If you are like me and appreciate a superior stocking stuffer, this is for you!  After countless weeks scouring the Internet, I have finally whittled my list down to ten high-quality eco-friendly, multi-purpose goodies that cost under $10.00.  Get inspired!

SET OF SIX DINOSAUR CRAYONS from Etsy

Why?  Because they are educational, festive and fun. Oh, and they are perfect for little hands!  $4.50

ANIMALZ POSEABLE CAMEL from Cow & Lizard

This camel is not only crafted from organic, renewable maple, it comes with a card providing details of the animal in nature.  Also, a percentage of your purchase supports wildlife organizations around the world!  Note: you may have to take it out of box to fit in stocking but it is only 5” long.  $3.99 (on Amazon)

TEMPORARY HAND TATTOO SETS from Uncommon Goods

Who doesn’t love a non-toxic, non-offensive way to say “talk to the hand!”  Part body art/part puppet show you have to see these in order to grasp just how cool they are!  $12.00 for 16 tattoos you can split up.

NYOKKI EGG PLANT from Brooklyn 5and10

Hip, handmade glazed ceramic egg characters from Japan grow grass “hair” kids can cut and watch grow again.   $9.95

MAKE A RUBBER BAND BALL from For Small Hands

We love this because it’s part activity, part toy and it’s great for fine motor development, hand-eye skills and coordination.  Also, you’ll have rubber bands in the house for the rest of your life!  $5.95

TERRY’S MILK CHOCOLATE from Candy Warehouse or RED APPLE LACING TOY from Tom’s Toys via Amazon   A modern take on the Victorian tradition of putting apples and oranges in Christmas stocking when, you know, they were considered “sweets?!”  $5.00 and $2.99

JUMBO WASHABLE WATERCOLOR SET from Lakeshore Learning Store

Why?  Because the color blocks are big, it comes with a high quality paintbrush and it has a great case that is easy to keep clean.  $4.49 each

JUMBO PEOPLE STICKS from Lakeshore Learning Store

My year-round secret weapon:   Kids can use crayons, watercolors or glue things on to make puppets or “self-portraits” they can keep.  Also, because they are required to hold the stick in one hand while coloring with the other, these are AWESOME for motor skills and concentration.  If my kid likes these, yours will, trust me!  $3.95 for 12 or $9.95 for 36

MAGNETIC WANDS from Lakeshore Learning Store

These are cheap and cheerful and your kid may find that missing screw that holds together the remote while he’s learning about science!  Great first intro to the laws of magnetic attraction.  $1.99

RHYTHM INSTRUMENTS from Lakeshore Learning Store

A little old school, because musical experiences are an important way to help create neural pathways while learning to dance and keep a beat!   From $3.00 - $10.00