Stocking Stuffers 2022

I know I've blogged about stocking stuffers in the past, but every year there are new and different items to fill your loved ones' stockings! So here's a current list of some fun and inexpensive (and a few slightly more expensive - but still no more than 20 bucks!) stocking stuffers. 

Under $5

These edible bubbles for pets ($4.59 from Amazon) come in catnip flavor for cats, peanut butter flavor for dogs, and peach flavor for...I guess weird cats and dogs. Bubbles are slightly more durable than soap bubbles so your pet can chase and catch them. They even stay on surfaces until popped. 

Kids of all ages will have fun with this whistling slingshot-powered rocket ($3.99 from Amazon). Pull back the elastic and launch the 8-inch foam rocket up to 50 feet!

 

The kinetic sand surprise ($4.79 from Walmart) comes with a random color of sand, one of four toys, a sand mold, and tools, all in a reusable container.  The kinetic sand buried treasure (also $4.79 from Walmart) comes in a reusable treasure chest with a key, and buried inside the chest are a tool and coins. 

It may not light up a whole room, but this little human-powered lightbulb ($3.99 from Perpetual Kid) is both a novelty and practical. It runs on static electricity, so scuff across the carpet for a minute and it'll light your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

This pack of 15 bandaids ($4.99 from Perpetual Kid) each features a medal labeled things like "Brave Little Soldier" and "Suffered Valiantly". Adorable for little patients and hilariously sarcastic for bigger ones. Plus, it comes with a free prize!

$5-$10

This cleaning gel ($5.59 from Amazon) works on computer keyboards, remotes, car vents, even the edges of your phone case to remove dust and grit. It can be reused multiple times. 

Who couldn't use a pair of deodorizing sneaker balls ($9.99 from Amazon)? Toss them into any shoes when you take them off, and the next time you put them on the sweaty funky smell is gone. Can also be used to deodorize gym lockers, sports bags, and closets. Twist open when ready to use and twist closed when done to make them even more long-lasting. 

This 12-pack of reusable stainless steel straws ($5.94 from Amazon) comes with two cleaning brushes and a carrying bag. Includes straight straws that fit 30- and 20-oz Yetis as well as two lengths of bent straws for regular cups. They can easily be tucked into a purse or pocket so they're always handy.

This ring cell phone holder ($5.59 from Amazon) sticks directly to the back of either the phone or the phone case and the ring can be rotated and flipped. Can also be used as a phone stand. Comes in multiple colors. No more dropped phones!

These winter texting gloves ($5.59 from Amazon) allow you to use your phone without taking off your gloves. Great for texting, taking photos, and looking up information while working or playing outside. Available in multiple sizes for men and women. 

Avoid buildup on your dryer's lint screen and replace your disposable dryer sheets with these adorable hedgehog dryer balls ($5.50 for 3 from Amazon). Toss them in the dryer to soften and remove static from your clothes. Reusable, long-lasting, and non-toxic. 

You'll never have to wonder which cable goes to what with this set of 8 flexible cable labels ($9.99 from the Container Store). Each is a different color and can be labeled with whatever it goes to. Curled ends hold them in place while the middle flexes for an easy fit, even in tricky places. 

 

Who wouldn't want to experiment with growing their own Venus Flytrap? This kit ($7.99 from Perpetual Kid) includes everything you need (except flies) plus a guidebook. 

$10-$15

This 9-in-1 multitool ($12.79 from Amazon) contains a pen, ruler, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, a bottle opener which can also be used as a phone holder, stylus, level, and LED flashlight. Tuck it in your purse, pocket, or glove compartment so it's always nearby. 

This beverage sleeve ($12 from Faribault Mill) is a must for lovers of history and/or hot or cold beverages. Made from recycled blanket remnants from a textile mill in Minnesota, the 100% wool sleeves protect your hands from getting too hot or too cold while drinking your beverage of choice. 

Whether you sleep next to a snoring spouse or take overnight flights or train trips, these noise-cancelling silicone earplugs ($14.96 from Amazon) will block out the sounds around you. They come with four different size ear tips for a comfortable fit, and finger loops for easy removal. Plus they're reusable and washable. 

