Stocking stuffers can easily become small toys that get forgotten by New Year’s. Coloring stuffers get used all winter long.
Stuffer ideas
- A coloring book. Many fit in a stocking. Match the child’s favorite theme.
- New crayons or colored pencils. A fresh box is always exciting.
- Gel pens or metallic markers. See gel pens and metallic markers.
- Skin tone crayons. See skin tones in coloring.
- A mini travel kit. Small crayons and a pad in a zip pouch.
- A fun sharpener or eraser.
- Washable markers for little ones.
Book ideas by kid
- Holiday fans: Trace Then Color: Cartoon Christmas Characters, to color right after opening stockings
- Silly kids: Trace Then Color: Crusty Goobers
- Little ones: Trace Then Color: Baby Animals
Christmas morning bonus
A coloring book in the stocking gives kids something calm to do while adults make breakfast or while waiting for relatives.
Budget tips
- Buy supplies in multipacks and split them between stockings
- Back-to-school sales are a good time to stock up for winter
Pair with a bigger gift
A stuffer can hint at a bigger gift, like a full coloring basket. See coloring gift basket.
Put a coloring book in each stocking for a calm Christmas morning.
Questions parents ask
Are coloring books good stocking stuffers?
Yes. They’re affordable, screen-free and get used.
What fits in a stocking?
Most coloring books, crayon boxes, pens and small kits.
What about teens?
Detailed coloring books, gel pens and quality colored pencils.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
