Many would agree that rummaging through your Christmas stocking is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas morning. Hung by the fireplace or at the end of your bed, the tradition of filling an empty sock-shaped bag full of surprises originates from the life of Saint Nicholas. Legend has it that the Christian bishop wanted to help an old man in poverty, by secretly throwing bags of gold coins directly into his daughters’ stockings while they were hanging up to dry by the fireplace. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas.
The stories of Saint Nicholas’ secret gift-giving later influenced the modern Christmas Eve traditions of Santa Claus. Today, many children (and adults) are still leaving out their stockings in the hopes of finding them filled with all sorts of tiny treats by morning. After all, good things come in small packages.
If you’re looking for unique stocking fillers for your loved ones, this gift guide includes something for everyone on your list. Whether you're shopping for kids, teens, best friends, moms, or grandparents, our collection of products is sure to please.
Some of the best stocking stuffers combine practicality with whimsy. For example, if you're shopping for artists, we’ve included the Viviva Colorsheets—a portable booklet of watercolor paint sheets. Similarly, crafters will enjoy working on this hedgehog needle felting project.
Other little gifts to consider are bath and beauty products. If the recipient could use a little relaxing, then consider adding some geode bath bombs to their stocking. Or, if their vanity needs some refreshing, a set of moisturizing lip balms and French hand creams could be much appreciated.
Or, if you want to stay away from physical gifts, and prefer to give an experience, then check out our selection of online classes. My Modern Met Academy offers courses in illustration, painting, photography, and more.
Scroll down to see all of our stocking stuffer ideas.
Looking for creative stocking stuffers? Check out our selection of 45 small gift ideas that are sure to make a big impression.
Bath & Beauty
Geode Bath Bombs
French Hand Cream Set
Jade Face Roller
Bear Face Wash Headband
Set of 3 Lip Balms
Arts & Crafts
Small Leather Pouch Kit
Solar Photography Kit
Embroidery Stitch Sampler
Portable Watercolor Paint Sheets
Hedgehog Needle Felting Kit
Rainbow Pencils
Unique Accessories
Space Time Hourglass Necklace with Meteorite Dust
Cubist Earrings
Never Give Up Necklace
Color Wheel Pendant Necklace
Animal Temporary Tattoos
Vincat van Gogh Enamel Pin
Abstract Portrait Ring Cone
Rainbow Sloths Enamel Pins
Toys & Games
Frida Kahlo Action Figure
“Art Genius” Playing Cards
Yoga Joes: Series 1 Figurines
Small Wooden Cat Pile Game
Lollipopter Kinetic Toy
Cubebot Multicolored Wood
Wooden Snake Block Toy
Mindfulness Cards
Cat's Cradle
Useful Products
Animal Multi Tool
Cat Head Air Freshener
Wearable Nail Polish Bottle Holder
Monstera Leaf Coasters
Balloon Dog Phone Stand
Sheep and Sheep Dog Wool Dryer Balls
Quote Pencil Bag
Mini Cactus and Green Circle Planter
Baby Nessie Tea Infuser
Artist Page Flags Set
Bull Bottle Stopper
Modern Coasters
Tiny Plant Bookmarks
Van Gogh Irises Candle
Aladdin Sane Keychain
Cat Butt Push Pins
Online Classes
Portrait Drawing for Beginners: Learn How to Draw Anyone You’d Like | My Modern Met Academy: Learn to draw facial features, characters, and people! In bite-sized lessons, this portrait drawing course will break down one of the most complex subjects, the human face, into something simple and approachable.
Architectural Illustration for Everyone: Draw Buildings in Ink and Colored Pencil | My Modern Met Academy: Master the art of architectural illustration with this course by Demi Lang. She'll take you step-by-step through her incredible process of drawing buildings using ink and colored pencil.
Animal Portraits in Colored Inks: Tell a Visual Story That Conveys Emotion | My Modern Met Academy: Explore ways to add emotion and personality to your artwork by using colored inks. In bite-sized lessons, this expressive illustration course will guide you through creating your own animal portrait from start to finish.
Crochet Crash Course: Fiesta Fringe Bag | My Modern Met: Have some crafty fun when you fashion this fringy bag. New to crochet? No problem! You'll learn how to create the bag from start to finish.
Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art | My Modern Met Academy: In this class, you'll learn how to press a variety of flowers and transform the blooms into stunning, one-of-a-kind botanical art.
Introduction to Pet Photography: Capture the Spirit of Your Furry Friend | My Modern Met Academy: Learn how to take a soulful portrait of your dog in a studio setting with the help of a renowned pet photographer.
This article has been edited and updated.
Related Articles:
37 Creative Gifts Under $10 That’ll Make Someone Feel Like a Million Bucks
2022 Holiday Gifts Under $20 for Anyone Who Loves Creative Things
38 Fun and Creative Gifts for the Artist in Your Life
40 Gifts for Kids That Playfully Promote Their Creative Minds