For that coffee-drinking friend who doesn't have space for a full-scale espresso machine, this high speed milk frother ($11.99 from Amazon) will allow them to make fancy drinks. Powered by 2 AA batteries so no cord to maneuver around, and the convenient stand allows it to find a home on the counter instead of having to dig it out of a drawer every time. And it comes in lots of colors to coordinate with any kitchen decor. 

$15-$20

Lights! Music! Warmth! This hat ($17.99 from Amazon) ensures that you'll have all three, whether you're working or playing. It pairs with all Bluetooth-enabled media devices and the volume goes up to 120 dB for use in even the noisiest environments, and it includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and controls. The LED light has three levels of brightness. The electronics are removable so the hat can be machine washed, and it comes with rechargeable batteries and a charging cable. 

It's easy to find a heated massager, but sometimes you need cold instead of heat. This cold massage roller ($19.96 from Amazon) is helpful for shin splints, plantar fasciitis, fatigued muscles, and more. Pop it in the freezer until ready to use. The rubber grip warms quickly but the roller ball stays chilled for up to 20 minutes of use. 

For the recipient who's willing to try anything - or who already has everything - this scratch-off poster of 100 Things To Try ($15 at Uncommon Goods) might give them some new ideas. Suggestions range from wild adventures like bungee jumping or parachuting to self-improvement activities like learning a second language or knitting a sweater to philanthropic and community work like donating blood or volunteering for a charity. 

This cold brew coffee press ($20 at West Elm) will be a favorite for any coffee lover. With a 34-oz capacity, they can brew a single cup or a few. All pieces are dishwasher safe so cleanup is a snap. 

So now that you have a bunch of ideas, get shopping! And at these prices, don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself. 

The Best Stocking Stuffers, 2017

I love putting together Christmas stockings. Growing up, my mom did the best stockings. If I had to give up either stockings or gifts when I was a kid, I'd have given up the gifts in a heartbeat if it meant keeping my awesome stocking. I like to think that I inherited (or more likely, learned) the gift of stocking stuffing from my mom. Because I put together awesome stockings, if I do say so myself.

The trick to a great stocking, in my mind, is a variety of small gifts that focus on the recipient's tastes and preferences. So when putting together a stocking, you need to think about the kinds of things the recipient already has and loves, and then you need to think creatively to find some unusual items that fits the recipient's personality and taste.

I find it helps to have a few categories to work from. For my family, those categories include: food and drink, toiletries, toys and games, gadgets, art and decor, desk stuff, and random weird stuff. (Never discount the appeal of random weird stuff.) Here are some examples of good stocking stuffers from each of those categories - and every item is $10 or less!!

Food and Drink
And kind of unusual snack or treat is good: gourmet hot cocoa or tea, jerky of any kind, dried fruit, high-end chocolates.

White Chocolate Peppermint Cocoa Stirrers ($6.99 from World Market)

Stir your hot cocoa - or coffee, or even green or white tea - with these rock candy stirrers to add some fancy flavoring. Or just munch them directly from the stick - Santa won't rat you out.

Popping Candy ($4.99 from Think Geek)

It's like Pop Rocks for adults: instead of generic sweet flavors, this gourmet popping candy comes in a 3-pack of wasabi, beer, and bacon varieties.

Snowflake Marshmallows ($8.95 from Williams Sonoma)

Your favorite hot cocoa drinker will love these adorable snowflake marshmallows. They also make great cake and cupcake decorations, add a bit of elegance to a plate of Christmas cookies, or serve as an extra-special lunchbox treat for the kids.


Toiletries
Travel sizes of ordinary products are great for stockings, but even better are samples of fancy, high-end items that the giver wouldn't get for themselves.

Burt's Bees Everyday Essentials ($9.88 from Jet.com)

This kit includes trial sizes of 5 of Burt's most popular items: cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, lip balm, and foot cream. It's a stocking-sized dose of pampering!

Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Fask Mask ($2.49 from Target)

This deep-cleaning facial mask promises to clean your pores and tighten your skin, plus it'll give you an excellent opportunity for wacky Instagram and Snapchat selfies.

