Anatomy of A Stocking: What Makes The Best Stocking Stuffers

Though they aren’t the main attraction, stocking stuffers can be just as much (if not more) fun to unwrap — we share what make the best stocking stuffers.

Something practical 

This might sound odd, but receiving practical items as a stocking stuffer saves them the trouble of getting it themselves. Think about items they use all the time, like hand lotion (I swear by this Kiehl's hand salve), a pack of lip balm (one to put anywhere you could need it) or socks. Yes, socks! They can be as basic or as luxurious as you like — a pair of cashmere socks is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, but a fun, quality novelty pair also fit the bill. Even if they aren’t carried away with excitement at the moment, they’ll be grateful when that gift comes in handy down the road. 

“A good stocking should be stuffed to the brim, literally, and packed with gifts that deliver maximum delight, a dash of practicality and a surprise of some sort or other. ”

They may be smaller and generally less serious, but stocking stuffers can still be considered. A good stocking should be stuffed to the brim, literally, and packed with gifts that deliver maximum delight, a dash of practicality and a surprise of some sort or other. We’re deconstructing what the ideal stocking includes, along with some suggestions for each.

Something sweet 

A mix of grocery store and fancy candy is best. There is something so undeniably fun and festive about the Christmas-themed candies, like a candy cane filled with Kisses or Reese's shaped like Christmas trees. Other classic sweets include a giant Toblerone or Terry’s Chocolate Orange. For a better quality sweet, we suggest a small box of really special chocolates. Every year for ages, I’ve included chocolate mice from LA Burdick in my mom’s stocking, and without fail, she remarks how special they are. Or for something a little more exotic, try these truffles from England. Finally, for packaging alone, I suggest Louis Sherry Truffles (they also make an adorable 2-piece tin) – there are so many gorgeously detailed designs to choose from, no wrapping needed.

Something fresh 

A clementine adds a burst of color and a welcome bit of freshness to break up all the rich treats. Alternatively, harkening to holidays of yore, you can throw in some walnuts (just make sure there’s a nutcracker on hand). 

Something naughty or nice

If you’re making a stocking for your better half, a naughty surprise can keep them on their toes. Bury some mistletoe at the bottom of the stocking or throw in a pair of lacy knickers (this set is cute and fits most sizes so it’s a safe pick). For something nice, go the romantic route, for instance gifting something that brings you closer together — like these conversation cards for couples by renowned relationship expert Esther Perel. For all other adults, a nip or booze-filled chocolates are good for a cheeky stocking stuffer. Or for a light-hearted alternative, try something silly and entertaining that can be enjoyed by all later that day, like this vibrantly illustrated deck of pasta tarot cards.

Something personal 

Although most stocking stuffers can be fairly universal, you want to give at least one gift that is selected specifically for that person. Here’s a brainstorm of ideas based on interests and passions. 

For a chili lover: get them a hot sauce they’ve never tried before (this and this have gotten well reviewed by our resident spice fiend), a new chili form factor like a chili crisp (like this one, or this one) or something unexpected with spice added like this spicy honey. 

For a baker: bakers can always use good quality vanilla or they might enjoy trying some other unique extract (I’m intrigued by this one which is supposedly a best seller) or decoration like this sparkling sugar. Or, pick out some cute cookie cutters to add to their collection. 

For a foodie: samplers are a good idea, something that allows them to try lots of things and compare and contrast. I’m loving this trio of jams (and it was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this year) or this set of honeys. A unique condiment they can use on anything would also be a hit — this chow chow seems like a winner.

For a cook: no dish is complete without a sprinkle of finishing salt. So, cooks will go nuts for a fancy finishing salt like this Nordic Sea Salt. And to top that, give them an attractive salt cellar to go with it. 

For tech head: they thrive on new gadgets for specific uses. Might I suggest one that helps organize other gadgets, like a cord organizer. Or consider a kitchen gadget like this 4-in-1 avocado tool or a very precise digital food thermometer. 

For the interior obsessed: how about a new trinket they can add to a shelf or tabletop tableau. Long match sticks in a decorative box — these are particularly very elegant — are also useful. Same goes for this pyrite cluster (good energy) or this charming dish.

For flower lovers: get them seeds to try planting something new, maybe something a little different like this edible wildflowers mix. 

Something fun 

And finally, it’s nice to give a fun gift that can be put to use while people are gathered together for the holiday. During down time in the day, a silly game or playing cards can provide loads of entertainment and provide a bonding activity. You could give a game that’s new to them like this dice game or an elevated version of a classic game. They might have playing cards, but they don’t have these, the chicest playing cards we’ve ever seen, which they’ll have forever and proudly display.