29 Stocking Stuffers That Will Actually Go Into The Post-Holiday Rotation

The world of stocking stuffers has historically been a functional one. Every year, your parents dutifully filled that fuzzy nylon sock — which in no way resembled an actual stocking? — with workaday items for the upcoming year: socks, underwear, deodorant, toothpaste, and if you were lucky, candy. It always went to use — the candy first, of course — but the contents were never terribly inspired. (And no shade to our parents, of course, as the stockings were icing on the cake of everything else they did for us, during the holiday season and beyond.)

Perhaps you’re in charge of stockings this year, and want to adhere to the tried and true categories — toiletries and unmentionables — but in your own thoughtful, unexpected, and still affordable way. We’ve rounded up some classic over-the-chimney gifts that you definitely won’t find at your local drugstore, along with some modern-day additions to the canon (a pen that doubles as a desk centerpiece; the tiniest cleaning instrument we’ve ever seen; and a crowd-pleasing card game). Click through to see the 28 best lil’ gifts that we could rustle up.

We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. 

Kikkoman Hello Kitty Soy Sauce

We’re kicking it off by playing favorites. We love anything Hello Kitty, we love anything pink, and we love condiments. At $4.99, this soy sauce possibly the best stocking stuffer out. (If the umami-rich brown sauce isn’t your bag, check out World Market’s entire Hello Kitty capsule collection. Warning: you may lose hours (as we did) browsing the Sanrio goods.

Kikkoman Hello Kitty Soy Sauce, $, available at Cost Plus World Market

Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Toothbrush

A definite upgrade from the Oral-B three-pack, this beautiful object also does a pretty good job of tooth-cleaning, thanks to an infusion of detoxifying charcoal into every bristle.

Morihata Black Binchotan Charcoal Toothbrush, $, available at The Dreslyn

Sunnylife Cactus Candle

Sure, a real-life succulent makes a great gift, but it’s impractical to stuff a dirt-filled vessel (containing an object that thrives on sunlight) into a stocking. The next best thing? A tabletop-friendly Saguaro-shaped candle.

Sunnylife Tall Cactus Candle Small, $, available at Cara Cara

Made Market Co. Apothecary Color Tip Matches

Perhaps you suspect that your stocking stuffee is candle-d out this season — with the amount of aromatic bougies flying about the buyosphere, you might be looking for something else in the burnable category. May we suggest multi-colored matches that are as chic as they are functional, made by a Kansas-based mother-daughter duo?

Made Market Co. Apothecary Color Tip Matches, $, available at The Grommet

The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Spray

They say that much textile-related waste happens in the aftercare of clothing — excessive washing and dry-cleaning and pollutes water and releases harsh chemicals into the environment. This spritz can freshen up your winter layers and save you — and the planet — a trip to the dry cleaners.

The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray, $, available at Bloomingdale's

BaubleBar Sol Initial Pendant Necklace

A personalized piece is always well-received. At a marked-down $10, BaubleBar’s glittery initial pendant is the perfect jewel if you need to fill more than one stocking.

BaubleBar Sol Initial Pendant Necklace, $, available at BaubleBar

Everlane Bikini

Ditch the Hanes multi-pack for a few pairs of Everlane’s fanatically-review Supima cotton undies.

Everlane The Bikini, $, available at Everlane

Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Sure, you usually pull Secret or Dove out of your stocking on Christmas morning, why not switch it up with a paraben- and aluminum-free underarm freshener from body-positive blogger Katie Sturino?

megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant, $, available at Ulta

Tasha McKelvey Zodiac Constellation Ring Dish

A ring dish that can be customized with the zodiac sign-constellation of your choosing — handmade by a Virginia ceramicist — is a reasonably-priced and seriously crowd-pleasing gift.

Tasha McKelvey Small Zodiac Constellation Pottery Ring Dish, $, available at Etsy

Richer Poorer Tasha Sock

Try the gift of cool and colorful socks that won’t get hidden under heavy snowboots. Richer Poorer’s semi-sheer ankle socks are an outfit-maker, and are sure to get top placement alongside clogs and loafers this winter.

Richer Poorer Tasha Sock, $, available at Zappos

Chronicle Books Rainbow Ornaments Puzzle

If your recipient dwells in a minuscule urban apartment and can’t squeeze in a tree this year, you can lend some festivity to their living room with this ornament-themed puzzle.

Chronicle Books Rainbow Ornaments 500-Piece Puzzle, $, available at Maisonette

Carleen Lucky Bandana

Meet the cool girl’s secret weapon. Whether it’s keeping your hair off your face when you’re doing weekend chores, tied around your neck to punch up a ho-hum outfit, or, hell, making your dog look a little dapper; a bandana is a subtle and unexpected addition to anyone’s lewk. We love this artist-designed print on this Western-themed iteration from Carleen.

Carleen Lucky Bandana, $, available at Carleen

Tigre et Tigre Organza Scrunchie

We’ve watched the scrunchie evolve from a pitied Sex and the City punchline to legit fashion-girl must-have, available every conceivable fabric; some of which are quite luxe. (Hello, $48 Veda scrunchie made from leather scraps.) Tigre et Tigre’s organza version is affordable, but with its sheer, princess-y fabrication, still stocking-worthy.

