35+ best stocking stuffers for parents (because you’re never too old for them)
Sometimes the best gifts come in the smallest packages. Or in our case, a stocking.
By Sara Goldstein Updated October 30, 2024
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Sometimes the best gifts come in the smallest packages. Or in our case, a stocking. You don’t have to wrap anything (#TimeSaver) and they’re usually those presents you know someone wants or needs, but they won’t spend money on purchasing for themselves. (Honestly, the true sign of being an adult is realizing that things like dental floss make the best stocking stuffers for parents–and kids!)
Keep in mind that you don’t have to fill stockings with gifts that will make them cry (although if you want to go that route, we’ve included some ideas!) Instead, think of items that are functional and will make everyday life just a little easier. Or something that allows your loved one to spoil themselves a bit during this season.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!
We’ve curated the best stocking stuffers for adults that they’re guaranteed to obsess over:
Our favorite stocking stuffers for parents
Drenchbar
Neroli + Driftwood In-Shower Lotion Bar
•$18
The all-natural In-Shower Lotion Bars from mom-founded Drenchbar are perfect for folks who just can’t get with the stickiness of lotion. Just rub the bar on wet skin right out of the shower and you’ve got blissfully moisturized skin the entire day–without having to deal with the stickiness of lotion. Brilliant! (Also, the neroli driftwood scent is absolutely dreamy.)
Created
Stainless Steel Cold Cup
•$28
No one needs another complicated, oversized water bottle. Instead, the minimalist but hyper-functional Stainless Steel Cold Cup from Created lets them hydrate without the hassle. They’ve become my round-the-clock vessel of choice for everything from smoothies to wine walks (don’t judge me, they come in smaller sizes!) and keep drinks cold like a champ. The top never gets grimy, it’s survived several drops with no dings and it fits in every car holder. Basically, it’s beverage delivery perfection.
Laurence King Publishing
Your Cosmic Year- Daily Readings to Unlock the Potential in Every Day
•$16.99
For anyone in need of a cosmic compass, this gorgeously illustrated deck of cards draws on astrology, numerology and color theory to help guide the day or month ahead. They’re a great tool for self-reflection or problem-solving and always make girls’ night feel a little extra nourishing.
Lion Latch
Traveling Jewelry Holder
•$17.95
Make sure she never knows the panic of a lost ring with Lion Latch’s traveling jewelry holder. Designed for stashing small baubles while you’re on-the-go, it’s one of those “didn’t know I needed it until I had it” kind of gifts which are perfect for everyone from nurses to gym girlies. The carabiner closure ensures everything stays inside securely and easily attaches to a keyring or backpack. (It’s also the reason my teenager didn’t lose a single piece of jewelry this soccer season. Unheard of.)
StickyBe
Be Strong Grip Socks
•$20
From pilates to yoga (and even just lounging at home), the grippy socks from Sticky Be add a bit of inspiration to their practice. Emblazoned with the words “Be Strong” across the toe and along the arch, they’re exactly the reminder they’ll need when the going gets tough.
Adams Media
Gin Cocktail Cards A–Z: The Ultimate Drink Recipe Dictionary Deck
•$16.99
Bring out their inner bartender by slipping 75 top-notch gin cocktails up their sleeve. (Well, in their stocking really.) The Ultimate Drink Recipe Dictionary Deck will teach them how to craft botanical gin-based cocktails from the perfect citrusy Negroni to the classic Gin Daisy–right down to the type of glass to present it in.
Oceanfoam
Wave Ball Rollers
•$18.95
If their shoulders aren’t in knots, are they even alive? Ideal for working out tension in the shoulders, legs and upper back, the foam ball rollers from Oceanfoam are almost addicting. Their clementine size and irregular surface provides targeted relief to those tender spots even as they sit at their desk trying their best to sit up straight and not make it worse. (It’s me, hi.)
SPIbelt
SPIbelt Running Belt
•$26.99
From dog walks to marathons, the SPIbelt is the go-to accessory. The streamlined waist pack features an expandable, low profile pocket which stretches to accommodate small personal items you simply can’t leave home without. Keys, cards, even your phone stay close and secure without bopping around as you move. Simply clip it on and you’re off to the races!
Arcade
Atlas Travel Belt
•$34.95
Meticulously designed and guaranteed for life, the innovative belts from Arcade are ready for every adventure. Whether hopping a cross-country flight or trekking up a mountain, the stretchy fabric and patented buckle system is easy to adjust and stays super comfy all day long. And since there’s no metal, it doesn’t even have to come off in the TSA line!
Keote
Keychain Tote
•$85
A shopping tote, but make it fashion. The luxe keychain totes from Keote not only ensure you actually remember to bring your reusable bag–they also look like a bag you want to carry. And while they can carry groceries like a champ, they’re also incredibly handy for travel. Just toss it in your suitcase and be prepared for anything. You never know what you’re going to need to haul around!
Flamingo Estate
Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
•$42
Those early morning wake ups call for an invigorating shower experience–and the Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick from Flamingo Estates definitely delivers. Packed with energizing Organic Peppermint, exfoliating Poppy Seeds and Big Sur Sea Salt, and French Blue Clay to draw out impurities, it’s a cleanser, body polish and aromatherapy experience all in one. Spa vibes on a cold Monday morning? Everyone needs that.
