Stocking stuffers are always an afterthought on my Christmas shopping lists, and I usually find myself scrambling to buy them at the last minute. The challenge is that so many items marketed as stocking stuffers are gimmicky junk. (Yup, I said it.) And if they’re not gimmicky, they’re usually too expensive for my remaining gift budget. Ultimately I end up either busting my budget or buying junk that no one really wants. This year I decided to change this habit and find quality stocking stuffers under $25 for the whole family. I think I succeeded, but you can be the judge!

Stocking Stuffers for Women

1. J. Crew Velvet Hair Bow: I’m crazy about this velvet bow! I use it to throw my second-day hair in a ponytail, and it creates such a classic, romantic look. Plus, it’s 70% off right now! Grab it while the sale lasts!

2. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Scrub: This vegan lip scrub is one of my favorite new purchases. My lips always start to chap around this time of year, and this scrub works as a miracle exfoliator and moisturizer. It’s a must-have before applying holiday red lipstick!

3. Thayers Witch Hazel & Rose Petal Toner: Thayers toner has been part of my skincare routine for a while. For less than $10, it’s way less expensive than most other quality toners. It’s particularly great for dry and sensitive winter skin because it moisturizes, soothes, and calms redness.

4. Gratitude Journal: This pretty journal is a simple but thoughtful gift to help others work on finding gratitude each day. It was one of the weekly giveaways from my 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge in November.

5. The Original MakeUp Eraser: The MakeUp Eraser is so awesome that I also shared it in my 2020 Women’s Gift Guide! It effortlessly removes any makeup with just water, which means you don’t need to continually buy chemical makeup removers, cotton pads, and wipes. It’s a win-win for saving your money and the environment!

6. Youphoria Yoga Towel: I haven’t practiced yoga without a towel over my mat in years. Before using one, my sweaty hands always turned my mat into a slip and slide. (TMI? Sorry!) A yoga towel is particularly great for hot yoga, but I love using this every time I practice because I can throw it in the washing machine and always keep my mat clean. I spent over $50 on mine, which I regret after seeing this one for $13 with thousands of glowing reviews.

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Stocking Stuffers for Men

1. Mike’s Hot Honey: John and I have been obsessed with hot honey since we first tried it on the Americano pizza at Vero. This year we started making pizza at home from scratch and topping it with hot honey and pepperoni. It’s also great for wings, cheese, and cocktails.

2. Metal Telescoping Back Scratcher: John uses this back scratcher daily and sometimes carries it in his pocket. (After writing that, I realize how weird it sounds.) It packs down small but extends for hard-to-reach areas. Alden also uses it as a sensory table rake!

3. San Francisco Soap Company Rope Soap: Soap-on-a-rope is fun, right? Reviewers on Amazon really like the light sandalwood scent of this one.

4. ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Thermometer: I haven’t seen John cook without using his instant-read thermometer… ever. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking meat.

5. Jonhen Campfire Collapsible Fire Tool: This little tool is similar to the Firedragon campfire tool linked in my 2020 Men’s Gift Guide, but at a fraction of the price. While it’s probably not quite as awesome as the Firedragon, it has a lot of great reviews and collapses down for easy storage, hiking, and camping.

6. PopSocket: Everyone knows about Popsockets now, and you’re missing out if you haven’t tried one on your phone yet. John also had a genius idea and stuck one on his Kindle! It makes reading in bed way easier.

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Stocking Stuffers for the Kids

1. Melissa & Doug Water Wow Coloring Books: Water Wow books are really fun for little ones, especially in the car and on the go. Kids can reveal the colors on a picture with just water. The books come with a water maker, but we’ve also used paintbrushes and fingers.

2. Fubbles No-Spill Bubbles: These were a game-changer for us when Alden started getting into bubbles. With Fubbles he can hold the container and insert the wand himself without us worrying about solution spilling everywhere.

3. Sticky Notes: Maybe you think I’m crazy on this one, but kids love sticky notes! They were always a highly-coveted item in my elementary school classroom. Even baby Alden likes to peel them apart for a fine-motor activity.

4. Honeysticks 100% Pure Beeswax Crayons: Honeysticks crayons are made with sustainable beeswax instead of paraffin, and they smell like delicious honey.

5. Welly Bravery Badges: I always loved fun bandaids as a kid, didn’t you? Somehow the cute pictures took the sting away. The Welly Bravery Bandages are flexible come in a sweet little tin that feels more special than a box. I really like the gender-neutral llama, sloth, and narwhal patterns on this set.

6. Sandwich Cutter and Sealer: Uncrustables are fun and delicious… but expensive. Make them at home and try different fillings with these sandwich cutter/sealers!

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I hope these ideas help you stick to your Christmas budget and find something for everyone on your list! As always feel free to comment with any questions. Happy gifting, everyone!

xoxo,

Cara