Looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas?
Stocking are one of those things that can easily slip the mind during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
They can also get pricey, depending on how many you’re filling.
But they don’t have to be. Here are some of my favourite stocking stuffer ideas that work for just about anyone and won’t break the bank.
What is a stocking stuffer, anyway?
If you ask me, stockings are not meant to be another avenue for giving pricey gifts.
Instead, gifts that go into a stocking should be smaller items — little treats to enjoy on Christmas morning.
Some will say these items shouldn’t be wrapped but I don’t have a hard and fast opinion on that — I’ve done it both ways and think it really depends on your family traditions.
The important thing, in my opinion, is that stocking stuffers aren’t supposed to be expensive.
10 cheap stocking stuffer ideas
How you choose to fill a stocking will depend on a variety of different factors, not the least of which is who you are shopping for.
That said, there are some items I think tend to work well for most people. Here are some of my favourite, cheap stocking stuffer ideas that can work for just about anyone on your list!
Chocolate
This is one of my go-to cheap stocking stuffer ideas.
Chocolate bars, in particular, make great stocking stuffers because there are so many options available to choose from, both in terms of taste and price. My favourite place to shop for stocking stuffer chocolate? The dollar store. Not only is the selection large, but it’s often possible (here, anyway) to get full-sized bars two for $1. Can’t complain about that!
Not a chocolate fan? You could opt for a different small treat, like candy or chips, instead to suit your taste. That’s the great thing about the dollar store — no shortage of snack items to choose from.
Gum / Mints
The thing I like about gum and/or mints as a stocking stuffer is that they can work for just about anyone — whether you use them personally or not.
Why? Because we’ve all been in a situation where you’re out somewhere and someone asked if you have any gum.
This used to happen to me all. the. time. when I had Invisalign. Gum was off-limits for me so it wasn’t something I bought. But if I got a pack of gum in a stocking at Christmas, I would keep it in my bag just in case.
Of course, it’s not like you’re obligated to provide gum or mints (or anything, really) for other people just because they ask. But when I have it on hand, I certainly don’t mind. It’s not expensive and sometimes it’s just nice to share with another person.
Fruit!
Rounding out the food portion of this list, I try to always include a piece of fruit when I put together a stocking.
Typically, I opt for an apple or an orange. The round shape works great at the toe of a stocking and having a slightly tougher exterior means they are less likely to get mangled. Plus, like chocolate bars, there’s a lot of variety to be hard with an apple or an orange.
Plus, I don’t know about you, but I eat a lot of sweets during the holiday season. Including a piece of fruit as a stocking stuffer doesn’t exactly balance it out, but at least it’s something, right?
Drink mixes
There are tons of different options when it comes to drink mixes and a lot of them can be found at the grocery store. I’m thinking primarily of hot beverages here — hot chocolate, tea, maybe even an instant coffee mix — but you could also include things like water flavourings.
Looking for a beverage that’s a little more grown up? If you’re stuffing a stocking for an adult who is of age and don’t mind spending a little more, a mini bottle of liquor, like Baileys, could be a good option. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this option unless you know for sure this is something the receiver would be interested in.
Small gift card
It took years, but I have finally embraced the gift card as a solid gift idea. Who doesn’t love receiving a gift card for a place where they shop regularly?
For a stocking stuffer, I would keep the amount on the gift card small — below $10, ideally closer to $5. It won’t get you far, but hey, $5 on a Tim Hortons card is at least a coffee or two, depending on what you like!
Toothbrush and toothpaste
I’ll be honest: for years, I got my toothbrushes from two places: the dentist and my Christmas stocking. Including a toothbrush and/or toothpaste in a stocking is a great, practical option. Even if the receiver doesn’t use it immediately, it will be useful down the road.
Added bonus: like so many things on this list, you can get both these things at the dollar store.
Mini hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is one of those things I always like to have on hand. Mini hand sanitizers are particularly useful because they travel easy — I keep one at my desk at work, in my purse, in my backpack…you name it.
My favourite place to get mini hand sanitizers for stockings is Bath and Body Works. You’ll spend a little more than you would at the dollar store, but personally, I like having more variety in terms of scent.
Chapstick
Another option with lots of variety and lots of different price options! Which is good because let’s face it: who among us hasn’t lost about a dozen chapsticks in their life? Chapstick is a great stocking stuffer idea because it’s both practical and cheap.
Socks / Gloves
I am a firm believer that when it comes to socks, you can never have too many pairs. Honestly, I am never, ever disappointed to receive socks in a stocking — especially if they’re fun!
If you live in a colder climate, I would say the same goes for gloves. I would always prefer to have an extra pair of gloves handy than to suddenly need a pair and not have them.
(See what I did there?)
Stationary
Post-it notes, pens, notecards, washi tape…there are so many options for including stationary in a stocking!
Even if the person you’re shopping for isn’t an office supplies junkie (like me), most people can find a good use for a pack of pens, right?
Final Thoughts
These are a few of my favourite stocking stuffer ideas.
What I like about these ideas in particular is how easy they are to personalize — which, if you ask me, is the point of putting together a stocking in the first place.
What are your go-to cheap stocking stuffer ideas?
Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst
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