68 Stocking Stuffers They'll Actually Use

Stocking Stuffers

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Stocking Stuffers
Cheapism

Easy Stocking Stuffers

On top of holiday shopping this year? Prepared shoppers likely have a long list of what to buy, but stocking stuffers are often forgotten until the last minute, when useless items — often marked-up for just this reason — are grabbed in the checkout line out of desperation. Don't end up with gifts no one really wants by making that money-wasting mistake. Here's a list of stocking stuffer ideas that may not be as fun as a bit-coding robot but won't trash the budget or end up in the trash.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


Related: Fun and Funny White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want to Steal (Most Under $20)

Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Amazon
Snack Throwback Bag Clips
Always Fits
Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes
Amazon

Scratch Art Rainbow Mini Notes

$12 from Amazon
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People have been stuffing packs of sticky notes into stockings since humans first learned to put glue on little pieces of paper. But you can up your sticky note game with this 125-pack from Amazon. Complete with a wooden stylus, it lets you scribble, jot, and doodle in multi-colored style for just a few dollars.


Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire

Fred Sink Gnome Sponge
Sur La Table
Basu
Walmart

Basu Personal Safety Alarm

$20 and up from Walmart
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Give the gift of safety with the BASU eAlarm, a tiny but loud personal alarm that can go inside a pocket or hang from a zipper or key ring. The 120-decibel alarm is on par with an ambulance siren, and the included batteries last up to five years.


Related: Gifts for Teenage Girls (That They'll Actually Like)

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge
Amazon

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge

$20 from Amazon
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A great stocking stuffer for beauty buffs, high-end Beautyblender sponges have racked up plenty of awards and a big cult following among makeup lovers. These edgeless, reusable sponges are water-activated and promise even application of foundations, powders, and other products.

Buffway Slim Leather Wallet
Amazon

Buffway Slim Leather Wallet

$13 from Amazon
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This slender unisex wallet is ideal for any minimalist who wants to get around without worrying about keeping track of a bulky bag. Made of real leather, it comes in more than two dozen colors and has RFID blocking to prevent data skimming and ID theft.

Badger Sleep Balm
Amazon

Badger Sleep Balm

$10 from Amazon
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An ideal stocking stuffer for insomniacs, Badger SleepBalm is a blend of essential oils including bergamot, balsam, and lavender that help speed them off to dreamland naturally. It's made in New Hampshire, certified organic and cruelty-free, too.


Related: Gifts For Women Who Are Serious About Self Care

Journal or Notepad
Amazon

Journal or Notepad

$2 from Amazon
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For jotting down notes or making a quick to-do list, a stylish notepad makes a good alternative to a phone or tablet. Give recipients the satisfaction of physically crossing off each item as they go. Look for cover designs that reflect their interests and style — like this Van Gogh notebook for someone who loves art.


Related: The Best Gifts for Writers (and Not One Pen — We Promise)

Forever Flag Stamps
USPS

Stamps

Prices vary from USPS
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Even in the era of digital everything, there is one universal truth at the holidays — everyone can use some stamps. A book of stamps will undoubtedly not go to waste.

Darn Tough Merino Micro-Crew Socks
Amazon
Meat Card
Manly Man Co.
Travel Sewing Kit
Amazon
Anker Power Core 5000
Amazon
Grill Grate Scraper
Amazon

The Grate Grill Scraper

$19 from Amazon
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Christmas doesn't exactly conjure up images of backyard grilling in most of the country, but barbecue season will be here before you know it. When it arrives, whoever's stocking you stuff will be happy you got them the Grate — the universal, non-damaging brass cleaner that works for all gas grills.


Related: Cool and Practical Gifts for Men Who Like to Grill

Mini Maglite Pro
Amazon

Mini Maglite Pro

$41 from Amazon
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One of the most well-known flashlight manufacturers, Maglite makes its entire product line in the U.S. The 272-lumen Mini Maglite Pro, crafted from diamond-knurled aluminum, is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who needs a reliable flashlight to stash in a kitchen drawer or glovebox.

Electronic Tire-Pressure Gauge
Amazon

Electronic Tire-Pressure Gauge

$11 from Amazon
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Let them forget those old pencil tire-pressure gauges, which aren’t especially accurate anyway. Many sport a built-in LED light for easy viewing and some even come with carrying cases. This stocking stuffer is especially useful for a driver with an older car that lacks a built-in tire-pressure monitor — remember, properly inflating tires extends tread life and helps with gas mileage.


