We’ve been putting together an annual gift guide since 2008. For the first 7 years, we focused on gifts for men, covering a huge range of selections, from stocking stuffers, to subscription services, to classics that can be enjoyed for years, and even decades to come.
Each year, though, our readers asked us to take a different track and come up with ideas for the ladies in their lives rather than the other way around. So last year, we teamed up with a bunch of bloggers and delivered a great list of under-the-tree gift ideas for women.
This year, we’re continuing in that same vein, but taking on the sometimes harder task of filling up ladies’ stockings.
Stocking stuffers often get overlooked in the rush to see the bigger gifts Santa’s left, but they’re one of the best parts of Christmas. There’s something really fun about gifts small enough to be stuffed into a giant sock. Equal parts whimsical, practical, and delightful, we’ve cooked up 50+ ideas for stocking stuffers for all the wonderful women in your life. There’s a huge variety of ideas, so you’re guaranteed to find something just right.
And if you’re still hoping to see some gift ideas for guys, you’re in luck; stayed tuned for a whole “12 Days of Christmas” series of guides, with opportunities not only to browse for ideas, but win something every day.
50+ Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Women
Pot Clip
When cooking something up on the stove, you’re usually stirring, whisking, or ladling while doing so. And usually those utensils end up either sitting on the stove or the countertop, inevitably leaving a big, sticky mess. This handy tool eliminates those problems. It simply clips to the pot, and holds those utensils in place so they don’t dirty up the kitchen. $9
Runamok Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is the glue that holds breakfast foods together (often quite literally). Skip the Aunt Jemima and put something in her stocking that’s a little fancier. This syrup from Runamok comes in a variety of barrel-aged, smoked, and infused flavors. Yum. $17-$20
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit
This kit includes 17 emergency beauty/hygiene essentials for ladies: deodorant, stain remover, emery board, floss, hairspray, and plenty more. And best of all, it fits in the palm of your hand, meaning it can easily go just about anywhere. There are also kits for men, girls/teens, bridesmaids, moms, etc. $18
Box of Tea
Few things are better than a steaming mug of tea on a cold winter evening. Compact, cheap, and immediately enjoyable, it makes for an excellent stocking stuffer. Buy your gal’s favorite brand and flavor, and she’ll be eager to make a fresh cup right away. One of our personal faves? Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry. $15 (for 6, 20-count boxes — give one to everyone!)
Tea Infuser
Tea bags are convenient, but if your gal is looking to become a tea connoisseur, get her an infuser. They’re an easy way to upgrade from tea bags to all sorts of unique loose leaf teas that aren’t often available in packet form. If you do get her an infuser, be sure the tea you get is indeed loose leaf so she can put it to use on Christmas morn! $9
Paint Brush Set
Foster the hobbies and creativity of the ladies in your life with this paint brush set. Be it painting entirely new creations on canvas, or giving some colorful life to a craft, this is a fun gift to give to anyone who wants to get their creative juices flowing. $15
Dipseas Sunglasses
Even if your gal already has a pair of sunglasses, she could always use another pair of shades. Especially a pair as good-looking as these Dipseas from Sunski. Named after a favorite hiking trail across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, they blend the style of the city with the spirit of the outdoors. $48
Misto Olive Oil Sprayer
An environmentally and health-friendly version of your favorite aerosol cooking spray. No chemicals when spraying, and no trash when you use it up. Load it and reload it with any oil, vinegar, or even salad dressing, and mist it onto not only your skillets, but also salads, breads, and more. $10
Zippo Hand Warmer
For chilly mornings walking to the bus stop, or brisk evenings at the kid’s football games, this hand warmer will come in handy for a variety of occasions. Lasts up to 12 hours on a single fill-up, and refillable with Zippo lighter fluid, so you might as well throw some of that in as well. $15 for the warmer, $3 for the fluid
Gourmet Chocolate Bar
Who doesn’t love a nice chocolate bar in their stocking? It can be opened and enjoyed right away, even as you continue unwrapping stocking gifts. Skip the Hershey’s and get something classier. Chocolove has a ton of great options; Godiva is a classic favorite as well. $15 (for a 6-pack)
