Your Guide to the Perfect Stocking
Stocking Stuffers & Small (But Mighty) Gifts for Christmas
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Growing up, one of my favorite things to open on Christmas morning was my stocking. It seemed like it was an endless pit full of all of my favorite things and a testament that the best gifts can come in small packaging.
My theory is that the key to a perfect stocking is knowing the person and personalizing it to them. Anything you know they like that will fit inside is fair game in my opinion - candy, toothpaste, socks.
But aside from the obvious things you might have already bought for stockings, I wanted to hopefully give you some ideas of stocking stuffers you have never thought of before.
So as you seek to craft the perfect stocking, I hope some of these ideas work for you. And I hope the rest serve as a springboard to get your own unique ideas flowing.
And if no one has told you yet, Merry Christmas!!!
Stocking Stuffers
Essential Oils - If they have and use a diffuser, they will never be mad about having more essential oils on hand. Get them classics like lemon and lavender or go crazy and pick out some new scents for them to try!
Beeswax Taper Candles - These candles are non-toxic and perfect for the dark, cold, winter nights that seem to be quickly approaching.
Electric Candle Lighter - If you get any type of candle, an electric lighter would be a great thing to pair with it! These are cute and rechargeable!
Blue Light Glasses - Everyone’s eyes could use a little extra care especially this time of year with online shopping and end of year deadlines. I know they aren’t as cute, but the pairs with the amber tinted lenses work a lot better.
Beanies - Who doesn’t love a new beanie going into the winter months? I personally have a couple that I love from Target, but there are tons of great options out there. I have had my eyes on these Madewell ones recently.
Headbands, hair ties, claw clips - If you are shopping for a girl, chances are she likes at least one of these methods for styling or tying up her hair.
Earrings - I bought a pair of gold mini hoops from Madewell last year during their holiday sales, and they are my go to earrings now. They haven’t tarnished, and I wear them all the time!
Lip Gloss / Oil - I love the laneige lip sleeping mask and use it all the time - especially during these dry winter months. In terms of adding some color to your lips, I personally really like Merit and Ilia for cleaner options.
Makeup - I bought this blush from Saie beauty this year, and I absolutely love it! It blends perfectly, and I know I would not be mad getting another shade in my stocking. They have similar products in a bronzer and highlight as well.
Tallow - I know it might sound gross, but I promise using tallow in my skincare has impacted my skin in such a positive way. It’s incredibly hydrating and nourishing, and I have had much clearer skin since I started using it consistently. I love the one I linked from amazon, but you might be able to find some locally too!
LMNT Electrolytes - These are my favorite electrolytes, and this sample pack is a great way to try out all the flavors and find your favorite. Who doesn’t need to be more hydrated?
Matcha / Tea / Coffee - This is my favorite matcha, and it would make such a cute stocking stuffer! A bunch of little tea bags or a bag of coffee from a local shop would also be perfect!
Vanilla Bean Paste from Trader Joe’s - I love baking with this stuff, so if you are shopping for a baker, this is a must!
Card Games - Little card games are such a perfect stocking stuffer because you can immediately enjoy them over the holidays when you have a little extra down time! Some favorites are a classic deck of cards, Monopoly Deal, Skyjo, Nertz, and Skip-bo. If you are going for a regular deck, getting a unique deck personalized to their interests would be fun!
Pens / Markers - In our digital age, some people might not appreciate pens in their stockings, but for the right people, they make a great gift! Our favorite everyday pens are the Pilot G2s. My favorite colored marker pens are the Tombow or Sharpie S-Note.
Personalized stamp/embosser - If they are a reader, then a personalized library embosser or stamp is an amazing gift. My in-laws got me a stamp for Christmas last year, and I love it! A return address stamp for envelopes also makes a great gift, especially for new homeowners. There are tons of options on Etsy!
Disposable Cameras - These cameras are the perfect nostalgic stocking stuffer! The classic Fujifilm ones are pretty inexpensive, or if you want to splurge, I have had my eye on these Camp Snap screen free film cameras (not disposable).
Air Tags - These aren’t the most exciting gift, but they are incredibly practical. If you suspect they might put them on their keys, a keychain is a nice touch!
Gift Cards - They may seem impersonal, but I think you can make them incredibly personal! Get a gift card to the store you know is their favorite or the car wash you know they go to every Saturday morning. If they are a reader, pair a local coffee gift card with a bookstore one, or for your couple friends, try a gift card to their favorite restaurant and local movie theater. Give the gift cards with the intention of gifting an experience.
And that’s it! I hope this gave you some ideas and inspiration for the gifting season ahead…or maybe for some things you will be asking for in your stocking!
Thank you so much for reading! I would love if you would leave a comment or respond, and let me know what else you love to get or give in stockings! It would also mean so much to me if you would share my newsletter with a friend!
Take care,
Caroline