The Best Stocking Stuffers for Babies

Filling a baby’s stocking can feel trickier than you’d assume. What could a baby under a year old want or use in a traditional holiday stocking anyway? We’ve rounded up stocking stuffers that are totally safe, developmentally appropriate and actually useful (and fun) for newborns up through a year old (sadly, no chocolate coins). 

From everyday essentials like teethers and feeding utensils to more gift-y things like toys and books, these baby-friendly stocking stuffers will be the cherry on top of your baby’s first holiday season. And if you don’t have a stocking yet, we’ve added some of those as well. 

And once you’ve got their stocking filled, take care of their bigger gifts with our toy and gift recommendations for babies of all ages:

• The best toys for babies 0–6 months old

• The best toys for babies 6–9 months old

• The best toys for babies 9–12 months old 

• The best experience gifts for babies & toddlers

• The best personalized gifts for babies

🧸 Stocking-Sized Toys

Small toys that can reasonably fit into a stocking are sized right and can encourage babies to flex their motor skills. Plus, if your diaper bag toy stash needs a refresh, this is the perfect chance to get it done.

🪥 Toys to Gnaw On

During your baby’s first year, they’ll experience multiple teething stages, so it makes sense to gift them new teethers (especially since they can get gnawed down pretty fast). And for the babies who have actually sprouted a few teeth, you can throw in a training toothbrush.

📚 Books for Their Mini Library

Grow your baby’s little library with new books. And if you’re thinking books are too big to qualify as a stocking stuffer, board books, cloth books or even activity books are the perfect size to slide into a stocking without taking up too much space.

🍭 Baby-Friendly Treats for New Snackers

Arguably, the best part of a stocking is the chocolate candy at the bottom. But since babies can’t munch on chocolate coins, you can swap out candy for baby-appropriate snacks (specifically for babies who’ve been introduced to solids). And if you’d rather skip the treats altogether, you can add feeding essentials that help them through their next stage of eating (like a training cup or baby spoon).

🛁 Bath Toys for Little Splashers

Splashing around the bathtub is a highlight for most babies and a fresh set of bath toys can make their next dip even more fun. And since bath toys tend to get a bit gross over time (thanks to the soap buildup and constant water), stockings are a good time to refresh their stash.

🧦 Seasonal Stockings to Hold it All

If it’s your baby’s first holiday and you haven't found the right stocking to add to your mantle yet, here are some ideas to get you started.