Is it just us or is finding a stocking at the end of your bed the most exciting part of Christmas? While larger presents are fun, there's something so special about a stocking stuffed with thoughtful tidbits. That once-in-a-year event deserves due celebration. And that means, stocking fillers. There can be a temptation to - forgive the turn of phrase - buy a load of crap, but try to resist, instead choosing the best stocking fillers that will last for a lot longer than the 12 days of Christmas.
Christmas gifts that can be stuffed into stocking don't get more reliable than a pair of socks, except perhaps a pair of wool jacquard socks from Toast. Elsewhere, a reusable coffee cup is sure to be a practical present. Our favourite is this sleek design from Chilly's, which comes in 12 dreamy shades and two sizes for those who like their drinks on the grandé side.
How we selected the best stocking fillers
As Grazia's commerce writer and a self-confessed shopping addict, I've become somewhat of a gifting expert. Given I spend most of my days browsing the online racks at major and indie retailers and reading through press releases, I'm well versed in what's on offer and as such, have developed a deft hadn't at picking g out pieces that are surefire crowd favourites. For this guide, I've relied on the brands Team Grazia loves and focussed on affordable presents that'll definitely earn you the best gift giver title this festive season.
Best Stocking Filler 2024, At A Glance
Shop: The Best Stocking Fillers
www.chillys.com
It's time to ditch disposable coffee cups for good. Enter this chic receptacle from Chilly's, which will cheer up your desk in no time - and be the envy of all your colleagues.
edgeofember.com
As seen on Meghan Markle, Edge of Ember is a great jewellery brand to know that makes some great and affordable stocking fillers. Give her this recycled sterling silver crescent ring designed to serve as a reminder to always reach for the moon. Plus, the stackable design will fit right into her everyday roster.
neomwellbeing.com
Like a Christmas tree in a candle, Neom's pine, myrrh and lime peel scented candle comes in a chic checkerboard printed glass jar that can be reused as a bedside trinket holder.
knoops.co.uk
'Tis the season for love, joy, and best of all, hot chocolate. Knoops takes its hot cocoa seriously and these 54% dark hot chocolate flakes will result in a decidedly more decadent cup than any instant mix.
www.toa.st
No stocking is complete without a pair of socks and this warm pair knitted on vintage machines in Japan makes for a truly special present.
www.sephora.co.uk
A little treat for lips that's formulated with Vitamin E, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and pomegranate and rose to nourish lips in need of love and packaged in a festive Christmas cracker.
www.bouxavenue.com
These cosy, feminine slippers are festive while still having fabulous year-round potential.
sisterjane.com
This pearl and bead embellished bow will add a glamourous, vintage sparkle to touch to your New Year's Eve.
candykittens.co.uk
If they've got a sweet tooth (and let's face it, who doesn't) they'll love a festive treat from Candy Kittens.
www.cos.com
The winter bucket hat is having a moment. Our favourite is this textured style from COS that’ll add a cosy finish to your autumn outfits.
www.selfridges.com
With five best-selling Jo Malone fragrance including Peony & Blush Suede, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Pomegranate Noir and English Pear & Freesia at just £20, this is perhaps the best valued stocking filler you can gift your loved one.
www.gigiandolive.com
Scrunchies are back, and in a big way. Help your fashionable friend stay ahead of the curve with these velvet iterations in a festive maroon shade that’ll look great styled with a matching dress for Christmas Eve.
www.woolandthegang.com
Why not add a special personal touch to your presents by making them yourselves? Wool And The Gang's beanie knitting kit is beginner-friendly and will result in a cosy hat that they're sure to cherish forever.
barjewellery.com
Beloved by celebrities including Emma Watson and Meghan Markle, Bar Jewellery's handcrafted pieces are crafted with recycled materials. These sterling silver earrings are perfect for the minimalists.
www.papersmiths.co.uk
For stationery-lovers, Papersmiths is like the Holy Grail and this teal notebook set is perfect for adding a pop of colour to everyday journaling.
www.johnlewis.com
Keep your fur baby happy as a clam with this holiday-themed dog toy. Trimmed with tartan, the cuddly toy also features an internal squeaker to keep your dogs entertained.
www.spacenk.com
A decoration that promises intense TLC for your hands - what more could you want? This limited-edition scented trio includes a softening hand wash, rinse free hand wash and velvet lotion that’ll nourish and hydrate your hands.
www.johnlewis.com
Featuring quirky hand illustrations from British designer Eleanor Bowmer, this Christmas-themed napkin set will be the envy of all future guests.
jellycat.com
Super soft, cuddly and finished with a Christmassy touch, this cute bunny Jellycat plush doubles as a Christmas decoration and will be a hit with adults and children alike.
