What Do You Put in Stockings?

I’m always curious: if your kids hang stockings, what do you put in them? Here are 10 things we love, other than the valet parking sign that blew eight-year-old Toby’s mind …

Airport activity book. Your little dudes will stay busy with this book, whether they’re taking a flight or not.

Mini cereals. I have such a visceral childhood memory about these! Never not a total win with kids.

Yo-yo. Anton got a yo-yo on our summer vacation and played with it morning, noon and night. Everyone begged for a turn, even my 71-year-old dad.

Headlamp. For reading under the covers, talking evening walks, playing hide-and-seek, and pretending to be a spy/mountain climber/cave explorer.

Mood ring. A classic.

Sleuth & Solve books. Legitimately very fun riddles and logic puzzles to figure out together. The boys and I try to work on these out as slowly as possible, like savoring a favorite chocolate bar.

Map. This map may seem academic and un-fun at first glance, but my kids LOVE it and spend ages poring over the states and planning future road trips.

Magic 8 Ball. For when you finish playing M.A.S.H.!

Label maker. What child DOESN’T want to label everything in the house? Very satisfying and also time-consuming. (Check, check.)

Pajamas for sweet evenings.

What ideas have worked well for the kids in your life? Would LOVE to hear…

P.S. White Elephant gifts people will love and more cool gift ideas.