What is a stocking stuffer?

A stocking stuffer is a small, usually inexpensive gift placed that is placed into a Christmas stocking to be retrieved on Christmas morning. Since you want to load up or “stuff” the stocking, gift-givers typically include multiple items inside. Stocking stuffers can range in price, too, and anywhere from $5 to $15 for each item is standard.

What makes a good stocking stuffer?

A good stocking stuffer is something small that elicits a positive response from the giftee. Maybe it's something they need, maybe it's something they want, or maybe it's just something silly—as long as it’s appreciated by the receiver, you’ve done a good job. The stocking is the perfect place to mix useful items and pure gag gifts, just for fun.

Where did stocking stuffers come from?

The history of the stocking stuffer dates back centuries to a tale of Saint Nicholas filling stockings with gold. It was further popularized by the 1823 poem by Clement Clarke Moore “The Night Before Christmas.” The poem cites the famous line: "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care" which then get filled by Saint Nick. Now, we continue to honor the tradition as an essential part of Christmas festivities by hanging our own stockings each year and filling them up with knick-knacks and small gifts.

The 14 Best Stocking Stuffers of 2022

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A stocking stuffer is a small gift (usually fits within a stocking) that is useful, fun, and doesn't necessarily have to cost a ton of money.

We researched the best stocking stuffers for everyone on your list, considering the size, age-appropriateness, and functionality of each pick. The Sanag Portable Bluetooth Speaker is our top pick. The tiny speaker is waterproof, has an impressive battery life, and fits in the palm of your hand.

Here are the best stocking stuffers.

Our Top Picks

Sanag Portable Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon

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Etsy Thank You Gift Necklace at Etsy

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Mark & Graham Money Clip Wallet at Markandgraham.com

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STM Store Charging Station at Amazon

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Etsy AirPods Case at Etsy

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West Elm Stone Octagonal Coasters at West Elm

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AlwaysFits Pep Talk Postcard Book at Alwaysfits.com

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Anthropologie USB Candle Lighter at Anthropologie

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What Do You Meme Adult Party Game at Amazon

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FEIYOLD Blue Light Blocking Glasses at Amazon

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In This Article

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This pint-size bluetooth speaker is smaller than most cell phones, but can be used at home, by the pool, or on your next camping trip. In addition to having stellar sound quality, the speaker is also waterproof and a single charge can last up to 18 hours. This is one small, thoughtful gift a recipient will get tons of use.

You can even clip the speaker onto your purse, keyring, or belt loop to always keep it on hand. It barely takes up any space in your room or junk drawer, making it perfect for apartments or small spaces. For such an affordable price, this is a no-brainer for a stocking, no matter the recipient.

Users are amazed at the high sound quality for such a small speaker as well as the waterproof and shock-proof features. Some say songs will a lot of heavy bass sound the best and others wish you could control the track list right from the speaker. Yet, kids and adults of any age will appreciate this small, but mighty speaker.

Etsy

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Have someone who's really shown you love and support? Say thanks with this dainty necklace that features two interlocking circles. The necklace measures 18 inches and is available in a gold, rose gold, or silver finish. Also, it comes perfectly packaged in a gold foil stamped jewelry gift box.

Mark & Graham

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Every adult needs a functional wallet and it's even better if it's made from quality material and is personalized. Mark & Graham's leather money clip wallet comes in black, tan, or chocolate and holds a few cards and has a magnetic clip on the back for cash. For a few extra bucks, it can even be monogrammed.

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With so many of us having wireless devices, we also spend time charging those necessary gadgets and searching for the accompanying cables. That's where this charging station comes in handy. It simultaneously juices a phone, watch, and AirPods. This takes up minimal space and is also a great way to keep track of essential, expensive items.

Etsy

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For a personalized gift, opt for this AirPods case. AirPods are pretty expensive, so having a case to keep them protected and safe is super important. Choose the case's text font, from block to script, and a design. The bottom has an opening, so no need to remove the AirPods from the case when charging.

The Best Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Your Best Friend

West Elm

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These West Elm coasters aren't just functional, but they're stylish as well. The set of four, octagon white marble coasters are sure to keep countertops and tables protected. Also, the bottom features a rubber backing to prevent any scratches.

AlwaysFits

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We could all use an occasional pep talk, right? Here's a set of 20 postcards that feature inspirational and funny phrases. The recipient can refer back to these when they're having a rough day or just want to laugh. They're also so colorful and fun, they'd make a great addition to a gallery wall.

Anthropologie

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A candle is a natural gift for anyone who loves candles, but you should also throw in this candle lighter. Instead of the usual matchbook, this is a USB powered lighter. A single charge has up to 130 lights. This is also way more eco-friendly that striking and throwing away matches.