Nothing beats a classic red lip, and Tom Ford's cherry red lipstick is the perfect shade to flatter any skin tone, enriched with nourishing Brazilian Murumuru Butter and Chamomilla Flower Oil for ultra creamy application.
www.waterstones.com
If you're in the market for funny stocking fillers (and know a cat person or book worm), what could be better than a literary-themed mug named Pride And Purrjudice?
www.lush.com
If you're shopping for someone who hasn't stopped belting 'Defying Gravity' for the past few weeks, look no further than Lush's limited edition Wicked collection. This bubble bar that looks like Glinda's wand is a sure winner.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This multitasker is a must have for any beauty buffs. Use to hydrate and moisturise the skin, as an overnight mask, or to even relive dry hands and hydrate nails and cuticles.
www.lego.com
Not only is this Christmas Tree set ideal for making a striking festive centrepiece, it'll make for the perfect family activity after Christmas dinner.
www.rituals.com
Rituals is packed with an array of excellent Christmas resents, but this mini diffuser set which adds a delicate cherry blossom scent to any space is the perfect stocking filler.
www.biscuiteers.com
This DIY kit comes with baked biscuits, icing pens, and sprinkles to create your own hand-iced Christmas jumper cookies, meaning it offers a Christmas activity that's as delicious as it is fun.
www.anthropologie.com
Everyone loves a candle, especially if it's packaged in an aesthetically pleasing and personalised jar like this custom zodiac sign style from Lou Benesch.
www.marksandspencer.com
Your mini-me will love this plush eye mask and beauty band set that looks just like yours.
uk.pandora.net
Dainty and sparkling, these stud earrings are perfect for adding a subtle sparkle to your Christmas outfits while being demure enough for the office.
www.papier.com
With neatly separated tabs for breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes as well as conversion charts and a folksy cover, the chef of the house is sure to love this recipe book.
tortware.com
Brushing your hair will turn from daily chore to daily joy with this scallop edged comb.
www.hotelchocolat.com
These beanie-wearing caramel-filled penguins won't last long but will be delicious.
For those always on-the-go, this tech grail is compatible with most iPhone models and is wireless, making it super convenient. W can hardly believe this perfect travel companion is under £30.
www.marksandspencer.com
Keep him snug with this textured scarf in a versatile black hue that'll go with everything in his wardrobe.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
Fashion trends aside, 90s toys are also making a big comeback for 2024. Introduce your baby nieces and nephews to your favourite childhood pastime with this Hello Kitty Tamagotchi. It's also a great nostalgic throwback present for the millennials in your life.
www.boots.com
They’ll smell fabulous in Soap & Glory’s special berry-scented collection. With a shower gel, scrub and moisturiser all boasting a fruity fragrance, they’ll be posutoively glowing this festive season.
Best Stocking Fillers FAQs
Best Stocking Fillers FAQs
What are good stocking fillers for adults who have everything?
We've all been there; trying to shop for someone who has everything or buys whatever they need themselves can get frustrating. So it pays to stick to the classics. While socks and chocolates are always a good idea, we'd also suggest skincare essentials such as hand cream and lip balm, all of which are guaranteed to be received well.
What is the most common stocking filler?
When it comes to stocking fillers, the most common presents are affordable and practical items. Think socks, lip balms, mugs, or even makeup samples. While less personal, gift cards are also a popular choice.
What traditionally goes in a stocking?
Traditionally, Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) fills up stocking with tiny treasures such as small toys, dried fruit, candy. That said, if someone's been naughty this year, they're sure to receive a lump of coal according to legend.
How many gifts should be in a stocking?
Although there's no specific number of presents to fill up a stocking with, we'd recommend choosing one hero gift such as travel mug or some earrings along with a few smaller trinkets and candies to make sure your loved ones wake up to a stocking brimming with treats on Christmas morning.
Where do you leave Christmas stockings?
As the story goes, stockings are usually placed by the fireplace. This is perhaps because people believed that Santa dropped a few trinkets while climbing down the chimney. For those of us who don't have fireplaces in our homes, some people also place stockings by the bed.