I did two pillows just like you are talking about for our kids for traveling and filled them with coins, different shaped glass gems ex:// heart, marble.., I also put in a thimble, penny, dime, quarter, plastic flower, little plastic baby from the baby shower favor aisle, a superball, a safety pin, a paper clip, a jingle bell, buttons, in craft wood sections of craft stores you can buy tiny little wood items- like a painted frog etc..If you go to the party section in stores they have junky plastic vasriety toys for pinatas- you might find smaller items in there. I like the polly pocket idea!!! Go to garage sales! Have fun