Guides/Stocking stuffers for a babyBaby stocking stuffers

Stocking stuffers for a baby

By Stick'Nsnap · About · Updated October 31, 2026

Stick'Nsnap Happy Animals necktie sticker pack in its clear pouch, with To and From lines at the top and the Just Born owl tie showing

A first stocking can be small and still feel full. Pick a keepsake and a few things the family will use. Here's what to put in, and what to leave out.

What goes in a baby's stocking?

Your baby won't remember what was inside, so choose things the parents will reach for.

  • A monthly sticker set. It comes in its own package, so there's nothing to wrap. The family uses it every month of the first year.
  • Washcloths. They're soft and small, and they roll up to fit. The bath shelf has packs of six and more.
  • Bibs. A pack folds flat into the toe. See the feeding shelf for bib packs.
  • A board book. One to read together on Christmas morning.

Which sticker set fits a stocking?

Monthly Onesie Stickers has 16 necktie stickers, from Just Born through one year. The pouch in our photo has a To and From line at the top. Write both names, and it's ready.

Each month, press the sticker on a plain onesie and take the photo. The month stays in the picture. For a December photo with the stocking in it, see baby's first Christmas photo ideas.

What should stay out of the stocking?

Anything small enough to fit in your baby's mouth. The AAP says to think large: every toy and every part should be bigger than your baby's mouth. The CPSC says to keep balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than three.

The AAP lists these household choking hazards to keep away from babies:

  • Balloons, marbles, and small balls
  • Coins
  • Toys that can be squeezed to fit entirely in a child's mouth
  • Button or coin batteries, which can also cause internal burns if swallowed

Leave hard, gooey, and sticky candy out, too. The AAP lists it with chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, and marshmallows as foods to keep from young children.

Does the age label matter?

Yes. Read it on every toy before it goes in. The AAP says age guidelines reflect a toy's safety, based on choking hazards and what a child can do at each age. The CPSC also says to check the package for choking hazard warnings.

For soft toys, the AAP says to check that the parts are on tight and the seams are secure. Take off loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Skip toys with small bean-like pellets inside.

Can stocking gifts go in the crib?

No. The AAP says soft objects, toys, and loose bedding stay out of your baby's sleep area. That includes pillow-like toys and blankets. A soft toy from the stocking is for awake time, with you there.

What about Christmas morning?

Throw away plastic wrap and packaging right after the gifts are open, the CPSC says. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight.

Watch what older kids hand over. The AAP says many choking incidents happen when older brothers or sisters give small toys or foods to a younger child. Keep their stocking toys with small parts in another room.

Quick checklist

  1. Pick one keepsake and two or three useful things.
  2. Read the age label on every toy.
  3. Check that every part is bigger than your baby's mouth.
  4. Leave out hard candy, coins, and button batteries.
  5. Throw away the wrapping right after.

Things you should know

For the bigger gift under the tree, see baby's first Christmas gift ideas. Going to see Santa, too? Baby's first photo with Santa covers when to go and what to wear. Product details on our pages come from the retailer listings, and Amazon and Walmart show the current price and stock.

Sources

All pages were read on October 31, 2026.

  1. AAP HealthyChildren.org, How to Buy Safe Toys (updated 12/19/2024): https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/How-to-Buy-Safe-Toys.aspx
  2. AAP HealthyChildren.org, Choking Prevention for Babies & Children (updated 2/27/2026): https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Choking-Prevention.aspx
  3. AAP HealthyChildren.org, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained (updated 9/11/2026): https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/a-parents-guide-to-safe-sleep.aspx
  4. CPSC Holiday Safety: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Holiday-Safety

Stickers in this guide

Monthly Onesie Stickers, necktie onesie sticker setMonthly Onesie Stickers