When gift shopping, consider your recipient and their interests—something unexpected and thoughtful always goes over well. Searching for the best stocking stuffer provides the perfect opportunity to give a delightful, meaningful surprise. This cashmere knit beanie from Quince would be a great gift for almost anyone, and at just $30, you can grab a few to go in multiple family members’ stockings. Cashmere is always warm and never itchy. We like that this style is ethically sourced, too, with a unisex fit, style, and color. Ready to shop? Here are our picks for the best stocking stuffers. Keep in Mind: At least three players are needed to play. Price at time of publish: $10 Keep in Mind: The price is a bit steep for the size. Price at time of publish: $33 Keep in Mind: The soap has a yellow hue which is visible through the clear plastic bottle. Price at time of publish: $32 Keep in Mind: There is no unscented option. Price at time of publish: $27 Keep in Mind: The product aesthetics aren’t the best. Price at time of publish: $19 Keep in Mind: Because they are real marble, these coasters are heavy and may chip. Price at time of publish: $30 for 4 Keep in Mind: A charging cable is included. Price at time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: The rubber sole is thin and may not offer much support. Price at time of publish: $39 Keep in Mind: It doesn’t provide coverage like the foundation. Price at time of publish: $38 Keep in Mind: It should be treated with care as gold plating will tarnish over time. Price at time of publish: $48 Keep in Mind: The scents can’t be substituted. Price at time of publish: From $28 Keep in Mind: These socks are chunkier than standard trousers or athletic socks. Price at time of publish: $35 for two pairs Keep in Mind: There is a bit of a learning curve. Price at time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: This probably isn’t large enough for long trips. Price at time of publish: $40 Keep in Mind: There are only two generic sizes. Price at time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: It may be too big for smaller evening bags. Price at time of publish: $15 Keep in Mind: Not every size will fit in a stocking. Price at time of publish: $20 Keep in Mind: You can’t drink straight from the lid. Price at time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: Washing in between trimming sessions is recommended to prevent the spreading of the fungus. Price at time of publish: $23 Keep in Mind: It’s not equipped with everything, and it’s much smaller than a traditional Leatherman. Price at time of publish: $54 Keep in Mind: This budget-friendly reader doesn’t fold up like the more expensive Thermapen. Price at time of publish: $35 Keep in Mind: Shipping may take longer for handmade items, so order early. Price at time of publish: $45 Keep in Mind: It’s bulky to store. Price at time of publish: $45 Keep in Mind: The glaze may vary slightly from what is pictured online. Price at time of publish: $40 Keep in Mind: These towels are on the thinner side. Price at time of publish: $20 Keep in Mind: The lid is not dishwasher safe. Price at time of publish: $6 Keep in Mind: Order closer to Christmas to ensure you get the freshest beans possible. Price at time of publish: $23 Keep in Mind: These limited edition flavors tend to sell out. Price at time of publish: $24 Keep in Mind: While this does have some heat, it’s not intolerable. Price at time of publish: $14 Keep in Mind: The larger size makes enough for two people. Price at time of publish: $20 Keep in Mind: A turkey option is also available. Price at time of publish: $23 for 10 Keep in Mind: It only comes in one color. Price at time of publish: $22 Keep in Mind: There is no carrying case with this set. Price at time of publish: $13 Keep in Mind: Both headphones have to be out of the charging case to hear sound. Price at time of publish: $30 Keep in Mind: As with any Bluetooth device, there may be connectivity issues upon setup. Price at time of publish: $37 Keep in Mind: It’s only compatible with Apple devices. Price at time of publish: $49 Keep in Mind: Saturday and Sunday are lumped together as “Weekend.” Price at time of publish: $15

What to Know About Stocking Stuffers Before Shopping

Size

Obviously, this is not the place to go big, as a stocking stuffer should be able to fit inside a stocking. Before shopping for a spouse or child, it’s a good idea to check the size of the stocking you’ll be filling. Stocking sizes vary widely. The stocking size will dictate how large the gift can be.

Cost

This is really a personal choice and completely up to the gifter. Some may like to include a more expensive surprise, like nice jewelry, a watch, or a gift card, while others may stick to simple, budget-friendly gifts, like snacks and inexpensive kitchen gadgets. We think anything around the $50 mark (or less!) is a good starting point when shopping for stocking stuffers.

Practicality

Stuffing a stocking provides a great opportunity to gift something handy that may not be big or exciting enough to be wrapped under the tree. Pocket knives, grooming items, winter accessories, and kitchen tools are a few examples of practical stocking stuffers.

Recipient Interests

Another important factor to consider when shopping for the best stocking stuffers is, of course, the person for whom you’re shopping. Just as you would consciously choose a larger wrapped gift, put the same thoughtfulness into a stocking stuffer. We like following a theme, too. For instance, if you know your teen likes experimenting with beauty products, fill her stocking with a new makeup brush, a makeup pouch, and some makeup cleansing balm.

Your Questions, Answered

What is a stocking stuffer?

A stocking stuffer is typically a small item that can be a standalone gift or serve as an addition to a larger gift. Traditionally, stockings were filled with fruit, nuts, and candy, but now, anything from expensive jewelry to an affordable pair of socks can serve as stocking stuffers. Don’t feel the need to go overboard, though. Simple tokens of affection or practical items the recipient can use daily are more than enough.

How much should you spend on stocking stuffers?

There is no set budget for a stocking stuffer, although it’s common to spend less on a stocking stuffer than a wrapped present. Generally, you can stick to a range of $10-$50 for stocking stuffer gifts.

Sweet treats, socks, candles, small toys, jewelry, accessories, and beauty items are most commonly gifted as stocking stuffers. Although we say the sky’s the limit—get creative with your stocking stuffer gifts!

Who We Are

Molly Miller is the commerce editor for BHG.com. She previously contributed to HGTV and Travel Channel as both a writer, editor, and product tester. With three kids under 4, she doesn’t have much downtime, but she enjoys online shopping, long walks outside, and a nice glass of red to wind down.