Stocking stuffers are the perfect way to add a little extra holiday cheer without spending a fortune. While small in size, these gifts can still be meaningful, fun, or practical.
From quirky gadgets to cozy accessories, you’ll find plenty of thoughtful stocking stuffers that are both budget-friendly and sure to delight. Whether you’re shopping for kids, friends, or coworkers, here are the best stocking stuffer ideas under $25 to make this Christmas extra special.
Here are 10 suggestions for stocking stuffers:
Gift #1: Mini Puzzle Set
Mini puzzles make for a fun and engaging stocking stuffer, especially for puzzle enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a good challenge. These puzzles come in various designs, from classic landscapes to quirky illustrations, and are typically small enough to fit into a stocking. You can find options with as few as 100 pieces or as many as 500 for a more challenging experience.
What makes this gift even better is that it’s perfect for a cozy night in, allowing the recipient to unwind with a relaxing activity. Mini puzzles are available at most gift or toy stores and often come in festive, holiday-themed designs, making them a great way to spread holiday cheer. Prices typically range from $5 to $25, making them an affordable and fun option.
Gift #2: Reusable Metal Straws
With the growing focus on sustainability, reusable metal straws are a practical and eco-friendly stocking stuffer. These straws come in a variety of colors and often include a small carrying case and cleaning brush for easy storage and maintenance. Perfect for those who love smoothies, iced coffee, or just want to reduce their plastic waste, reusable metal straws are a small yet thoughtful gift that can be used daily.
You can find sets of metal straws in different sizes, including bent or straight options, and some even come in colorful finishes like rose gold or rainbow. For an added touch, pair the straws with a travel tumbler or personalized water bottle. This stocking stuffer is typically priced between $5 and $20, making it a budget-friendly, eco-conscious gift.
Gift #3: Cozy Socks
There’s nothing like slipping into a pair of warm, cozy socks on a cold winter day, making them a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas. From fluffy fleece to festive holiday patterns, cozy socks are a practical yet fun gift that’s sure to bring comfort during the holiday season. You can find options for all ages and styles, from quirky designs featuring favorite characters to elegant, cable-knit patterns.
For an extra special touch, look for socks infused with aloe or shea butter for added softness and skin benefits. Whether they’re lounging around the house or pairing them with their favorite boots, cozy socks are always appreciated. Prices for quality socks typically range from $5 to $20, making them an affordable and thoughtful stocking stuffer.
Gift #4: Lip Balm Set
Winter weather can be harsh on the lips, so a moisturizing lip balm set is a perfect stocking stuffer that’s both useful and indulgent. You can find sets that include a variety of flavors, from fruity to minty, or even holiday-inspired scents like candy cane or hot cocoa. Some lip balm sets also come with added benefits like SPF protection or organic ingredients, making them a great option for anyone who enjoys natural skincare products.
To elevate this gift, look for balms that come in cute, festive packaging or with unique flavors. You can also pair the lip balm set with a small hand cream or travel-sized lotion for a complete winter skincare bundle. Prices for lip balm sets typically range from $5 to $25, making them a budget-friendly yet thoughtful addition to any stocking.
Gift #5: Phone Grip/Stand
A phone grip or stand is a practical and fun stocking stuffer for anyone who uses their phone frequently—so, pretty much everyone! These small, affordable gadgets make it easier to hold a phone securely, whether taking selfies, watching videos, or texting. They can also double as a stand, making it convenient to prop the phone up on a flat surface.
You can find phone grips in a wide range of designs, from simple solid colors to personalized monograms, cute animals, or even holiday-themed patterns. PopSockets, a popular brand, offers customizable options, allowing you to tailor the gift to the recipient’s tastes. Prices typically range from $10 to $25, making this a useful and affordable stocking stuffer for people of all ages.
Gift #6: Scented Hand Sanitizer
Scented hand sanitizers have become a popular and practical gift, especially in recent years. Many brands now offer travel-sized bottles in delightful scents like lavender, vanilla, and eucalyptus, which are perfect for throwing in a purse or keeping in the car. Some hand sanitizers also come with moisturizing properties, making them gentle on the skin while still keeping hands clean.
Look for festive, holiday-themed packaging or small, refillable sanitizer holders that can be attached to a keychain or bag. Pair the sanitizer with a cute carrying case for an extra thoughtful touch. Prices for scented hand sanitizers generally range from $3 to $10, making them a budget-friendly stocking stuffer that’s both fun and functional.
Gift #7: Hot Cocoa Bombs
Hot cocoa bombs are a trendy and delicious stocking stuffer that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. These chocolate spheres are filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows—simply drop them into a cup of hot milk and watch as they melt into a rich, creamy hot chocolate. You can find hot cocoa bombs in a variety of flavors, from classic milk chocolate to peppermint, salted caramel, or even white chocolate.
For an extra festive touch, look for hot chocolate bombs that come in fun holiday shapes, like snowmen or Christmas ornaments. You can also create a DIY version by packaging the cocoa bombs in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for a homemade feel. Prices typically range from $5 to $15 per bomb, making them a sweet and indulgent addition to any stocking.
Gift #8: Compact Travel Games
Compact travel games are the perfect stocking stuffer for families or individuals who love a little friendly competition. Whether it’s a mini deck of cards, a pocket-sized version of a classic board game, or a travel-friendly puzzle, these games are easy to take on the go or enjoy during holiday gatherings. Popular options include mini Scrabble, travel chess, and card games like Uno or Skip-Bo.
Compact games are great for keeping kids entertained on long car rides or for adding some fun to a cozy night in. They typically range from $5 to $20, making them an affordable and entertaining gift that fits easily into a stocking.
Gift #9: Personalized Keychain
A personalized keychain is a small but meaningful stocking stuffer that adds a personal touch to a practical item. You can choose from a variety of designs, such as engraved metal keychains, custom leather key fobs, or even photo keychains that feature a favorite memory. This gift is perfect for anyone who enjoys carrying a little reminder of something special with them wherever they go.
Many online retailers, such as Etsy, offer customizable keychains that allow you to add initials, names, or even coordinates of a significant location. Prices for personalized keychains generally range from $10 to $25, making them a thoughtful and affordable gift.
Gift #10: Pocket-Sized Notebook
For the list-makers, note-takers, or aspiring writers in your life, a pocket-sized notebook makes for a perfect stocking stuffer. These small journals are ideal for jotting down thoughts, to-do lists, or creative ideas on the go. You can find notebooks in a variety of styles, from simple leather-bound options to colorful, patterned covers that reflect the recipient’s personality.
Consider pairing the notebook with a set of pens or a bookmark for an extra-special gift. Notebooks generally range from $5 to $20, depending on the design and material, making them a practical and affordable stocking stuffer.
Stocking stuffers under $25 don’t have to be boring or basic—these small, thoughtful gifts are perfect for adding an extra touch of holiday cheer without overspending. From cozy socks and lip balm sets to compact games and personalized keychains, these affordable stocking stuffers are sure to delight everyone on your list this Christmas.
