# Stocking stuffers **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 12, 2018, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405 "2018-11-12T13:50:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/1 "2018-11-12T13:50:45Z")
Posting for cool ideas for stocking stuffers. I like practical things, but welcome all ideas. Some things I often give: - A pack of high quality batteries - A book of stamps - A small bright flashlight - High quality hand or body lotion - Yankee Candle room freshener - An Oral B toothbrush ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/2 "2018-11-12T14:01:39Z")
Starbucks is actually great for stocking stuffers; there are all these little candies and things by the register . A small pocket knife or multi-tool is a good stuffer and of course there is the obligatory orange in the toe. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2018, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/3 "2018-11-12T15:52:16Z")
When I was a kid (60s-70s) my sisters and I would each get a huge orange and a huge apple, Santa shaped chocolates, a Tiger Beat or 16 magazine, small kiddy-type perfume, film/flashcubes (ha!), markers, pens, small toys and a candy cane. My dream was always to wake up Christmas morning and find a kitten in my stocking! (Like all the picture books showed) Of course, that never happened ☹ I always hated doing stockings for my kids as they got older. It always seemed hard to find items small enough to fit in the stocking and not break the bank AND still be something exciting. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2018, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/4 "2018-11-13T02:38:48Z")
Some things we have done: Lip gloss Lottery tickets Travel size toothpaste etc, especially when one of our kids was traveling a lot. Small gift cards. ---
**Author:** ![Periwinkle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Periwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Periwinkle)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/5 "2018-11-14T08:04:22Z")
Bars of nice soap Bath bombs Travel size bath gels/cosmetics/toiletries (Ulta and Bath and Body Works are good places) Good chocolate bars, like Seattle chocolate Magnetic wrist band Tiny squeeze on flashlight that attaches to a zipper or dog collar Hair ornaments Packets of hot chocolate mix Liquor miniatures Kitchen things like a potholder or silicone whisk Grippy socks or cute holiday socks Post it notes with cute designs Other office supplies with cute designs, like paper clips “To Do” notepads Card game like Uno Bookmark Refrigerator magnet that would amuse them, or a photo frame magnet Gourmet treats like nuts or dried fruits Small jars of gourmet condiments/jams/salsa Small packs of teabags or coffee Burts Bees cuticle butter Fun nail things like glitter nail polish, nail art kits, cute emery boards Purse magnifying mirror ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/6 "2018-11-14T13:58:42Z")
Great ideas! I’ll definitely use some of them. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/7 "2018-11-14T15:03:12Z")
As a non-gambler, I HATE getting lottery tickets. Members of my family give them to us every Xmas, and often at birthdays, and we just don’t see the point. It’s like getting homework as a present since we then have to go look up to see if we’ve won (which we never do). If I get any this year I’m just going to hand them right back to the giver, and I don’t care if someone gets upset. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/8 "2018-11-14T15:16:53Z")
Chapstick/Blistex multi-pack A box of mixed Jelly Belly jelly beans I can’t remember what else I’d get from my mom but those must have been the yearly highlights ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/9 "2018-11-14T15:52:08Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > As a non-gambler, I HATE getting lottery tickets. > Members of my family give them to us every Xmas, and often at birthdays, and we just don’t see the point. > > It’s like getting homework as a present since we then have to go look up to see if we’ve won (which we never do). > > If I get any this year I’m just going to hand them right back to the giver, and I don’t care if someone gets upset. I agree…worst gift ever. Why waste money on lottery tickets for a gift? I’m guessing easy to grab at a gas station at the last minute. If that’s the case, grab me a candy bar and some potato chips! ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/10 "2018-11-14T15:54:09Z")
If the recipient has pets, you can include little gifts for the pets, laser pointer, cat toy, dog treats, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/11 "2018-11-14T16:04:32Z")
Stockings have always been for small, fun, cheezy stuff in our home. My 20 yo daughter got a paddle ball game, tootsie roll bank, and reindeer antlers to wear while opening her other gifts, among other things, last year. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/12 "2018-11-14T16:16:51Z")
My dad used to put gift cards for the car wash in stockings. We always liked that. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/13 "2018-11-14T17:46:42Z")
Some hardware stores have buckets of miscellaneous items near the cash register, such as simple tools that fit on a key ring, various clamps, telescoping tools for reaching or with mirrors, enormous rubber bands, giant tweezers, odd little scissors for cutting in awkward spots, and little rings or hooks that clip onto stuff. I often like these in my stocking and have given them to others with pleasing effect. ---
**Author:** ![Periwinkle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Periwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Periwinkle)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/14 "2018-11-14T17:59:11Z")
Thought of another one - packets of seeds and gardening gloves. ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/15 "2018-11-14T18:15:48Z")
Back in the seventies, we would usually get fruit, bags of nuts or home made jerky. New gloves and a nice winter cap were always welcome. Grandparents usually liked to tuck in a silver dollar or two, ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/16 "2018-11-14T18:26:03Z")
> [@TRC4941](#): > > . . . I always hated doing stockings for my kids as they got older. It always seemed hard to find items small enough to fit in the stocking and not break the bank AND still be something exciting. When my kids were young, they weren’t allowed heavily sugared cereals . . . except at Christmas. The small boxes of sugary cereal would take up a fair bit of stocking volume. Bottles of bubbles were traditional from my childhood. And tangerines. Kids find peeling them easier than peeling oranges. In our family, people tend to lose toenail clippers. So every two or three years, everyone gets one in their stocking. ---
**Author:** ![BeeGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@BeeGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeeGee)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/17 "2018-11-14T18:46:41Z")
Magnetic parts trays. Useful for so many things you don’t want to wander off. > **[Titan 11061 Mini Magnetic Parts Tray, 4-1/4" Round](https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-11061-Magnetic-Parts/dp/B000HYL20G)** > > Buy Titan 11061 Mini Magnetic Parts Tray, 4-1/4" Round at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Novelty contact lens cases small photo frames and a gift card to Shutterfly or CVS or Walgreens to fill said frames. Costume jewelry folding scissors to keep in the car Zeiss lens cleaning spray or wipes. Japanese kit kats in a variety of flavors if you can find them ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/18 "2018-11-14T20:28:11Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > As a non-gambler, I HATE getting lottery tickets. > Members of my family give them to us every Xmas, and often at birthdays, and we just don’t see the point. > > It’s like getting homework as a present since we then have to go look up to see if we’ve won (which we never do). > > If I get any this year I’m just going to hand them right back to the giver, and I don’t care if someone gets upset. We give instant win tickets, so you can tell right away. It also makes buying ahead easier. But I agree, not a good present for those deadset against gambling. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/19 "2018-11-14T21:09:32Z")
I like getting lottery tickets. The scratch off ones with a Xmas theme. It’s fun. Hershey miniatures were always my fave, as for candy. I used to put those orange/chocolate balls in my kids stockings. Along with small toys. As they got older the girls would get makeup and my son would get shaving stuff. My DIL finds the cutest little things for her young daughters. I am always amazed. She looks at all the stores and finds little books, hair things and dolls. I can’t keep up so I have been buying them savings bonds for a few years. I always put quarters in there too. Kids love quarters. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2018, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405/20 "2018-11-14T22:26:54Z")
One thing we like to get the kids each year are USB memory sticks. Started off small, of course, but now … wow! Saw an ad today for 128GB USB 3.0 for $15. Little flashlights, gifts for their pets, paddle balls, Slinkies, and chocolate oranges. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stocking-stuffers/824405.md?page=2)