For many people, stocking stuffers fall into one of two categories: boring essentials like socks and dental floss, or wildly impractical products and gag gifts we'll never actually use. But guess what? There's a third option. The best stocking stuffers are both fun and useful.
While it may take a little more time to hunt these types of items down, the effort is sure to pay off when your recipient is surprised — and delighted. And the good news is, we've already done all of the legwork for you by rounding up some crowd-pleasing options.
The beauty of stocking stuffers is that you don't have to spend a lot to make your recipient smile — as the old saying goes, it's the thought that counts here.
Whether you're seeking the kind of knickknacks your Gen Z kid will brag about on Instagram, or you need a few small but meaningful tokens to gift your spouse or partner, here are some of the best stocking stuffers to add to your cart stat.
A parrot wine opener
Amazon
Pinot Parrot Wine Opener, $20 on Amazon
This delightful parrot wine opener is both highly functional and a whimsical conversation piece. It's also incredibly satisfying to watch the bird spread its wings as the cork pops out.
A bag for their bag
Land's End
Mirco Canvas Tote Charm, Land's End
This tiny Land's End tote charm is made from the same material as their iconic canvas bags. Use it as a keychain or hang it on your big Land's End tote for an adorable bag-ception.
A mini inflatable tube guy
Amazon
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy, $13 on Amazon
You don't have to be slashing prices on used cars to put up this inflatable waving tube guy. He's sure to delight your kids or coworkers alike.
The most adorable nightlight
Amazon
L LOHAS LED Plug-in Puppy Night Light on Amazon
Let this cute puppy illuminate your way at night with eight different colors and three different brightness levels.
Roses that will last forever
Amazon
This tiny Lego kit is just as fun to put together as it is to look at. At only 120 pieces, it's small enough to assemble on Christmas morning.
The prettiest jigger around
Amazon
ban.do Cocktail Measuring Jigger, $17.95 on Amazon
This stunning green glass jigger is worthy of display on a bar cart. In fact, they might have to get a bar cart just so they can show this one off.
A fashionable fidget toy
Amazon
This spinner ring is perfect for occupying the hands of your most fidgety loved one. The sensation of spinning the outer part of the ring is so satisfying that you might need to get one for yourself.
Trendy hair clips
Emi Jay
If you have a teen in your life (or any young person with long hair), they'll definitely appreciate this clip from trendy hair care brand EmiJay. They're more expensive than typical claw clips, but the brad is definitely a teen status symbol.
A fun hand fan to stay cool
coolcrew
Hand fans are the chicest way to stay cool. These ones from CoolCrew come in tons of quirky patterns, are stiff enough to offer a strong breeze, and arrive in a beautiful box.
A phone accessory that really lives up to the hype
PopSocket
PopSockets Grip, from $22, available at PopSockets
We know — PopSockets Grips are everywhere. But there's a reason whyeven naysayers have been convinced. They offer a strong grip on your phone, double as a stand, and come in many different colors and prints.
For the space cadet
Amazon
3D Galaxy Model Crystal Ball Led Lamp Base, $25 on Amazon
This tiny table light can change color, and you can choose from many different astronomy-themed designs. From our solar system to a full galaxy and even a little astronaut sitting on the moon.
The very best socks
Bombas
Bombas socks, starting at $10 a pair at Bombas
Socks make excellent stocking stuffers and Bombas socks are the best we've ever worn — they use a honeycomb weave for extra arch support and come in an array of fun colors. Buy a multi-pack and split them among multiple stockings, or gift 'em all to one lucky recipient. As a bonus, Bombas will donate a pair of socks to those in need for every pair purchased, so your gift goes a little further.
A chic bottle of hand sanitizer
Touchland
Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer, available at Ulta and Touchland, from$7.50
Hand sanitizer is a staple during the winter season. This slim and stylish option from Touchland fits right in their pocket for everyday use.