Fancy Emery Boards ($3 from Natural Life)

Probably every woman on your list carries emery boards in her purse (or should). Give her something prettier than the usual boring tan boards. It's a party in her purse!


Toys and Games
Sneak in something educational in this category and you'll feel like a super-parent. Sneak in something you loved as a kid and you'll feel like a kid all over again. Win-win for all involved.

Hatchimals ($8.79/4-pack from Amazon)

These toys were huge last Easter and the kids still love them. The set of 4 is a random selection from the Season 1 collection of 70 items, including a few rare ones. You won't know what you get until they hatch!

Orbeez ($8.99 from Toys R Us)

I'm not even sure how to describe these: they're little multicolored beads that absorb a ton of water and grow bigger and squishy and get kind of bouncy. Don't worry if you can't figure them out; just give them to some kids (not under age 3, please) and they're figure it out for you.

Gyrobi Fidget Rings ($3.95 from Fat Brain Toys)

Move over, fidget spinners! These colorful gyroscope-inspired toys spin in multiple directions, helping focus your hands and mind. Available in round or square versions.



Gadgets
Depending on how technologically inclined the recipient is, this category can include anything from small but really high-tech stuff to basic mechanical kitchen and shop gadgets.

Smartphone Camera Lens Kit ($9.99 from Citizen Goods)

This 3-in-1 kit includes a 180-degree fisheye lens, a macro lens, and a wide-angle lens to seriously up your photography game without having to invest in a fancy new camera. Each lens attaches easily to any smartphone using the included c-clip. 

Retractable Lint Roller ($9.99 from Amazon)

This sticky part of this pocket-sized lint roller retracts into the handle to fit nicely into your pocket or purse without making a mess. And it's refillable, so you can put refills packs into their stocking every year!!

Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner ($3.02 from Amazon)

Fill this little lady with vinegar and water and stick her in the microwave, and just a few seconds and a quick swipe later your microwave will be sparkling clean and odor-free. Feel free to give this to anyone in your house who could use a little hint about cleaning the microwave after they use it.


Art/Decor
If it makes your home more attractive or soothes your soul, it belongs in your stocking.

Crackle Coasters ($9 from Sur la Table)

You don't need a full set of these gorgeous polished agate coasters; each one stands on its own as both an art piece and a practical, functional home item.

Glitter Picture Frame ($6 from Urban Outfitters)

A great way to show off a little photo, slip a small print inside this glittery frame for instant pop. Fun to keep on a desk at work, inside a school locker, or even stuck on the fridge.



Desk Stuff
This category can include anything from pens and pencils to thank-you notes to wind-up desk toys. If it can go on a desk, it can go in a stocking.

Rainbow Notepad ($7.99 from Amazon)

Remember back in school when you got to use a special pen to scratch off the black crayon and reveal the rainbow paper underneath? It's the same thing, in notepad form. How fun is that?!?

Hand Boilers ($6.88 from Amazon)

Stuck on hold (or on a boring conference call) for hours? Hold the bulb in your hand and watch the liquid level rise along with your blood pressure. A great distraction for any office desk.

Wind-Up Firetruck ($4.39 from Amazon)

This classic vintage-style tin firetruck will zoom across your desk with a few twists of the key. You need to provide the siren sounds yourself, though.


Random Weird Stuff
One man's weird is another man's wonderful. Besides, everybody needs a good conversation piece now and then, right?

Miniature Banned Books Set ($8 from Out of Print Clothing)

This miniature set of matchboxes is emblazoned with the titles of 5 famously banned books tucked into their own tiny bookcase. An interesting addition to any (full-sized) book collection!

K-2SO Magnet ($3.99 from Think Geek)

Stuff this magnet in your Star Wars fan's stocking and you'll earn their everlasting thanks and love. This 4-inch tall K-2SO figurine will happily adorn your fridge, locker, car dashboard, or any metal surface you can find.

Darth Vader Socks ($8 from Urban Outfitters)

Come over to the warm side with these adorable Darth Vader socks. They're sure to be a hit with your resident Star Wars fan.


