What to Put in Christmas Stockings: 14 Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Updated Nov 15, 2025
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and now comes the fun part: filling them with delightful goodies! Did you know that this tradition dates back to the legend of Saint Nicholas? As the story goes, Saint Nicholas wanted to help a poor family in need, so he secretly dropped bags of gold down their chimney, which landed in stockings left drying by the fireplace. This heartwarming tale is believed to have inspired the custom of hanging Christmas stockings, adding a layer of magic and generosity to the tradition.
Whether you're shopping for kids, adults, or the entire family, stocking stuffers are a great way to bring extra cheer and make Christmas morning even more special. The key to creating memorable stockings is mixing practical items with fun surprises that everyone will love.
So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly finds or unique, eco-conscious gifts, you’re in the right place. By exploring an online thrift store like ShopGoodwill.com, you can also discover one-of-a-kind treasures that make stockings truly unforgettable. Here’s a handy guide on what to put in stockings, featuring a variety of ideas guaranteed to make everyone smile.
1. Cozy & Practical Socks & Mittens
No one can resist the comfort of a pair of cozy socks during the winter months. Including socks and mittens in your stockings is a simple yet thoughtful way to keep loved ones warm:
Choose thermal socks or merino wool socks for extra warmth and comfort during snowy days.
Opt for fingerless gloves or tech-friendly mittens, ideal for those who like to use their phones outdoors without freezing their hands.
For a festive twist, add a pair of slipper socks with fun holiday patterns, such as snowflakes, candy canes, or Santa Claus.
Socks and mittens are not only practical but also bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia. They fit easily into stockings and are the perfect stocking stuffer for any age group.
2. Jewelry & Other Accessories
A little bit of sparkle can go a long way in making Christmas morning magical. Jewelry is a versatile and elegant choice when deciding what to put in stockings. It’s perfect for those who enjoy accessorizing and can easily fit into a stocking without taking up much space.
Any of these jewelry ideas are perfect for your stocking stuffers:
Personalize the experience with initial necklaces or bracelets that reflect the recipient’s name or favorite charm.
Add stylish stackable rings in various metals—gold, silver, and rose gold are popular choices for a mix-and-match look.
Include practical accessories like hair ties, decorative clips, or mini scrunchies for a thoughtful yet useful addition.
Jewelry offers a timeless appeal, making it one of the best gifts for stockings. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of luxury without going over budget, especially if you opt for thrifted gift ideas that bring a unique charm.
3. Fragrances and Scented Self-Care Items
Scents and self-care items are beloved stocking stuffers because they offer a small moment of indulgence. Including travel-sized perfumes, colognes, or essential oils is a great way to elevate the stocking experience.
Consider the following scented goodies:
Pick seasonal fragrances like peppermint, pine, or cinnamon that capture the essence of Christmas.
Include a shea butter hand cream or nourishing lip balm to combat the winter chill.
Add a mini scented candle or essential oil blend for relaxation and a calming aroma.
These little luxuries make perfect stocking fillers and are sure to be appreciated by anyone who enjoys pampering themselves. Fragrances also make for excellent gifts for someone with expensive taste, offering a touch of indulgence without being overly extravagant.
4. Pocket-Sized Games & Puzzles
Stockings are the perfect place for small, interactive gifts that keep the fun going long after the unwrapping. Pocket-sized games and puzzles are ideal for both kids and adults, offering entertainment that can be enjoyed solo or shared with the family.
Consider gifting some of these fun games:
A classic deck of cards for timeless games like Go Fish or Crazy Eights
A few mini puzzles or brain teasers for those who love a challenge
Travel-sized board games or tiny Rubik’s cubes
These small, engaging gifts are perfect for keeping everyone entertained during holiday travel or cozy downtime at home. Plus, they are sure to bring smiles and spark friendly competition, making them a great addition to any stocking.
5. Nostalgic Toys & Collectibles
When considering Christmas stocking stuffer ideas, nostalgic gifts are a fantastic choice. They bring back memories of childhood and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
You can surprise loved ones with a classic Pez dispenser featuring characters like St. Nicholas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. You can also include a small action figure or collectible toy that ties into a favorite movie or TV show from the past.
Nostalgic toys are not just fun; they offer a sentimental touch that can make unwrapping stockings a truly special experience. These items are perfect for creating moments of joy and connection, making them a great addition to any holiday stocking.
6. Fun Gadgets & Tech Accessories
Tech gadgets are some of the most popular stocking stuffers, especially for teens and adults who love staying up to date with the latest trends. These small but useful gifts are a hit every year.
Our favorite tech gadget ideas include:
Helping your loved ones keep their devices powered with a sleek, portable phone charger
Including a handy Bluetooth key finder to help them track their important belongings
Slipping in a compact screen-cleaning kit to keep phones, tablets, and laptops smudge-free
Tech gadgets bring a modern twist to traditional stocking stuffers, combining practicality with a bit of fun. They’re a great idea for anyone who appreciates innovative and useful gifts.
7. Novelty Holiday Items & Decor
Decorative items add a festive flair to stockings and can be enjoyed long after Christmas morning. Including small pieces of home decor in stockings is a great way to spread holiday cheer, and they also work beautifully as gifts for hosts.
