The holidays are just around the corner! That means that it's time to start looking for the thousand presents that you're going to give this year. Maybe you plan to stuff a stocking for a loved one, or you are part of a secret Santa, or perhaps you just want to give a thank-you present to some people on your list. For all these cases you are going to need stocking stuffers.
Finding the perfects stuffers for your friends and family can be as exciting as it is overwhelming because there are so many great options. Fortunately, we did the research for you. We picked out 10 great stocking stuffer options and found the 5-in-1 Tool Pen from Uncommon Goods to make an excellent gift for everybody because it's very practical, useful, and original. Keep reading our guide if you want to find out about the other nine awesome stuffers!
Quick List - Top Stocking Stuffers
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Buying stocking stuffers can be a fun task but it can also be overwhelming. After our research, we put together a buying guide for you. Take a look and learn how to choose the best surprises for your loved ones!
The element of surprise is very important when it comes to a present. But if you want to truly make them smile, go for something that they will love but might not have spent their own money on. An easy way to go about it is to choose stuff to treat or pamper them. Sometimes something that will bring them fun is a good option too.
Another way to surprise them is leaving little hints to build up to the bigger holiday presents, like a game from a new game system.
If you are really stuffing a stocking or even if you’re participating in a secret Santa, chances are that you are giving more than one present. In that case, selecting a theme is a great idea.
Think of the stellar gift first, and then theme the rest of the presents around it. This doesn’t mean that every present has to serve the big one. Something as simple as a color pattern in all the presents will give a special touch to your stocking.
That’s a great strategy when you have a final gift that doesn’t fit in the stocking. They will know right away which present is for them thanks to the theme. This is a sweet idea for children. Choose the character they are currently obsessed with and buy your stuffers accordingly.
Maybe your friend or a family member has a list of books that they want as main presents, but how about surprising them with a miniature version of a book they already love?
Little books of one-line advice, jokes, or illustrations are also great for anyone. This is a good idea if you don’t quite know the personal taste of a co-worker or whoever your secret Santa might be.
Another no-fail option is a miniature book of a classic. Everybody loves to own a classic (even if they’re not going to read it!) and what’s better than having a small version of it? A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens will always do the trick.
Toys and games are definitely the go-to options for children but it doesn’t mean that some adults won’t love them as much! Some popular boardgames have pocket or electronic versions. They make a great present for grown-ups and kids alike.
Card games are a good option as well. Select a fun theme according to the taste of your stocking subject. Remember all those retro gadgets that children used to play with before video games? Well, they are still great stocking stuffers. Choose a yo-yo or a Rubik's cube. Kids and grown-ups are going to love them.
Sometimes you’re not quite sure of the particular interests of your gift recipients. But if you do or if you’re stuffing a stocking for a friend or a family member, action figures and collectibles are a great choice.
If the present is for a kid, choose a character from a show or movie that they are currently crazy about. If it’s an adult, consider a collectible of their favorite childhood (or current) show or their all-time favorite movie.
Everyone loves travel-size toiletries, but no one likes to buy them. That’s why they make such great stuffers. A lot of cosmetic brands have holiday-themed lines. Just make sure you know the skin type of the receiver and whether or not they have any allergies!
Choose their favorite seasonal scents to make them smile even while taking a shower. Holiday toothbrushes are a great idea to encourage children to brush their teeth after eating all those cookies.
No one likes to have a stocking filled with only candy, but sweet treats can always enhance it. If you have bought your fair amount of presents and you still have some space left, fill it with their favorite treats.
Or you can start a tradition by choosing one particular candy and put it in the toe of the stocking every year. Your loved ones will know what to expect at the end. Keep allergies as well as likes and dislikes in mind.
The Internet is full of little gadgets that we didn’t know we needed. Absolutely no one would be upset to receive a mug warmer, a spork, or a USB ambiance light. Choose something that will make their daily lives easier but they didn’t know existed!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Uncommon Goods 5-in-1 Tool Pen | ![]() | A Handy Pen That Works for Everybody | |
2 | Rohan Gunatillake Mindfulness Cards | ![]() | Take a Deep Breath During Hectic Times | |
3 | Rik Lee Genius Music | ![]() | A Deck of Cards for the Music Lover | |
4 | Melissa & Doug Scratch Art Box | ![]() | Rainbow Scratch Pads for Bright Notes and Doodles | |
5 | InBooze Blackberry Gin Smash Cocktail Kit | ![]() | Infusing Pouches for New Kinds of Cocktails | |
6 | ShengShou 5x5 Speed Cube | ![]() | A Rubix Cube for Advanced Puzzlers | |
7 | Burt's Bees Essential Gift Set | ![]() | A Toiletry Set for Travelers | |
8 | Humangear Go Bites Uno Spork | ![]() | A Utensil That Needs No Introduction | |
9 | Basic Fun Ms. Pac-Man Retro Mini Arcade Game | ![]() | An Excellent Gift for the Classic Gamer | |
10 | Hasle Outfitters 12-Ounce Tumbler With Lid | ![]() | A Glass of Wine or a Cup of Coffee for the Adventurous Drinker |
Have you ever been in a situation in which you need a screwdriver and some tools but you have no idea where they are? Well, so has your secret Santa. Fortunately, you can make their life easier by gifting them this pen.
It looks like a simple writing device but it hides a screwdriver, a ruler, a level, and a stylus for smartphones. It is also, of course, a pen with a clip.
Some reviewers didn't like that the ink ran out within a month. However, replacing the ink is just a matter of finding a standard D1 ballpoint refill. Other reviewers say that the person they gave this pen to was delighted. They mentioned that it is a great surprise even for the hardest people to surprise.
