IMO, stocking stuffers have the potential to steal the show on Christmas morning. Unlike any ol’ gift that you can wrap and throw under the tree, filling a stocking requires thought and strategy with obvious size and weight constraints limiting what goes in them. It’s kinda my favorite.
You could do the typical options- gift cards, jewelry, or socks (don’t worry…these are classics for a reason and you’ll find the *best* versions of them here) but I personally like putting a little more thought into my stocking stuffing opportunities. Again, there’s a lot of possibility here.
As someone whose love language is “words of affirmation”, I’d be happy with receiving a hand-written note over multiple gifts any day. I’m also much more inclined to show I care with spoken, written, or even texted words rather than presents. But if the situation arises for gifts to be exchanged, you better believe I’m going to make it goooooood…something that says I know you, I thought of you, and I appreciate the heck out of you. Basically, words of affirmation in gift form, because that’s what I would want in return.
Maybe this makes me hard to shop for? What can I say…I’m a know-what-I-like-kinda girl. Some call this picky; I call it minimal, detailed, and unapologetically sentimental. So you better believe that my dream stocking is going to be filled with useful, beautiful, and conscious items that are the how-did-I-live-without-this version of everyday things.
I’ve put together a list of items I personally use and end up telling everyone about, have gifted and wish I kept for myself, or would genuinely loooooove to see in my own stocking on Christmas morning [wink wink to the handsome guy filling mine this year]. And you can bet that each item has that “it” factor, that little somethin’ somethin’ that will leave the recipient of your giving feeling seen, appreciated, and wondering how their favorite gift was something they didn’t even ask for.
The best, right!?
And with that, I give you the first ever M+M stocking stuffer guide, full of quality items that will aaaaaactually fit in a stocking, at various price points that every woman on your list will enjoy, including YOU if you just so happen to *accidentally* purchase two (no judgment here).
The Guide-
Blue light glasses- Between business and pleasure, I spend a majority of my day staring at a screen. I’ve found that blue light glasses really do work to prevent eyestrain and headache, and on the days that I find myself burning the midnight oil, I’m so grateful for these bad boys that make computer work a little more bearable.
Cube Timer- One of my favorite “get stuff done” strategies is setting a timer and seeing how much I can accomplish in that specific amount of time…because everything is more fun when you turn it into a race, right?? I also love the idea of this beauty sitting on a desk and reminding me to take a break every 30 minutes with a flip of the timer.
All-natural nail polish- By now we know that what we put on our skin can really affect our health, and would ya know it…our nails are no different! This toxin-free nail polish is everything- modern colors and perfect application from a women-owned small business. And don’t even get me started on how gentle but effective their polish remover is!
Personalized initial ring- Turn the gift of jewelry up a notch and put her initials or the initials of someone she loves most on the classic and dainty version of a signet ring. I have one in gold with my daughter’s initials and it’s become an everyday wear that literally goes with everything. FYI- everything from gorjana is timeless and I guarantee you can’t go wrong with anything you choose.
Thee best pens ever- Ok…maybe I’m the only one who would want pens in their stocking, but this is an iykyk situation for anyone who writes, journals, keeps an old-school paper calendar, or plans out their grocery list. There’s something about a good pen that makes writing so much dreamier, and this one is *it*. Fits in the hand perfectly, doesn’t’ smear, and glides like a dream…ahhhhhhh.
Toxin-free mascara- Take it from a girl who’s tried nearly every mascara that cosmo recommends, this clean option beats them all and is the only one I’ve ever willingly settled on. Volume, lift, length…this provides (D) all of the above and is hands down the best. I can confidently say that I’m never going back.
Luggage tags- This beauty is for the one who travels in sweats [who doesn’t!?] but wants to look good doing it. Forego the tacky paper tags and opt for an engraved alternative with the most classic color options. This is perfect for the jet-setter on your list and would be a charming addition to announcing the gift of a dream vaca (PS- plane tickets or airline giftcards fit in a stocking too *nudge nudge*).
