50+ Educational Stocking Stuffer Ideas

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Quality over quantity. Any other homeschool moms ready to BAN junky stocking stuffers? Our kids deserve better than dollar-store sensory overload that ends up on the floor or in the trash days later. 

Join me in rethinking stocking stuffers and embracing meaningful, lasting presents that your children are sure to cherish. Here is a roundup of quality recommendations that have been a hit with my own kids over the years. I’ve included gifts for a wide variety of ages!

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Quick Reference

The classic card game, but super TINY! If your kids are anything like mine, they love anything that is a smaller size than expected.

You can never go wrong with art tools in a stocking. It always pays to invest in quality non-toxic supplies.

Perfect for nature walks and on-the-go travel. Kids will love having everything contained in their own mini watercolor studio.

Yahtzee, a timeless and engaging dice game for all ages.

A portable masterpiece of strategy, allowing you to enjoy the intellectual challenge of chess wherever you go.

This game is so portable! We’ve taken it on our boat, used it in the car and on the road. My kids love to quiz each other on capitals and flags.

The strategic thrill of naval warfare in a pocket-sized format, is perfect for on-the-go entertainment and fits in a stocking perfectly.

These will encourage your kids to get outside, bird watch or play eye spy games while you’re on the move. 

A unique and compact musical instrument that can inspire creativity.

Spark your child’s interest in science and medicine while providing hours of entertainment in a compact package.

Tenzi is a fast paced dice game, that will have your kids excited to learn math and strategy.

A rubik’s cube teaches problem-solving skills and encourages persistence, ensuring your child stays engaged and learning even after the holiday excitement fades.

Offers a world of educational books at their fingertips and saves you from cluttered bookshelves

Introduce your child to timeless literature in a compact and accessible format, ensuring it won’t gather dust on the shelf.

Tiny books are just SO much more fun to read!

For all the bookworms, a cool bookmark is a great addition to a stocking.

We always include some type of calendar with each stocking – it’s a tradition. It’s practical, and they can use it all year long.

 A small yet powerful tool that encourages curiosity and exploration

I’ve never met a kid that didn’t love the idea of exploring in the dark with a LED headlamp. Great for reading in bed, camping trips and so much more.

We always include some type of sketchbook. Every kid needs a space to express themselves.

I’m a big believer in investing in quality art tools. Your kids will love having such a fancy set-up.

Probably my son’s favorite gift he received one year. It never left his pocket. Perfect for nature walks and days spent at the park.

A mess-free, creative stocking stuffer that keeps kids entertained while promoting fine motor skills. Perfect for road trips too!

Turn your kid into a harmonica-playing rock star.

Musical instruments are always a hit with our kids; they enjoy picking up different ones and forming their own band, and this triangle can also moonlight as our quirky dinner bell.

These valuable tips will not only empower your child but also ignite their sense of practical knowledge, making it an educational and confidence-boosting stocking stuffer.

Merge science and art!

They can use it for imaginative play (arghhh, I’m a pirate) or cherish it as a timeless keepsake.

 

Spark their interest in astronomy with this easy-to-understand star guide.

I’m a sucker for vintage games. They are classics for a reason. 

Provide a canvas for their thoughts, dreams, and creative expressions, and help them cultivate the habit of self-reflection and writing.

An addictive and fast-paced word game that will sharpen your child’s vocabulary and cognitive skills.

You can’t go wrong with some shimmery markers. They can add a touch of shimmer to their art projects and schoolwork all year long.

Again…t supplies shine as the ideal stocking addition, enhancing your kids’ artistic toolkit.

A hilarious, food-themed card game that not only brings laughter to the table but also encourages strategic thinking and decision-making.

A family favorite – especially when my daughter was younger and didn’t understand the more complex games. 

If your kids love puzzles, this is a must-have. 

My daughter learned a new found love for writing with these fun notes. 

Definitely not a choice for younger kids, but once you can trust them with ink, this is such a memorable gift. My daughter used it to copy the US Constitution!

Encourage more outdoor adventures!

Make science an electrifying experience they won’t forget.

Perfect size for road trips!

They will love to challenge themselves with this addictive game.

This is my favorite way to give money, subscriptions or a small piece of jewelry as a gift. It’s also great for scavenger hunts!

Finally, a game of Monopoly that doesn’t involve hours of commitment or board flipping.

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come LATER. Monthly gifts that will bless them all-year-long!

Monthly Boxes

  1. KiwiCo: Offers age-appropriate science and art projects.

  2. Little Passports: Provides global and adventure-themed educational materials.

  3. Bookroo: Delivers handpicked children’s books tailored to your child’s age.

  4. Raddish Kids: Sends cooking kits with kid-friendly recipes and culinary activities.

  5. Tinker Crate: Focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects.

  6. Bitsbox: Teaches kids coding and programming skills.

  7. Mel Science: Offers chemistry kits for hands-on experiments.

  8. Atlas Crate: Explores world cultures and geography.

  9. OwlCrate: Tailored for young readers with new book releases and bookish goodies.

  10. MyEduCrate: Provides educational materials and tools for various subjects.

  11. Doodle Crate: Encourages artistic and creative expression through DIY projects.

  12. Brick Loot: Delivers custom LEGO sets and building projects.

  13. Kidstir: Promotes cooking and nutrition knowledge with monthly cooking kits.
  14. Superpower Academy: Provides a monthly box with STEM-related activities and projects for kids aged 5-11.

