5 DIY Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids That Won't Break Your Budget

By Kelli Quinn

If you're watching your wallet this Christmas, getting crafty can pay off big time. One place to start is with stocking stuffers.

Why DIY Stocking Stuffers for Kids Are a Smart Choice

Making DIY stocking stuffers for kids is a great way to stay to stretch your Christmas budget while giving them something fun and creative. Often, you can use materials you already have on hand or can purchase inexpensively at your favorite "big box" store. Plus, you can exercise your creativity and give them handmade Christmas gifts kids will remember. It also means you can give them a unique gift that cannot be found in any store. From DIY slime to homemade treats to handmade stuffed animals and more, here are 5 budget-friendly stocking stuffer ideas for kids.

1. Create Some Handmade Christmas Slime 

Many kids love slime, so why not make your own to put in their Christmas stocking? Make a winter themed or Christmas themed slime to make it even more fun. DIY slime for kids is a great stocking stuffer for younger children who like to play with their hands. It's also a great sensory toy for all ages. 

Supplies Needed:

• 8-ounce bottle of white glue
• 2 tablespoons of contact lens saline solution
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Food coloring (blue for winter theme, red or green for Christmas theme)
• Winter or Christmas themed beads or confetti

How to Make Christmas/Winter Slime:

1. Start by mixing together the glue and the food coloring in a bowl.
2. Next, stir in the baking soda.
3. Gradually mix in the saline solution. The more solution you add, the less slimy it will be. Feel free to add more or less based on how you want the consistency to be.
4. Finally, knead the slime with your hands and add in the beads or confetti. Make sure to keep kneading the slime until it's no longer wet and gooey.
5. Store your slime in a mason jar or a zip top bag to place in your kid's stocking.

2. Give Them a Handmade Stuffed Animal 

Knitters, crocheters, and sewists, now's your time to shine! Stuffed animals are another gift that's perfect in a child's Christmas stocking. Handmade stuffed animals can be special gifts they will keep for years.

There are many free or low-cost patterns--everything from teddy bears to dragons-- available online. Even better, a small toy often can be made with yarn or fabric leftover from another project, which makes it a budget-friendly project for any crafter. 

Other Cozy Handmade Stocking Stuffers

In addition to knitting, crocheting or sewing stuffed animals, you can also make some other cozy handmade gifts to include in their Christmas stocking. Check out some other ideas below.

• Knitted scarf
• Handmade cozy socks
• Crocheted mini purse
• Winter hat
• Or, give them an entirely new handmade stocking they can hang up for years to come! 

3. DIY Boredom Jar 

If you're looking for a simple DIY stocking stuffer gift for kids, consider making a boredom jar. This is a jar that's filled with fun activity ideas they can try whenever they get bored. All they have to do is pull out an activity and get started. It is an easy way to keep them engaged, out of trouble, and provides a ready response to, "We're booooored!" In addition, it can easily be personalized for each child. 

Supplies Needed:

• Mason jar or other container
• 12 or more wooden sticks or slips of paper 
• Paint or markers
• Stickers or construction paper to decorate the jar (optional)

How to Make:

1. Decorate the jar. This can be as involved as a complicated design painted on the jar or simple as bright Christmas stickers or a handmade label crafted from construction paper and taped on. 
2. Write activities on the sticks or slips of paper--one activity per stick. Think about easy and fun activities they can do in the house whenever they want. 
3. Add the sticks to the jar. 

When boredom hits, encourage the kids to draw a stick or piece of paper from the jar. After they are done, put the activity back in the jar so it will remain an option for next time. You can also add new activities according to the season and what your children like to do. 

4. Make Your Own Christmas Snow Globe

Another great DIY stocking stuffer idea for kids is to make your own  snow globes out of mason jars. For older children, you can  tuck the snow globe supplies in the stocking and craft them  together.

Supplies Needed:

• Glass jar
• Ornament, mini tree, pinecone, or figurine that will fit in the jar
• 2 Tablespoons glitter
• 2 oz. Clear glue
• 1 Cup warm water
  
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks 

How to Make: 

1. Start by hot gluing the ornament, mini tree, pinecone, or figurine to the inside of the jar's lid. Make sure to set aside until dry.
2. Next, add your 2 ounces of clear glue to the jar. Pour in the warm water and stir together.
3. Then, add glitter to the jar and stir. Use a colored glitter to get the full effect.
4. Once your the glue on the lid is dry, screw it in place with the top of the decoration pointing to the bottom of the jar. 
5. After you've secured the lid to the jar, you can then turn the jar over and enjoy your finished snow globe. Watch the glitter swirl and sparkle! 
   

5. Homemade Cookies or Treats 

Another DIY stocking stuffer is sweet treats. Fill up a jar or sandwich bag with Christmas cookies or another homemade holiday yum. This is a perfect item that will fit nicely in their stocking and you can create with ingredients that likely are either already in your kitchen or are on your shopping list.

There are so many different homemade Christmas treats that make great stocking stuffers. Make some Christmas-themed treats that feature fun characters like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and much more. Check these delicious ideas:

• Gingerbread cookies
• Mini snowman donuts
• Homemade chocolates
• Hot cocoa mix and sprinkles
• Christmas candy trail mix
• Reindeer cake pops

Get Crafting and Finish Your Stockings

Still stumped on what to give them for Christmas? Check out our selection of Gifts for affordable presents for everyone on your list. If you still have craft supplies left, we have some fun suggestions for DIY holiday decorations and gift basket ideas to keep your creativity flowing this Christmas!