Eyefi WiFi Memory Card
If you’re into photography at all (or if you’re like us and take a lot of pics for work), you know the frustration that can ensue when trying to wrangle cables and transfer images from a camera to a computer, or even more difficult, to a mobile device. This wifi enabled memory card automatically connects to all your devices and computers with no wires, meaning you have instant uploads for editing and sharing. Pretty cool. $25
Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate
Hot chocolate makes for an excellent stocking stuffer, and this Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate takes it up a notch. It’s dark, rich, decadent, and instinctively makes you go “Mmmm” right when it touches your lips. A couple insider tips: 1) This milk frother, with the powder thrown right in, makes it super easy and extra delicious, and 2) it’s actually cheaper to buy at Trader Joe’s store if you live near one. $11
Compact Cosmetic Mirror
This little mirror fits easily into a pocket or purse, and comes in handy for quick makeup or hair checks throughout the day when heading out the door or before meetings. Doubles as entertainment for babies and toddlers. $7
Topo Designs Dopp Kit
Just as every guy needs a well-stocked Dopp kit, so does every lady. Different from the emergency kit listed above, this bag comes empty and carries a gal’s personal selection of hygiene, cosmetic, and grooming essentials when traveling. Ditch the old system of plastic bags, and grab a Dopp from Topo Designs. Choose between heavy duty Cordura nylon or their wool line made in collaboration with Woolrich. $29-$49
Bulldog Bottle Stopper
When you crack open a bottle of wine, beer, or soda, it can be hard to maintain its freshness if you don’t finish it in one evening. This bottle stopper saves your beverages from going stale; it’ll ensure wine maintains its original flavor, and will keep carbonated beverages bubbly for a few days. Have a couple in the house and they’ll always be put to good use. $7
Pastry Brush
While it has “pastry” in its name, this brush is useful for much more than baking desserts. Its primary use in most household kitchens is usually in fact for applying marinades, rubs, and oils when grilling or roasting. Spread barbecue sauce on that bacon-wrapped meatloaf, or apply an extra coating of butter to your roasted turkey. $4
Pocket Survival Tool
While it’s sure possible to carry around a bevy of survival tools with you every day, it gets cumbersome very quickly. Why not combine all those things into a single handy gadget that fits into a pocket or bag? This 2″ x 3″ credit card-sized tool has 11 functions, including a saw, wrench, ruler, bottle opener, screwdriver, and more. While you admittedly aren’t getting the highest quality for all these tools, they do the trick in a pinch and you can’t beat its all-in-one convenience. $4
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm
Everyone needs some lip balm now and then — especially in the dry winter months. Burt’s Bees has a cool story with an eccentric old founder, and uses all natural ingredients. Who wants chemicals on their lips anyway? Plus, with this 4-pack, you can stand to lose a couple, as tends to happen with lip balm sticks. $9
Wooden Bookmark
Bookmarks are literally sometimes a dime a dozen. That’s great in theory, but with flimsy paper, they generally only last through a single book. Why not get something just a little hardier that will last years and years, and survive bookshelves of books? Plus, with a nice engraved quote on it, you’ll also get a little bit of reading inspiration every time you crack open that spine. $12
Hedgehog Dryer Balls
Wet clothes have a tendency to clump together in the dryer, especially with larger items like sheets and towels. Dryer balls go into the dryer with your laundry and tumble around, creating natural lift and separation between items, allowing warm air to flow more freely. They also naturally reduce static, allowing you to ditch those chemical-laden dryer sheets for good with this one-time purchase. Plus, you know, they’re cute. $7
Raw Spice Bar
There are a bunch of monthly subscription services out on the market. Unfortunately, most of them are pretty spendy, and can really only be given as big-item Christmas gifts. Not the case with Raw Spice Bar. For just about $8/month (price depends on how many months you order), you get 3 very unique spice packets, and recipes to go with them. November features Peppercorn Chai, Unpumpkin Pie Spice, and Indo-French Vadouvan (a type of curry spice). Best of all, these packets fit comfortably into a stocking! ~$8/month