  15. Little Global Citizens: Focuses on cultural exploration, delivering a box with activities, crafts, and learning materials about a different country each month.

  16. Groovy Lab in a Box: Offers STEM-based science kits and experiments, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.

  17. Slime Box Club: Ideal for kids who enjoy the sensory experience of making and playing with slime.

  18. Surprise Ride: Provides a monthly box with hands-on activities and games centered around a new theme each month.

  19. Green Kid Crafts: Focused on eco-friendly and STEM-based activities.

Magazine Subscriptions

  1. Highlights: A classic magazine featuring stories, puzzles, and activities for kids.

  2. National Geographic Kids: Offers fascinating articles about science, nature, and the world.

  3. Ranger Rick: Focuses on wildlife and outdoor exploration.

  4. Sports Illustrated Kids: Covers sports-related stories, facts, and games.

  5. LEGO Life: Features stories, comics, and challenges related to LEGO.

  6. Zoobooks: Concentrates on animal facts and education.

  7. OWL (Outdoors With Love): Promotes outdoor adventures and nature exploration.

  8. Girls’ World: Tailored for young girls, with fashion, crafts, and celebrity news.

  9. Ask: Encourages kids to ask questions and explore various topics.

  10. ChopChop: A cooking magazine for kids that teaches them how to prepare healthy meals.

Memberships

  1. Zoo or Aquarium Membership: Offers unlimited visits to the local zoo or aquarium, providing educational and exciting experiences.

  2. Museum Membership: Provides access to museums, science centers, or children’s museums, encouraging exploration and learning.

  3. Art Studio Membership: A membership to a local art studio or art classes can foster creativity and artistic development.

  4. Sports Club or Gym Membership: Suitable for children interested in sports or fitness, offering access to training facilities or sports clubs.

  5. Botanical Garden Membership: Allows access to beautiful gardens, promoting an appreciation for nature and plant life.

  6. Science Center Membership: Ideal for kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

  7. Theater or Performing Arts Membership: Grants access to live theater performances, encouraging an interest in the arts.

  8. Music Lessons or Membership: Provides music lessons or membership to a music school, fostering musical skills and appreciation.

  9. Swimming or Sports Club Membership: Suitable for young athletes or swimmers interested in improving their skills.

  10. Online Educational Membership: Subscriptions to online learning platforms like ABCmouse, Khan Academy, or Duolingo can be highly educational.

  11. Book Subscription: Some services offer monthly book deliveries, which can be a great way to encourage reading.

  12. Chess Club Membership: Ideal for children interested in strategy games, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  13. Cooking School Membership: Offers cooking classes for kids, encouraging culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen.

  14. Botany or Gardening Club Membership: Fosters an interest in plants, gardening, and nature.

  15. Rock Climbing or Adventure Club Membership: Suitable for adventurous kids interested in outdoor activities.

  16. Coding and Robotics Club Membership: Encourages computer programming and technological skills.

Paid Educational Sites

Paid Educational Sites:

  1. Skillshare: A diverse array of online classes for kids, enabling them to explore their passions and develop valuable skills through engaging video lessons and creative projects.

  2. Udemy: While Udemy is primarily known for adult courses, it does offer a selection of child-friendly courses in subjects like programming, art, and more.

  3. Coursera for Kids: Coursera offers a dedicated platform for children and teenagers to explore various courses from top universities and institutions.

  4. LinkedIn Learning: Offers courses on creative and technical skills that may be suitable for older children and teenagers.

  5. edX for Kids: edX provides access to high-quality courses from universities and institutions, including STEM and other subjects for children.

  6. CreativeLive: Focuses on creative skills such as photography, art, design, and more, which can be suitable for older children and teens.

  7. MasterClass: While MasterClass primarily targets adults, some of their courses featuring celebrity instructors might interest older teenagers with specific interests like music, writing, or sports.

Gift Cards

  1. Amazon Gift Card: With an Amazon gift card, kids can access a wide range of educational books, e-books, and educational toys.

  2. iTunes Gift Card: iTunes gift cards can be used for educational apps, audiobooks, and music that supports learning and creativity.

  3. Minecraft Gift Card: Minecraft is not only a popular game but also an educational tool that teaches creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

  4. Roblox Gift Card: Roblox offers an online platform for creating and playing games, which can encourage coding and game development skills.

  5. Steam Gift Card: A gateway to educational experiences, creativity, and skill development for kids.

50 Educational Stocking Stuffers