Related: Cool Gifts for Men Who Love Cars

Crystal-Infused Zodiac Nail Polish
Uncommon Goods
Mini-Flashlight
Amazon
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
Amazon

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

$22 from Amazon
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Keep your favorite traveler more organized with these convenient double-stitched packing cubes, made from water-resistant nylon. A laundry bag is included to keep other clothes smelling fresh.


Related: Gifts for Women Who Love to Travel

Pain Reliever
CVS

Pain Reliever

Prices vary from CVS
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Some of the best stocking stuffers are the ones that help the people who receive them stock up their medicine cabinets. Headache medicine isn't glamorous, but it's necessary and practical. Scoop up a 100-count bottle of Advil tablets from CVS.

Magic 8 Ball Classic Fortune-Telling Novelty Toy
Target
Hasbro Gaming Rubik's Cube
Amazon

Hasbro Gaming Rubik's Cube

$15 from Amazon
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Train your mind while you look for the one answer that is correct on this classic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube. Twist it, turn it, try again. Rubik’s Cubes teach spatial intelligence, problem-solving logic, memory, focus, and above all, patience!


Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

Super Wikki Stix
Amazon

Super Wikki Stix

$26 from Amazon
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Bendable and stickable without any special tools, American-made Wikki Stix are a molding toy made from knitting yarn and non-toxic wax that can be shaped into just about anything. This set includes 48 3-foot neon pieces for mess-free fun.

Seatbelt Cutter and Window Breaker
Amazon

Seatbelt Cutter and Window Breaker

$14 from Amazon
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This holiday give the gift of preparation with an emergency tool that the stocking stuffees — this is a four-pack, after all — will hopefully never need, but will certainly be glad to have if the situation calls for it.

Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver
Amazon

Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver with LED Light

$22 from Amazon
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The multitasker in your life will love having this screwdriver-flashlight hybrid on hand, great for common projects around the house. It's compact and rechargeable, and the handle pivots for a more comfortable grip.

Cuisinart 12-Piece Color Knife Set
Amazon

Cuisinart Knives

$20 from Amazon
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Whether the chef in your life is a novice or a pro, these vibrant knives will liven up their kitchen. Backed by a lifetime warranty, they have a nonstick coating and come with protective slides.

Soundbot Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon
Universal Remote
Amazon

Universal Remote

$10 from Amazon
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When you stuff a stocking with this GE Universal Remote Control, you give the gift of total control over multiple devices. You can upgrade a lucky someone's home theater system with a remote that comes in five different color options.

Slinky
Target

The Original Slinky

$4 from Target
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Some toys are so timeless they never need to be updated, rebooted, or made over to stay in style forever. An American-made original, the Slinky literally never gets old, and if you've got a kid on your shopping list — and if that kid has access to a staircase — you've got the perfect stocking stuffer.


Related:  Thoughtful Gifts That Are Made in America

Google Chromecast 3rd Gen
Walmart

Google Chromecast

$24 from Walmart
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Give someone you care about the gift of a connected TV and streaming video with Google Chromecast. Simple and cheap compared to many of its pricier rivals, Chromecast packs a digital punch without busting the bank.

Exploding Kittens Card Game
Amazon
movie tickets
Sam's Club

Movie Tickets

$17 from Sam's Club
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While not everyone is heading back to the movies right now, a movie pass to a nearby theater chain is another good gift to buy in bulk from a warehouse club such as Sam's Club, where members can get a two-pack of AMC "black" movie tickets (they're good anytime and never expire) for $21. The ticketing site Fandango charges a $2 fee to send a physical gift card (and some "convenience" fees may follow), but a printout of the fee-free email version also fits nicely in a stocking.


Related: Gifts for Couples That Will Make Them Both Happy

Carhartt Watch Hat
Amazon

Carhartt Watch Hat

$20 from Amazon
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You see these hats everywhere because they're just that warm and practical. Made of stretchy acrylic rib-knit fabric, they come in more than 30 colors.

