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Little gifts might be, well, little, but they can have a big impact. Consider stocking stuffers — a great catchall category for small, relatively inexpensive gifts that tick the “this made me think of you” box. They’re a bit random, sometimes cute, sometimes practical, and they’ll make the life of the receiver just a bit better in the days to come.
Yes, we know that holiday season feels ages away, but we have channeled the Virgo in us to help you start planning your holiday gifting (or at the very least start thinking about it). We’ve already rounded up the best gift ideas for every type of employee, but scroll down to find affordable and delightful stocking-stuffer ideas for anyone else who made it on your list. The gift ideas below are thoughtful, practical, and stylish, and they will appeal to people with a wide range of hobbies and interests. Happy shopping!
For the Cozy-Knitwear Enthusiast
It may not be the viral TikTok shaver, but this analog sweater shaver is just as good for anyone trying to keep their knits free of pills, pet hair, and lint. This wood-handled version looks nice and is slim enough to slide in a pocket or a purse for touch-ups on the go — the soft scraping motion is also weirdly addictive.
For the Obsessive Online Shopper
Ripping boxes open with scissors and keys is a great way to cut yourself. This keychain slides open to reveal a short, sturdy steel knife that’s perfect for all kinds of slicing tasks, without all the weird unnecessary extras of a multitool — and stows safely away when they’re done.
For the Kid Who Loves Puzzles
For Your TikTok-Obsessed Niece or Nephew
Remember these? Behold the gel pen that took TikTok by storm. Lauded for its extra-smooth glide, this pedestrian pen became the unlikely obsession of thousands of users over on office-supply TikTok (yes, that’s a thing). It’s still a solid stocking-stuffer gift, even for the crossword enthusiasts in your life.
For the One Who Always Loses Their Contact Lens Case
These tortoiseshell aviators are so chic they won’t even be annoyed next time they misplace their contact case. And for people who don’t need prescription lenses, they’re also available in a blue-light version.
For the Amateur Photographer
Film is having a moment, so impress a TikTok-loving teen or your artsy best friend with this reusable black-and-white-film camera. The point-and-click cam makes it easy to capture every unfiltered holiday moment.
For the Friend Who Constantly Drops Their Phone
Not only is this iPhone case stylish and functional, it’s also under $15.
For the Person Who Loves Spicy Food
Developed in Chengdu by chef Jing Gao, you’ll want to put this savory, tongue-numbing condiment on everything from dumplings to noodles to veggies.
For the Friend Who Works From Home
Gift them something they didn’t know they needed. This mini-brush will help keep their workspace free of dust and crumbs.
For the Crafty Kid
Make a play against the slime industrial complex and introduce the tween in your life to the joys of DIY pom-poms. This brilliant little plastic device makes it even easier to wind and slice their way into the “weird girl aesthetic” with pom-adorned shoelaces, backpacks, necklaces, and jewelry.
For the Skin-Care Fanatic Who Has Everything
These ingenious eye masks are Cut-approved and can be layered to turn any cream or serum into an eye mask without creating any waste. When you’re done with them, you just rinse, dry, store, and repeat.
For Your Stressed-Out Friend
Journaling is a low-pressure creative outlet and one way to cope when you “just can’t.” This one has a series of writing prompts based around the phases of the moon.
For the Glow Goddess
Naturium’s glow-getter body wash became a TikTok fave this year. The multi-oil wash leaves the skin smooth, radiant, and full of moisture throughout the day, especially when used in combination with the brand’s restoring body lotion. The Cut’s beauty-and-fashion writer Asia Milia Ware can’t get enough of this $10 set.
For the Friend Who Loves Accessorizing
Get them started on their charm collection or add to it with this cherry bag-charm option they can clip onto their bags or keys to “Birkin-ify” anything they own.
For the Indecisive Friend
If you want to gift perfume as a stocking stuffer but don’t know what scent to go for, opt for a discovery set and let them choose what they like best. Parfum de Marly’s set includes seven captivating scents that are all worth testing — from its best-selling Delina to its warm, gourmand Oriana fragrance.
For the Natural Makeup-Wearer
For the Mocktail Drinker
Just because a friend doesn’t drink, doesn’t mean you can’t gift them a festive bottle as a stocking stuffer. French Bloom is a nonalcoholic bubbly that tastes crisp and is the perfect Champagne substitute.
For the Eco-Conscious Loved One
This shampoo-and-conditioner set not only smells like a citrus dream, it also leave the hair with a great shine. These bars are the perfect gift for the friend who loves anything that’s sustainable and efficacious, too.
For the Person Who Deserves the World
Stocking stuffers don’t have to be second-tier gifts, and they don’t have to be super pricey either. This dainty and delicate bracelet is a small token of appreciation they’ll wear and cherish forever. There’s also a permanent version in store.
