10 Fun Stocking Stuffers Your Kids Will Love for Under $5

written by Evgeniya (Jen) Usmanova, Co-founder & Mom-in-Chief at CareLuLu

The holiday season is generally pretty hard on the wallet, but wonderful presents don’t have to be pricey. In fact, often times, gifts that my kids love the most are those that don’t cost more than $5! Plus, they are the kind of toys you don’t need to worry about being sold out. So you can easily find these at the store, even this close to Christmas! Here are some ideas for stocking stuffers that won’t break your wallet:

• Crayola Bath Markers
  Kids love them! If you have trouble getting your little one to take a bath, this will be a game-changer! (Walmart, Target, Amazon)

• Sprinkles
  These will put a smile on any kid’s face, guaranteed! HomeGoods and TJ Maxx often have very colorful and fun-shaped sprinkles, but of course you can find them at any grocery store. (HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Grocery store)

• Dry Erase Boards
  Small dry erase boards like this one are great for kids to practice writing or doodling. They are also convenient to keep in the car for short or long trips. (Office Depot, Dollar Tree, Staples)

• Glow Sticks
  Glow sticks are simply magical! If your kids are anything like mine, they’re likely to lock themselves in the closet or bathroom and play with these for at least a good 20 minutes!
  (Dollar Tree, Walmart, Grocery store)

• Candy
  What kid doesn’t like candy? It’s the holidays, so go for something special or unusual, pop rocks, giant lollipops, or maybe something more exciting like a cricket sucker! That lost one is bound to get a reaction out of your kid! :)

• Stickers
  Just like candy, what kid doesn’t like stickers? Get a sticker book with their favorite character(s), it’s guaranteed to be a success! They can also develop fine motor skills and creativity!
  
  
• Toys that Grow in Water
  Toys like this one are a lot of fun during a bath, but kids can just as well watch the little creatures grow in a glass. (Dollar Tree, Target, Toys R Us)

• Fun Water Bottle
  Belly Washers sell juice in very cute water bottles that come with fun characters at the top. Peel off the wrap and you can use the bottle just like any other. (Walmart, Dollar Tree)
  
  
• Not Your Typical Crayons
  You likely will need to get art supplies in the new coming year, so take this opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Get your kids crayons, they will love them if they’re as fun and exciting as these ones: Crayon Gems, Crazy Crayons, or Shimmer Crayons. (Target, Amazon)

• Wigs & Fake Hair Pieces
  If you have girls ages 2-4 like me, chances are they might be into princesses and pretend play in general. Get them a wig or simple hairclip extensions so they can pretend all they like. Moms know, hair changes everything! ;)  (Dollar Tree, Party City)

Are there any (budget) toys you’d recommend because they were a success with your kid?