A handheld milk frother
Amazon
PowerLix Handheld Milk Frother, available at Amazon for $7.99
The perfect addition to any coffee bar, this handheld frother quickly whips up barista-level beverages and is a great gift for any latte lover.
A pastel bedside clock
Amazon
Available at Amazon for $21.99
This small analog clock is the perfect bedside companion for your friend who is always talking about quitting their phone addiction (noble goals). It's the perfect screen-free way to keep track of time. And it's cute, too.
A fancy-as-heck cold-pressed truffle oil
Amazon
TruffleHunter - White Truffle Oil, $14.95 from Amazon
For the foodie in your life — even just a modest drizzle of this high-quality, cold-pressed truffle oil can add some powerfully rich and earthy flavor to pasta, pizzas, and risottos.
A ski trip in a candle
Vacation
Royal Pine Deluxe candle, $36 from Vacation
Vacation makes our favorite summer-scented sunscreen, but they've taken a trip from the beach to the mountains with this quintessentially Christmas-smelling candle. Pretend you're spending the winter in Aspen with this pine and fir olfactory bouquet.
Gatsby-worthy cocktail picks
Amazon
Viski Gold Art Deco Cocktail Picks, 4 for $18 on Amazon
Make every cocktail a piece of art with these 1920s-inspired cocktail picks. They look fantastic in martinis and Manhattans alike.
A must-have set that promises fuss-free face washing
Sleepy Tie
The Cloudpuff Headband and Wristband, $15 at Sleepy Tie
Up their skincare game with this ultra useful set, which includes a plush headband to protect their hair and wristbands to catch any pesky drips during their face-washing routine.
A Diamond Dazzle Stik for their new jewelry
Amazon
CONNOISSEURS Diamond Dazzle Stik, $10 on Amazon
This pen is the perfect stick-in-your-purse solution for polishing an engagement ring or any other kind of diamond jewelry. When you rub it on a diamond, it foams up. You just wash it off with water, and voilà, a sparkling gem.
A fidget toy for kids and adults
Amazon
Infinity Cube Fidget Toy, available at Amazon, $8.99
People young and old can enjoy this cube fidget toy that keeps the mind sharp while helping to reduce anxiety and restlessness.
A silk sleep mask worthy of a nap at the Ritz
Clementine
The organic silk sleep mask, $74 at Clementine
We tested tons of brands for our article on the best silk pajamas, and Clementine's silk outshone even the most luxurious of them all. This sleep mask is made of the highest grade 22 momme, 6A silk, which feels like liquid against your skin.
Cute lid lifts that allow steam to escape so their pots won't boil over
Amazon
Tovolo Farm Animal Pot Lid Lifts (Set of 3), available at Amazon, $14.94
Add a little personality to their kitchen with these heat-resistant silicone lid lifts. They're also available in sheep and smiley-face varieties.
Fancy tinned fish
Amazon
Fishwife Starter 7-pack, $72 on Amazon
If your family is a tinned fish family, this is the ultimate treat. Fishwife's creations are a far cry from grocery store canned tuna. They have lots of gourmet flavors, including my favorite — the smoked salmon with chili crips.
A quirky claw clip
Amazon
Rainbow Claw Clip, $9 on Amazon
This whimsical claw clip is perfect for the Gen Z-er in your life.
A teeny tiny speaker
Amazon
Pro Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $20 on Amazon
This mini speaker has over 45K reviews on Amazon with four-and-a-half stars. Despite its size, it packs a punch when it comes to volume and bass.
A jewelry travel case
Amazon
VOMNA Mini Jewelry Travel Case, available at Amazon, $7.99
Avid travelers will love this mini jewelry case that easily stores everything from necklaces to rings. It also comes in a variety of pretty colors.
Date night decision-making dice
Amazon
KLUBI Date Night Dice for Couples, $19.97 on Amazon
Give your favorite couple the gift of easy dining decisions with this genius set of dice, which they can roll on their next date night.
