Keep the Magic Glowing: The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Gift Batteries

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 11/14/2025

The holiday season is a time for festive joy, carols, and... the dreaded "batteries not included" moment. Don't let a missing power source turn holiday cheer into holiday tears! This guide will help you stock every stocking and sleigh with the right batteries, ensuring the Christmas magic starts the moment the wrapping paper comes off.

The Christmas Morning "Batteries Not Included" Dilemma

We've all been there. The kids are ecstatic on Christmas morning, unwrapping their new remote-controlled car or talking doll, but the excitement quickly fades when you realize you don't have the right batteries for them to play with their new treasures from Santa right away.

Because, let's face it, Santa is a busy guy and sometimes forgets to bring batteries. This is Mom and Dad's time to shine. Avoid that holiday scramble by checking the packaging of each gift and stocking up on the necessary power sources before they go under the tree.

Choosing the Right Batteries for Your Gifts

From stockings to the biggest box under the tree, most gifts will be powered by one of these common battery types:

• AA Batteries: The most popular battery size, powering everything from that new video game controller to festive, singing reindeer.
• AAA Batteries: Also very common, typically used for smaller devices like TV remotes and compact light-up toys.
• C Batteries: A go-to for larger toys that require more power, like that big remote-control monster truck or a portable music player.
• D Batteries: The largest of the common cylindrical batteries, providing long-lasting power for heavy-duty toys and bright new flashlights for winter adventures.
• 9V Batteries: Not as common in toys, but essential for gifts like walkie-talkies to coordinate the family snowball fight.
• Button (Coin) Cell Batteries: These tiny powerhouses are needed for watches, light-up ornaments, and musical greeting cards.

Don't see the battery you need listed? Don't worry. Batteries Plus carries batteries for virtually any device, ensuring no gift is left powerless.

Pro-Tip: When in doubt, a variety pack of alkaline batteries is the best present you can give yourself this holiday season.

Alkaline vs. Rechargeable: What's the Difference?

• Alkaline Batteries: These are the standard, single-use batteries you'll find in most stores. They are a great, reliable option for most toys and devices that will be opened on Christmas Day.
• Rechargeable Batteries: While they have a higher upfront cost, rechargeable batteries are the gift that keeps on giving. They're an excellent choice for high-drain devices like gaming controllers and digital cameras, saving you money and reducing waste long after the decorations are packed away.

For Ultimate Performance: Upgrade to Lithium Batteries

Got a really special, high-tech gift under the tree this year? For the absolute best performance, consider upgrading to lithium batteries like Energizer Ultimate Lithium. These are the perfect choice for high-drain devices.

So, what is a high-drain device? Think of any gift that needs a lot of power to work its magic—digital cameras flashing to capture holiday memories, VR headsets, powerful remote-control drones, or video game controllers. These gadgets can drain standard batteries quickly, leading to disappointment.

Save Money by Buying Batteries in Bulk

Buying batteries in bulk is a smart way to save money and ensure you're prepared for every toy, gadget, and glowing decoration this season. Most alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 10 years or more, so you can stock up for many Christmases to come.

To keep your battery collection neat, consider a battery storage organizer. It's the perfect way to keep your holiday power supply in one place, making it easy to find the size you need while the Christmas cookies are still warm. From AAA to D, it fits tons of batteries, so you won't have to rummage through junk drawers! Batteries Plus offers 24 packs of AA batteries, 24 packs of AAA batteries, and more to keep you stocked.

How To Properly Store Batteries for Maximum Performance

To get the most out of your batteries, store them in a cool, dry place. Extreme heat can shorten their lifespan, while freezing temperatures can reduce their power.

Holiday Tip: Once the carols have faded and the tinsel is coming down, be sure to remove the batteries from your decorations before packing them away. This will prevent them from leaking and damaging your treasured ornaments for next year.

Recycle Your Old Batteries

After the presents are unwrapped and the fun is had, don't let spent batteries become holiday waste. Batteries Plus offers battery recycling services to make your post-holiday cleanup easy and green. Recycling helps prevent harmful materials from entering landfills and protects the environment.

Power Up Your Holidays at Batteries Plus

This holiday season, be the hero who comes prepared. Don't let a simple battery hold you back from creating lasting memories. For all your power needs, from the most common AAs to specialty button cells, we have you covered. Our experts are ready to help you find the perfect batteries for every gift under the tree.

Visit your local Batteries Plus today and stock up on everything you need to keep the holiday fun going all season long. Make this a bright and powerful holiday with a little help from your neighborhood experts!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the best batteries for Christmas toys?

A: For most toys, alkaline batteries are the best choice for reliable power right out of the box. For high-drain toys that will see a lot of action, consider using rechargeable batteries.

Q: How do I know what size batteries a gift needs?

A: Check the packaging of the gift or the device's battery compartment. It will indicate the required battery size (e.g., AA, AAA, C, D, 9V).

Q: Can I use rechargeable batteries in any device?

A: While rechargeables work in most devices, they are best suited for high-drain electronics. For low-drain items, like a TV remote, alkaline batteries are a more cost-effective option.

Q: How should I store my batteries?

A: Store your batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Avoid storing them in extreme heat or cold.

Q: Where can I recycle my old batteries?

A: Batteries Plus offers quick and easy battery (and lightbulb) recycling programs.