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    Home » Holidays » Christmas

    30+ DIY Stocking Stuffer Ideas; Things to Make or Buy

    Updated: Nov 2, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • What type of things do you put in stockings?
    • What Can I Fill Mini Stocking With?
    • What Should I Put in a Dad’s Stocking?
    • What Should I Put in a Mom’s Stocking?
    • DIY Stocking Stuffers: Things to Make
    • Stocking Stuffers: Things to 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 a lot of 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.

    Lavender Sachets

    Give the gift of sweet-smelling clothing with these cute sachets!

    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.

    Covered Notebooks

    Cover some simple composition notebooks with fabric.

    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.

    A Lip Gloss Pouch

    A cute gift for a makeup-obsessed teen or tween.

    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.

    Earbuds Case

    This earbuds case doubles as a card wallet.

    Makeup Brush Roll

    Great for travel, helps to keep your makeup brushes tidy.

    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!

    Mickey Mouse Inspired Earbud Pouch Sewing Pattern

    Perfect for a Disney fan!

    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

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    I've linked to one of my personal favorites, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb. A few other favorites include:

    Blue de Chanel

    Dior Savauge

    Gucci Guilty

    Depending on your budget you can buy a large size or a small travel size.

    Nail Polish Kit

    Photo Credit: www.target.com

    Nail polish is always a good idea for a stocking stuffer. They come in all colors and price points.

    Perfume Sampler

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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.

    Apple AirPods Pro

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    A bit of a splurge, but these things are amazing!

    Socks for Women : Target

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    A great gift, especially on cold winter days. Something you know that your recipient will use.

    Portable Charger

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    This little charger packs a punch and is small enough to keep in a purse or backpack.

    Keychain for Apple AirTags

    Photo Credit: rstyle.me

    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!

    You May Also Like:

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    • More than 25 Cute Things to Sew for Christmas

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    • How to Make a Retro Diorama Ornament
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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

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