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A stocking is small on purpose. That is what makes it fun: many little things, each a small surprise, instead of one big box. The risk is filling it with plastic junk that is forgotten by January.
These twelve ideas are small enough to fit, useful enough to be used, and cheap enough that you can fill a stocking for a family without a big bill.
How to fill a stocking
- One bigger item at the top, such as a small book or a mug.
- Three to five small useful items, such as lip balm, socks, a pen.
- One treat, like chocolate or tea.
- One fun thing, a puzzle or a toy.
- Budget: 25 to 40 dollars per stocking is a comfortable range; less if you make some items.
01Cozy socks
Warm socks with a Christmas pattern or a plain wool pair are the classic stocking item. Everyone uses them, and everyone has room for another pair.
02Lip balm and hand cream
A mini hand cream and a lip balm are cheap, small and used every day in winter. Buy a set and split it between stockings.
03A tea or hot chocolate sampler
A few sachets of tea or a small jar of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows make a cozy gift that costs very little.
04A small notebook and a good pen
A pocket notebook and a smooth pen are a gift for anyone who plans, writes or draws. Choose a pen the person will not want to lose.
05Mini puzzles and brain teasers
A small metal puzzle, a pocket maze or a pack of mini cards is good for a long evening. It keeps a teen or an adult busy for an hour.
06Kitchen helpers
For people who cook, a good silicone spatula, a small whisk or a set of measuring spoons is more useful than candy. See our Christmas gift ideas for home cooks.
07Phone and tech small things
A small cable organizer, a stand, a screen cleaner or a fast charger cable is a useful gift that fits in a toe.
08Bath and self-care minis
A bath bomb, a small soap or a sheet mask is a quick treat. Choose mild scents to match the person.
09Small plants and seeds
A tiny succulent, an herb kit or a seed packet is a gift for a small home with a window. It is alive in spring when the rest of the gifts are forgotten.
10Kids' favorites
For children, choose small art supplies, stickers, a toy car or a deck of cards. Check the age label on every toy.
11A treat for the pet
A small bag of treats, a chew toy or a bandana makes the pet part of the holiday. Choose treats for the right age and size.
12A small home item
A set of coasters, a mini candle, a hook or a pack of nice clothespins is a quiet gift for a home. See our small homes gift guide.
The stocking itself
Choose a stocking that is large enough and strong enough to hold a heavy item. A knit or velvet one looks nice; a felt one is cheaper. Hang it on a mantel hook, a stair rail or a shelf with a weighted holder. For ideas, see our Christmas mantel and stocking ideas.
Wrap and label
Wrap tiny gifts in tissue paper in two or three colors, and tie a small tag to each. It looks like a lot more than it is. For more, see our Christmas gift wrapping ideas.
Before you pay
- Set a budget per stocking before you start.
- Choose things that will be used, not stored.
- Check sizes: an item longer than the stocking sticks out and looks messy.
- Keep one or two small items in reserve for a person who gets an extra gift.
