The Stocking Filler Gift Guide: Five Toys Under £10 Kids Will Actually Play With
Our Christmas gift guide for kids: five screen-free stocking fillers, all £10 or less, sorted into things to make, play and get moving. Picked from Toyday's best-sellers.
Bones and Body Kit
"What's inside my body?" is one of those questions children ask again and again.
45 Colouring Pencils Tin
Every child needs good colouring pencils, and 45 full-size colours in a sturdy tin means no more fighting...
Wooden Tin Pin Bowling Game
This little tabletop bowling alley is just 29cm long.
Light Up Skipping Rope
A skipping rope with a twist: this one glows bright blue as it spins.
We've all been there. Christmas morning, the stocking is opened, and by lunchtime half the little plastic bits are forgotten under the sofa. This year, fill it with a few small, proper toys instead: things that get kids making, playing and moving, without a screen in sight.
We've sorted our five favourites by what kind of fun they bring, so you can mix and match. Every single one costs £10 or less, and they all come from Toyday, a traditional UK toy shop.
Ways to save at Toyday
- Free delivery on orders over £35, easy to reach with four or five stocking fillers
- A gift wrapping service is available
- Order by early December, as popular toys can sell out
- See today's offers at Toyday
The perfect stocking: one from each group
- Something to make: Bones and Body Kit, £10 or 45 Colouring Pencils Tin, £6.99
- Something to play: Small Wooden Xylophone, £7.99 or Tin Pin Bowling Game, £8.99
- Something to get them moving: Light Up Skipping Rope, £10
One from each group comes to about £25 to £29. Add one or two more, and you'll get free delivery over £35.
A quick note on ages: Toyday doesn't list age guidance on these product pages. Some of these toys have small parts, so for a child under 3, check with the shop first.
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What to look for in a stocking filler
The best stocking fillers are small, fun and actually get played with after Christmas Day. Here's what to think about when you choose.
- Age and safety. Check for small parts if there's a baby or toddler in the house. Marble-sized balls and little pieces aren't safe for under-3s.
- Size. Measure the stocking. A toy that doesn't fit ends up under the tree instead, which takes away the surprise.
- Lasting fun. Choose toys that can be played with again and again, like games, instruments or art supplies, rather than things that are finished in five minutes.
- Mix it up. One thing to make, one thing to play and one thing to get them moving keeps the stocking interesting.
- Budget. Set a limit per stocking. All five of our picks cost £10 or less, so a full stocking can stay under £30.
Our tips for a great stocking
- Mix it up: one thing to make, one thing to play, one thing to get them moving.
- Think about age: small parts aren't safe for under-3s.
- Add a little extra: Toyday has a "Toys under £5" section for small extras, like a Colour Change Crackle Baff bath fizz (£4.99).
Not quite right? Toyday has lots more traditional toys and stocking fillers. See more at Toyday
What do customers say? Toyday's Trustpilot reviews are mostly 5 stars, praising fast delivery and a good range, but most are several years old and there are no recent ones. A few buyers found some items smaller than expected, so check the sizes we've listed, and a couple complained about slow replies after ordering.
Common questions
How much should I spend on a stocking?
There's no right answer, but many families keep it to £20 to £40. Three or four of our picks fit easily in that range.
Are wooden toys better than plastic ones?
Wooden toys often last longer and feel nicer to play with, and many parents like that they're less likely to end up in the bin. Plastic toys can be fine too. Look for good quality whichever you choose.
When should I order stocking fillers?
Order by early December. Popular toys can sell out, and delivery gets busier closer to Christmas.
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Bones and Body Kit
"What's inside my body?" is one of those questions children ask again and again. With this kit, they mould and paint their own skull, build a skeleton from foam bones, and shape internal organs from modelling dough. There's even a human body poster for their bedroom wall afterwards.
✕What to Keep in Mind
- it involves paint and dough, so set up at the kitchen table, not on the new sofa.
45 Colouring Pencils Tin
Every child needs good colouring pencils, and 45 full-size colours in a sturdy tin means no more fighting over the one green pencil. The tin keeps them tidy and is great for trips to grandma's. It's the cheapest pick in this guide.
Small Wooden Xylophone
A rainbow xylophone is a classic for a reason. This one has a wooden frame and eight colourful metal notes that make a sweet, tinkling sound, much gentler on the ears than a plastic toy trumpet. It comes with two wooden beaters in a lovely retro-style box, and at 20cm long, it slips easily into a stocking.
Wooden Tin Pin Bowling Game
This little tabletop bowling alley is just 29cm long. You roll marble-sized balls down the lane and try to knock down the pins. It's simple, a bit addictive, and perfect for a Boxing Day tournament with the grandparents.
✕What to Keep in Mind
- the marble-sized balls are a choking hazard, so keep it away from babies and toddlers.
Light Up Skipping Rope
A skipping rope with a twist: this one glows bright blue as it spins. It's a brilliant way to get kids outside and moving, and it looks amazing on dark winter evenings. At 2.5m long, it's best for children who are already tall enough to skip.
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