When it comes to the holiday season, families devote a ton of time to prepping for and celebrating the scene-stealing holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's. Each and every one of these holidays is filled with its own special traditions. But depending on families' backgrounds, they may celebrate lesser-known holidays that come with their own traditions. One example of this is St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated all over Europe and in the US, with European immigrants bringing the tradition to the US 200 years ago. Much like to Christmas Eve, December 5 serves as a night on which children put boots, shoes, or stockings out in anticipation of St. Nick's arrival.
On the morning of December 6, the gifts left in shoes and empty stockings tend to be on the small side compared to Christmas presents — they're literal stocking-stuffers. Traditional St. Nick's gifts include apples and coins. The tradition has been widespread especially among the German, Polish, Belgian, and Dutch communities in the United States, but it can most definitely be adopted by any family who wants to get in on the fun.
From candy to socks, mittens and gloves to small personalized items, crayons to lip balms, there's no end in sight to the sweet, thoughtful, fun, yet small gifts that will fit in a St. Nick's Day shoe, boot, or stocking. Think of the items that are most irresistible at the dollar store or Dollar Spot at Target, and then go from there. The gifts given on St. Nick's Day are meant to be simple, sweet, and send the message that sharing and giving to others, as St. Nick did, brings true joy.
Here are 20 small, fun, and thoughtful St. Nick's Day gifts kids will love.
Personalized Crayons
This name set of crayons with four elephant crayons makes a colorful, personalized St. Nick's gift.
Personalized Crayons (From $12, Littlebrownbarnco/Etsy)
Personalized Gloves
These colorful, personalized kids' sized gloves will fit any L.O. up to 12 years old.
Personalized Gloves ($5.50, EndlessCreationsCo/Etsy)
Small Personalized Plush Toys
These 9-inch stuffed puppy, bear, penguin, moose, Santa, snowman or reindeer can be personalized with an embroidered name.
Small Personalized Plush Toys (starting at $5, CraftyHazelnutGifts/Etsy)
UNO Card Game
If your kiddos don't have a set of UNO cards yet, there's no time like the present — and St. Nick's Day.
UNO Card Game ($5, Target)
PopSockets Cell Phone Grip & Stand in Giraffe Bubblegum
For older kiddos who have cellphones, this giraffe phone grip and stand is a quirky, cute choice.
PopSockets Cell Phone Grip & Stand – Giraffe Bubblegum ($10, Target)
'Roblox' Mystery Figures Series 3
Fans of the multiplayer video game Roblox will love this mystery box, which contains a figure and an exclusive virtual item code.
Roblox – Mystery Figures – Series 3 ($4, Target)
Reese's Pieces Christmas Reindeer Food
Because candy is a traditional St. Nick's Day gift, this "Reindeer Food" package of Reese's Pieces is completely on-point.
Reese's Pieces Christmas Reindeer Food ($1, Target)
Kangaroo 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman' 3-Pack
This foam putty craft kit is a St. Nick's gift that doubles as the perfect afternoon activity for crafty kiddos.
Kangaroo "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" 3-Pack ($20, Amazon)
Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons
These twist-up crayons are exclusive to Amazon but are perfect and practical for kiddos.
Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons ($11, Amazon)
Lip Smacker Disney Princess Balm Party Pack
These Disney Princess-themed Lip Smackers are sure to enchant kiddos. You can split them up among kids or gift them all at once.
Lip Smacker Disney Princess Balm 8-Count Party Pack ($10, Amazon)
Harmonica
This authentic 16-hole harmonica, for ages 3 and up, is sure to encourage musical exploration.
Harmonica ($10, Amazon)
Elf on the Shelf Milk Chocolates
These Elf on the Shelf milk chocolates are too cute.
Elf on the Shelf Milk Chocolates ($9, Amazon)
Neliblu Puzzle Balls 12-Pack
These puzzle balls keep kiddos entertained while boosting focus and attention.
Neliblu Puzzle Balls 12-Pack ($10, Amazon)
SpongeBob SquarePants Candy-Filled Cane
Little SpongeBob fans will love this candy cane filled with gummy candy.
Spongebob Squarepants Gummy Krabby Patty Candy Filled Christmas Candy Cane ($11, Amazon)
Plush Critter Socks
These cute, comfy socks will keep little tootsies cozy and warm all winter.
Assorted 2-Pack Plush Critter Socks ($15, Nordstrom)
Magical Charm Bracelet Gift Set
This whimsical bracelet comes with three charms: a polka-dot narwhal, a mermaid, and a unicorn.
Magical Charm Bracelet Gift Set ($24, Nordstrom)
Santa Cotton Candy
This St. Nick-themed cotton candy is a perfectly cute pick.
Santa Cotton Candy ($2, Target)
Olaf's Frozen Adventure Fruit Flavored Candy Cane
This Olaf-themed birthday cake-flavored candy cane is sure to thrill little Frozen fans.
Olaf's Frozen Adventure Fruit Flavored Candy Cane – Pack of Three ($10, Amazon)
Harry Potter Wand Pen & Bookmark
Harry Potter fans will adore this wand pen and bookmark set.
Harry Potter Wand Pen And Bookmark ($10, Amazon)
Swedish Fish Christmas Heritage Tins
This cute seasonal Swedish Fish tin is filled with the beloved candy.
Swedish Fish Christmas Heritage Tin ($4, Target)
