January 8, 2023 | Jen Browne

5 Useful Stocking Stuffer Ideas Your Family Will Actually Appreciate


Filling Christmas stockings can be a tough task. Other than socks and candy canes, what do you put in there? Let's be honest, the usual items are just packaged garbage that will be thrown out, broken or forgotten about by New Years, so you're looking for something that your family will actually appreciate receiving—and that you won't waste money buying. If you're having trouble thinking of good stocking stuffer ideas, keep reading. These gifts are small enough to fit in most stockings, are more thoughtful than a bar of chocolate and, best of all, come with an affordable price tag. Don't be surprised if these humble little gifts turn out to be a big hit.

Christmas tree near two barstools at fireplaceUnsplash/kyleunderscorehead

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#1 Eco-Friendly Products

Get your family in on the most pressing issue of our time: Saving our planet! Stainless steel straws, reusable coffee cups, bamboo toothbrushes, clothes made out of ocean plastics—they're all useful, make great gifts and can be bought online or in stores. Hey, who knows? They might even start an important conversation about climate change at the dinner table.

woman leaning handUnsplash/swzle

#2 Homemade Bath and Body Products

Put a little extra love in your gift with homemade bath and body products. Lavender coconut oil lotion, coffee scrub soap, bath milk and beard oil are much easier to make than you may think. Best of all, most homemade bath and body products can be personalized with essential oils. Take your pick from scents like rose, patchouli, frankincense and cedarwood to customize your gift to each member of your family.

votive candleUnsplash/primal_harmony

#3 Travel Accessories

Is your family going on vacation soon? Do you have a teenager heading to the other side of the world for a gap year? Does your brother just really like travel? Luggage tags, passport covers, portable chargers, travel journals, TSA approved locks and digital luggage scales all make fantastic stocking stuffers for any explorer.

clothes in luggageUnsplash/Better For People & The Planet

#4 Party Games

Who doesn't love a good party game? Gift this to your mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, grandfather—anyone, really—for a good laugh. Pass the Pigs, Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens are just some of the many party games out there suitable for most ages. Chances are, your party game gift will be whipped out after dinner for some family fun, too.

three Card Againsts Humanity cardsUnsplash/brett_jordan

#5 Self-Care Products

Everyone needs a little self-care every now and then. Luckily, we're living in a self-care product boom right now. With the recent surge in popularity with practices like yoga, Ayurveda, mindfulness and meditation, you'll have no problem finding something for everyone in your family. Try out products like Himalayan salt lamps, meditation books and lavender bath salts for simple gifts that will definitely be a hit.

woman holding a cup of coffee at right hand and reading book on her lap while holding it open with her left hand in a well-lit roomUnsplash/anthonytran


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