Burberry Classic Eau de Parfum for Women
Walmart
Eight O'Clock Coffee
Walmart
HDMI Cables
Best Buy
Isotoner Women's Classic Terry Ballerina Slippers
Walmart

Isotoner Women's Classic Terry Ballerina Slippers

$14 from Walmart
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Slip these cozy slippers into her stocking so she can stay warm during chilly weather. The stretch terry cotton and cushioned sole allow a comfy, custom fit.

Burt's Bees Tips And Toes Gift Set
Amazon

Burt's Bees Tips And Toes Gift Set

$12 from Amazon
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This thoughtful little set is ready to pamper men and women with six travel-size products: two hand creams, a foot cream, hand salve, cuticle cream, and lip balm.

PrettyCare
Amazon

PrettyCare 3D Sleep Mask

$14 from Amazon
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Whether you know a light sleeper, frequent traveler, or someone who has to sleep during the day because of their job, reviewers say this is the sleep mask to get them. It's designed with large cavities that won't put the squeeze on eyes, but the high-density memory foam still effectively blocks light.


Related: Hottest Holiday Gifts From Amazon

Magnetic Tool Wristband
Amazon

Magnetic Tool Wristband

$7 from Amazon
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When the handyman or woman in your life attaches the Magnelex wrist band, it catches and holds screws, nails, nuts, bolts and anything metal. This way, your favorite DIYer can keep both hands free without holding nails between their lips, which is gross and probably not safe.

Hiware Stainless Steel Straws
Amazon

Hiware Stainless Steel Straws

$6 from Amazon
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Help them cut down on their plastic use with this set of reusable straight and angled stainless steel straws. It includes two lengths sized perfectly for 20- and 30-ounce tumblers. Two nylon-bristled cleaning brushes are included.


Related: 31 Products to Help You Use Less Plastic

Multi-Tool
Home Depot

Stanley Multi-Tool

$23 from Home Depot
Shop Now


The epitome of practical, the multi-tool is what handy people carry around if they can only fit one tool in their pocket or purse. This Stanley 12-in-1 tool, which comes complete with holder, is constructed from stainless steel. Pick one up for the habitual DIYer in your life.

Winter Accessories
Bass Pro Shops

HotHands Hand Warmers

$8 from Bass Pro Shops
Shop Now


In many parts of the country, winter arrives in force in December. Thin, air-activated hand-warming packs (there are foot-warmers, too) are cheap to buy in bulk and divide into individual stockings.

Chi 1" Flat Iron
Walmart

Chi 1" Flat Iron

$72 from Walmart
Shop Now


Here’s a hot gift, literally. This 1-inch flat iron has ceramic heating plates to tame frizzy tresses and make hair styling a cinch. It’s got an 11-foot swivel cord that’ll stay out of your way while you’re doing your ’do, and a dual-voltage switch so you can bring it along when you travel.

Dog Leash
Walmart
J.R. Liggett's Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bars, 3 ct.
Amazon

J.R. Liggett's Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bars, 3 ct.

$23 from Amazon
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For travelers, toting shampoo bars instead of bottles frees up valuable room in a quart-size bag for other carry-on liquids. These all-natural bars come in three fresh scents, and since they're biodegradable, they're eco-friendly, too.

Digital Tire Gauge
Amazon

Digital Tire Gauge

$14 from Amazon
Shop Now


A thing that helps you maintain appropriate tire pressure might not seem like a glamorous gift, but your recipient will thank you every time a tire gets a little droopy and no guesswork is needed to figure out exactly how many PSI are needed to get them out of that dark corner of the gas station by the air pump.


Related: Popular Gifts for People Who Love Cars

Zippo Hand Warmer
Amazon

Zippo Hand Warmer

$23 from Amazon
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If gloves aren't warm enough, a Zippo hand warmer will really heat things up. He can fill it with lighter fluid, slip it into a pocket, and get up to 12 hours of toasty heat.

Hicoup Waiter's Corkscrew
Amazon
Skyrocket Blume Doll
Amazon

Skyrocket Blume Doll

$10 from Amazon
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They’re flower dolls. Just add water to the top of their pots and a Blume doll will bloom, emerging from the pot with a bright floral-themed, beehive hairdo. Each doll has more than 10 surprises including a mini friend, a sticker sheet, and fashion accessories, plus hairstyles and outfits you can mix and match.