Supergoop
SPF Bestsellers Starter Set
•$30
Keep their skin happy and protected with this Supergoop! SPF Bestsellers Starter Set. It includes some of our all time favorites in easy-to-stash travel sizes so they’ll never have an excuse not to wear it!
Fulton & Roark
Solid Cologne
•$60
He doesn’t even have to be a cologne kind of guy to appreciate Fulton & Roark. The American fine fragrance company crafts some of the most evocative and intoxicating solid scents and delivers them in a badass (and portable!) metal container that can be refilled over and over. Not sure if he’s a woodsy, spicy or fresh kinda guy? No problem. Snag one of their discovery set first to find out! (And not to pick favorites, but special shoutout to Calle Ocho, a warm and spicy unisex blend that smells like sipping rum on a warm Miami night.)
Anecdote
Candle
•$26
The right candle can be a whole mood. Sure, you could pop any old candle into their stocking but the Anecdote candles offer something a little more special. Each of their sophisticated, layered scents is carefully crafted to evoke a familiar feeling or memory. From perusing a record store to getting lost in the forest, there’s a scent which packs meaning for nearly anyone on your list.
Cap Beauty
Serotoner
•$58
For the clean beauty mavens, the CAP Beauty Serotoner is a guaranteed slam dunk. Yes, it’s a face mist, but IMO it’s also a mental vacation in a bottle. Among a host of glorious botanicals which hydrate and soothe, the Cap Beauty Serotoner is infused with griffonia, a plant which is said to increase the “feel good” hormone serotonin. I’m not sure if that’s what’s happening when I spray it, but regardless, its coconut, neroli and rose scent is without a doubt one of the most divine things I’ve ever smelled. It’s transportive, glow-giving and calming for both skin and mood.
Beloved
Peppermint and Sugarcane Hand Lotion
•$4.99
Absorbent and non-greasy, this festive hand cream from Beloved is the perfect size to slip into their stocking (and then right into their purse.) Even better? The silky feeling and crisp pepperminty scent could fool you into thinking it cost three times as much!
Kitsch
Satin Pillowcase
•$17.99
From protecting hair from frizz and breakage to keeping skin clear and happy, satin pillowcases > regular old pillowcases. There are a lot out there to choose from, but we’re partial to the women-owned, LA-based Kitsch which hold up wash after wash.
W&P
Porter Stainless Steel Utensils With Silicone Carrying Case
•$14.95
Lunch toters will appreciate the clever design of the W&P Utensil Set. The four piece set includes a standard-sized stainless steel fork, spoon and knife conveniently nested in their own silicone case. Take out cutlery? Never met her.
Gris Gris
Sachet of Mini Mixers
•$12
Take their cocktails and mocktails up a notch with these sweet but spicy simple syrups. The set comes with both Basil Habanero and Jalapeño Hex flavors, each perfectly wrapped and tucked inside a velvet bag. They’ve also included a recipe card for inspo. It’s like they’ve done literally all the work for you.
Uwila Warrior
Zodiac Happy Seams Brief
•$38
Uwila Warrior’s silky undies fit like a glove and feel absolutely dreamy. (Two words: no wedgies.) Treat your favorite Zodiac lover to a pair of their Zodiac Happy Seams Brief which can be customized with their sign on the front or back in metallic gold or silver. The stars are aligned for maximum comfort!
Proper
Caramel Syrup
•$15
Black coffee? No thank you. If you’re like us and adulterate your cup until it’s on the verge of becoming dessert, flavored syrups are a must. The quality options from Proper are all made with organic cane sugar, organic agave and other all natural ingredients–which is more than we can say for anything you’ll get at Starbucks. And honestly? They taste even better.
Firebelly Tea
Warm-Up Session
•$22.95
Have a tea lover in your life? The organic loose leaf teas from Firebelly Tea make their daily cup a ritual to look forward to. This trio includes three blends that are just begging to accompany a book and a throw blanket: Chai Me Up, Pumpkin Spice and Shades of Earl Grey. Now go forth and snuggle.
Saje
Peppermint Halo Roller
•$33
Another suggestion for anyone who needs a little stress relief or afternoon pick me up! Available in two sizes of roll on and a 1 oz. bottle for your diffuser, Saje Peppermint Halo is a long-time cult favorite. The unique blend of peppermint, rosemary, lavender is mixed with eucalyptus, vetiver and cajeput essential oil, each of which have shown to help reduce stress and alleviate the pain of tension headaches. I keep mine on my desk and run a few swipes along my temples and down the sides of my neck for an instant refresh that’s absolutely heavenly.
Alleyoop
All-in-One Razor
•$16
Whether she’s packing her bags for an island getaway or just to get her butt kicked at the gym, she’ll want to toss this brilliant All-in-One razor inside. The clever design packs a refillable water spray bottle, a Shea Butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges to keep her smooth on the go, wherever she goes.
Carhartt
Knit Cuffed Beanie
•$19.99
Carhartt beanies are a total classic. They come in tons of colors, cost less than $20 bucks, keep heads nice and toasty and last forever. What’s not to love?
Out of the Woods
Zipper Pouch
•$10
Who can’t use a little more organization in their life? These super cool pouches from Out of the Woods is endlessly useful and impressively made from their Supernatural Paper which is sustainable and washable.
BioLite
AlpenGlow Mini
•$39.95
Whether they’re a great outdoors fanatic or all about the backyard hangs, this powerful rechargeable lantern is sure to come in handy. Choose from four standard modes (cool white, warm white, single color and multicolor) and give it a shake to kick in one of four secondary modes (single side light, candle flicker, one-color cycling or a multicolor party). And if our camping adventures are any indication, chances are the kids are going to be just as obsessed with it as the adults.
Bombas
Performance Cushioned No Show Socks
•$16.50
“I’m sorry for what I said when my socks were slipping off inside my shoe” is an apology I’ve actually offered up IRL. I mean, is that not the most infuriating feeling ever? Not with these cozy numbers from Bombas! These magical no-show socks stay put and comfy all day long with a seamless toe and silicone strips inside the heel. And you don’t have to worry about sweaty feet either–they’re made from unique blend of performance yarns that wick sweat to keep you dry and comfortable no matter how many steps you rack up. (Shop men’s here!)
Loop
Dream Earplugs
•$19.95
Sleep is tricky for all parents, but if you’re a light sleeper it can be even more frustrating. Ear plugs are a great option, but if you’re anything like me, the thought of not hearing something important stresses me out. That’s where Loop’s new Dream Earplugs come in. Designed to reduce ambient noise by 27 dB, the soft silicone ear plugs soften the noise around you just enough to drown out things like traffic or barking dogs but not so much you’ll miss a kiddo who needs you. The optimized shape isn’t pokey at all which makes them comfy for side sleepers. They come in a handy little case as well!
Copper Cow Coffee
Best Brews Latte Sampler
•$18
For the latte lovers, Copper Cow Coffee brings barista-level treats right to your cabinet with their innovative pour-overs. On a mission to sustainably support and share the vibrant heritage of Vietnamese coffee, Copper Cow’s sampler set includes the best-selling flavors along with individual sweetened condensed milk creamer that creates the perfect drink every time. They’re also ideal for travel and camping since all you need is hot water!
Herbivore
Coco Mint Coconut Oil Body Scrub
•$45
Who says showers can be as luxurious as baths? For one thing, you’re not sitting in a stew of yourself. Add in a few indulgent products and you’ve got a true oasis. The special edition Coco Mint Oil Body Scrub from Herbivore smells like candy canes and chocolate and makes skin oh-so-soft. Be warned though. If you don’t hide it from your kids it will disappear.
Foria
The Quickie Kit
•$44
Speaking of a gift for both of you, let me introduce the Quickie Kit from the intimacy experts at Foria. Packed with mini versions of their best-selling essentials, it’s the ideal way to explore using CBD in the bedroom. From relieving tension to increasing blood flow, their Sex Oil, Awaken Arousal Oil and Intimacy suppositories can enliven and electrify your time together–even if you’re squeezing it in during naptime. Whatever works, right? (And maybe save opening this one until the kids are occupied with their haul.😂)
Intelligent Change
Five Minute Journal
•$29
Yes, there’s science that says journaling can be beneficial for our mental health. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to prioritize or even know where to start. Enter the brilliant Five Minute Journal from Intelligent Change. With just a single page of fill-in-the blank gratitudes and reflections for each day, it can help anyone unlock a deeper understanding of themselves and discover ways to make life a little happier as well.
Kinn Studio
Classic Huggie Earrings
•$240
Like a leather tote or a denim jacket, a pair of gold hoops is a wardrobe staple that can, if chosen properly, last a lifetime. This huggie-style is a personal favorite because 1. it never goes out of style, 2. it pairs with everything and 3. it’s far more difficult to get yanked out by small hands than its (sassier) bigger sister. A gift that will make them think of you everyday for years to come? Worth it.
And they’re made from 14k solid gold, which unlike less expensive plated, filled or vermeil, means you don’t even have to take them off to shower, swim or sleep.
Jacobsen Salt Co.
Sea Salt Slide Tins
•$7
For the foodie on your list, these adorable salt tins from Jacobsen Salt Co. will be ever-so-appreciated. Filled with their signature flake finishing salt which is hand-harvested from the pristine waters of the Oregon coast, they’re perfect for camping or ensuring there’s always salt on hand when pulling a ripe tomato right off the vine. (Price is for a set of two.)
Cocofloss
Holiday Set
•$36
Arguably more important than brushing, it can be a chore to establish a flossing habit. And though I run the risk of sounding like a child confessing this, the fun holiday flavors of Cocofloss have helped me do just that. But even better than the taste is the efficacy of the product itself. Unlike your typical drug store brands, it’s made from 500+ textured threads to better scrub those pearly whites and cleanse with a dose of coconut oil–like a loofah for your teeth. Honestly, I’ll never use regular drug store junk again.
A version of this story was published November 30, 2021. It has been updated.