Your baby has grown and is now on the go, full of energy and likely excited for Christmas. It doesn't take them long to cotton on to presents, Santa and all things Christmassy and with decorations seeming to pop up earlier each year, it's no surprise. Each family does Christmas their own way. Many follow the "want, need, wear & read" philosophy, whilst others gift experiences rather than things, something we love doing for our kids - it's easy for all ages and the gifts last a lot longer than just Christmas ! But if you'll be hanging & stuffing the stockings this Christmas Eve, here's our stocking stuffers gift guide for toddlers & pre-schoolers.
Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers & Pre-schoolers
Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers
Toddlers are likely now starting to get excited when they know presents are iminent, but that doesn't mean all their gifts have to be toys. In fact, it still makes sense to buy something they need or can grow into as well as something fun for playtime. Here's what we recommend for children aged approximately 1-2.
1. Crane Baby Doll
Your baby will be playing a lot more and a soft doll, that's small enough to cuddle and carry around is ideal for older babies/young toddlers. The Crane Baby dolls are beautifully hand-crafted and with a soft body are easy for little hands to manage.
2. Bath Colour Drops
These bath colour drops are a quick and easy option to make bath time fun. They have also been known to help little ones who don't like bath time, get in the water and enjoy themselves. Not just for the bath, Colour Drops are super fun for outdoor water play, such as splash tables, tipping and pouring.
3. Wash Mit
Bath time is already pretty exciting for most little ones, but why not add a unicorn or dino wash mit to the mix? The Sleep Store Wash Mits are super soft and can be mixed and matched with the rest of The Sleep Store bath range, but heaps of bath time fun!
4. Summer Pyjama's
Gifting a new pair of pyjama's to little ones on Christmas Eve is starting to become a bit of a tradition and something to encourage sleep on what is surely one of the most exciting nights of the year is surely a good thing?
There's no better sleepwear than Woolbabe merino/organic cotton pyjama's for comfort, quality & style. And what's even better? You can mix and match the whole family with Woolbabe Lounge Pants or the rest of the Relax! range.
5. Swim Hat
There's nothing worse than a soggy, wet hat. It falls down in the face and will make your little one colder quicker. Bedhead Hats have come to the rescue with these quick-drying, swim hats. Available in a range of colours and styles, they won't droop when wet, dry quickly and are rated UPF50+, so will protect your baby from the harsh sun.
6. Swim Rash Vest
Protect your child's delicate skin when outdoors at the beach or pool with a Nestling UPF50+ rash vest. It offers great coverage of the top half of the body, meaning less sunscreen, which we know can be a fight! Mix and match with the Nestling Swim Nappies and your little one will be ready for hours of fun splashing in the water.
7. Bedtime Story
A bedtime story is a lovely way to spend some quality time together before bed, as well as helping your toddler wind down. Our range of bedtime stories includes board books for younger babies as well as paperbacks with more detail and longer stories for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
8. Subo Food Bottle
Your baby will now mostly be in solids and many of them love a good smoothie! The Subo Food Bottle is a mess-free way for your little one to enjoy their favourite smoothie combo. But it's not just for smoothies - use it for thick liquids, breakfast on the go and more.
9. Snack Cup
Toddlers are all about snacks! And this Morepeas Essential Snack Cup is the ultimate multi-purpose product. Use it for snacks on the go, a veggie steamer, suction bowl or storage container.
Available in a range of gorgeous colours and with an easy-grip handle, it's ideal for toddlers.
10. Bath Toys
Most babies and young kids love to have a good splash about in the bath, so bath toys are likely to be well-received by your little one. From cups, to boats, to pipes, there are plenty of bath toys. Many can double as shower toys or for water play outside.
Stocking Stuffers for Older Toddlers/Pre-Schoolers Aged 2-3
They're growing up fast and enjoying more pretend play. They may be moving to a big bed or welcoming a sibling to the family. It's a busy age for toddlers, so here's a range of ideas for you busy little person.
1. Toddler Bedding Set
Technically this is a bit big for the stocking, but we couldn't resist making this number 1! For toddlers who are refusing their sleeping bag or have the side removed from their cot, the Little Unicorn Toddler Bedding range is a great stepping stone towards a big bed. And in gorgeous, hand-painted designs such as Mighty Jungle, Butterflies or Blast Off, this bedding set will inspire your little ones imagination.
Did you know about the Little Unicorn Muslin Quilted Throw Blanket? With more of Little Unicorn's stunning hand-painted designs, the throws are perfect for big kid beds or snuggles on the sofa - even for adults!
2. Gobe Snack Spinner
Perfect for busy toddlers and pre-schoolers, the Gobe Snack Spinner is a practical and fun way to encourage independence and a healthy relationship with food!
Great for toddlers & pre-schoolers, these snack spinners can be filled with up to five different foods, which can then be "spun" using the button to cycle through each snack to the opening compartment.
Hours of fun!
3. Mini Doll Carrier
For little ones (recommended for 3+) who love playing with their dolls or have a new sibling on the way, a Boba Mini Doll Carrier allows them to emulate mum & dad and have fun playing families. This mini carrier is just like the Boba Classic Carrier with a waist buckle and chest buckle to keep dolls secure, no matter where they're taken.
4. Doll Sleeping Bag
Your little one can now match their favourite doll with these super cute Ergopouch Doll Sleep Bags. Use it for playtime or role play your bedtime routine, to (hopefully) make their bedtime smoother! It's also great for fine motor skills - think zips and placing the dolls arms through the armholes.
5. Hooded Toddler Towel
Toddlers & pre-schoolers are likely to still love a post-bath cuddle and these super-soft towels are perfectly absorbent and cosy to keep your child warm after the bath or shower. They're are generous fit and will last well beyond the pre-school years.
6. Books
Not only for bedtime, a good book is for anytime. It's a wonderful way to bond with your little one and is a lovely, quiet activity if dropping the day nap and needing some quiet time during the day. The Wilding Books range offer a well-written guide to emotions for older kids and we also love the Little People, Big Dreams series.
7. Solar Buddies
Encourage your pre-schooler's independence with a Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator. Mess-free & refillable, it's easy for kids to apply their own sunscreen, it won't get on their hands and is the perfect size for little day packs (and to fill a Christmas stocking)!
8. Summer Pyjama's
Brighten up your child's bedtime with these fun, bright and super comfy PJ's! Great for the stocking or a Christmas Eve treat, they're made from a super comfy Organic Rib Cotton Fabric.
9. Bath Crayons
Foster your little one's creativity at bathtime with these easy-clean bath crayons! Easy to hold for little hands and easy to wipe clean post-bath, they are gauranteed to put a smile on your little ones face. Perfectly sized for the Christmas stocking and 100% NZ made.
10. Dinkum Doll
A bit more than a simple stocking stuffer, these Olli Ella Dinkum Dolls are gorgeous and a customer favourite. We couln't help but add them to the list!
Let your childs imagination run wild, having a snuggle, dressing them, styling their hair and role-playing. Dinkum Dolls are posable, with arms, legs and a head that moves - they can also sit and even stand when wearing their shoes! Ther are well sized for older toddlers & pre-schoolers.