Ah, the stocking stuffer. Often considered a lower-lift gift, it’s something that doesn’t break the bank and often is physically small — like, able to fit in a sock small. But don’t let the size or price fool you, you can certainly find a stocking stuffer that makes itself known and is worth every dollar.
And if you’re really on a mission to gift your loved ones with practical, high-quality things this winter, we rounded up our favorite problem-solving stocking stuffers — all aimed at making life a little bit easier. While they’re not all budget items, most are under $30, and all are aimed at solving a different problem your loved one may encounter. From small tech to personal items to even food-related fun, we have stocking stuffers for all types of people and all types of problems.
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You may just see an Apple cord, but what you’re really witnessing is a multidevice charger that can help streamline your loved one’s nightstand or desk. For iPhone 12 or later (anything with a MagStrip) as well as AirPods, this baby is a universal charger that doesn’t take up much space but packs a big punch.
Oh, what’s this? A pair of velvety soft hair ties that have a secret zipper compartment, making them perfect for a night out or going on a run? Yeah, we got them. This set comes with two stretchy ponytail holders that offer ingenious extra pocket space.
When speaking to ADHD experts, we learned that visual timers can help everyone with time management, as they literally show minutes passing by. If you have a loved one who struggles to be on time, this tool may help them stay on track.
Perfect amounts of both funny and snarky, this mug adorned with spreadsheet shortcuts is the perfect thing to gift your loved one who is asking you for help with formulas. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe and shows off a ton of useful tips.
Apple AirTags could be a forgetful person’s new best friend. With the Find My app that easily connects to your phone or iPad, they let you know their location, meaning you can easily keep track of your keys, wallet, luggage, pet or even car. They can play a sound when you’re looking for them and work with Siri. Truly, this is the stocking stuffer to be remembered.
Kasa plugs are small but useful tools that turn any outlet into a “smart” plug you can control from your phone — even when you’re not home — and set on timers. If you have someone who always worries about leaving their straightening iron on when they leave the house, this can be a game changer.
Another personal tech item, this pair of rechargeable hand warmers is great for anyone who is always cold or struggles with poor circulation. They give an instant boost of heat to the hands and are light and easy to carry around.
Few things are as instantly relaxing as a classic hot compress to the eyes. You can save yourself and your loved one time and energy with this rechargeable, cordless heated eye mask. It’s made from a super soft material that’s designed to feel great on the eyes and works on a 20-minute timer.
Any sauce boss in your life will be overjoyed to get this pair of “dip clips” that connect to your car vent, allowing you to enjoy delicious toppings on the go.
If you haven’t swapped to an electric stick lighter, it’s time. It makes lighting even super-tunneled candles easy and is rechargeable, so you never need to worry about finding a new lighter again.
A little this, a little that: This multitool is great for little projects around the house as well as camping or other outdoor activities. Use it to open bottles, unscrew screws or cut twigs. Your loved one will be happy to have it.
A TikTok favorite that HuffPost readers also love, this Biodance collagen face mask is super hydrating, penetrating your skin and helping it absorb all the good stuff. The brand says it helps minimize pores as well as reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Listen, we all have someone in our lives who is grouchy in the morning and doesn’t need anything else to set them off. Whether you have a loved one who hates the mornings or just is specific about their toast, this ingenious knife is designed to dispense the perfect spread of butter. It’s a simple tool they didn’t know they needed.
This hands-free neck light has been a consistent top seller at HuffPost, likely because it’s so useful. Perfect for reading in bed, knitting or just having some extra light as you tinker, it’s a lightweight tool that makes everything a little brighter.
Who among us hasn’t been subjected to a front-facing camera selfie family photo? This tiny tool lets your loved one take a photo from afar, meaning no one needs to run for that 10-second selfie timer.
Bring a little whimsy and color into someone’s life without tasking them with taking care of a new plant. This pair of Lego sunflowers is fun to make and even more fun to have around your house. Give your loved one the gift of greenery forever and always.
A bigger-ticket item that will still fit nicely into a stocking, this water flosser has a seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association for safety and effectiveness. It makes flossing easier and helps your loved one get hard-to-reach places in their mouth with a portable body and 360-degree rotation tip.
Another smile-worthy option, this Sonicare toothbrush is a few steps up from a drugstore find and can help your loved one get more regular with their tooth maintenance. Its sensor can detect the pressure you’re putting on your teeth and automatically adjusts to best protect your gums.
It looks silly, but close to 15,000 5-star ratings will have you taking this magnetic wristband a little more seriously. Perfect for your favorite handy person or home DIY-er, it’s a helpful band that uses magnets to help you stay organized and safe as you build.
Another fun take on a handy tool, this tape measure lets you customize the front with a personal message. Got a partner who loves to rearrange furniture? A bestie who lives at the flea market? Whoever you are gifting this to, they will love how thoughtful but still useful it is.