Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas at Christmastime

Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas
photo by Jim Capaldi

The main presents are wrapped and under the tree, but what about the stockings hanging from the mantel? Oftentimes stocking stuffers are an afterthought to Christmas shopping, but they can be some of the best presents received. It doesn't even have to cost much. Here are some great gift ideas for men, women and kids.

Gift Ideas for Stocking Stuffers

Some people regard gift certificates to be impersonal, but that isn't true when they correspond to the receiver's interests. They can be purchased in small or large amounts conveniently at most grocery or drug stores, fitting any budget. Here are some suggestions:

• Jamba juice
• Starbucks or Noah's Bagels
• iTunes for someone with an iPod
• Kindle store of www.amazon.com for someone with a kindle
• Apple store
• favorite restaurant
• movie theater or fandango.com

Another idea is to visit the local dollar store, which is filled with cheap items. Perusing their aisles will mine goodies priced for only a dollar. Other things to please people of all ages and tastes are:

• paperback book
• personalized coffee mug
• address book
• Brag book photo album
• CD's
• blank CD's or DVD's
• DVD's
• Whitman Sampler or other brand of chocolate
• candy cane
• caramel corn
• Christmas cookies
• Christmas ornament, homemade or otherwise
• disposable camera
• box of Altoid breath mints with a ribbon around it
• reading light
• bookmarks
• deck of cards
• USB flash drive
• postage stamps
• pocket calculator

Stocking Stuffers for Women

• toiletries like a toothbrush
• emery boards
• hand lotion
• perfume
• nail polish
• nail kit
• scarf
• hairbrush or comb
• travel size items like tissues and Hand Sanitizer (Target Stores have a section devoted to these useful items)
• gloves

Stocking Stuffers for Men

• tire pressure gauge
• cologne or aftershave
• razor
• comb
• hair gel (if he uses it)
• money clip (Sky Mall offers one that many men like)
• batteries for the TV remote or other item he uses that requires them
• key ring
• travel sized items like shaving cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste
• travel maps
• gloves
• mini tool kit
• wallet
• pocket knife
• flashlight
• golf balls
• lighter

Stocking Stuffers for Cooks


Perusing a Williams-Sonoma store will give buyers all kinds of things to give someone who loves to cook or bake.

• specialty food like coffee beans or bread mix
• gourmet jam
• herbal teas
• whisks
• pizza cutter
• big spoons
• candy thermometer or cake tester
• vegetable brush
• spatulas

Stocking Stuffers for Kids and Teens

• journal
• costume jewelry like a bracelet, necklace, ring, earrings or barrette
• festive looking socks
• stickers
• $5 or $10 in an envelope
• pen set, marker set
• mittens
• Rubik's cube
• Sudoku, crossword and other similar games
• small toys
• whistle
• doggie leash, collar or treats if a pet owner

When stumped over what to get a picky person, think of his or her favorite store and then go browse the aisles for potential gifts. Sporting goods and even hardware stores have small items by the cash register that interest their particular customers, and this is a great place to find suitable items. For something humorous, Spencer's Gifts has a great variety of small things sure to bring a laugh.

Shopping for Christmas stocking stuffers should be fun and easy when the recipient's age and tastes are kept in mind. The joy is not only experienced by the receiving, but also by the giver as he watches the reaction his carefully chosen presents elicit.

Read more about Christmas:

• Giving Christmas Gifts to Charity
• Christmas Party Food Recipes
• Red and Green Colored Dishes at Christmastime
• Messiah Jesus and Bible Prophecy