Small Surprises
Stocking stuffers are the perfect way to keep the momentum going on Christmas morning even after opening the big-ticket presents. From sensible to silly, they’re a mixed bag of surprises—and they don’t have to cost a lot! Find the best stocking stuffers for everyone your list while sticking to your holiday budget.
Toasted Cheese, Please
Imagine a world where you can cook a grilled cheese sandwich as quickly as you can toast your morning bagel. Get ready to cheer—there's a bag for that! For the cheese lover on your list, these non-stick, reusable toaster bags allow for toasting sandwiches, pitas, reheat pizza, and more, all without so much as a glance toward the oven and range. Each little snack pack can be toasted up to 50 times before they've toasted their last sandwich. Yum! Available on Amazon, $7.99.
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Tipless Mug
Coffee on your keyboard? Never! Whether your friend is a coffee lover or just lovably clumsy, they'll appreciate the virtues of the Mighty Mug. This tumbler won’t tip over when knocked or jostled, and yet is light enough to lift easily when you want a sip. Seems like sorcery, but we’re assuming it’s made possible by science! Available on Amazon; $24.99.
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Privacy Protector
You can never be too careful when it comes to cybersecurity. With cameras in practically everyone's devices, we're all targets for potential hacking. These covers fit over any camera-enabled computer or tablet and easily slide open when you want to video chat or take photos. It might not be the first thing on everyone's Christmas list, but it will definitely be put to good use. Available at Target; $3.49.
Modern Mitts
It's a big pain having to take your gloves off every time you need to send a message or answer a call...not to mention it's also harder to text when your fingers are freezing. These unisex flap mittens are a handy solution to that problem. The wool and polyester gloves are lined with fleece to keep your hands warm even when you're firing away a message. Available on Amazon; $9.99.
Related: 10 Things to Buy If You're Always Cold
Table Talk
Tired of getting one word responses at the dinner table? Stick TABLETOPICS Family in your kids' stockings to get the conversation flowing. Each of the 135 cards has a different prompt, from goofy to thought-provoking, to encourage lively discussion amongst the family. With this game, there will be no need to turn the TV on while everyone eats. Available on Amazon; $25.
A S'well Idea
Know someone who doesn't leave the house without their S'well bottle? Get them the S'well Commuter Lid for the Traveler bottle. The triple-layered insulated bottle already keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24, now with the convenient pop top lid your friend can enjoy their drink without splashes. Available on Amazon; $10.
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Pliable and DIYable
The Klein Tools 6-in-1 Multi-Purpose Tool is for the craftsman, the novice DIYer, and everyone in between who needs to get more out of their limited toolbox space. This tool can cut and strip wires, and shear bolts, cutting your work time considerably. The comfort grip makes its user feel as though they have superhero strength. Available at The Home Depot; $24.96.
Related: 15 Handy Things to Get at Home Depot for Under $15
Equipped in Emergency
Worry a little less about recently licensed drivers or kids who are about to go off to college by stuffing a Stalwart 12-in-1 emergency multi-tool in their stocking. With a glass cutter, LED flashlight, and seat belt cutter, this tool has everything you need (and more) to help out in an emergency situation—not to mention help you sleep a little better at night. Available on Amazon; $10.12.
Napping by Nature
Spontaneous naps are now made possible with a camping hammock that can easily be folded inside a small bag. The Honest Outfitters portable nylon camping hammock is best for the person in your life who enjoys taking a snooze in the woods, between two palm trees, or maybe secretly during a lunch break. Available on Amazon; $21.99.
Touch and Go
The dual function Milwaukee Stylus and Black Marker is a handy gift for the weekend warrior. Use the pen to mark up rough and tough materials like dusty cinderblock or wet concrete. Then flip the tool on its end and use the stylus to flip through your phone or tablet for online tutorials and how-to videos—all without removing your work gloves. Available at The Home Depot; $8.72.
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Powerful Paper Plane
Who needs a baseball-throwing arm to win a paper airplane contest? The lucky kid, or kid-at-heart, who finds the PowerUp 2.0 Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit, in his or her Christmas stocking won’t be able to stop folding and flying paper airplanes. Guard your paper supply! With the PowerUp module, paper airplanes sail, soar, swoop, and glide effortlessly. The sturdy module is built to withstand dives and drops, and requires 3-AA batteries (not included). Available from Amazon; $19.99.
A Cut Above
The Papagayo Skinny Folder combines the utility of a flat knife with the versatility of a serrated blade in a Zebrano-style wood case. Classy, compact and way cool, the knife comes with a 3-3/8-inch titanium-coated stainless blade that tucks safely away when not in use. Slip it in a backpack or purse for easy access. Keep in mind that this budget-friendly gift should be used by adults only—it's no kiddie toy! Available on Amazon; $17.99.
