Since we’re already half-way through the month of December, we know that most of our readers have been tirelessly trekking through the malls, searching for the perfect gifts for friends and family. In order to help you, we posted many gift guides and even told you what NOT to buy. But, as I know well, a lot of shoppers struggle with the “smallest” part of Christmas shopping… Stocking stuffers.
I can’t tell you how many shopping trips I’ve spent over the years looking for stocking stuffers for my father that are small in size and price. I usually wander through the aisles until I panick and buy my dad the same three items: socks, shaving cream and socks. Snooze! While stockings should have some practical items, it’s fun to spice them up with inexpensive gifts that are out of the ordinary…
Unisex Stocking Stuffers
1. Travel-sized cologne or perfume (prices vary)
*item pictured above is Jennifer Anniston’s Eau de Parfum spray, available at Sephora for $12.
Travel-sized anything is always a great bet when looking for stocking stuffers. While cologne and perfume is a very personal thing, giving small sizes as a gift is a good way to test out new scents.
2. Chapstick $3
Because everyone gets dry lips in the winter.
3. $5 Gift Cards
Simple and perfect. Pick up some $5 cards from Tim Hortons, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc. Giving someone their caffeine fix will always put a smile on their face.
4. Personalized Mugs $3
Time to DIY! Head to the dollar store and pick up a plain mug and a sharpie. Write whatever you like and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. So easy and so meaningful! You can fill the mug with their favourite chocolate, candy, coffee or tea for an added touch.
5. Magazines (prices vary)
Pick up their favourite magazine, whether it be Vogue, Us Weekly or Men’s Health. Give them something to curl up with when the snow is falling over their Christmas vacation.
6. Hand Warmers $3.50
These hand warmers will be much appreciated when scraping ice and snow off the car once the temperature hits -40!
7. Mini Bottles of Booze (prices vary)
Another easy way to warm up? A nice glass of whiskey. Turn to the mini bottles of various spirits available at your local LCBO!
Stocking Stuffers for Men
1. Disposable Razors $6-10
*item pictured above is BIC Flex 4
Disposable razors are always a good bet for any guy. Whether they have a razor that they love, chances are, the refill blades would bust your stocking budget. Plus, these are great for travelling!
2. Shaving Brush $12
Old-fashioned shaving is making a huge comeback, and nothing feels nicer than applying shaving cream with a brush that enhances the lather… (or so I’ve heard.)
3. Team Canada Toque $15
While the Winter Olympics aren’t for another 2 years, winter weather is definitely here! Keep your man’s ears warm with this prideful toque. Besides, the World Juniors are just around the corner and with the lack of NHL this season, you know the whole country will be watching this tournament.
4. Wall Mounted Bottle Opener $10
Every guy likes a cool way to open their beer. Whether it’s a party trick that involves his belt or a bottle opener that has built-in sound-effects, bottle-openers of all sorts are usually a hit. This version mounts to the wall for convenience.
5. Money Clip $20
A money clip is a great gift if your guy hates being bogged down with an over-flowing wallet or worries about loosing his cash. This version isn’t overly expensive to begin with and you can get it engraved with a personalized monogram or message for an extra cost.
Stocking Stuffers for Women
1. Nail Polish ($8-10)
*item pictured above is Essie Bordeaux
Unless your gift-ee has acrylic or gel nails, nail polish is a perfect stocking stuffer. If you’re stuck on a brand/colour, I highly recommend this one. It’s a perfect deep red for the winter months. In fact, at least 2 of us nuts have worn it in the past week!
2. Knit Head Band $12
Knit head bands are all the rage right now and I can totally see why. Not only are they so cute, but they keep your ears warm without leaving you with hat hair. It’s win-win!
3. Wine Charms $10
Wine charms are the perfect accessory for any wine or martini drinker who likes to entertain. They’re available in a variety of designs!
4. Pop-Up Travel Brush $7
This item is actually the BEST. A compact mirror that also contains a brush? Sign me up. Perfect to fit in any small clutch or purse, this is great to keep with you at all times.
5. The Sparkler $24
Designed like an old-fashioned perfume bottle, this spritz on highlighter releases a fine, shimmery powder to highlight hair, face and body. Perfect for any special occasion, especially New Years Eve!
What is the best stocking stuffer you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments below!
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