Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

It's not always the shiny new laptop that steals the show during the holidays. Sometimes it's the humble stocking stuffer. You know—those items with slightly smaller price tags that turn gift exchanges into a marathon in the best possible way.

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Even though stocking stuffers may not cost as much, you can still get thoughtful items that’ll surprise and touch your loved ones. Here’s our list of sock-worthy ideas.

1. Giving the gift of comfort is an oldie but a goodie.

No one is disappointed by slipper socks in December, and these are the coziest ones you’ll find. They envelop feet in thick fleece and have rubber non-slip dots on the soles. Unlike most traditional slippers, these slipper socks can be tossed in the wash when your giftee has worn them for a week straight (and trust us: They will wear them for a week straight).

2. Try a simple gift that college students may not have shelled out for—and older people may not even know exists.

PopSockets are ultra handy for propping up smartphones and tablets. They allow the user to take better selfies, watch videos more comfortably, and more. This ingenious device uses simple technology to attach to a phone or tablet. When the user is ready to reclaim their device, they simply pull on the base to remove.

3. If you know someone who’s always misplacing things, there’s a great solution for that.

A Tile Style attaches to anything you don’t want to lose—keys, a suitcase, etc. When you can’t find the lost item, use your smartphone to make the Tile ring. You can even use the Tile to find your lost phone. Double tap the button on the Tile Style, and it will make your phone ring even if it’s on silent.

4. Phones aren’t the only things that have been getting smarter.

Smart plugs allow the user to control whether a plugged-in appliance has power or not. That means someone can turn a lamp on or off in their home when they’re on vacation. These smart plugs work with iPhones and Androids and integrate with Amazon Alexa. They offer a hassle-free way to control devices in your home from a distance.

5. For the hipster, lumberjack, or other hirsute man in your life…

A Groomarang is an ideal stocking stuffer. It’s cheap and funny but also useful. Hundreds of positive Amazon reviews attest to the usefulness of this strange-looking product. The Groomarang helps tame and style a beard as well as gliding beard oil through hair. Instructions and a case are included.

6. Keep everyone organized with this simple and stylish solution.

A cable wrapper makes a great stocking stuffer for someone you don’t know super well. It’s not exactly personal, but it’s still thoughtful and extremely useful. That’s because everyone has cords to deal with. Whether it’s a jogger who keeps earbuds in her pocket or a reader taking a Kindle cord on vacation, everyone can find a use for this leather snap-button wrap.

7. Most people are switching from disposable water bottles to metal or high-density polyethylene.

And if you’re going to reuse a bottle hundreds or thousands of times, it might as well be from S’well. This small company is one of the fastest-growing woman-owned businesses in the United States. S’well creates eco-friendly water bottles that are both fashionable and functional. Take a look around their website and you’ll see they have a little something for everyone.

8. This cosmetic product has plenty of imitators, but the original is still the best.

The beautyblender helps apply primers, foundations, powders, and cream blushes to the face. Its unique design results in streak-free, even application with minimal product waste. It’s perfect for applying pricey cosmetics that require an exact touch. It’s so good that it won an Allure Beauty Award and has almost a quarter million “loves” on Sephora (yes, you read that correctly).

9. Allow someone to unleash their inner artist with a surprising twist.

These Melissa & Doug scratch notes reveal vibrant colors beneath matte coating when you apply the stylus. They brighten up everything from shopping lists to doodles.   This cute little set is perfect for office gift exchanges when you want to keep it cheap and fun. The recipient can enjoy it right out of the box, and with 125 notes, it lasts until long after the party.

10. Send good vibes to a loved one who deserves them.

This Good Vibes sticker cheers up any laptop, notebook, or phone. With a kiss-cut design, the sticker has intricate and stylish edges. The sticker is available in four sizes and is backed with a permanent adhesive. It’s great for sending a positive message to someone you care about.

11. Even chalkboards are entering the 21st century.

Boogie Boards allow you to write on their screen just like a notepad. Your message, doodle, or design will last until you touch a button to instantly erase it. Use it time and again to write reminders or draw designs. It’s awesome for aspiring artists or those who constantly make to-do lists.

12. Just because it’s getting colder doesn’t mean we’re going to stop sweating.

Sweaty Bands are versatile new headbands that keep sweat out of someone’s eyes and hair out of their face. It’s great for those who like to work out in style. The headbands are 95 percent polyester and 5 percent rubber elastic to make them a little more comfortable. They have a non-slip velvet lining that feels great while it performs an important function.

13. Your special someone can perform live in the living room this Christmas morning.

The Selfie Mic Music Set has everything a future music star needs to record audio and video (except the phone, of course). The set includes a selfie stick, working microphone, earpiece, and StarMaker app. The app allows the user to sing along with thousands of free songs. Once a masterpiece is recorded, the user can edit and share it with friends.

14. If you’re looking to completely surprise someone with an adorable and addictive gift, here it is.

No one is expecting an interactive baby monkey in their stocking this year. And that’s part of what makes it such a perfect gift.   This robotic primate will hug someone’s finger and blow kisses, babble, and more. It may be intended for children, but everyone will fall in love with it.

15. If you want another road to a child’s heart this holiday season, here’s a surefire path.

You can’t go wrong with a Shopkins mega-pack. It comes with 20 Shopkins and 4 Petkin backpacks that will delight any Shopkins fan. You may not understand why kids love these toys, but you don’t really need to. All you have to do is buy it, wrap it, and then sit back and enjoy.

 More Stocking Stuffers They’ll Love: