First, I apologize for hitting you with this in October. I know, I know. Everything happens too quickly.
Second, you’re gonna thank me later.
Last week the NY Times had an article about “shipageddon”. Think of all of the shipping delays we’ve experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now layer online holiday shopping on top of that. Retailers are freaking out and shipping companies are jacking up prices to cope with the anticipation of overwhelming demand. Even as I started compiling lists for y’all, a bunch of sites have delays well into December. The USPS announced shipping deadlines a full week earlier to hit that holiday target. Yup. December 7th.
I’m breaking my gift suggestions into categories. I’ve always been a fan of the stocking. So “small gifts” either fit in a stocking or cost less than $50. Big gifts are too large for stockings OR over $100. Luxury gifts are super expensive and meant to just be food for thought. These are totally unnecessary but truly wonderful.
Like me, this breakdown is a little random. They are general guidelines but not hard and fast. Usually my stocking gifts end up costing more than the “main” gift someone gets for the holiday.
I’ve endeavored to think of ideas across of range of personalities, gender and interest – but of course the best gifts have the recipient in mind – so maybe this will just spark ideas.
I’ve included affiliate links where i have them, but you are free to use any site you can find. If I locate discount codes, I’ll drop those in as well – and you may find that some online retailers are already rolling out “black friday” deals so they are definitely rewarding the early bird!
At the very bottom of the page you’ll find a different kind of Amazon link that shows you the price. It may be easier to examine your options.
For the makeup lover
It may seem too practical but if you know a makeup lover that doesn’t wash their makeup brushes regularly, check out these stocking stuffers. I received one as a gift a few years ago and every week when I pull it out, I smile and think of the person who gave it to me.
You need brush soap to go with a cleaning mat. I’ve tested a lot and my favorite liquid is the Ecotools cleaner. My personal preference and favorite cleanser is the beauty blender solid. You can get this online from Ulta and Sephora as well. I prefer the unscented version and I use it for brushes even more than make up sponges!
Sephora Link, Beauty Blender Site Link, Nordstrom Link, Ulta Link
For the cleanliness freak
With all of the diligent handwashing going on these days, I found that bars of soap were easier to find that liquid soaps, antiseptic gels and sprays. I’ve gone back to embracing bar soap. What a perfect addition to a stocking! It’s a great gift for anyone in your life.
I like to get soap sets and break them up for stocking stuffers. This gives you a chance to select a fragrance for each family member.
Upscale your face mask game by getting a little bling into your sparkly friend’s world. I adore these one from Natalie Mills. There’s a huge array of options in colors, sequins, crystals, etc. My only note is to order early, they’ve been experiencing high demand already!
I’ve settled on these as my very favorite mask lanyards. I’m not a fan of the mask-hooked-over-one-ear look. Let’s stay classy. Pro tip: pick one with larger hooks. You should be changing your mask at least daily so you’ll be fiddling with them a lot. This is a link to get you to the site, but they have an array of colors and materials to choose from once you get there!
For the foodies
I like a good practical gift that someone will use. Something that will speak to a passion they have, and make them think of you as they use it.
As a panda lover, these adorable panda chopsticks caught my eye but you can find beautiful handcrafted chopsticks for your rice/sushi lover on etsy.com as well. Bonus: Pick up a chopstick rest to avoid the wayward chopstick roll between bites!
I fell in love with flavored salts during an amazing trip to Napa several years ago and now I keep them on hand as finishing salts. This is another one you could break up across stockings if you think certain flavor combinations favor one person or another. If you happen to be in Napa, go directly to Whole Spice in the Oxbow Public Market and create a custom array of salts and spices for your foodies.
My favorite place in NYC is Spice and Teas in Chelsea Market. Fortunately you can order online. I’m partial to the curry fennel salt and the truffle salt. Carrot ginger is another surprisingly delicious combination! My popcorn game has never been so strong!
While I’m at it, I have to mention their teas. They have beautiful tea blends that are PERFECT for gifts. One stop shopping. Grab some teas and a lovely teapot for someone who needs some cozy comfort. Toss in a favorite book to read and a fluffy blanket – and well – that’s a pretty spectacular gift! I’ve been building up my tea inventory as we move into cooler months and here are a few favorite items I’ve added to my only collection.
This cute little tin comes in a variety of patterns. Something for everyone!
Remember discussing the importance of ritual? Having a special tea cup to drink from can elevate your experience. And if you package it carefully, I’d argue they also fit in stockings!
For your more gothic tastes, I’m throwing in a little darker vibes for you.
These adorable spoons come in black, gold, or silver! I received a set as a gift and they are so much fun!
For the gadget lover
If you’ve been following me, you know I love gadgets. LOVE. I couldn’t consider this list complete without including a few.
I originally had this in the large gift guide for price, but it’s such a small thing, I would definitely put these in the stocking stuffer category. It’s not great in bright light but inside – it does everything you want. I finally got sick of tape measures snapping back…now I can take a quick room measurement (handy in my office to gym conversion) in no time!
I automated lights in my house (and office) by getting these little plugs. They work with Alexa but you can also pair them with other mobile programs. (I use Smart Life on my iPhone.)
If you’ve ever been in a tight spot, you’ll find this tool set really handy!! Do you need a stocking stuffer for your gadget guy or gal? Perfect!
If your outdoor enthusiast uses a headlamp, give them an upgrade. This 210 degree, adjustable, rechargeable, lightweight headlamp is perfect for a hands-free illumination. We’ve gotten tons of use out of ours. The extra peripheral range makes it easier to provide illumination for more than one person.
For the travel adventurer
If you want a brilliant gift for a travel lover, look no further. Of course you know that protecting ourselves from sun helps with anti-aging – and sunscreen isn’t always enough. That large brimmed hat helps keep the damaging UV rays off your face. But they are such a pain to lug around when you’re traveling. Until now! This brilliant invention is a powerful magnetic holder for your hat. For. Your. Hat! You can get it as a clip to go on a bag or even a luggage tag to attach to your suitcase. Now your hat can come along AND you can be hands free!
They are a little more on the pricey side but it will be well used and well loved. As a bonus – throw in a beach towel and a hat. Okay – go wild and include tickets to some fantastic locale!
Great for smoothies on the go and mixing in your collagen powder on the road! I actually use this daily to get my collagen powder mixed into my coffee without lumps!
For the homebodies
For all my desire to adventure, I’m a homebody. I love nothing more than being cozy at home. And one of my favorite stocking stuffers is…stockings. Socks, rather. I like the cute ones (for me or any other kids at heart).
For ski enthusiasts or anyone who likes colorful socks, I’m a huge fan of Bombas socks. Not only are they extremely well made and comfortable, a pair is donated for every pair purchased. Their 4-sock sets are another great buy-and-divide pack for stockings.
Hopefully this gets you started and puts you down paths you wouldn’t end up on your own. Next week, I’ll give you my gift guide to one of kind products or large gifts. It depends on which one is ready first.
Sorry to have to do this so early – but how much more fun will the holidays be if the gift buying/shipping stress is behind you?!
If you have any requests or need help with gift ideas for those hard to buy for people – drop me a line. I love a challenge!!
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I may receive a commission for the sale. It does not cost you anything extra and you are free to use the link or not. Product purchases for review are made with my own money and my opinions are my own. If product is ever provided or the article is sponsored, it will be clearly noted at the top of the page.
