Catherine’s Picks: Mighty Stocking Stuffers for Little Ones (Age 1+)
As a mom and co-founder of Mission MightyMe, I’m always on the lookout for stocking stuffers that spark curiosity, encourage development, and-of course-bring a little joy to the holiday season. These are some of my favorite Target finds this year for babies and toddlers around age one. They’re simple, engaging, and parent-approved!
Here are my top picks for the holiday season:
1. Melissa & Doug Market Basket
A pretend-play essential! Toddlers love filling, dumping, and carrying this sturdy little basket around the house. It’s perfect for sensory play, early role-play, and building independence (“my basket!” becomes a fast favorite).
2. Lalo Stacking Cups Bath Toy
These are a bath-time win every single time. Stacking, pouring, nesting - they help build fine motor skills and make the tub a place for both fun and learning. Plus, they’re aesthetically pleasing enough to leave out.
3. Mission MightyMe Nutty Puffs
The tastiest stocking stuffer of the season (yes, I’m biased - and yes, they’re truly delicious). Lightly crunchy, simple ingredients, and designed to help families keep peanuts and tree nuts in little diets early, often, and most importantly, enjoyably! A treat kids love and parents feel great about!
Soft, grabbable, and just challenging enough for little problem-solvers. These blocks help with early hand-eye coordination and can grow with your child from chewing to stacking.
5. A Day in the Snow with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
A sweet winter twist on a classic. This board book adds a little seasonal magic and keeps story time engaging with textures, colors, and Eric Carle’s iconic illustrations.
6. Pearhead Wooden Numbers Toy
Beautifully made and great for early counting, number recognition, and open-ended play. I love gifting toys that look good on the shelf and help little learners build foundational skills.
This tiny music toy is such a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy for small hands to activate, encourages auditory development, and has just enough buttons to keep toddlers entertained without overwhelming them.
8. Cloud Island Hot Cocoa Plush
Cozy, cute, and super cuddly. This plush is the perfect winter buddy and makes for adorable holiday photos. A great choice for comfort-seeking toddlers.
These little gifts are simple, purposeful, and joy-filled-the kinds of things I love giving (and receiving!) as a parent. I hope these picks help make the season a little mightier!
