Five Open-ended Play Stocking Stuffer Ideas

 Are you looking for the perfect stocking stuffers that will actually be used after the holidays are over?  I have a perfect list of open-ended materials that are budget friendly AND will fit in a stocking! These 5 gifts are perfect for almost every age (watch small parts with really little ones).





You can use my affiliate links below to fill those stockings!

Perfect for Art Play: 



Have you tried these yet?  If you want to give your kids a chance to paint, but are nervous about the mess...you have to get these! They look like colored glue sticks, but are made with tempera paint.  That means they are washable.  And even better, they dry in 90 seconds!


Perfect for Science Play: 

Magnifying Glass

This is perfect for your nature observations. Encourage your children to take a closer look at bugs and flowers when making representational drawings. All great scientists need a magnifying glass!


Perfect for Dramatic Play:

Play Scarves

Last Christmas I dyed my own play silks. This would have been much easier.  Some day I want to indulge in Sarah's Silks, but these are much more budget friendly.  We use our play scarves as capes, canopies for our block buildings, blankets for dolls, and settings for small world play.  These are the ultimate open-ended toy.  Children can use their imaginations and find a ton of uses for these. 

Perfect for Small World Play:

Wood Peg Dolls



These peg dolls are are perfect for small world play.  Because they are blank and unfinished, your child's imagination can run wild. The doll can be a superhero, a princess, a farmer, or a nursery rhyme character!


Animal Figures

Choose from several different TOOBS of animals on Amazon.  These animal babies are sure to be a favorite.  Children can build a zoo using Legos or blocks.  You can put these in the sensory bin for a fun addition.


These stocking stuffers are sure to be used over and over long after Christmas has passed.  They are great investments for your play centers, too!

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