Gift Cards
Target

Gift Cards

$10 and up from Target
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In a survey by the National Retail Federation, gift cards have been the No. 1 item on holiday wish lists for 10 years running. Gift cards fit easily in a stocking and usually can be bought in small denominations. For multiple stockings, consider buying in bulk.

Kitchen Tools
Target

Kitchen Tools

$12 from Target
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Small items such as an Oxo bottle opener will be at home in even the simplest kitchen.

Earbuds
Walmart
Phone Case
Amazon

Phone Case

$14 from Amazon
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Most everyone has some sort of protection on their mobile devices already, but swapping cases can be like switching eyeglasses or nail colors — a fun way to accessorize. One of Cheapism's top picks among cheap iPhone cases is the Incipio NGP, which comes in several color options for the iPhone 8. Cases for newer and older models are available, too.

USB Hub
Amazon

USB Hub

$8 from Amazon
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Connect all kinds of gadgets crying out for a charge to a computer with a USB hub. These handy accessories come in many sizes and prices. A hub from Sabrent makes one USB 2.0 port into four, each with its own power switch.

Measuring Cups
Walmart

Measuring Cups

$6 from Walmart
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Score this measuring cup set from Mainstays for the cook on your shopping list. They're made of durable stainless steel and are dishwasher-safe.

Digital Voltage
Amazon

Digital Voltage Tester

$13 from Amazon
Shop Now


Quickly and safely troubleshoot electrical issues at home or in the car with this digital multimeter from AstroAI, which measures voltage, resistance, continuity, and more.

Duct Tape
Staples

Duct Tape

$5 from Staples
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It's likely that the list of things duct tape can't fix is shorter than the list of things it can. Although it's hardly the sexiest gift in the world, a roll of good duct tape, like this Duck Tape brand basic strength roll, will absolutely come in handy.

Surge Protector
Staples

Surge Protector

$24 from Staples
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Turn one standard outlet into six and protect your home's power supply from annoying and potentially dangerous shorts with this power strip and surge protector.

Greeting Cards
Target

Greeting Cards

$5 from Target
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There are many occasions to send thank you notes, get well cards, or birthday greetings throughout the year, so it's smart to have some ready. Pick up a box or package of blank cards at the dollar store or snag a 10-pack of these pretty cards at Target.


Related: 40 Holiday Gifts You Can Get at the Dollar Store

Ballpoint Pens
Staples

Ballpoint Pens

$10 from Staples
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Few items are more frequently needed — and more easily lost — than a regular old ballpoint pen. A single pack of pens, like this 36-pack of Bic Round Stic Grips, should last until at least next Christmas.

Contact Lens Solution
Target

Contact Lens Solution

$8 from Target
Shop Now


Like deodorant, eye drops aren't going to be the wow gift of the year, but if you're looking for a stocking stuffer the contact lens wearer in your life will definitely use — like two 12-ounce bottles of multipurpose solution — look no further.

Shaving Cream
Target

Shaving Cream

$3 from Target
Shop Now


Make whoever's stocking you're stuffing this year think of you with gratitude every morning — or at least whenever they take razor to skin — when you give the gift of shaving cream.

Wet/Dry Trimmer
Best Buy

Norelco OneBlade Wet/Dry Electric Trimmer

$30 from Best Buy
Shop Now


The rechargeable Norelco OneBlade works just as well both wet and dry. Whoever finds this in their stocking will be able to trim, shave, shape, and edge with ease, both pre-shower and post.

Tape
Target

Tape

$4 from Target
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One side is sticky. The other side is smooth. Tape isn't glamorous, but it works. Scotch Magic Tape is not really magic, but it can make two paper halves whole again, and that should make every gift recipient smile.

Lulu Candles Fresh Linen Soy Candle
Amazon

Lulu Candles Fresh Linen Soy Candle

$15 from Amazon
Shop Now


Elevate the often-expected gift of a candle by giving one with a unique scent. This best-seller on Amazon will bring to mind that wonderful smell of clean laundry — without having to do chores, of course.

Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon

Amazon Smart Plug

$25 from Amazon
Shop Now


This smart plug makes controlling the lights as easy as telling an Alexa-compatible device to turn them off. A smartphone app can to set up a daily schedule for lights or small appliance, and easily make it look like someone is home when they're not. 


Related25 Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money.