Stocking fillers for kids: 13 small gifts by age, from toddlers to tweens

Players match bug pictures to the ones on their board and cover them with counters; the first to fill their board wins. It's made from durable, recycled board that wipes clean, and it's teacher-tested for matching, memory and social skills.

Owners love it for three and four-year-olds, find it simple to play and understand, and say the compact size makes it ideal for travel.

A 12cm chunky LED torch that also projects 24 full-colour dinosaur pictures, on three slide discs, onto walls and ceilings, with adjustable focus. It's an official Natural History Museum product, and it comes with the three LR44 button batteries it needs. Check the battery compartment is closed securely before giving it to a young child.

Owners call it a fantastic toy that works well at night, and a go-to gift for young dinosaur fans. Some found it smaller than they expected. It's sold by Brainstorm Toys, which makes it, and fulfilled by Amazon.

Three packs of crystals that make the bath water crackle, pop and change colour, like popping candy. Zimpli says it's biodegradable, skin safe, drain safe and doesn't stain, and it's vegan and made in the UK.

Owners say it's entertaining and a great sensory activity; feedback on how long the crackle lasts is mixed.

Twenty-four washable felt tips with a medium conical tip that draws fine lines upright and broad strokes when tilted. Crayola says the ink washes off skin and out of most fabrics.

Owners say they're good quality with vibrant colours that wash out of clothes and hands, and perfect for young children. A colouring book makes a natural pairing.

Children peel a section off one of eight animal pictures, press coloured foil onto the sticky area and lift it to reveal a shimmering picture. The kit includes 25 foil sheets, eight pictures and a guide, and needs no glue.

Owners say it keeps children busy and excited for hours and like that it's mess-free; feedback on how well the foil sticks is mixed.

Translucent coloured LEGO bricks for building fantasy models such as a dragon, mermaid, unicorn, penguin, spaceship and shooting star, with four hanging elements so children can hang their creations in their bedroom.

Owners say it's great value and love the colours, with one noting the transparent pieces add to the magical theme.

Press a hand, face or toy into the pins and a 3D impression appears on the other side; turn it over to clear it and start again. It's 18 x 13cm and stands up on a desk or shelf.

Owners say it's good quality, fun for all ages and great value; some say it's not sturdy if dropped.

Drop the sloth into water and it grows, the maker says up to six times its size, then let it dry to shrink back and start again.

Owners say it's a great little stocking filler that's fun for kids; feedback on how big it grows and how long it takes is mixed.

Five blank Yoto cards, each holding up to 6 hours of audio, with stickers to decorate them. Through the Yoto app you can add recordings of grandparents reading bedtime stories, birthday messages, music or your own audio.

Owners love how versatile they are and how easy it is to link recordings to each card. They only work with a Yoto Player or Mini, which we cover in our Christmas gifts for kids. It's sold by Yoto and fulfilled by Amazon.

The original 3x3 Rubik's Cube, now with smoother, faster turning that the maker says won't snag or pop. Learning to solve it is a great Christmas holiday challenge, and there are plenty of beginner guides online.

Owners find it smooth to turn and fun, and a great gift.

The 90s virtual pet is back: feed it, play games with it, clean up after it, give it medicine when it's ill, and watch it grow into different adult characters depending on how well it's looked after. It comes on a keychain. Many designs are available, so check the one you've selected.

Owners find it fun and nostalgic and like that it plays like the original; some say the novelty wears off after a few days. It runs on LR44 button batteries (included), so keep it away from small children.

An official, illustrated Minecraft joke book, the kind of thing children read out loud to the whole family on Christmas morning.

Owners say their children laugh out loud reading it, it's perfect for Minecraft fans and good value.

Classic Top Trumps with Marvel heroes and villains including Iron Man, Black Panther, Black Widow, Thanos and Loki, in a plastic travel case.

Owners say it's fun for children and adults and the cards are good quality.