60 Stocking Stuffers that Encourage Creativity and Won’t Break In One Day

Need some ideas for stocking stuffers that will encourage your kids to be creative? I’ve got some ideas for you, because after 21 years of buying stocking stuffers, I’m pretty adamant that we NOT amass a pile of plastic junk. (Think junk times five kids, and it adds up!). I can’t afford to spend money on stuff that breaks after one use, so I opt for things we’ll use during the year and that will encourage creativity.

So here is a list of my favorite stuffers that encourage artistic pursuits, imagination, and creative play.

1.  Crayola Markers
2.  Strathmore  Spiral Drawing Notebook, 50-Sheet
   (rolls or notebooks, depending on age)
3.  Pencil sets (HB should be included)
4. General Kneaded Eraser Jumbo (stretchy eraser that can be used on watercolor paper.)
5. Watercolor set (quality depending on age. Prang is fine for toddlers.)
6.  Watercolor paper
7. Stretched canvas (they make adorable 3X3″ canvases for mini artwork
8. Acrylic paints
9. Brushes
10. Origami paper
11. Sculpey clay
12. Stamps
13. Ink pads
14. Colorful Duct Tape(patterns are fun for covering pencils, books, cans.)
15. Scrapbook chubby pads (small 5X7 blocks)
16. ArtSkills Neon Jumbo Glitter Glue, 5 Pieces (PA-1478)
    Glitter glue
17. Jewelry findings
18. Beads, charms, etc…for jewelry making
19. Ribbon
20. Blank Cards
21. Glue stick
22. Photo tabs
23. Colorful tissue paper
24. Pastel chalks
25. Tackle box for art supplies
26. Wool felt
27. Wool Roving for needle felting
28. Small scissors
29. Embroidery floss in primary colors
30. Wooden “people” to paint and dress. Some people use wooden clothes pins.
31. Pipe cleaners (the huge ones are fun)
32. Play Dough
33. Rolling pin, cutters for dough
34. Wikki Stix Rainbow Pak
35. Pocket Microscope (My kids loved these things and still use them, including one of my college kids!)
36. Mini Field Guides
37. magnifying glass
38. Pocket Dictionary
39. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Puddy in Candy Cane 2″ Tin
40. Dress up clothes
41. Sheet music
42. Playsilk
43. Wooden blocks
44. PLAYMOBIL mini sets
45. Legos
46. Bubbles
47. Jump Rope
48. Butterfly net
49. Harmonica
50. Beach bucket and shovel
51. Water toys, toy boats
52. Puzzles
53. Mind Teasers like Rush Hour
54. Memory Game
55. Mad Libs
56. Checkers
57. Magnetic Doodle Balls
58. Kinetic Sand 
59. Fun Water Games
60. Hammond’s Natural Mint Candy Canes Because, old fashioned and fun!

Many of these items can be purchased at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. I provided Amazon links in case you can’t find them locally.