A collapsible travel cup
Amazon
JBER Silicone Collapsible Travel Cup, available at Amazon, $8.99
Whether your recipient is outdoorsy or not, this collapsible, space-saving travel cup will come in handy. It's made from food-grade silicone and stainless steel so it's durable, flexible, and easy to clean.
Hair ties that won't cause breakage
Amazon
Invisibobble Original Traceless Spiral Hair Ties, available at Amazon for $6.95
Hair ties have a tendency to disappear into thin air, so why not replenish someone's stash? These spiral ones can be used on all hair types and won't cause breakage or leave marks.
Plantable cards for all their wishes and dreams
Uncommon Goods
Get these for $10 at Uncommon Goods
These handmade cards offer more than meets the eye: After you recipient writes down a wish, goal, or prayer, they can plant their card in the ground and watch it bloom into a thriving plant.
Funny laptop stickers
Society6
Pug Yoga Sticker by Huebucket, available at Society6, $4
Find thousands of unique laptop sticker designs, from inspirational phrases to quirky illustrations, at Society6.
A wearable nail polish holder to prevent spills
Amazon
Tweexy Wearable Nail Polish Holder Ring, available at Amazon for $9.99
This wearable nail polish holder upgrades your DIY mani-pedi so your nails will look flawless and professional. This convenient holder is a must-have nail tool that helps to avoid spills and keep your nails in perfect condition.
A pair of beauty sponges for flawless application
Walmart
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (2-pack), available at Walmart and Amazon, from $7.68
Used wet or dry, these beauty sponges flawlessly blend foundation and other makeup.
A copper fragrance diffuser
Amazon
Yankee Candle ScentPlug Copper Cuff Fragrance Diffuser, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Yankee Candle, from $7.19
This copper diffuser helps disperse fragrance throughout their home for up to 30 days while serving as a decor piece.
Trendy socks with a cushioned footbed
Joah Brown
Joah Brown Mini Stripe Sock, $18
We know what you're thinking — but these aren't just any socks: they're an on-trend athletic tube style pair made by a brand beloved by L.A. influencers, and they feature an ultra-soft cushioned footbed for maximum comfort.
Lightweight wireless earbuds for hassle-free listening
Walmart
TOZO A1 Mini Wireless Earbuds, available at Amazon and Walmart for 19.99
Light as a feather yet powerful enough to present a wide, dynamic sound range, these wireless earbuds come in a compact, travel-friendly case — plus, they're available in eight different colors so you're guaranteed to find one that matches your loved one's personal style.
A festive spreadable treat for their furry friend
Diggs
Dog-loving friends and family members will love treating their fur babies to these gourmet spreads — available in festive flavors like Pup-Kin Spice and cranberry-infused That's My Jam, they serve as the perfect holiday season meal topper.
An instant at-home French mani
Glamnetic
Glamnetic Ma Damn Short Pointed Almond Press-On Nails, $15 at Ulta and Glamnetic.
A French manicure never goes out of style — and this press-on set not only offers a salon-worthy look for a fraction of the cost but can be applied right from home while your recipient is watching their favorite show.
Glamnetic also made our list of the best press-on nails.
A versatile lip contouring pencil
Revolve
DIBS Beauty No Pressure Lip Definer, $16 at Revolve
This isn't your average lip liner: with remarkable blend-ability and serious staying power, it's the ultimate lip-defining secret weapon — and it can be layered with lipstick or worn on its own with clear gloss.
Cable clips that keep all your cables organized
Amazon
Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set, available at Amazon, $5.59
These handy adhesive clips prevent cables from slipping around the table and control any cords that run along the wall.
A mini silicone spatula that home cooks swear by
Get It Right
Get It Right Premium Silicone Mini Spatula, available at GIR, $7.95
If they bake at all, GIR's well-designed spatula is a must-have tool. They'll enjoy using the mini size to dig into small bowls and jars.
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