The Best Scented Candles to Create a Relaxing Ambiance

3.8

Courtesy of Amazon

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What Do You Meme? Review

Take one of your favorite pastimes—scrolling through hilarious memes—offline with this fun party game. The game challenges players to create the funniest memes with the cards they're dealt. Each round, a rotating judge draws a photo card, the rest of the players put down their funniest caption card, and the judge chooses their favorite as the winner. This game is tons of fun, but note it's definitely for the adults and can get a little racy.

"For the first hour or so, we thought most of the memes were hilarious and the crazy combinations had us laughing hysterically. After about four or five games, however, we’d already played most of the caption cards and the novelty of the memes began to wear off."—Sage McHugh, Product Tester

Courtesy of Amazon

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You've probably heard a lot about blue light blocking glasses and for good reason. They're said to help reduce the eye strain that comes from staring at a screen all day. So naturally anyone who's attached to their laptop or who sits in front of a desktop will love these glasses, which come in a range of colors and a two-pack.

The 35 Best Gifts for College Students That They Can Use

4.9

Brooklinen silk sleep eyemask in cerulean blue

Courtesy of Brooklinen

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Counting Z's just got a lot easier, or at least a bit more chic, with this Brooklinen eye mask. The silk is easy on the skin, which is especially important around the eyes, and the elastic band is gentle on tresses. This comes in a case so it can be stored by the bedside.

We Found the Best Christmas Gifts to Make Her Day

Bathing Culture

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No, this isn't a brush to clean dishes or the kitchen sink. Any self-care lover will appreciate this body brush. The bristles remove dry skin and can even help with lymphatic drainage and circulation. This will be a perfect addition to any bath time routine.

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This is a great set for anyone who appreciates the versatility of natural essential oils, which can be used in everything from a diffuser to cleaning to relaxation. The DoTerra kit has three 5mL bottles of lemon, lavender, and peppermint oils. The handy box also has a rundown of how each oil can be used.

The Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Make Your Home Smell Like a Spa

Amazon

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Socks might seem like a boring, or even typical stocking stuffer gift, but there's no denying how useful they are. And this unisex pair from Happy Socks is just downright fun. The large polka dot print comes in almost every color imaginable and the cotton is breathable, so no sweaty feet.

Size

The whole point of a stocking stuffer is that it is able to fit inside of the stocking, so make sure you’re selecting small enough items. Travel-sized products, candles, keychains, jewelry, and other small objects usually work well. If it’s big enough to be wrapped, it probably belongs under the tree instead.

Age-Appropriateness

As with all gifts, think about who you’re shopping for. You’ll likely want to get different items for your parent or spouse than your kids, so be thoughtful about what goes into each stocking. For adults, sentimental and useful items make great stockings stuffers, whereas kids will enjoy tiny trinkets and toys more.

Functionality

Stocking stuffers are a great way to give gifts people will actually use. Think about what that person really needs, and how functional the item will be in his or her life. For example, if their feet are always cold, socks are an excellent gift. Maybe they’re always misplacing their phone charger, in which case an extra would be worth stuffing in their stocking. Having a healthy mix of fun and useful items inside is the best way to stuff a stocking.

FAQ

What is a stocking stuffer?

A stocking stuffer is a small, usually inexpensive gift placed that is placed into a Christmas stocking to be retrieved on Christmas morning. Since you want to load up or “stuff” the stocking, gift-givers typically include multiple items inside. Stocking stuffers can range in price, too, and anywhere from $5 to $15 for each item is standard.
What makes a good stocking stuffer?

A good stocking stuffer is something small that elicits a positive response from the giftee. Maybe it's something they need, maybe it's something they want, or maybe it's just something silly—as long as it’s appreciated by the receiver, you’ve done a good job. The stocking is the perfect place to mix useful items and pure gag gifts, just for fun.
Where did stocking stuffers come from?

The history of the stocking stuffer dates back centuries to a tale of Saint Nicholas filling stockings with gold. It was further popularized by the 1823 poem by Clement Clarke Moore “The Night Before Christmas.” The poem cites the famous line: "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care" which then get filled by Saint Nick. Now, we continue to honor the tradition as an essential part of Christmas festivities by hanging our own stockings each year and filling them up with knick-knacks and small gifts.

This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City. Additional reporting was done by Mackenzie Dunn, a writer and editor with expertise in the fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle spaces. She enjoys covering a wide variety of topics from decor trends to cleaning hacks and has a penchant for curated bookshelves and cozy throw blankets.