Starbucks Ceramic Tumbler
Coffee on the go is part of many people’s morning routine and commute. Chintzy, screen-printed aluminum travel mugs leave your coffee tasting less-than-stellar, though, and ceramic versions often require some sort of sleeve to keep your hand from burning. Enter the double-walled ceramic tumbler. All the flavor of a ceramic mug, no handle/sleeve needed. They’re sharp, and this year’s collection features unique artwork for all the states, and a handful of cities. $23
Ursa Major Traveler’s Skin Care Kit
If you’re traveling for the holidays this year (you probably are), you know how much of a beating your skin takes. From dryness, to worn hands from the hefting and hauling of luggage, to the cracking that naturally happens when you get dehydrated. This kit contains an assortment of balms and lotions to keep your skin happy no matter how many miles it’s traveled. $41
Five-Year Journal
Journals are popular gifts to give (heck, we have a couple AoM journals!), but they don’t often make great stocking stuffers as they’re either a bit spendy or too big. A large collection of blank pages can also be intimidating for those who aren’t already in the habit. The Five-Year Journal is compact, and gives you space for really just a sentence or two every day. It’s more memory journal than feelings journal. Write down the big happenings of the day over the course of five years, and be able to look back fondly and easily at past events. $12
Adult Coloring Book
Coloring books for grown-ups are all the rage right now. Take advantage of this year’s trend and pick one up to put in your loved one’s stocking. Ladies the world over rave about the stress relief and creativity release that comes from coloring in the lines. There’s something to that — you’re able to create some art, but don’t have to come up with it out of thin air. Think your gal won’t dig it? Try it anyway, you never know! Oh, don’t forget to grab some colored pencils too (or fine-tip markers, but they’re more expensive). $10 for the book, $6 for colored pencils
Geo Stud Earring Set
Earrings of all kinds make for great stocking stuffers, and these studs are an especially winning choice. These types of earrings are smaller, more subdued, and don’t come with the flash of fancy jewelry — in a good way. They can be worn every day and for all occasions rather than just the special ones. This particular set comes with three pairs of earrings, one each in gold, rose gold, and silver. Guaranteed winner here. $40
Paring Knife
In many kitchens, the paring knife — that small fruit and veggie chopper — gets more use than any other blade. Cutting fruit in the morning for breakfast, chopping veggies for a lunch salad, slicing limes for the evening cocktail, and plenty more. Replace the worn out knife, or add another to the kitchen (can’t go wrong having a few around!). $18
Mini Booze
While nice bottles of wine or fancy whiskeys make for great Christmas presents, why not throw a couple mini bottles of your loved one’s favorite inexpensive booze into her stocking? Mini liquor bottles are generally 50ml — just enough for one cocktail. The contents aren’t necessarily top shelf, but the delightsomeness of the tiny bottle makes up for that! $2-$4 per bottle
Titanium EDC Flashlight
Everyone should carry a torch. It’s part of your self-defense arsenal, and comes in handy in a variety of situations, from walking to a car after a late work meeting, to digging around a dark basement for that holiday serving dish. This titanium model by MecArmy is extremely durable, has a rechargeable battery, and is less than 2″ long. $45
Goody Hair Ties
Every husband wonders at all the places a woman’s hair ties end up around the house; they’re literally everywhere. Their easy migration means they’re easy to lose, and that a woman can always could use a new supply. Hook her stocking up with an ample pack of 72, and look forward to finding them in your bathroom, your shoes, your car... $6
Fownes Leather Gloves
A classy pair of gloves is a must for any lady. Leather, without question, is the way to go. Made with super-soft lambskin leather, and lined with uber-cozy cashmere, she’ll be itching for cold weather just so she can wear these out and about. $34
Bath Bombs
What’s more luxurious than a hot bubble bath at the end of a long day? Rather than just standard bubbles though, get your gal this set of bath bombs. You drop ’em in the water, and they swirl and fizz with oils and moisturizers. The different bombs use various scents and oils for different effects: relaxation, congestion relief, energizing, etc. Plop this in her stocking and she’ll be thrilled. $19
International Candies/Snacks