For the Aspiring Beauty Guru
When in doubt, check Sephora’s gift section for miniature products and limited-edition holiday sets that double as great stocking stuffers. There are so many options, but your friend who’s obsessed with TikTok beauty trends has this viral hair-repairing set.
For the Sandy Liang Stan
It’s very likely they love a good bow. These sort of kitschy but very cute earrings will pair well with the rest of their closet.
For the DIY Pro
Anyone who does their own nails needs this ergonomically designed applicator that can be popped onto any polish bottle. It has a comfy grip that provides more control than standard handles, resulting in a salon-quality manicure every time.
For the Accessories Lover
Whether their hair is freshly washed or they’re stretching the time between wash days, this bow will make a cute accessory either way.
For the Hostess
With ornate details and brass handles, these classic cheese knives feel so special.
For the Aspiring TikToker
You can’t record your GRWMs, vlogs, or #dayinthelifes without a trusty phone stand. This one from the MoMA Design Store extends up to ten inches, and the angles can be adjusted so no moment or detail isn’t captured.
For the Lip-Gloss Lover
Lip balms are the superior beauty stocking stuffer. Consider this nonstick one from Summer Fridays that’s just as glossy as their go-to lip product but smells way better.
For the Home Chef
If they’re taking their various Our Place pans in and out of the oven, gift them a pair of the brand’s silicone grips to match their set and keep their hands safe. (Why do the handles of those pans get so hot?)
For the Frequent Sanitizer
If they have a designated sanitizer for their weekender bag, work bag, and going-out bag, it should at least be cute and moisturizing. Nourish and sanitize their hands with this rosewater-infused sanitizer mist.
For That Friend Who’s Going Through Their Saturn Return
If they’re going through it, help them understand what the stars are trying to tell them with this book from astrologer Lisa Stardust.
For the Self-care Fanatic
If you don’t have the budget to gift them a NuFace device, this stainless steel gua sha tool will help depuff and naturally contour their face.
For the One Getting New Headphones
Keep their new AirPods Max in top shape with these cute covers.
For the Beginner Cook
Who wouldn’t want to host a holiday dinner when their wooden serving set is this cute?
For the Home Hairdresser
Did a loved one master the art of at-home cuts during the beginning of the pandemic? Level up their styling game with this minimal pair of scissors. Added bonus: They look good on the vanity and can be sharpened when they dull.
For the At-Home Esthetician
These colorful hydrocolloid stickers curb the urge to pop zits and are the ideal gift for skin pickers of any age. Plus, the cute case is refillable.
For the Matcha Lover
Upgrade the process of making all their favorite juices, drinks, and powders with this rechargeable frother so they can enjoy more lattes at home.
For the Friend Who Needs to Discover Seasoning
The least-subtle way to hint that there’s more beyond plain salt. This seasoned salt is the update their cooking skills need, and it pairs perfectly with chicken or fish.
For the Chill Friend
Rolling papers they won’t mind keeping on hand. These are made of organic rice paper and soy ink — plus, look at how pretty they are.
For the Fire-Escape Gardener
There’s something inherently hopeful about gifting seeds in the dead of winter, especially these jewel-like micro tomatoes. Plus, Baker Creek ships its seeds in charmingly old-school, heavily illustrated craft-paper packages that are so pretty, they don’t need to be wrapped.
For the Person Who Hates Having Hair in Their Face
Bread’s mission is to simplify your natural-hair routine; for example, this supersize satin scrunchie is made for easy, no-damage updos. While it’s ideal for curls and coils, it’s also perfect for quick updos with braids and twists. The puff can handle even the thickest hair.
For the Dedicated Pet Parent
They love their dog almost as much as they love you. Gift them this cozy vest to keep their pet warm and fashionable.
For the Anxious Sleeper (a.k.a. Anyone)
Cannabis culture has never been more necessary for the stressed and sleepless — this tincture by Xula is designed to help them wind down. The non-psychotropic “Lights Out” blend is formulated from high-quality CBD and herbs like lemon verbena to help them relax and rest easy — a holiday gift that might actually be priceless.
For the “No Gifts Please” Person
Any kind of charitable gift actually makes a great stocking stuffer — write out a short note explaining where you sent funds in their name. The Free BlackWomen’s Library is a perfect pick for New Yorkers. Founded in 2015 by OlaRonke Akinmowo, it’s a mobile library accessible to all also that hosts readings, workshops, author talks, and so much more.
For the One Getting Candles From Everyone Else
Scented candles’ grip on the gifting market isn’t going anywhere anytime soon — lean into it without doing what’s expected and slide this delightful brass candle snuffer into your loved one’s stocking. It’s a timeless tool worthy of that fancy Diptyque candle.
more gifting
- 69 Under-$100 Gift Ideas From Amazon
- What Cut Editors Are Gifting This Holiday Season
- The Best Gift Ideas, According to the Stars