You’ve made sure the stockings are hung by the chimney with care — but now what should you put in them? You don’t want empty stockings on Christmas morning. Whether you love the tradition of stuffing stockings and want some new ideas, or you dread it as much as planning new Elf on the Shelf poses, we’re here to help.
Shopping for stocking stuffers is a bit different than selecting items from a wish list or finding the perfect gift for everyone that you know. The beauty of these little items is precisely that— they’re little trinkets designed to bring a smile to your recipient’s face and joy to their lives. You don’t need to go all out, but it’s always fun to toss cute knickknacks and accessories into the mix to spruce up your stocking stuffer gift game for all your loved ones.
For The Travelers
Pens
If you’re gifting a journal, notebook, or stationery set under the Christmas tree, then add a personalized pen set to their stocking. It’s a fantastic gift for those who wish to chronicle their adventures in a travel journal.
Patches
It’s a time-honored tradition of world travelers to attach patches to their backpacks or luggage to showcase everywhere they’ve traveled. Pick from a selection of locations and styles to fit your wanderer. A patch is a fantastic addition to any Christmas stocking of those who ‘take the road less traveled’.
Luggage Tags
Whenever you fly, there’s always a chance that your luggage will go missing. Help your loved ones by giving them a little extra security so that their luggage, if lost, will return to them! A custom luggage tag will be a stylish addition to any set of luggage, no matter where it’s sent.
For The Girly Girls
Phone Cases
Got someone you love a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy for Christmas, and now you’re wondering what to put in their stocking? Why not pair it with all the necessary accessories? A portable battery charger, earbuds, a few USB cables, and a stylish phone case are all items on the holiday list that will make their season bright. From durable OtterBox cases to cases customized with your own photos, so you can ensure your loved one stands out with a phone case that fits their personality.
Keychains
Spouses, partners, grandparents… even kids love keychains. Extra points if they serve another purpose, like a bottle opener or flashlight. Your recipient can hang them from their purses, belt loops, and backpacks. You can pick up a bunch of keychains in different colors for small, last-minute gifts. Or customize your gift with the recipient’s name, and they’ll think of you wherever they go.
Jewelry
A necklace can easily fit in any stocking and include a photo that will always remind them of you. You can pick a selection of locket types and metal types. Fit the gift to the exact style of the recipient, and they’ll want to wear it every day!
For The Gamer
Playing Cards
Sure, the kids will get their share of toys under the tree. But some adults on your list might also want games, from playing cards to puzzles. Fun stocking stuffers are for all ages. Whether they like to play Go Fish, Gin Rummy, or even Poker, a deck of cards will make Christmas day fun for everyone.
Puzzles
It can be hard to pass the time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so a custom puzzle may be just the thing. Personalize it with an image and text that’s meaningful to the person. Upload your photo to create your own customized puzzle of up to 1,000 pieces, making a memorable gift for parents or grandparents on your list.
For The Musician
Guitar Picks
Whether you’re gifting them a guitar, or they already have one, custom guitar picks are a great gift idea for your favorite musician. These picks are available in standard and triangle shapes.
Refrigerator Magnets
Whimsical, fun, and functional, refrigerator magnets are the perfect gift because you can never have too many! Personalize with any 4 x 6 photo to make great Christmas stocking gifts for new parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
When in Doubt: Gift Cards
The best way to get them exactly what they want is by giving them the gift of choice. Gift cards and other holiday gifts are perfectly sized to slip into a stocking. Whether they’ll buy nail polish, a water bottle, or a hundred stickers with the gift card — at least you’ll know you’re giving them the perfect gift opportunity.
Though the stocking stuffers can be small gifts, they can make a huge difference on Christmas morning when each stocking is full. Stocking stuffers can be an independent gift or complementing something wrapped under the tree. If you have any stocking stuffer ideas we may have missed, add them to the comments below. Everyone here in Santa’s village wants to know your ideas.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
These are great ideas, I especially love the wooden pen! I think giving personalized gifts makes it much more special.