30+ DIY Stocking Stuffer Ideas; Things to Make or Buy
Stocking stuffers are the perfect way to add a little surprise and delight to the holiday season. If you consider yourself a Maker I’ve got a list of more than 30 DIY Stocking Stuffers! If you’re not feeling crafty, I’ve also included a few suggestions for stocking stuffers that you can buy.
If you’re almost done with your Christmas shopping but still need a few things to put in your kid’s or families’ Christmas Stockings, I’ve got a few great suggestions for you today! I’ve broken down my list into two sections, DIY stocking stuffers and stocking stuffers that you can buy. The items on the buy list are all readily available, you should be able to find them easily at your local stores or online.
What type of things do you put in stockings?
Every family is different when it comes to stocking traditions. If you’re looking for low-cost budget-friendly ideas I suggest:
- Candy
- Lip Balm
- Small Soaps
- Candy Canes
- Pencils or Pens
- Hair Clips
- Peppermint Bark
- Hot Cocoa packets to use on Christmas morning for breakfast.
Many families also have a tradition of putting fruit in a Christmas stocking. Oranges are always popular at Christmas since they represent the gold that St. Nicholas used to leave in kid’s stockings.
What Can I Fill Mini Stocking With?
Mini stockings are so fun to make (we’ve got lots of great tutorials on our site). Since they are small they are best filled with one or two items. I suggest a gift card or candy cane & lip gloss.
What Should I Put in a Dad’s Stocking?
This one is hard! My husband and I always make stockings for each other every year. I’ve tried several things over the years but seem to always fill them with socks, nice chocolate candies (the fancy kind he won’t usually buy for himself), and extra charging cords (they always wear out, so new ones are usually welcomed).
What Should I Put in a Mom’s Stocking?
As a mom, I’ll give you a few ideas. Lip Balm, Hand Warmers, a great-smelling candle, mints, a new phone case, or any small gifts handmade by my kids. Spa-inspired items like bath salts and sugar scrubs are also great options.
DIY Stocking Stuffers: Things to Make
I’ve gathered a list with many homemade stocking stuffer ideas for you. Some of them are very quick to make, and some take a bit more time but are still worth the extra effort. Most of them are sewing projects, but I did include a few crafts for you as well.
I tried to include on the list items that would appeal to both men & women. Most of them can be easily customized for a boy or a girl based on your fabric choices and the personal preferences of your gift recipient.
Stocking Stuffers You Can Make
Add a sweet surprise to a Christmas Stocking with one of these unique gifts. Each one of these DIY stocking stuffers is easy to construct and comes with a free tutorial or instructions.
Knotted Hair Ties
These little hair ties are so cute & kids (and teens) of all ages will love them. They are also a great way to use up some fabric scraps.
5 Minute Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial
This little gift bag features just a bit of sewing. It would be cute, stuffed into a stocking, and filled with candy.
Monster Gift Card Holder Idea
If you want to give a gift card this year, there are many cute ways to package the card. This monster gift card is great for kids.
DIY Keychain Card Holder Tutorial
Another way to package a gift card is with this keychain cardholder. It’s just the right size for a gift card. It’s also a great size for teens who don’t want a big wallet since it fits a credit card and a driver’s license.
Canvas & Fabric Lined Zip Bag
You can never have too many zip bags! The smaller size of this bag would fit nicely into most stockings.
Striped Pencil Pouch
This pencil pouch is just the right size to throw into a backpack or purse. Since it’s quilted, it’s sturdy and will hold up well.
Scrappy Fabric Bookmarks
If you have an avid reader on your Christmas list, they will love these cute bookmarks. You can customize them in your recipient’s favorite colors.
"Sunnies" Glasses Case
I’m constantly losing my sunglasses! I’ve had a version of this case in my purse for years.
Fabric Headbands
Fabric headbands are so trendy right now! These headbands are made from lightweight Liberty fabric, but you could also make one from an old silk scarf.
Keychain Chapstick Holder
Keep a chapstick close by in the cold, dry winter months with these cute chapstick holders. They easily attach to a keychain or lanyard.
Leather Cord Snaps
I made a set of these for myself last year and used them all the time. They are great to keep your cords from tangling when you travel.
Felt Heart DIY Earbud Pouch
This earbuds pouch is made from felt, so there is no need to line it or finish the inside seams. Easy peasy!
Free Printable Luggage Tags perfect for your Disney Vacation
Just print out the luggage tags and insert them into plastic covers.
Harry Potter Printable Luggage Tags
We didn’t forget about the Harry Potter fans, grab these cute luggage tags and add them to your favorite Muggles stocking.
How to Make Stamped Leather Conversation Hearts
These make beautiful key chains. You can purchase the leather hearts already cut out.
How to Make a Zip Bag from Old Ties
Repurpose an old zip tie (maybe from a loved one that has passed away) and create a helpful pouch.
Stocking Stuffers: Things to Buy
It always seems like the Holiday sneaks up on us, and we find ourselves short on time as the big day draws closer. If you don’t have the time or the energy to make a stocking stuffer, here are my suggestions for stocking stuffers that you can buy.
There are various price points. Hopefully, you’ll find something to help you out.
To Buy: My Favorite Stocking Stuffers
Add a fun surprise to their Christmas stocking this year with one of these fun but useful Stocking Stuffers!
Sheet Face Mask
My kids love these. You can find them for all kinds of skin types and purposes. The ones shaped like animal faces are especially fun.
Cologne
I've linked to one of my personal favorites, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb. A few other favorites include:
Depending on your budget you can buy a large size or a small travel size.
Nail Polish Kit
Nail polish is always a good idea for a stocking stuffer. They come in all colors and price points.
Perfume Sampler
We got this sampler for my Mom a few years ago. It comes with a small sample of several different fragrances. You try them out, then use the enclosed certificate to get a FULL-size version of your favorite.
Socks for Women : Target
Now that my kids are grown, they are always stealing my socks! I can always tell when they’ve been home because my sock drawer is empty. Socks are great stockings stuffers,e especially since there are so many cute designs to pick from.
Eos Lip Balm
A great gift, especially on cold winter days. Something you know that your recipient will use.
Portable Charger
This little charger packs a punch and is small enough to keep in a purse or backpack.
Keychain for Apple AirTags
I'm getting these for all of my kids this year. My youngest is always losing her wallet, she got an AirTag earlier this year and it's been such a lifesaver!