If you’ve traveled internationally, you know the surprise and delight that comes with trying foreign snacks and candies. They’re usually much different than our classic American fare, and hard to find once you’re back in the states. Give your loved ones a literal taste of nostalgia by getting your hands on some of their favorite international treats. Amazon has a variety of snacks available; international markets and grocery stores often carry foreign goodies too. If you’re someone who likes world snacks in general, Treats is a cool subscription service to try out that sends you a variety of snacks and candies from a different country every month. Price Varies
Matador Pocket Blanket
The uses for a warm blanket that can fold up and fit into your pocket may be more than you’d think — from impromptu picnics, to warming up by the fire when the temperature suddenly dips. Your gal can keep this in her car, and always be prepared, whether it’s for snuggling or for an unexpected roadside emergency. $30
City Field Guide
When you’re vacationing (or even stay-cationing), the internet has made planning your activities a breeze. Or has it? You’d think a bevy of information would be good for travelers, but in some ways it’s harder than ever because of the sheer amount of info out there. Who do you trust? How many “Best Restaurants” and “Best Hotels” lists can you read before you eyes start to bleed? That’s where the Wildsam Field Guides come in. Don’t expect your standard list-based travel guide. From hand-drawn maps, to essays from local writers, to hole-in-the-wall expert recommendations, these guides are must-haves for all those who like to wander, with just a pinch of aim. $18
TE14 Headlamp
Headlamps are incredibly handy for camping, or for when the lights go out in your house. Everybody should have one stashed away, and if they’re as pretty as this one, all the better. The TE14 boasts the solid functionality of your typical headlamp, but also includes a snazzy artist-designed headband. $40
Word Notebooks
Everyone should carry a pocket notebook — beyond just their creative and practical history, there’s well over 100 uses for them (as told to us by our readers). Don’t rely on your smartphone for note-taking; writing things down by hand embeds it deeper into your brain. The 3-packs from Word look sharp, offer an assortment of fun colors and cover artwork, and offer a handy built-in to-do system. $10
Wax Seal Kit
Letter writing is a lost art, but it need not be. The tools of the trade are minimal: nice paper, a pen, envelopes, and postage. Add even more class to your letters with wax seals. You’ll not just be kicking it old school, but darn near medieval. This kit allows you to choose a letter of the alphabet for your seal, giving it even more of a personal touch. $24
Personlized RetroViewer
View-Masters were all the rage in the 80s. Insert a reel of photos, look through the view finder, and see 3-D images of your favorite places and things. It was like the beta version of virtual reality. Well, those devices are still made, and nowadays you can choose your own photos to put onto the reel. Imagine your gal’s surprise when she puts it up to her eyes and sees photos of you, her, and your family. $30
Trashy Magazine
Sometimes, gals (and guys too) just want to sit back and read something mindless, and yes, even trashy. So why not indulge that guilty pleasure this holiday, and stuff a gossipy, Hollywood magazine in her stocking. It’ll go well with the cheap booze you also got her. ~$5
Nutella
Speaking of guilty pleasures…Nutella. Too rich for everyday consumption, but during the holidays, we all need to treat ourselves a little bit. This chocolatey hazelnut spread will delight anyone, from Grandma on down to the little kiddos. You’ll be hard pressed to keep the jar closed once it’s unwrapped. $8
Cheap Paperback Novel
Most of our days are spent hunched over looking at screens. Why not give something to be consumed that’s tactile and engages more of our senses? Cheap paperback books have a classic, vintage-y vibe that’s hard to replicate with other forms of entertainment. The options here are limitless, but classics are a great choice, and Dover Thrift Editions make it even more economical. Pride & Prejudice is our pick. $4
Keysmart
The ring is an outdated method of organizing our keys. It leaves them noisily jangling in pockets and purses, and you’re always fumbling for the right one. The Keysmart changes all that, providing a sleek way to organize your keys, and you’ll soon know exactly where each key is when you need it. Everyone could use a little more organization in their lives, and the Keysmart makes for a great stocking stuffer. $17
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