15 Practical Stocking Stuffers That Will Actually Get Used

Coming up with stocking stuffers doesn’t have to be hard. They don’t all have to be amazing. And they certainly don’t have to be gimmicky little Christmas trinkets that will get donated to Goodwill the second the holidays are over. (I’m looking at you, shot glass tic-tac-toe set.) Stop overthinking stockings and make your holiday season easier with this list of simple stocking stuffers.  

Why Are Stockings So Hard?

With list after list out there of stocking stuffers that are unique, interesting or special, it’s no wonder we all feel pressure to come through with an amazing stocking Christmas morning. Or worse, sometimes, stockings feel like an afterthought. We’ve put so much thought and energy into gifts and celebrations that filling stockings can feel extra challenging. It’s easy to rely on the old default of candy, candy, a bit more candy and an orange.

Instead, focus on practicality. Think of everyday items that come in handy, make life easier, or that need to be replaced frequently. Then add a small gift or two that’s more personal and thoughtful, top it off with (much less) candy, and voila – the perfect stocking. Don’t forget the orange.

Here’s a list of practical stocking stuffers that will not break the bank but will be used and appreciated.

Individually Wrapped Lens Wipes

If there is one thing those of us who wear glasses hate, it’s smudged lenses. While I appreciate the handy little cloths you can use, I always lose them, and they have a habit of picking up dust and other things that can scratch your lenses.

In our family, there’s only one person who doesn’t wear glasses. (Yet.) So, I always buy a big box of the individually wrapped lens wipes and divvy them up among the stockings. They’re always a big hit. They’re great for cleaning cell phone and laptop screens, too; you don’t have to wear glasses to appreciate them.

Dental Floss

I know, this one sounds weird. But hear me out. I got dental floss in my stocking one year and thought, “Okay, this is weird,” so I tossed it in my glove box on the way home. I can’t tell you how often dental floss in my car has come in handy when eating out. Seaweed salad, anyone? Now, my stocking dental floss goes right into my glove box each year. Stocking dental floss for the win!

Lip Balm

As someone who doesn’t leave home without their trusty tube of lip balm, I can tell you we lip balm users always appreciate finding this in our stocking. But take it a bit further. Pay attention and see what brand your giftee uses. Grab them several tubes. (They get lost easily.) Your giftee will appreciate the extra thoughtfulness.

(This is my family’s favorite brand. I’ll warn you, though, it’s so good once you switch, no other lip balm will cut it.)

Individually Wrapped Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen Packets

Painkillers in your stocking? Let’s be honest; the holidays are often headache-inducing. But even more thoughtful than a bottle of Tylenol are the individually wrapped packets of acetaminophen or ibuprofen that you would find in first aid kits or travel-sized.

What makes these so thoughtful is that you can toss a few packets in the center console of your car, in your purse or backpack and always have them on hand when you need them. I’m not gonna lie; I keep these on hand all year long. (Because these are not childproof, they are not appropriate for families with small children.)

Mini Cans of WD-40

Just trust me on this one. If you’ve got anyone that likes to tinker, this is always a huge hit. The miniature-sized can often elicits squeals of, “Aww, it’s so little!” It’s portable and the perfect size for tucking into a stocking, which means it’s the perfect size to tuck into their toolbox, gear bag or center console. Grab a 3-pack of mini WD-40 cans; everyone will want one.

Batteries

Yup, good ol’ Aas & AAAs. I really like the Amazon Basics batteries. They last a long time, and they’re a good price. I buy the large packs for the holidays as they come shrink-wrapped in sleeves, making them easy to slip into a stocking.

Klein 11-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut Driver Tool

Okay, this is one of those stocking stuffers you only give to someone once, but I think everyone needs to own one of these. There are many like it, but I’m a fan of this Klein version. This thing holds pride of place in my “stuff” drawer at home, and I reach for it at least 3 or 4 times a week. It’s so handy.

Hand Lotion

A small bottle or tube of hand lotion is always appreciated, especially in the winter when skin tends to be drier. Unless you know the person has a favorite brand or scent, it’s best to stick to something lightweight and unscented.

Tide Pens

Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how glad I am these things were invented. They have saved my bacon on numerous occasions, or rather my clothes from bacon grease stains. They’re also the perfect practical stocking stuffer. Come on, admit it, we’re all a little messy. But luck you, you got a Tide pen in your stocking, so everything will come out clean in the wash.

Gift Cards

So often, we overlook gift cards as stocking stuffers. There’s this unspoken notion that you have to give gift cards in higher denominations. While that’s nice if you’re giving it as a main gift, for stocking stuffers, lower denominations work great. Just think of all the places you pop into during the week and drop a few bucks.

If you’ve got a young driver, a $10 gift card to a local gas station and convenience store can help put a little gas in their tank or give them a quick snack on the road. $5 and $10 gift cards to a coffee place, either local or a chain, are perfect for someone who starts their day with a cup of coffee. $10 gift cards to local restaurants that serve lunch are perfect for stocking stuffers.

Nail Clippers

I know I’m not the only one out there that loses a pair every year. Nail clippers are the epitome of a practical stocking stuffer.

Fenix Keychain Flashlight

There’s nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark. Everyone should have a quality, reliable keychain flashlight. They come in handy time and again. Sure, there are tons of little flashlights you can pick up at the checkout in nearly every store, but if I’m going to put a keychain flashlight in someone’s stocking, it’s going to be a Fenix. I have several flashlights from this brand, and I can’t say enough good things about them.

Travel-Sized Hand Wipes

Hand sanitizer gel is great. Hand sanitizing hand wipes are much better. These travel-sized packs are perfect for tucking into your glove box or purse. Whether it’s the shopping carts at Walmart or an extra sticky ice cream cone, you’ll be prepared.

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray

Okay, regardless of whether you put this in someone’s stocking as a joke or because they really need to use it doesn’t matter. It will most likely get used. You’ll just never hear about it. This might be one stocking stuffer where you don’t want them thinking of you when they use it. These little 3-packs of the travel-sized Poo-Pourri are perfect for stockings.

Toothbrushes

Go all out and get them a pack of three or even five. Granted, toothbrushes aren’t the most glamorous stocking stuffer, but they come in handy.

Remember, stockings don’t have to be brimming with expensive gifts or the coolest finds on Etsy or that boutique shop downtown. A mix of personal, practical, and edible items all come together to make a satisfying stocking experience on Christmas morning.