WASHINGTON — Stockings are probably the most overlooked part of Christmas. They’re a great decoration, but generally, the presents under the tree are the star of the show.
Maybe it’s because stocking stuffers are typically knick-knacks that will be thrown out come spring cleaning or enough candy to give your dentist a good scare during your next check-up. Check out the gallery below for some refreshing stocking stuffer ideas to change it up this year.
1. Candy
It wouldn’t be Christmas without candy canes. Many candy distributors even package their treats into holiday-themed shapes, so it’s no surprise then that candy has become the stereotypical stocking stuffer. But candy doesn’t have to be standard. Remember Fun-Dip? Pop Rocks? Abba-Zabbas? Just because they’re not at the check out line anymore doesn’t mean they’re unattainable. Twist it up this year and stuff your stocking with a Wonderball. It’s bound to incite a trip down memory lane. Know someone who doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth? There’s always trusty spearmint gum or mints!
Purchase:Pop Rocks variety pack, $12.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
2. Socks
Everyone seems to need socks, but nobody wants to rip away bright-colored and festive wrapping just to reveal the thing they keep forgetting to buy for themselves. Socks are a perfect stocking stuffer for that reason; they’re cheap and always appreciated. Not to mention, there are so many different kinds and patterns. Fuzzy socks to keep warm during the winter? Check. Patterned socks to stand out? Double check. Pro tip: Buy some standard socks and a fun pair to stuff into the stocking — that way, the receiver can be fun and practical.
Purchase:6 pairs of fuzzy socks, $24.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
3.Chapstick
When it gets cold, it gets dry, and chapstick is one of those things that’s always going missing before it’s finished. Burts Bees is popular, but there are so many different kinds of chapsticks, it’s easy to personalize. EOS balls are fun and smooth. Baby Lips are soothing and tinted all different shades. The opportunities are endless.
Purchase:Burt’s Bees 4-pack, $8.07 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
4. Hand lotion
In the same vein: when it gets cold, it gets dry, and hand lotion is often never to be found. Travel-size hand lotions are necessary during winter and there are many options out there that can be picked up near the check-out aisles — even some that come packaged with chapstick! Just make sure it’s decent quality — the creamier and less water-based, the better.
Purchase:Dr. Hunter’s Hand Creme, $11.00 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
5. Hand massagers and head scratchers
Massagers and scratchers are one of those things you’ll buy for others, but use on yourself until it’s time to stuff those stockings. And there’s so many small, affordable options — manual ones that roll, ones that are battery-operated, ones designed specifically to scratch your noggin. It’ll be tough letting go, but that’s how you know it’ll be a hit.
Purchase:Scalp Massager, $5.95 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
6.Toys and gag gifts
Toys are the obvious choice if you’re stuffing a stocking for someone under the age of 10, but teens and adults can also enjoy gag gifts. The best kind of gag gifts are the ones that fit your gift receiver’s personality. For example, do you know someone who really, really likes pizza, or can always be caught feasting on a slice or two? Buy them a pizza pouch: a little pocket to store pizza on the go. Slime is also a new phenomena taking over the internet and can be a great stress reliever for the high-strung one in the family.
Purchase:5-pack of slime, $16.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
7. Keychains
It’s always nice to have a keychain on your ring of keys to help it stand out, but keychains are another one of those things people often don’t buy for themselves. Yet there are so many types of keychains that do more than individualize your key ring. Bottle openers and small flashlights are popular keychains, as well as keychains that hide a charging USB inside.
Purchase:Leather tassel keychain with charging USBs, $13.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
8. Sheet masks
Sheet masks are a sure-fire way to feel like you’re at a spa, without leaving the comfort of your home and without that large bill. There are also so many different kinds — hydrating, revitalizing, soothing. Everyone can benefit from having (at least) one of these handy, whether it be as part of the weekly skin routine or just a pick-me-up after one of those nights.
Purchase:Tony Moly sheet masks, set of 11, $19.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
9. Gift cards
Gift cards are impersonal as a stand-alone gift, but they’re the perfect addition to a stocking. Hoping to keep it affordable? The best kind of gift cards to stuff your stockings with are ones where the value doesn’t exceed $10. Starbucks, fast food spots and iTunes gift cards tend to be popular, because $10 can go a long way at these places. Unfortunately, Amazon only has $25+ gift cards, but if you can’t swing by a fast food chain before the holidays, no one’s complaining about the extra love through (more) grub during the holiday season.
Purchase: $25 Starbucks gift cardon Amazon
(AP Photo/Mel Evans)
AP Photo/Mel Evans
10. Jewelry
Nice jewelry can be saved for underneath the tree, but the more affordable rings, earrings and necklaces are perfect stocking stuffers. They’re small, usually under $10, and are bound to be worn again and again. Not much of a jewelry guy or gal? There are also fun, holiday-themed pieces of jewelry that can be pulled out every December, like a light-up necklace that will be sure to win at any future holiday parties.
Purchase: Christmas bulb necklace, $5.95 on Amazon
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
AP Photo/Tony Dejak
11. Pins and patches
Pins and patches are all the rage now. They’re perfect for personalizing things like bags and backpacks, jackets and all kinds of denim. And while they’re sold at most retail stores now like H&M and Forever 21, the best place for special pins and patches is on Etsy, where people make their own. On Etsy, you’re sure to find pins and patches related to everyone’s favorite shows, music, food, etc; it’s the perfect personal mini gift. But even the packs of pins at the retail store or on other sites are cool!
Purchase:Pin set, 7-pack, $9.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
12. Bath bombs
There’s nothing more relaxing than a hot bath after a long day. Bubbles are standard, but bath bombs take it to the next level. And they don’t have to be glittery messes that stain the tub, either! Some bath bombs are simple and release essential oils that will leave the receiver calmer and smoother than ever before.
Purchase:Bath bombs, set of 6, $22.95 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
13. Chargers
We all know a person who is always on their phone, which means a charger would be much appreciated. And there’s many to choose from: ones that light up, extra long ones that reach across the room and portable chargers that give a phone juice on the go. The portable charger is an especially good gift to keep loved ones safe — we’ve all been low on battery and praying our Uber arrives before our phone dies, right?
Portable charger, $24.99 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
14. Nail grooming kits
Nail grooming kits are another one of those things that no one wants to buy for themselves, but they tend to go missing at the most inconvenient times. Small, compact, and of different colors and varieties, these are great stocking stuffers. Add a bottle or two of nail polish and your gift receiver can give themselves a full manicure and pedicure, sans the cost of a salon.
Purchase:Grooming kit, $12.97 on Amazon
(Thinkstock)