Gift a delicate Christmas ornament to hang on the tree as a keepsake or add a tiny snow globe or cute nutcracker figurine for a traditional touch.These festive accents make delightful stocking stuffers, adding warmth and a touch of holiday magic to any space.
8. Craft Kits & DIY Supplies
For those who love to create, craft kits and DIY supplies are fantastic stocking stuffers. They provide hours of entertainment and are perfect for keeping busy during the holiday season.
Gift your loved one with any of these crafty gifts:
DIY ornament kit that includes everything needed to make a personalized decoration
Pack of colorful nail polish for a festive manicure
Small beading set or a simple jewelry-making kit for crafting personalized accessories
These creative gifts are a hit with kids and adults alike, encouraging artistic expression and adding a hands-on element to the stocking stuffer experience.
9. Miniature Toys & Collectibles (for Kids)
Little ones especially look forward to the excitement of discovering toys in their stockings. Adding miniature toys and collectibles is a fantastic way to bring joy to Christmas morning.
These small surprises pack a big punch and are perfect for keeping kids entertained:
Small action figures from popular movies or TV shows
Cute mini doll or a tiny plush character that fits snugly into a stocking
Collectible items like blind bag toys for an element of surprise and fun.
Be sure to choose age-appropriate options that are easy to play with right away. These playful additions are sure to light up any child’s face and make for an unforgettable holiday experience.
10. Vintage Collectibles & Memorabilia
For a truly unique surprise, consider adding small vintage collectibles to stockings. ShopGoodwill.com auctions often feature items such as:
Baseball cards: You might even come across old baseball cards worth money, a perfect surprise for collectors.
Collectible pins: From vintage sports logos to holiday designs, these pins add character to any collection.
Retro keychains: These are fun and practical, and make great conversation starters while holding a touch of nostalgia.
These small treasures carry a sense of nostalgia and can spark fun conversations on Christmas morning. Collectibles are especially great for kids at heart or anyone who enjoys a dash of history with their holiday cheer.
11. Secondhand Books & Comics
Mini paperbacks, graphic novels, or classic children’s books slip easily into a stocking and bring hours of entertainment. Comic books, in particular, are a playful choice for both kids and adults, often turning up in excellent condition through online auctions. Adding pre-loved stories is an affordable way to make stockings feel personal and full of character.
These thoughtful additions will spark imagination and provide entertainment long after the holidays are over.
12. Jewelry Boxes & Small Keepsakes
In addition to holding jewelry, stockings can also be filled with the perfect little box to store it in. From thrifted trinket dishes to compact jewelry boxes, these small storage solutions combine function with charm. They’re the kinds of thoughtful details that make stocking stuffers feel even more special.
Look for:
Trinket dishes: Decorative pieces that keep rings, earrings, or keys in one spot.
Compact jewelry boxes: Handy for traveling or organizing a small collection.
Keepsake containers: Sentimental storage pieces that make meaningful additions to any stocking.
These little treasures add both function and beauty, making them meaningful thrifted gift ideas that can be used every day.
13. Holiday Collectibles
If you’re wondering what to put in the stockings Christmas morning, consider bidding on festive ornaments, nutcrackers, or decorative figurines from ShopGoodwill.com. Holiday decor carries sentimental value and can be enjoyed year after year, becoming part of a family’s tradition. These cheerful accents are timeless additions that spread extra joy during the season.
Great options include:
Festive ornaments: Personalize a tree with vintage or handmade styles.
Nutcrackers: Classic holiday collectibles that never go out of style.
Decorative figurines: Small seasonal accents to brighten shelves, mantels, or tables.
Adding holiday collectibles brings warmth and tradition into the home, creating memories that last beyond the season.
14. Unique Kitchen Gadgets
From vintage cookie cutters to quirky mugs, secondhand kitchenware makes for playful and practical stocking stuffers. These things don’t just add fun to the holiday morning—they’ll also get plenty of use throughout the year. Pair a festive mug with cocoa packets or slip a cookie cutter into a baker’s stocking for a personal touch.
Kitchen gadgets are a thoughtful way to mix fun and practicality, ensuring your stocking stuffers get plenty of love year-round.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas That Bring Joy & Make a Difference
When it comes to filling Christmas stockings, the options are as magical as the tradition itself. From cozy socks and nostalgic toys to vintage collectibles and holiday decor, there are plenty of creative ways to make stockings memorable for everyone.
For an even more unique touch, explore ShopGoodwill.com, where you can bid on ornaments, jewelry, books, and other one-of-a-kind treasures. Auction-style listings let you discover items that fit any budget, all while giving pre-loved goods a second life.
By thoughtfully curating your stocking stuffers, you carry on the tradition of generosity and surprise that began with Saint Nicholas, while also helping build brighter futures. Every purchase on ShopGoodwill.com supports job training and career opportunities in local communities. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the season, spread joy, and give back at the same time.
Sources:
"The Legend of the Christmas Stocking." Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2011, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-legend-of-the-christmas-stocking-160854441/