decided to compile a list of 15 stocking stuffer ideas for tweens that I will be using to fill our stockings this year.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Tweens

1. Grooming products. My older son is already asking for cologne at the age of 11, so this year he is getting some Axe body spray and body wash in his stocking. Next year it will probably be shaving gear, ack!
2. Earphones and ear-buds. Even if your kids already have a pair or two, it’s always a good idea to have a spare set of earphones laying around the house. Samsung and Sony are my favorite for comfort and quality.
3. Trading cards. I thought Pokémon cards and Yu-GI-oh cards would have disappeared long ago, but my 9 year old son still adores getting new packs of cards in his stocking each year.
4. Travel games. I found some really cute travel versions of some popular games this year, like Phase 10 and Pictionary. These especially come in handy if you plan on doing any after holiday travel.
5. Oral Care. I always put a new toothbrush in everyone’s stocking. This year I bought travel size kits with toothpaste since we have an upcoming trip for an after holiday getaway.
6. Silly stuff for the boys. Silly string, whoopee cushions, silly putty, sticky hands, and Slinkys are always a safe bet for tween boys.
7. Girly stuff. From nail polish, lip gloss, and manicure sets to earrings, scarves, and hair ties, the possibilities of stocking stuffers for your tween girl are endless!
8. Cell phone case. If your tween already has a phone, or is getting one this year for Christmas, a customized phone case is a great option.
9. Writing utensils. My kids love new markers, mechanical pencils and gel pens. Sharpies are a favorite, probably because they were outlawed in my house for many years when the kids were younger.
10. Bluetooth speakers. These mini-speakers are everywhere this year, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are the perfect accessory for iPods, tablets, and smart phones.
11. Gift cards. Even small gift cards are a big deal for tweens, and they also learn little lessons in responsibility and budgeting, but shhhhh don’t tell them that part!
12. Movie passes or activity tickets. A night at the movies, skating rink or bowling alley gives your tween something to look forward to once the hustle and bustle of the holidays has passed.
13. Video games. If your tween is a gamer I don’t have to explain this one. They always want new games. For non-gamers a new movie on DVD or Blu-Ray works just as well.
14. Watches. I found some nice watches at Old Navy this year for my boys that I know they will love since they don’t have action figures or cartoon characters on them. They’re past the character stage, so these will work perfectly.
15. Socks and underwear. It’s probably not at the top of their wish list, but socks especially are perfect for that hard to fill area at the very bottom of the stocking!

As my children get older, the more difficult it is to buy for them. Their tastes and their interests change so quickly from one day to the next. The character sticker books and Hot Wheels cars no longer cut it and I have to be more creative with my purchases. I hope this list of stocking stuffer ideas for tweens helps you fill those stockings this Christmas.

What will be filling your family’s stockings this year?

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