Tigre et Tigre Organza Scrunchie, $, available at Tigre et Tigre

World’s Smallest Vacuum

A reviewer on Urban Outfitters vouched for the legitimate functionality of this teensy-weensy dustbuster: “I bought this little vacuum as a joke, but it actually cleans the dust on my desk. With the two different attachments it helps me go in between cracks and small spaces.”

World's Smallest World’s Smallest Vacuum, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Jed Signature Million Matí Tote

We’re obsessed with the luxurious knitwear and travel-inspired gewgaws from New York-based Jed. We’re saving the brand’s premium sweaters and sterling-silver charm jewelry for a different roundup, but here’s our stocking-stuffer pick: this simple tote bag adorned with matí (the Greek word for evil eye) — an ancient symbol of protection.

Jed Signature Million Máti Tote, $, available at Jed

Areaware Standing Pen

Banish visions of a cluttered desk, bearing a mug pointlessly packed with pens that go untouched most of the time. Instead, conjure a minimal desk with a single, well-designed writing instrument that brightens up the scene even when it’s collecting dust. (Because, let’s be honest, pens don’t get used that often — so they better look nice while they’re waiting in the wings.)

Areaware Areaware Standing Pen, $, available at Amazon

David's Tea Matcha Drops

These are more sophisticated than hot cocoa packets but just as comforting. Just drop them into hot water, whisk until frothy and top with milk for a green tea latte. Each trip gift set comes with a maple matcha, spiced gingerbread matcha, and candy cane matcha.

David's Tea Matcha Drops, $, available at David's Tea

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm

Ok, we know this seems a little steep for lip balm, but you have to pay extra for the second “p” and “e”. Kidding! You’re actually paying extra for this hyper-clean beauty brand’s absolutely luxurious elixir of avocado, mongongo, marula oils, peptides, and sea fern algae.

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm, $, available at Amazon

Harry Josh Mini Oval Brush

“Love this little one,” said a reviewer on Harry Josh Pro Tools purveyor DermStore’s website. “Has the same amazing qualities as its big sister.” With nylon and boar bristles to clear out knots and enhance shine, this brush’s diminutive size doesn’t detract from its functionality one bit — and is a definite upgrade from the workaday drugstore comb.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Mini Oval Brush, $, available at DermStore

Baudelaire Wool Bath Sponge

Goodbye, pastel-colored plastic loofah! Hello, Pinterest-ready “sea wool” (?!) bath sponge that will look organic and divine perched on the edge of any tub. Try to forget that you’re shelling out $20 for a sponge — it’s a small price to pay for luxury, okay?

Baudelaire Wool Bath Sponge, $, available at Verishop

Argento Vivo Gold Ball Necklace

We envision this cool-but-simple ball pendant necklace playing very nice with whatever your recipient has piled on to their existing neck-stack. Its stark, modern design says “Sophie Buhai”, while the $20 price tag says “Buy a second one for yourself.”

Argento Vivo Ball Pendant Necklace, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Madewell Metallic Shapes Barrettes (Set of Three)

Barrettes: a Christmas-stocking mainstay. Growing up, yours may have been stuffed with tiny plastic bow-shaped ones. We’re adults now, and only cool, design-friendly hair accessories will fly — we suggest these graphic brass ones from Madewell.

Madewell Three-Pack Metallic Shapes Hair Pins, $, available at Madewell

The Hygge Game

We took one look at the questions on this “cozy” card game and knew it would be a crowd-pleaser. Why, yes, we’d love to expound on which movie we think there should be a sequel to — right after you’re done telling us about the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten. This ultimate night-in entertainment aligns perfectly with this uniquely Scandinavian concept (which, as a reminder, is pronounced “HYOO-gah”).

HYGGE GAMES The Hygge Game, $, available at Nordstrom

Yes Studio Reversible Clutch

Famous last words. Even if your interpretation of this statement means that you’ll be ready in 7 minutes or even 20 minutes, we won’t judge. If the recipient isn’t keen on revealing their stance on punctuality to the world, they can simply flip this inside out to reveal a cool, graphic print that will do double duty as makeup case and evening clutch.

Shopbop @Home Yes Studio Reversible Clutch, $, available at Shopbop

Monogram Beaded Bracelet

This Anthropologie reviewer took the words right out of our mouths: “I bought this as a gift for my friend who loves daintier and more subtle jewelry. This bracelet was delicate enough to go with her vibe, but the initial charm adds a little flair to it! I’ve already ordered one for myself and I can’t wait for it to come in.”

Anthropologie Monogram Beaded Bracelet, $, available at Anthropologie

J.Crew Velvet Hair Tie

Another stocking staple — the ponytail holder — gets a prim and pretty upgrade with the addition of a velvet bow.


J.Crew Velvet hair tie, $, available at J.Crew

Speks Original Magnetic Balls

May Hong filled us in on a version of these fidget-friendly magnets over the summer, when we polled fashion friends for their take on Amazon’s next viral item. Their friendly price tag and miniature size make them a perfect stocking-friendly item.

speks Speks Original Set of Magnetic Balls, $, available at Amazon

The Type Set Co. Soft Foam Magnetic Letters

The kind of gift that anyone with a fridge and a sense of humor can get a lot of mileage out of.

The Type Set Co. Soft Foam Magnetic Letters, $, available at Food52

Kinn Tiny Ball Dot Earring (Single)

Unpacking your stocking and finding the tiniest drop of solid gold earring is a real treat — especially when the precious bauble in question cost a mere $30.

Kinn Tiny Ball Dot Earring (Single), $, available at Kinn

from Refinery29