Everyone needs a little time for themselves. Show you care about helping them de-stress by giving them this set of cards. They all have an inspirational phrase on one side and a meditation exercise on the other.
They can be used in any way the person wants to. They can randomly draw a card and do an exercise or they can use several for a well-rounded mindfulness session. They are also color-coded in four categories for easy identification.
This deck of cards has overwhelmingly good reviews. One reviewer, however, thought that the exercises were very brief and not right for a long mindfulness session. However, most were very happy about how these cards have enhanced their daily routine either at work or at home. They mentioned as well that their design is so beautiful that it’s fun to just look at them.
We all like playing cards, and the best part is that they can be themed to what your present receiver likes the most. If your recipient loves music, they will love this deck.
It contains 52 cards with images of music icons from Jimmy Hendrix to Madonna. It includes two jokers: Björk and David Bowie. Each one of the suits represents one music genre: pop is hearts, rock is spades, country is diamonds, and blues/R&B is clubs.
These cards have so many good reviews that the only complaints are that some people don’t agree with some of the artists that were chosen for the deck! Most say that the art is so beautiful and accurate that it makes them happy just to look at it. They all agree that these cards are a great conversation starter.
This box includes 125 rainbow mini notes, a wooden stylus, and a desktop dispenser. You can make notes, doodles, and illustrations. As you scratch the surface of the notes, the beautiful rainbow colors will come out, ready to become a piece of art.
Some reviewers weren't happy to find that some cards have very dark colors and it is impossible to appreciate drawings on the black background.
Other reviewers, however, loved to find that their kids are having a lot of fun with it. Even some adults mentioned that they bought it for themselves and that doodling on them works great as a stress reliever.
If your recipient is a cocktail lover, they will love to make infused cocktails. These pouches of dehydrated blackberries with a twist of lemon juice and sugar cubes will take gin to the next level.
Simply put the pouch in a container and fill it with your favorite alcohol. Let it rest for three days. When the time comes, mix it with a tonic or club soda and voilà! You’ll have a fancy cocktail ready to drink.
All the reviewers are very satisfied with this cocktail kit. However, they advise that you don’t mix the drink with flavored seltzer because it overwhelms the flavor of the infusion.
They also say that the infusion is delicious and super easy to make. Jokingly, someone said that it is so good that now they are scared to end up drinking a little more than they should.
Maybe your kid or your friend who loves puzzles can solve a regular Rubik's cube within seconds. Well, not so fast. This five by five cube will keep them challenged and entertained for longer. The tension is adjustable and its colors are very bright.
Some reviewers were a little disappointed about the size. They say it’s barely bigger than the three-sided regular one. Another common complaint (which almost all 5x5 cubes have) is that it fell apart too easily.
Other reviewers really liked its color and how easily it turns. They were also happy to try it for the first time. They said it keeps them challenged.
Keeping a skin-care routine while traveling can be a tough job, especially because no one likes to carry a bunch of big containers with them. This is also great for those who like to try different things to see if they like them.
Burt’s Bees offers this kit that includes everything they may need to keep moisturized, soft skin during their trip. The kit features cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, lip balm, and foot cream. Everything is made with the quality that this recognized brand offers.
Reviewers say they love the variety of items included. They say that the hand cream is so good that it has helped them with peeling problems! They also said it has kept their hands healthy during winter or trips to very cold places.
A spork is just that: a spoon and a fork at the same time. As simple as it sounds it’s a very useful tool because now you only have to carry one utensil no matter what your lunch is. The edges are sharp enough to cut soft food, and the spoon is designed to scrape the sides of containers. It is also BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Some reviewers don’t like that if you use one of the sides for eating something sticky, by the time you use the other one your hands will inevitably touch the sticky part.
On the other hand, other reviewers adore how practical it is. They say it’s very useful for campers and backpackers because they don’t have to carry two utensils per person. They are also very happy with how lightweight and sturdy the spork is.
Everybody loves classics, and when it comes to videogames what can be better than a portable version of Ms. Pac Man? The game features the original sounds and graphics from the eighties and joystick control.
It is ideal for those fans of Pac Man or for those who want to introduce the game to a new generation. It requires AA batteries which are included. There are other great retro titles to choose from, too, like Frogger and Space Invaders!
Some reviewers complained that the controllers don’t allow some fast movements that are common in the arcade game. Other reviewers were very happy with the nostalgia that the original sounds bring. Adults and kids claimed to love it, they said that it’s so entertaining that sometimes they are not able to put it down.
If your recipient likes the outdoors but they also like to relax with wine, you’ve found the gift for them. This double-vacuum stainless steel cup is designed to be taken anywhere as it keeps wine, tea, or coffee at just the right temperature.
It has a capacity of 12 ounces and it includes a lid for portability. It works for cold and hot beverages. Some reviewers said that the lids have broken on them. However, they say that they got replacements from the manufacturer with no issues.
Other than that, reviewers loved how good of a job it does keeping drinks hot or cold for hours. Some people have gotten them customized for an even more special gift!
Now that you’re ready to stuff those stockings, perhaps you need to start thinking about the bigger gifts. We’re not leaving you alone with that, so here are a few other products that you might want to consider for those presents!
No. 1: Uncommon Goods|5-in-1 Tool Pen
No. 2: Rohan Gunatillake |Mindfulness Cards
No. 3: Rik Lee|Genius Music
No. 4: Melissa & Doug|Scratch Art Box
No. 5: InBooze|Blackberry Gin Smash Cocktail Kit
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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