I often struggle to come up with cheap stocking stuffer ideas and then end up spending far too much, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone!
Our stockings just seem gigantic when it comes time to fill them on Christmas Eve. That, and I don’t like to give my kids a bunch of candy. I know (from sad experience) that I will just be picking up wrappers and cleaning gooey fingerprints off ALL the surfaces for days on end, not to mention the endless cavities!
I also hate to waste money on junk that I end up tossing in the rubbish bin. So, no to junk and candy! What does that leave?
The answer to that question is my absolute favorite tip for cheap stocking stuffers! Buy your kiddos things that they need and that you would have to buy anyway!
Things your kids need, like socks, underwear, a new toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant need to be purchased anyway, so filling a stocking with them means you won’t have to buy them later. My teens really appreciate hygiene items, especially small cologne or perfume sets.
Here is a list of stocking stuffers for $1 and under, split into categories based on who you’re shopping for. Most of these can be found at your local dollar store or the dollar section at Target. Others can easily be made at home with supplies you already have!
Here is a free, printable shopping list in case you want to take it shopping with you. Remember, failure to plan ahead is planning to fail.
Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Bubbles
Yo-yo
Homemade Playdough
Glow Sticks
Stickers
Fun erasers
Playing Cards
LED Book Light
Sidewalk chalk
Homemade slime (or you could give them a kit with the ingredients to make it themselves)
Stickers
Small stuffed animals
Mittens
Craft Supplies
Crayons
Coloring book
Marbles
Underwear
Socks
Vegetable seeds
Homemade bath paint
My Little Pony Singles
Jump Rope
Dominoes
Dress-up jewelry
Silly putty
Glow-in-the-dark Stars
Small Cars
Bouncy Ball
Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens
Gum
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair products
DIY hair accessories
Homemade jewelry
Body spray
Body lotion
Deodorant
Body wash
Chocolate
Lip balm
Kleenex pocket packs
Handmade ornament
Cute DIY Luggage Tags
Gloves
Hat
Socks
Handmade bookmarks
Krazy straw
Flash drive
Journal
Nail polish
Comic books
DIY Keychain
Guitar picks
Hacky sack
Earbuds
Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Him
Shoe polish
Playing Cards
DIY Money Clip
Travel-sized cologne
Homemade aftershave
Breathmints
DIY Keychain
Golf balls
Manicure set
Car freshener
Deodorant
Gloves
Handmade ornament
Cute DIY Luggage Tags
Shaving soap
Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Her
Scented candles
Face mask
Nail polish
Fuzzy socks
Compact mirror
Hair ties and accessories
There are twenty dainty, unique hair clips in this package, so you can separate them out and give them to multiple recipients for only about 45 cents each.
These multi-packs of seriously gorgeous dangly earrings cost more than $1 for the entire package, but if you separate them out among multiple recipients, they’re less than 41 cents per pair.
Hairbrush
Fridge magnets
Body wash
Flower seeds
Gloves
Yummy homemade soap
Homemade sugar scrubs
Handmade ornament
Cute DIY Luggage Tags
Handmade coupon book
Homemade jewelry
Kitchen tools
Pin these cheap stocking stuffer ideas for later!
Please share your best, cheap stocking stuffer ideas in the comments below!
Thanks sharing this article
Really this is very helpful list . You made its really a great effort .
You made my day
thank you so much for this
I always struggle with stocking stuffer ideas! Thank you for this list!
Glad I could help!
This is a very helpful list, definitely checking back in for this holiday season.
Yes, everyone needs cheap stocking stuffer ideas!
You have compiled a very helpful and extensive list! Great ideas!
I love these ideas , i always have a hard time finding the perfect gift for my stocking stuffer , most of these are practical and small enough to not look bulky. thanks for sharing this.
Glad I could help you find some stocking stuffer ideas, Denise!
Thanks for all of the ideas. I also try to fill stockings with needed items instead of junk.
Kids are still excited about necessary things, so filling stockings with needed items is a great way to save money!
I love the ear buds idea. I normally put razors in with the shaving gel. Even a cheap 2 pack leggings for my tween daughter is what I did last year. 2 pairs at walmart for $5.
Great cheap stocking stuffer ideas! I love the razor idea and the leggings idea!
These are all such fun and useful ideas for stockings. My parents used to put a few of these types of things in mine but I know after time goes on it gets difficult to know what to put in them. So this will really help those people I am sure :3 x
Going to share this with my daughter who is always looking for ideas on stocking stuffers every year. This will give her plenty of ideas.
Lots of great ideas here. I know I’d be happy with some of these like nail polish or some new ear buds. đŸ™‚ Stocking stuffers are fun, but you don’t want to get junk, like you said.
-Lauren
Thanks, Lauren. I agree that there are some fun, cheap stocking stuffer ideas that aren’t junk.