12 Best Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays

No matter your age, there’s something magical about a holiday that lets you pull presents from an oversized sock. That’s the beauty of Christmas stockings, a tradition that dates back centuries.

“Stocking stuffers add a playful surprise to holiday celebrations,” says Erin Gildea, senior creative director at Personalization Mall. “They enhance the festive spirit, emphasizing the idea that meaningful gestures don’t always need to be extravagant to create joy and connection.”

The key to success with stocking stuffers, Gildea says, is to think small and practical. “Miniature games, stationery, and cozy socks make perfect stocking stuffers. And they’re extra special when personalized!”

And Gildea has even more advice to share. Here are her top 12 stocking stuffer ideas for kids and adults to earn you smiles this season.

Stocking stuffer ideas for kids

1. Coloring book

Keep kids occupied during Christmas break with a personalized coloring book filled with games, puzzles, and mazes. “Coloring books make great gifts for little artists,” Gildea says. “They are fantastic for sparking creativity and imagination, and the personalization — with the child’s name and choice of character throughout — makes the coloring experience extra special.”

Each 24-page coloring book features a sturdy front and back cover.

2. Scrunchies

Custom hair accessories always have a home in a stocking. “Scrunchie sets are the perfect accessories for girls, and women of all ages,” Gildea says. “They’re made of soft material that won’t damage hair or can be worn as a fun pop of color on your wrist.”

They also carry the potential for self-expression, with eight colors to choose from and customization options that include everything from repeating names to photo uploads and sports logos.

3. Mini notepads

Kids love pretending to be adults, and a gift of Elf on the Shelf notepads will make them feel more mature on Christmas morning. And they work great for grownups, too! “Our mini notepads are ideal for quickly jotting down notes, reminders, or doodles whenever inspiration strikes,” Gildea says. “They make fantastic gifts for anyone on your list — or even for keeping track of your own naughty and nice list!”

4. Lace-up toys

Toddlers tend to get lots of light-up electronics as gifts, but Gildea has an alternate idea: a Christmas wooden lacing toy. “It’s perfect for anyone looking to develop or improve motor skills,” she says.

Made from genuine alderwood, each design (Santa, snowman, or tree) can be personalized with any name and is suitable for ages 3 and up.

Stocking stuffer ideas for adults

5. Photo golf balls

Celebrate the golf nut in your life with a stocking filled with custom balls. “These golf balls combine sentimentality and sport,” Gildea says. “Each one features a photo of your favorite people, making every swing a reminder that even in the heat of the game, it’s all about love…and maybe a little friendly competition!” (You’ll be forgiven for ordering a set for yourself to level up your own game.

6. Photo socks

Socks are a Christmas stocking classic for a reason: Everyone needs them. Up the ante this holiday season with custom photo socks. “They’re fun, personal, and add a unique touch to holiday gifting,” Gildea says. “Plus, they’re not just a novelty; they’re comfortable and practical for everyday wear.”

These adult, unisex crew socks can be customized with a repeating pattern of one photo and one line of text, and fit sizes 4 to 12 for women and 6 to 11 for men.

7. Compact mirror

Buying personal care products for someone can feel intimidating, but you’ll rarely go wrong with a mirror. “Compact mirrors make great stocking stuffers for anyone who needs a quick touch-up on the go,” Gildea says.

With this chic-looking portable makeup mirror, you can choose between two types — magnifying and regular — and personalize the exterior with any name and one of 31 available colors.

8. Holiday tea towel

Are you looking to celebrate an entire extended family with one gift? Then consider this winning stocking stuffer of a tea towel: holiday themed and with room for up to 28 names. “Holiday tea towels are both functional and festive,” Gildea says. “They add a touch of personalized cheer to the kitchen while being practical for everyday use.”

9. Mini desk calendar

Give the gift of organization with a mini desk calendar that perfectly fits inside a stocking. As Gildea explains, “you’ll combine practicality with a personal touch through this thoughtful gift that will be enjoyed long after the holidays and is ideal for welcoming the year ahead.”

Buying after the new year? No worries! Choose your preferred starting month and year when ordering.

10. Holiday photo ornament

Is there a more quintessential holiday gift than a Christmas tree ornament? Small enough to slip into any stocking, these custom photo ornaments will become treasured keepsakes, Gildea believes. “What better way to decorate a Christmas tree than with the faces you love? These ornaments will bring back fond memories every year.”

Each one can be personalized with up to 35 names as well as a photo on the front.

11. Car coaster set

For your friend living their best drive-thru life, a set of custom car coasters offers a great way to pad out a stocking. These little stoneware discs are great for protecting cup holders against condensation and spills. “Not only are car coasters practical, but they also add personality and style to a vehicle’s interior,” Gildea says. “Gift these fun stocking stuffers to new drivers or anyone who spends time in the car.”

12. Photo fishing lure

Show you care about your favorite angler by dropping a personalized fishing lure in their stocking. These spoon lures are made from heavy gauge steel and can be personalized with any photo and up to two lines of text. Just be sure to take extra care around the sharp treble hooks!