I love every part of prepping for Christmas and there’s a special place in my heart when it comes to stuffing the kids’ stockings. They’re always the last thing we open, and it’s usually later in the day, or even the next day, by the time we get to them.
This year I’m on a mission to be really thoughtful about the gifts I buy for everyone. When it comes to my kids and toys, we’ve been choosing things they will actually play with for a while–not just junk to fill up the house. So, while I love the Dollar Bins at Target for stocking stuffers, this year I want to fill up their stockings with stuff that’s fun but also useful. And the same goes for me and my husband–no more junk!
Here are 101 Useful Stocking Stuffers for everyone on your list!
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- fancy chocolates
- unique candy
- unique fruit (like a pomegranate or dragon fruit!)
- old school Jiffy Pop (or a bag of microwave popcorn)
- hot chocolate packets
- fruit snacks
- fruit pouches (or smoothie pouches for adults)
- mini boxes of sugary cereal
- juice boxes
- gum
- astronaut ice cream
- play doh
- bath crayons
- stickers
- frisbee
- Mad Libs
- disposable camera/underwater disposable camera
- fun shoelaces
- seeds to grow a garden
- fun band aids (bacon band aids, mustache band aids, Jane Austen band aids)
- Jelly Belly Bean Boozled Game
- gourmet instant coffee
- gourmet coffee beans
- bag of mixed nuts
- protein bars
- gourmet beef/turkey jerky
- tooth brush
- toothpaste
- mini mouthwash
- teeth whitening strips*
- dental floss
- handcrafted soap
- body pouf/loofah
- reusable water bottle
- hand sanitizer
- Christmas ornament (like my favorite macaroni one)
- mittens
- hat
- scarf
- socks
- ear buds
- nail polish
- nail polish remover pads*
- hair ties/hair bows
- lip gloss
- solid perfume/travel perfume
- chap stick
- mini magnifying mirror
- mini shampoo
- mini conditioner
- dry shampoo
- face cleansing/makeup remover cloths*
- pore cleansing strips*
- oil absorbing sheets (for freshening up makeup)*
- hand lotion
- foot cream
- gel insoles (for shoes)
- jewelry cleaner*
- stain remover wipes*
- travel size wrinkle release spray*
- mesh laundry bag (for delicates)*
- wool dryer balls* (or DIY wool dryer balls)
- pepper spray*
- mini lint roller*
- post it notes
- letter opener*
- luggage tag
- dish towels*
- Scrub Daddy sponge*
- hand warmers
- pens/pencils
- adult coloring book*
- Sudoku/word search/crossword puzzle book
- favorite magazine
- a book
- stress ball
- mini wine/alcohol bottles*
- lottery tickets
- photo magnet
- dollar coins
- $2 bill
- flash drive*
- Poo-purri Before You Go toilet spray (or DIY Before You Go Spray)
- pocket knife*
- wine stopper*
- book of stamps
- flash drive
- portable cell phone charger
- cell phone car charger
- batteries
- extension cord*
- rubber twisty ties
- solar powered flash light
- magnifying glass
- LED stick on lights
- waterproof cell phone bag*
- laptop light
- binoculars
- ice scraper
- Air Purifying Bag for the car/closet/bathroom
- gift card
* gifts for adults only
6 Comments
I really like the idea of seeds to plant – I’ve never thought of that one, but it’s just perfect!! One thing that’s always in our family’s stockings is a can of black olives – they’re kind of pricey and a huge treat!
12-04-15 at 12:34 pmLisa olives are a GREAT idea! I think they even make little individual serving sized cups of black olives that would be super fun. My kids would love those too 🙂
12-05-15 at 9:53 amThis list is just genius! I struggle every year to find great gifts for the stockings that aren’t complete junk and I also want something more creative than candy – that feels like a cop out. I love the ideas on here for adults and children alike!
12-04-15 at 10:48 pmThanks Karen! Me too—I just hate the junk!
12-05-15 at 9:53 amoh my gosh–so many good ideas here! i’m definitely pinning this. thank you!
12-06-15 at 8:42 pmSo many creative yet practical and useful ideas. It’s just what I need as I go hunt for some stocking stuffers in the next couple of weeks.
12-07-15 at 5:53 am