So now that you have all your wonderful, personalized stocking stuffers, don't forget to fill up their socks with the basics: candy canes, chocolates, a new toothbrush - and don't forget to tuck an orange in the toe!

Cool Christmas Presents

I know, I know, Halloween has barely gone by and Thanksgiving is still weeks away, but Christmas shopping season is already in full swing! If you can get your Christmas shopping done early, you get to relax and really enjoy those last few weeks before Christmas proper. If you need some inspiration to get started, here are some of the coolest gifts around, in every price category from under 10 bucks to over $100. Hopefully you can find at least one suggestion for everyone on your list!

Under $10
These gifts work well as stocking stuffers, but it's also a good idea to have a handful of small gifts on hand for hostess gifts, co-worker gift exchanges, and thank-yous for the hairdresser/mailman/babysitter/whoever.

 

This adorable MANATEA silicone tea infuser will tickle any lover of tea and marine life. (Also available: an orange seahorse and a clear diving helmet infuser.) He hangs over the edge of your mug with his cheerful manatee smile, and when unused, he rests on his front flippers and waits patiently. He'd be perfect to perch on the edge of a Christmas stocking! $9.74 from Amazon. 

The Misto oil sprayer is handy for cooks and non-cooks alike. Fill with vegetable oil for instant (and inexpensive) non-stick spray; fill with olive oil for easy bruschetta; fill with flavored oils for fancy breads and hors d'oeuvres. $9.99 from Amazon. 

Don't you hate it when you're working in a small space and you can't get the flashlight aimed in the right direction, or you don't have enough hands to hold the flashlight AND your tools? This magnetic hands-free flashlight will solve that problem. With 12 magnets faced every which way, you'll be sure to be able to get the right angle. Stick it to a pipe when you're working under the sink, to the hood or the fender when you're working on the car, or to a lighting fixture when you're changing a bulb. $5.97 from Amazon. 

For the coffee-loving chemist (or general nerd) in your life, how about a mug bearing an image of a caffeine molecule? (Yes, I do have one.) It's not dishwasher safe, but seriously, what nerd do you know that does anything other than rinse out their mug once in a while? $3.99 from Think Geek. 

$10-$25

The next gift category is great for family gift exchanges, that old friend you always see at Christmas, and for those extra small-but-not-too-small gifts you use to "even out" your gift giving among siblings or a group of friends. It's also a nice gift for your kids' teachers or anyone else who regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty for you. 

Surely there's a child (or, let's be honest, an adult) in your life who would love to find this charming balloon dog nightlight under the tree on Christmas morning. Squeeze his durable silicone paw to trigger the soft LED light to glow for 30 minutes at a time. Available in blue or green. $25 from Uncommon Goods. 

Any camper, hiker, athlete, or traveler on your list will love this compact collapsible water bottle. Collapsing down to just 1" thick and 4-1/4" diameter, it can easily be tucked away in a pocket or the bottom of a bag or backpack, and pulled out when needed. It expands to 6" high and has a 21-oz. capacity. $19.99 from Uncommon Goods. 

Designed for schoolkids, this placemat lunch bag is handy for adults who bring their lunch to work, hikers and campers who eat on the trail, and anyone who occasionally needs a clean spot to eat something they brought with them. Made from insulating neoprene, the bag is machine washable and large enough for several sandwich-sized Tupperware, and unzips to form a generously-sized placemat. Available in an array of colors. $24.95 from The Grommet. 

Have you ever been on a trip and suddenly realized you forgot your phone charger? Or your earbuds? Or your power converter? With the Ready2Go tech organizer, you can be sure that all your electronic accoutrements are in place before you leave. Available in two sizes, the organizers include slots for earbuds, power cords, adapters, mice, memory cards and sticks, thumb drives, batteries, and whatever other tech gadgets you want to bring along. $12 and $17 from The Grommet. 

$25-$50

This is the bulk of gift-giving territory in my house. Gifts for siblings, spouses, thank-yous for your amazing assistant at work, and any kind of Yankee Swap or gift exchange with a $50 limit. 