No-Effort Planting Kit
Keep the holiday magic going all year long the Jonsteen Company Christmas tree growing kit. The kit comes packaged in a glass pot, soil-less mix, one packet of seeds, a cork coaster, and growing instructions so that come next holiday season you'll have a thriving Scottish Pine. Available on Amazon; $10.99.
Related: 10 Ways to Decorate Your Xmas Tree for Under $10
No More Dropped Phones
Text-addicted teens and tech-smart adults will love PopSocket, a clever little knob that sticks to the back of smartphones and tablets, giving users something secure to grip. Snap selfies with confidence or use the knob as a stand for easy viewing. The PopSocket even attaches a smartphone to the side of a laptop screen for those times your teen simply can’t be separated from social media. Available on Amazon: $9.97.
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Roll Out the Notes
If your friend has stuck her last sticky note, gift her a fresh new take on the original. This roll-out writing surface is as fun as it is practical, and is be sure to bring a dose of cheer to whomever passes by the home memo board. Available on Amazon; $11.32.
Get A Better Angle
How many uses can one screwdriver hold? The home improver on your list will be able to answer that riddle when you surprise them with this shiny new toy in their stocking this season. The 12-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver comes with 12 bits that can be swapped out with a simple twist. This little DIYer can tackle almost any job, sort of like your handyman. Available at The Home Depot; $14.97.
A Good Egg
Sometimes simplicity is best—and there's nothing more simple than the egg timer, right? Think again—this little gizmo will surprise even the most jaded home cook. Drop it in a pot of boiling water, along with your eggs, and the BeepEgg Timer will play one of three cheerful tunes to let you know when your eggs are cooked to perfection. When you're not using the BeepEgg, slip it back into an ordinary egg carton with the rest of its dome-shaped counterparts. Available from The Grommet; $19.95.
Related: Meet the Next Generation of High-Tech Kitchen Appliances
Collapsible Cafe
A travel mug that fits in the purse, backpack, or kitchen junk drawer? Now, that's every coffee lover's dream. This collapsible cup can be sized down to carry on the go, then sized up when you're ready to fill 'er up with your morning fuel. For a coffee mug that's as flexible as your caffeine-addicted friend, look no further. Available on Amazon; $12.00.
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Modern Timepiece
When a gadget can tell time, it's called a clock. When it can display the temperature, keep a calendar, and more, that's something special. This minimalist bamboo clock can do all that, and still look good doing it. That's what makes it the perfect stocking stuffer idea for the punctual person on your list. Available on Amazon; $11.99.
Related: 12 Gadgets Every Homeowner Wants for Christmas
Just a Pinch
What's the difference between a dash and a pinch of salt? Few cooks can say for sure. But you can portion out the measurements that matter with these metal measuring spoons. Not only is this set of spoons the perfect addition to a farmhouse kitchen, but you can be sure this practical stocking stuffer will get used on almost a daily basis to make delicious meals and desserts. Available at Cost Plus World Market; $9.99.
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Silicone Stopper
Any budding wine connoisseur will love these silicone wine bottle stoppers. The set of four corks fit wine bottles of varying sizes—plus beer, vinegar, olive oil, and other bottles as well. Thanks to an airtight seal, corked bottles can be laid sideways in the fridge without causing spills. When a bottle is empty and the cork's work is done, toss the stopper in the dishwasher for a quick cleaning. Available on Amazon; $9.
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Bag It Up
This reusable shopping bag is easy to slip into a stocking. Durable and machine-washable, the handy tote by BAGGU holds up to three times as much as a regular plastic bag. It neatly folds into a flat pouch, so it can be tucked away while shopping and then pulled open when it's time to pack up the goods. Available on Amazon; $12.00.
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Always in the Spotlight
There are some inventions you'll never know you need until you learn they exist—this flexible light is one of those things. The light can bend, fold, or wrap around almost any object to shine light on almost any task in the home, garage, or on the go. Gift it to the bicyclist, mechanic, camper, or just about anyone in your life. Available on Amazon; $21.99.
Splash of Flavor
These ice ball infusers provide a fun way to experiment with new flavors. Keep things traditional by adding lemon to your water or give your rocks a twist for innovative cocktails. Simply add your favorite fruit or herb to the ice ball mold, shut it, fill with water through the flip top, and freeze. Pop the ice into your drink and it will slowly melt as you sip, releasing bursts of flavor. Available on Amazon; $17.95.
Grow Your Own Cocktail
Whether you know a bartender with a green thumb, a gardener who likes to mix their own drinks, or just someone looking for a new hobby, the Cocktail Herbs Grow Kit makes an excellent pastime. Right from the windowsill your friend can grow six fresh varieties of herbs for cocktails: borage, lavender, lemon balm, mint, Thai basil, and thyme. Available on Amazon, $16.
Related: 12 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill
Shop Smart
It doesn't matter if there are 2 people on your list or 20. It pays to look around for deals and bargains when filling your holiday shopping cart. Check out even more of our cost-conscious gift guides to score something for your friends and family.
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