In your traipses through the mall, have you been so focused on your loved ones’ “big” gifts that you forgot about their stockings? Stocking stuffers are easy to neglect amidst the holiday shopping chaos. However, these small items can bring great delight to your family on Christmas morning. Just because you’ve lost sight of them up to now doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.
If you’re shopping last-minute, you might be concerned that stocking stuffers will blow your budget. But this quirky tradition isn’t intended for expensive gifts. Avoid overspending during your last-minute holiday shopping. Make a list of whom you’re buying for and use a fee-free debit card to reduce your overall costs. Grab a seasonal drink, grab a buddy, and get to shopping.
1. For the Technophile
Trying to figure out what to give your uncle who is obsessed with new technology? Odds are, he snaps up the new items when they hit the market. Plus, you’re probably not splurging on an iPhone 14 for Uncle Steve’s stocking stuffer. Instead of lofty gifts, consider what small items he may need.
If your recipient cares about technology, they probably take good care of it, too. Snag a durable phone case or screen protector. A cord organizer makes a great gift for someone who’s always on the move. To keep the crevices in their devices clean, purchase a flexible cleaning brush. Or give them a portable charger for those times they’re in a coffee shop with limited outlets.
2. For the Self-Care Queen
Self-care is in this year. Whether your recipient is great at practicing self-care or needs a little nudge, these items are sure to bring relaxation. Bath bombs, subtly scented candles, and face masks are perennially popular, making them great stocking stuffers. They come in a variety of price ranges and are usually the perfect size for a stocking. Besides, who couldn’t use an extra candle?
For friends and family with dry skin, grab a quality hand cream or lip balm. For your makeup-loving bestie, give a mini eye shadow palette or lipstick. Scrunchies, claw clips, and travel size styling products make great stocking stuffers. If you’re looking for something that the entire household can enjoy, try an aromatic room spray.
3. For the Pragmatist
Practical folks can be the easiest or the hardest to shop for. On the one hand, it’s difficult to gin up much enthusiasm for buying someone socks or a toothbrush for Christmas. On the other hand, your practical friends and family will probably be thankful for these items and your thoughtfulness. Practical gifts don’t have to be boring. Grab a cute beanie that will keep your recipient warm and stylish.
For the kiddos, adhesive bandages sporting their favorite cartoon characters can be a cute addition to their stocking. Fun bookmarks and journals could be easy yet useful fillers. For the new homeowner in your family, a picture-hanging toolbox is typically affordable and super useful. Try giving reusable straws or an affordable bento box.
4. For the Tender-Hearted
With sentimental friends and family in mind, consider how you can reflect on memories through your stocking stuffers. Maybe you’ll give a magnet from a place you visited with them. Or you can frame a photo from an evening out or a trip you took together.
Sentimental gifts can be sweet and nostalgia-inducing, and they remind your recipient of the reasons you treasure each other. Determine what your recipient would find most thoughtful, and then into their stocking it goes.
5. For the Giver
If your friends or family have a tradition of giving back to your community during the holidays, these ideas are for you. Use the holiday season to invest in local and global communities through gifts that do good. Check out companies that are specifically designed for social impact or invest in those that have committed to corporate responsibility. For example, Rare Beauty’s Rare Impact Fund has committed to donating $100 million over the next 10 years to mental health services.
If your friend would appreciate a gift in their honor, give them a LottoLove ticket. This company partners with charitable organizations to provide basic needs to people around the world. It’s the only scratch-off ticket with a social purpose. They also sell a ticket that provides resources, support, and education to women around the world.
6. For the Furry Friend
Would you agree that shopping for animals is more fun than shopping for people? If so, here are a few ideas to pick up for your four-legged pals. Head to your local pet store and select a bunch of treats and chew sticks. Most pet supply stores have a display of sale toys, so start there for your cheapest options. Then consider what your pet needs this season.
If your Chihuahua needs a warm sweater, head to the apparel aisle. Or buy an enrichment game that will keep them entertained while the rest of the family is opening their gifts. If you have a cat that sheds a lot, get a new brush that will fit perfectly in their stocking. When in doubt, add another treat to the mix.
Shopping last-minute for anything can be a little stressful. However, the fun of stocking stuffers is that you can have a mixed bag of items. Things don’t have to go together. They can be useful, edible, or just silly. You may find that, with this list in hand, stuffing a stocking is almost as much fun as un-stuffing it.
