The Best Stocking Stuffers For Women

Buying Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means it’s time to hang your stockings with care and spend your days celebrating the season with your loved ones. Holiday celebrations almost always include sweet treats, cozy sweaters and gifts galore. 

Giving is a central theme of the holidays. Throughout the holiday season, festively wrapped presents are placed beneath decorated trees while smaller gifts are tucked inside traditional stockings hung by the fireplace. All of these gifts are to be opened surrounded by loved ones.

Each family member or friend gets their own stocking and they are filled with little trinkets and gifts. It’s a fun tradition loved by many all over the world. If you have kids, the stocking stuffing happens after they go to sleep for the night.

Some families use the legend of Santa Claus to explain the seemingly magical gift placement to children. Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle, has a long history that goes back to the third century when Saint Nick became known as the patron saint of children. 

Now, he’s the symbol of the holidays and gift-giving, and parents often tell their kids that jolly ol’ Santa brings good little boys and girls all over the world presents each December. He gets around by way of a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer and makes his way down each home’s chimney in the night to secretly place presents under the tree.

While some choose to believe in Santa Claus their whole lives, most people do not. As children grow older, they often realize that they are the ones who need to stuff the stockings instead of Saint Nick.

And then comes that big question — what gift should you give your loved one this year? The answer can be tricky. It all depends on what’s popular in the moment as well as your loved one’s personality. 

Consider their hobbies. For example, if they like spa days at home, consider stuffing the Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set into their stocking this year. If health and fitness is more their jam, consider an infusion water bottle or a waist pack to help them reach their fitness goals.

Small, material objects work well as stocking stuffers. Choose ones that fit inside the stocking (don’t worry, there are large stockings on the market if you’d like more room) and represent your relationship well. Amazon is a treasure trove of stocking stuffers, so start there. You can also head to your loved one’s favorite retailer to get gift ideas.

• For stocking stuffers, opt for small gifts. You want each gift to fit inside a stocking, so keep size in mind as you shop. If you need to, take measurements of the stocking beforehand. Or, to be safe, you can stick to very small gifts like the Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set.
• Be sure to wrap your gift before you place it in your loved one’s stocking. Any wrapping paper will do, but decorative wrapping paper is ideal. Go above and beyond by adding ribbon and other festive decorations, like fancy bows or paper snowflakes. And if your gift is personal, remember to write who it was from on a gift tag and attach it to the wrapping. You can find gift tags at virtually any retailer or you can make your own for a personal touch.
• Staying on budget is so important, especially during the holidays when the average family racks up about $1000 in debt. Take a look at our guide and determine which items fall into your price range before you buy. Giving gifts is wonderful, especially when it’s to someone you love, but it’s always the thought that counts! And going into debt to buy presents is not ideal.
• Typically, stocking stuffers range in cost from $1 to $30. High-cost items are usually larger, so they belong under the tree instead of in a stocking. Stockings are often used to hold small, fun gifts rather than fancy, expensive ones.
• For the woman in your life, pay attention to things they say they want or need months ahead of the holiday. That might give you ideas for great stocking stuffers. If one comes to you, write it down. Then, you can pull out your notes while you’re shopping.
• The more personal your stocking stuffer, the better, especially if you’re shopping for your romantic partner. Avoid things like easy-to-find gift cards or generic items as those are generally perceived as inferior gifts. Try to put thought behind your stocking stuffers and opt for something personal.
• Nonprofit organizations often have gift-wrapping stations at big box stores. If you buy a stocking stuffer but you lack the wrapping skills, head to a gift-wrapping station and they’ll set you up for success ahead of the holiday. Check out which organizations or stores in your area are offering the service and make a point to shop there for gifts.