Let me just say that stocking stuffers are the unsung heroes of holiday gifts. Sometimes the best things do come in small packages, you know? But even if you can’t fill someone’s stocking with a duplex or checks (anyone else have “Santa Baby” on a loop inside their head at all times? Just me?), there are still so many incredible presents that fit inside the glorified socks we hang by the fireplace each year. You don’t even have to try hard! The sheer number of stocking stuffer ideas on Amazon is unmatched no matter how late you’re starting your holiday shopping (including, you know, those of us who are scrambling the day before! Oops). After all, what’s better than watching your giftee realize they’ve just opened the perfect little gift that you must have spent hours and hours finding just for them??
Of course, one of the best things about stocking stuffers is that you won’t just find options for every type of person—there are gifts for every type of budget too. Only have $10 to spend? No problem. Want to opt for a luxe present? You’re totally covered. In fact, the selection on Amazon is so good that the entire gift guide below is loaded with picks all under $150. Go big or go small—just don’t go into the holidays without snagging one (or all) of these fun prezzies for your loved ones.
Sorry, but it’s not the holidays unless cookies are involved! Throw a box of these delicious vegan cookies into your friend's stockings so they can enjoy a sweet and yummy treat this season.
If they're absolutely, positively, freaking obsessed with all the trendy things on TikTok, then they probs want this massive tumbler that's been going viral on the social media platform. Keep them hydrated ~in style~ with this adorable blue-hued 40-ounce insulated travel cup. It can keep drinks cold for up to 11 hours or hot for up to seven hours, and it's dishwasher safe.
Got a loved one who's obsessed with candles? Consider getting them a candle-care kit. This one has everything they need for a successful burn, including a wick trimmer, an electric lighter, a wick dipper, and a snuffer. It even has a pretty tray to rest all these new tools on.
Listen, everyone has that friend who can’t keep plants alive (ahem), which makes this gift funny and functional because these succulents are actually pretty lil candles.
For the giftee with the ~classic~ taste, make them look forward to going back to the office (sigh) by refreshing their everyday gold jewelry. This pack of three gives some sweet options depending on how fabulous they’re feeling.
A face mask is always a treat (just add a bath and a glass of wine!). This popular Korean brand is cruelty-free and contains wild ingredients like avocado and apricot that will make their skin smoother than it’s ever been.
Um, this ingenious device allows you to make perfect-every-time s’mores in the microwave. And who doesn’t love homemade s’mores?? (No one, that’s who.)
You’re basically giving a party in a box, TBH. It’s a tiny disco ball that you can use for a party, in your car (lol), or if you just want some pretty lights at home on a Tuesday. You can even put it on the top of a Christmas tree!!
This is the thing they never knew they always needed: It’s getting cold, and people have to wash their hands a million times a day, so get them sweet-smelling hand cream they can take on the go!
Now that travel is back on the menu, get them the gift they fully forgot they needed: a tiny toiletry kit that holds waaay more than you think. It’s perf even if they’re not planning to get on a plane, and you wanna know why? It has a cute lil cactus print on it!!
11
These Mini Chocolates
Chuao Chocolatier Assorted Milk and Dark Chocolate Mini Gourmet Chocolate Bars
11
These Mini Chocolates
Chuao Chocolatier Assorted Milk and Dark Chocolate Mini Gourmet Chocolate Bars
TBH, with flavors like Oh My S’mores, Mindfully Brownie, Honeycomb, and…Potato Chip (!!), this fun box of mini chocolates will be gone in exactly five seconds.
Not only are these cute little Russian nesting dolls functional measuring cups, but they’re also perf for storing snacks (never not necessary) and they fit inside each other when you’re not using them.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
This Happy Book
Althea Press A Year of Positive Thinking: Daily Inspiration, Wisdom, and Courage
13
This Happy Book
Althea Press A Year of Positive Thinking: Daily Inspiration, Wisdom, and Courage
This book might be tiny, but it packs a punch with mantras, quotes, and even writing prompts to make 2022 your best year yet. Anyone who’s just made a huge life decision needs this rn.
Ototo, aka the company with the cutest kitchen gadgets, made this masterpiece. It’s a part of its “Nessie” series (that’s Loch Ness monster, FYI). This little guy holds your tea while poking sweetly out of your cup.
This perfect going-out bag comes in a bunch of colors, is made of vegan leather, and has a luxe cross-embossed texture. Get them this bubblegum pink one they’d never dare to get themselves but will love forevah.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
This Coloring Book
Rockridge Press Butts, Bleps, and Beans Cat Coloring Book
16
This Coloring Book
Rockridge Press Butts, Bleps, and Beans Cat Coloring Book
Whether you’ve got a cat lover, a coloring-book lover, or a cat-coloring-book lover (or just someone who appreciates an out-there gift), roll up this quirky book and slip it inside their stocking. Watch for their priceless reaction.
17
This Hot Sauce
Lola's Fine Hot Sauce Family Reserve Limited Batch
17
This Hot Sauce
Lola's Fine Hot Sauce Family Reserve Limited Batch
So this one works for either the aspiring home chef who wants to see what Lola’s “hottest batch yet” is all about or your friend with the most sensitive of taste buds who’ll get a fun kick out of this gag gift (pun not intended).
Is this not the cutest thing ever? As your giftee sips, the unicorn at the bottom of the mug appears to say hi. A teeny-tiny surprise as they sip their morning brew.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and great for every skin tone?? Yes, plz. These neutral, blendable colors are also perfect for fall and winter without looking like you put pumpkin spice latte on your face.
Okay, yes, you might need to do a bit of shoving to get this to fit in a stocking, but these bath bombs look good enough to eat and have delish scents ranging from raspberry to French rose to grapefruit lemon.
Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.