Stocking stuffers are the little gifts that often get the biggest smiles on Christmas morning. The challenge is finding enough small things that people will actually use, without filling stockings with clutter that ends up in a drawer by New Year’s.
This list has 75 stocking stuffer ideas, sorted by who they’re for, so you can jump to the person you’re shopping for. Most are under $20, and plenty are under $10.
To stay organized, print the free stocking stuffer planner. It has a column for each person, so you can see at a glance whose stocking is full and whose still needs a few things.
In this post
Stocking stuffers for kids
- Glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark bracelets
- A new box of crayons or scented markers
- Mini LEGO or building brick sets
- Stickers and a sticker book
- A small flashlight or headlamp for reading under the covers
- Bath bombs with a surprise toy inside
- A deck of kids’ card games, like Uno or Old Maid
- Bubble wands and a bottle of bubble solution
- Silly putty or slime
- Fun character socks
- A mini puzzle or brain teaser
- Window crayons or washable window markers
- A paperback chapter book or comic
- Temporary tattoos
- A small stuffed animal
Stocking stuffers for teens
- Phone grip or phone stand
- Wireless earbuds or a cute earbud case
- Lip balm or lip gloss set
- Gift card for their favorite coffee shop or app store
- A mini portable charger
- Claw clips or scrunchies
- Funky socks
- A journal or sketchbook
- Sheet face masks
- Card games like Exploding Kittens
- Fidget toys
- A reusable water bottle sticker pack
Stocking stuffers for women
- Fancy hand cream
- A silk scrunchie or sleep mask
- A mini candle in a favorite scent
- Cozy socks
- A nice pen and a small notebook
- Lip balm or tinted lip oil
- A travel-size perfume
- Reusable makeup remover pads
- A pretty keychain or bag charm
- Gourmet tea or hot cocoa bombs
- A mini plant or succulent
- A gift card for a manicure
Stocking stuffers for men
- Wool socks
- A multi-tool or pocket knife
- Beard oil or a grooming kit
- A phone wallet
- Hot sauce sampler
- A golf ball set or fishing lures
- A good quality pen
- Lip balm with SPF
- A mini flashlight for the keychain
- Coffee from a local roaster
- A deck of cards or a travel game
- Hand warmers
Stocking stuffers for the whole family
- A family board game or card game for game night
- Movie theater gift cards or a streaming rental code
- A new holiday ornament for each person
- Matching Christmas socks
- A jigsaw puzzle to do together over the break
- Hot cocoa packets with mini marshmallows
- Coupons for a family outing, like ice skating
- A “would you rather” card deck for road trips
- Batteries (trust us, someone will need them)
- A photo calendar for the new year
- Popcorn kernels and seasonings for movie night
- A printable Christmas scavenger hunt that leads to one last surprise
Edible stocking stuffers
- Chocolate coins
- A candy cane or two (a classic for a reason)
- Clementines or oranges, a tradition in many families
- Gourmet popcorn
- Mini jars of jam or honey
- A favorite candy bar
- Peppermint bark
- Flavored nuts
- Holiday cookies in a small tin
- Gourmet marshmallows for hot cocoa
- Beef jerky or meat sticks
- A small bag of homemade fudge
Tips for stuffing stockings
- Start with something big at the bottom. A book or a game in the foot of the stocking stops it from looking empty.
- Mix useful and fun. One practical item (socks, lip balm, batteries) for every two fun ones is a good balance.
- Set a budget per person. Write it at the top of your planner so stocking costs don’t quietly add up.
- Put the candy on top. It’s the first thing kids reach for, and it keeps the fragile stuff from getting crushed.
- Shop early for the “little” things. Small items sell out fast in December.
Stocking stuffer FAQ
How much should you spend on stocking stuffers?
There’s no rule, but many families spend $20 to $50 per stocking. Setting a budget per person keeps things fair between siblings.
How many items go in a stocking?
Usually 5 to 10 items, depending on the size of the stocking. A mix of one bigger item, a few small gifts, and some treats fills most stockings nicely.
What are good stocking stuffers for a white elephant exchange?
Many of the ideas above, like hot sauce samplers, card games, and cozy socks, also make great swap gifts. See our full list of white elephant gift ideas.