The absent-minded technophile on your list (yeah, I have one of these) might enjoy this attractive - and practical - rosewood Bluetooth tracking tag. Attach it to your keychain, your wallet, your kid's backpack, that wandering remote that always ends up between the sofa cushions somewhere, and if you can't find what it's attached to, use the free downloadable app to track it down. And if it's your phone that you're always losing, it also works in reverse by using the alert button on the tag! $40 from Uncommon Goods. 

Be honest: how many electronic gadgets are you trying to recharge at your bedside overnight? And when you travel, don't you hate crawling all over your hotel room finding enough power outlets to recharge it all? With this ChargeHub charging station, you can charge up to seven devices at the same time, using just a single plug - and all at their optimal charging speed. Available in 7 different colors. $49.95 from The Grommet. 

Wouldn't any of your friends who live in the frozen North love a reusable snow melting welcome mat? No, you don't have to plug it in or recharge its batteries. It's impregnated with sodium, magnesium, and calcium chloride, the same ingredients in rock salt. It releases just enough to melt the snow and ice, retaining the rest for the next wintry storm. Effective at melting ice and snow down to -15 degrees. $49.95 from The Grommet. 

This amazing sailing ship kite is sure to delight all ages. Made in Bali from local bamboo and nylon, this 25"x27" really does fly! Kite comes with easy assembly instructions and even a helpful video. $40 from Haptic Lab. 

$50-$75

This price level is the "nice" gifts, reserved for one's spouse, or for giving a nice combined couples or family gift. 

These handsome soapstone and acacia wood bowls are practical as well as beautiful. Chill them in the freezer for a few hours and they'll keep your ice cream chilled to the last delicious spoonful. Bake them in the oven and they'll keep your soup, appetizers, and dips warm for hours. The 6-oz. capacity is just right for a single generous serving. $60 for two, from Uncommon Goods. 

You don't have to be a germaphobe to worry about all the nasty things that get all over your smartphone - you know, the thing you touch to your face and hands all the time? The PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer uses UV light to destroy most lurking bacteria and viruses. The case charges your phone while it's sanitizing, and it even has an acoustic amplifier so you can still hear all your notifications from inside the closed case. At 7" x 3-3/4" x 0.84", it accommodates almost all smartphones (sorry, iPhone 6 Plus users). $59.95 from Uncommon Goods. 

For the artist in your life, how about this 3D sculpting pen? It comes with 10 feet each of red, blue, and green filaments (other colors sold separately), which harden within seconds. USB charging cable can be used with the included AC adapter plug. $69.99 from Brookstone. 

Remember when Lincoln Logs were made of real wood? Well, the Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Building Set has 111 real wood logs and even comes in a large metal tin, just like the original. Adults will enjoy reliving their childhood and kids will enjoy creating with this fun vintage toy. $70 from the Smithsonian Museum Store. 

$75-$100

In my family, everyone received one "big gift", plus some additional smaller ones. This is definitely the "big gift" category. These gifts should be useful, memorable, and special. 

Maybe I'm getting a little deaf with age, but I find that my phone is never quite loud enough on speaker. If you know someone with the same problem, maybe they'd like this acoustic phone amplifier as much as I do. Carved from beautifully patterned birch wood, the slot holds most smartphones - with cases! - and naturally amplifies the phone's own speaker. $100 from Uncommon Goods. 

Drones are cool, in anybody's book. This steady cam drone features LED lights, one-button return, multiple speeds, and a 200-foot range, plus it shoots both video and still photos remotely. And it does cool midair tumbling! $99.99 from The Sharper Image. 

Kids aren't the only ones who will love these illuminated building bricks! Roughly the same size as Duplo brand blocks, this set of 102 bricks in 6 colors comes with two rechargeable power bases and has three light modes including steady, flashing, and fading. Bricks shut off automatically after 15 minutes of use. $79.99 from The Sharper Image. 

