Stocking Fillers with a Phonics Twist!

Do you ever struggle to find stocking fillers that are inexpensive but not just tat? I’ve rounded up some of my favourite stocking fillers that are affordable, fun and can easily be given a phonics twist! These ideas make reading, writing and spelling feel playful, hands-on, and exciting, the perfect little treats for mini readers and writers!

Visit the Mini Writers Club Amazon shop for links to the stocking fillers or click on the images below. Clicking the link below doesn't cost you extra but as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

Pop It Keyring

These are such a fun, hands-on way to practise reading and writing!

Blending - Choose a CVC word card (consonant vowel consonant). Ask your child to pop a bubble in the middle row as they say each sound e.g. m-u-m. Then they can blend the sounds together to read the word.

Segmenting - Turn the word card over. Ask your child to say the word then say each sound as they pop the bubbles e.g. mum, m-u-m. Afterwards, they could practise writing the word.

Support - If your child finds it tricky use the top row and start with VC words (vowel consonant) e.g. it, am, if.

Scratch Notepad

A brilliant, hands-on way to make writing feel fun!

Spelling - Your child can use the little stick to scratch off the black layer and reveal the colourful paper underneath. It’s a simple, playful way to practise spellings.

Writing - Use the stick to write messages or notes.

Handwriting - Use the stick to write letters. These are some letters from the rainbow family. They all contain the rainbow shape to help with the letter formation. Click here for the letter formation rhymes and the Handwriting Club.

Invisible Ink Pens

Sounds - Write letters using invisible ink and hide them around the room. Get your child to find them then use the torch in the lid to reveal the letter. Can they say the sound it represents?

Tricky Words - You could also write tricky words for your child to reveal and read.

Reading - Write a joke using a regular pen. Then write the answer using the invisible ink pen. Ask your child to read the joke before using the torch to reveal the answer. 

Bath Foam

Writing - Spray the bath foam on the side of the bath/tiles then use your finger to write letters or words. 

You could write words for your child to read or say a word to them and see if they can write it.

Colour Reveal Pens

Sounds/Tricky Words - use the colour-changing pen to write sounds/tricky words on a piece of paper. Get your child to use a coloured pen to colour over the top to reveal them.

They can have a go at writing the words in the spaces using the colour-changing pen.

Scratch Stickers

These are such a lovely little activity and children love the surprise element! 

Writing - Write a message, sound, or tricky word first, then pop a scratch sticker over the top. Your child can use a coin to scratch and reveal what’s underneath. It makes reading feel like a game.

You can even turn them into a mini scratch-card challenge. Write pairs of matching words, cover them, and let your child scratch to reveal each one. They can sound out, blend, and try to find the matching pair to win.

Chalk Pens

These are such a fun way to sneak in some learning at home. Chalk pens work brilliantly on windows and children love the novelty of writing somewhere they normally wouldn’t! 

Sounds/Words - Try writing a few letters, tricky words or simple words on the window for your child to spot and read. 

Spelling - If they have weekly spellings, pop the list up on the window. They can practise writing them underneath or even decorate them. It’s a great way to make spelling feel less like a chore and more like a quick, creative activity.

Cappi Pens

 I use these during every tutoring session. The lids are all attached on a loop, so they never get lost and the pens don’t end up drying out!

They also have a triangular grip near the nib, which is brilliant for encouraging a proper pencil grip. They’re great for colouring, early writing or popping in a bag for on-the-go activities.

Magnetic Letters

Magnetic letters are a perfect stocking filler because they turn your fridge or baking tray into an instant learning zone. Your child can use them to practice spelling, develop phonics skills and play word games.

I hope this list helps you find a stocking filler your child will really enjoy! With a few fun, playful choices, you can give something that’s not only exciting to open but also sneaks in a little phonics practice along the way making learning feel hands-on and full of festive fun.

If you're looking for a fun way to fill your advent calendar or for something for your elf to deliver, check out the 24 decodable Christmas jokes. Each joke is colour-coded to help you see which words your child may be able to read independently and which ones they might need a little support with. You’ll find the colour code guide on the first page of the PDF.

Anna x