Think Outside the Box: The Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Even though it seems like the kids are at the center of this — and every — holiday, don’t forget that grownups like to find fun stocking stuffers awaiting them on holiday mornings, too. The best stocking stuffer ideas for adults can be practical or something that seems too indulgent to buy themselves.

For example, a cell phone car mount is useful and perfect for moms, dads and even newly licensed teen drivers. And a streaming media device is a fun stocking stuffer for anyone who happens to be a TV or movie buff. Another idea that will fit nicely inside an adult’s stocking is a smartwatch charging dock that conveniently doubles as an alarm clock.

Everyone remembers being a kid on the holidays and the excitement of seeing what hidden goodies were in their stockings. While the thrill is the same, there are plenty of options for the stockings of today’s youth.

Small enough to slide into their stocking and big enough to produce lots of smiles are things like card games and licensed collectibles of their favorite characters from cartoons, movies and video games. For older children, a kid’s smartwatch or fitness tracker is a compact package that is sure to elicit a happy response. And you can make this the year that you start a new tradition of tucking a holiday movie in their stocking that you can watch together as a family later that day.

The word “teenager” seems to be synonymous with “technology” these days, which is why gadgets and gizmos that they can use with their electronics are always good stocking stuffers. Since many teens have cell phones, a cell phone grip in one of their favorite colors or patterns can make a great gift. Along the same lines, a portable cell phone charger will stop them from asking to borrow yours all the time and ensure that they have enough battery power to check in once in a while.

If you have a teen that’s hard to shop for, don’t worry. Just choose from a wide selection of gaming gift cards that fit perfectly into a stocking. And if you happen to have a teenager who isn’t a gamer, music gift cards are a popular choice that they can use to purchase songs from their favorite artists to listen to on their iPod or MP3 player. Speaking of which, if they don’t already own a music-playing device, then finding one in their stocking would make their day.

Whether you need stocking ideas for your wife, mom, daughter, sister or girlfriend, there are several options to choose from. A manicure set is a thoughtful stocking stuffer that women of all ages can use to care for their nails. Additionally, skin care products like face masks and facial cleansing brushes are self-care stocking stuffers that will come in handy for in-home spa and relaxation.

On that same note, a clip-on reading light is another stocking stuffer for her to enjoy during downtime at home or when traveling. If she uses her tablet as an e-reader, consider popping a protective pair of blue-light glasses in her stocking.

When it comes to stocking ideas for your husband, dad, son, brother or boyfriend, there are a plethora of presents that are just the right size. If you want to find something they’ll use well past the holidays, a pair of true wireless headphones will certainly fit the bill. And with hundreds of models to choose from at various price points, you don’t have to break the bank. Or for the guy who loves to grill, grilling accessories like a BBQ mitt, stainless-steel tongs or a grill brush are all ideal picks.

Women aren’t the only ones who appreciate personal care gifts. The guy in your life might enjoy finding his favorite lotion, scented soap or body care item inside his stocking for the holidays. Another stocking stuffer for him is a hair trimmer or groomer that can help him look and feel his best every day.

While you may feel nostalgia for holidays of the past, technological advances of the future have resulted in some unique stocking stuffers that will appeal to multiple people on your shopping list. For starters, everyone could use a Bluetooth tracker to keep track of their belongings, especially that certain someone who always seems to misplace their keys. And the same tech is used in waterproof Bluetooth speakers that are ideal for singing in the shower.

No matter whose stockings you have to fill, the best stocking stuffer ideas are those that surprise and delight the person that receives them. From under $25 all the way up to $200, you can find impressive stocking stuffer gift ideas that fit your budget while filling your stockings.