Rechargeable lighter- For someone who lives for those hygge vibes…mmmmmm, who doesn’t?!…a flameless lighter (in rose gold, I might add), is a practical gift that feels everything but ordinary. This is one of those “think of you every time you use it” kinda items that will have you on the mind of the candle-lover in your life 24/7.
This facial tool set- Because shopping for skincare products in so personal and nearly impossible to gift, this gua sha stone and facial roller combo is a safe bet yet decadent addition to anyone’s morning or evening skincare routine. I personally use the roller after applying my cleanser and gua sha stone with a serum. PS- Code DRDAVIS will save you 10% off your entire Primally Pure order!
Plant food fertilizer- If you have a plant lady or green thumb wannabe in your life, this is the gift of all gifts. I’ve turned my home into a garden oasis with this mix. A little goes a long way [win!] and it comes in an amber apothecary jar, making it pretty enough to sit on my counter as a reminder to water regularly.
The best socks you’ll ever own- You know those socks that you let creep to the back of your drawer because you avoid them at all cost? They fall down, aren’t soft, and you honestly wouldn’t’ be upset if one (or both) got lost in the dryer. These socks are the exact opposite, and if you’re like me you’ll end up looking for any opportunity replace every pair of socks you own with these.
Chemical-free eyebrow serum- I’m still recovering from the early 2000’s eyebrow plucking craze, and this serum has helped my brows get fuller quicker with zero chemicals in the process. With just one drop in the morning and night, this jar lasts for-ev-er and I’m well on my way to the brows of my dreams.
A sugar-free water additive- If you know you should be drinking more water but need a little somethin’ to spice it up, LMNT has become a personal favorite as well as my top recommendation to patients who want a bit of flavor in their H2O but need to avoid bladder irritants. If you have yet to try this mix, the variety pack is the perfect place to start, aaaaaand it fits perfectly in a stocking.
These cute notepads- There’s something about writing a to-do list on a fancy notepad that makes chores a little more fun. I need lines, a box to check, and a touch of whimsy and this one hits all of my must-haves, plus it has a magnet on the back so you can stick it right on your fridge.
Affirmation cards- A little bit of woo-woo and a whole lotta motivation is perfect for the driven, goal-setting, manifesting kinda gal. These are a great addition to setting daily, monthly, or yearly intentions, when seeking clarity in decision-making, or just for some extra inspiration.
A PNW roasted coffee- Trust a Washington girl when it comes to coffee…this small, local roaster blows Starbucks out of the water. The Davis house makes espresso every morning, and I can safely say we’ve tried all of Laughing Duck’s roasts and have yet to be disappointed. PS- other great local roasters are Grounds for Change and Puget Sound Coffee Roasters.
The last razor you’ll ever buy- Disposable razors are fine and all, but it’s nearly impossible to find one without a toxic “moisture” strip, they create a lot of plastic waste, and the cost really ads up over time. This rose gold, single blade razor has been one of my favorite buys to date, and I feel *oh so fancy* every time I use it.
A thoughtful gift card- I love the idea of encouraging people to shop small and treat themselves to something they normally wouldn’t indulge on. Vintage, handmade, or one-of-a-kind items are such a delight and etsy is the perfect place to find treasures like this.
And there you have it…a one-stop shop guide to filling the stockings of thos you love most, but with intentionality and a less is more mindset.
You know that feeling you get when you watch someone open your gift? I love that feeling. But what’s even better is seeing them use that gift over and over again. Mmmmmm, there’s an unashamed satisfaction in that.
My hope is that you find joy in filling your stockings this year, and that you look at gifting as a special opportunity rather than obligation. That bit of extra thought behind the beauty and details of a gift…it shows…and finding quality items to gift with meaning will have everyone excited for the little things, even those small enough to fit in a stocking.
– Amanda
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