I wouldn't advise giving this to your neighbor (unless you get one for yourself as well), but anyone on your list who's always working on their lawn will appreciate this garden and lawn sprinkler. It covers up to 1900 square feet, the spray length adjusts from 10 feet to 62 feet, and the oscillation and spray width adjust from 13 to 56 feet, to easily avoid driveways, sidewalks, and porches. Its mechanical timer can be set to shut off after anywhere from 5 minutes to two hours. In addition, its adapter plugs into the hose, rather than screwing in, and best of all, it's tough enough to be dropped repeatedly without damage. $99.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

Most of us have a shower radio, but I bet it's not as cool as this Bluetooth shower mirror radio! It pairs with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet, plus it has a built-in AM/FM radio with four presets. Its strong suction cups hold it securely to the shower wall, and it has slots for two razors. The 5-1/2" square shaving mirror is made from fog-free optical quality glass. One six-hour charge of its rechargeable battery (charger included) will provide a month of high-quality audio. $99.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer. 

Over $100

Some gifts are so perfect that they're worth spending more on, even more than the usual "big gift." Maybe your siblings all want to go in to get something extra-nice for your parents, or maybe you want to give your spouse something really special this year. Whatever the reason you're looking for a big ticket gift this year, here are some that are sure to impress. 

Does anyone you know hate trying to type on the tiny keyboard of a tablet or - God forbid - a smartphone? Through the magic of Bluetooth technology, this laser projection keyboard creates a virtual, full-sized, fully functional keyboard (it even "sees" your hand motions to create a virtual mouse) on any flat surface. $150 from Uncommon Goods. 

I bet you know someone who uses one of those folding dollies to bring groceries and other heavy items in from their car. It doesn't work to go up stairs, though, does it? Well, this all-terrain stair climbing folding cart does! Its triple-wheel design can handle all kinds of rough surfaces, as well as stairs. With three different handle positions and a 100-lb. capacity, it's sure to make life easier for someone on your gift list. $129.99 at The Sharper Image. 

There are building blocks that snap together, and then there are these kinetic movement building blocks that snap together but then move with a range of motion of 240 degrees! Kit includes 450 blocks (identical in shape; 150 each in blue, orange, and white), plus straws, dowels, and popsicle sticks. Hours of engineering play for all ages! $129.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

Particularly appropriate for a recipient whose home features a water view, this sea serpent garden sculpture will add charm and whimsy to any yard. Measuring roughly 60" in length when installed (mounting stakes are included), this metallic monster's rusty patina and fierce expression is sure to keep the recipient's yard and home safe. $180 from Uncommon Goods.

Let's Get Crazy
Assuming that you just won the lottery or became the sole heir of a billionaire uncle you never knew about, here are the dream gifts you might want to give to some of your loved ones (or maybe your favorite blogger, hmm?).

This 10-seater barbecue dining boat features a built-in 24"-diameter barbecue grill, 10 place settings, 3 beverage holders, and 6 under-seat compartments for food and supplies. The 30-watt trolling motor is powered by 4 rechargeable batteries that will keep you chugging along at 2-1/2 mph for 8 hours. It even has an 11-foot diameter umbrella to keep you out of the sun. $50,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

If you have a coffee-drinking friend whose kitchen is large enough to accommodate this genuine Italian Astoria Dual Espresso Machine, you'll always be guaranteed of a deliciously-caffeinated welcome at their home. Hiding behind its rustic Moroccan copper styling lies microprocessors to calculate the exact perfect brew, adjusting the water-to-grind ratio, softening the water if needed, and adjusting the brew strength. An Astoria technician will install the machine and instruct you on its use (although personally, I'd probably hire a dedicated barista). $8,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

If your hard-working friends deserve a little pat on the back, go one step further with this high-tech massage chair, featuring embedded surround-sound Bluetooth speakers, LED mood lights, heated back, and 8 automatic programs to give you the best in-chair massage experience possible. $8,999 from The Sharper Image.

And if the massage chair isn't enough and you want to give your friend the gift of just getting away from it all, they can escape into this log cabin tree lodge, built on the base of an actual tree (oak or eucalyptus). The cabin itself is crafted from genuine Douglas fir logs and has a cedar shingle roof. The recipient can enjoy him- or herself by playing on the corkscrew tunnel slide or the swing, or climb the interior ladder to the main floor. Guaranteed to withstand harsh weather and "exuberant play" for years to come. $20,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.


Now go get shopping!!