If you look at other gift guides out there, particularly for stocking stuffer ideas, you might notice they’re frequently organized into three “types”: men, women, and kids. Personally, I don’t think that’s an exciting way to shop. Stocking stuffers are, above all, little treats and for me that usually means two things. First, they need to be thoughtful. Second, they should be food-related. No shade to other stocking stuffer gift guides out there, but I think we can do better than, “bath bombs for woman,” “golf balls for man,”“crayons for kid.” So here are the rules we follow when buying stocking stuffers during holiday shopping season:
Rule One: Make it thoughtful
I think of the person on my list and I ask: What brings them comfort? What brings them joy? What brings them tidings of comfort and joy? (Sorry, I have “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” stuck in my head.) What are they spending their free time on (or what would they be spending their free time on if they had free time)? Do they always have a new outdoor cooking gadget they’re excited to yap about? Have they ever FaceTimed with me while drinking sea moss gel and wearing a skin-care headband? Do they bring their own house slippers along with a bottle of wine whenever they go to a dinner party?
Rule Two: Make it delicious
Why food-related? Well, I strongly believe that feeding a person (or helping them feed themselves) is the best way to show you love them. Everyone has their comforts, so whether your person is the one who wakes up before dawn to smoke a brisket in January, has a lip balm flavor for every craving, or whose TikTok FYP is entirely full of smoothie recipes, this is the gift guide for them (and you). And hey, even if your person isn’t on this list, keep reading–there’s enough variety to inspire something more specific (and delicious) than a gift card.
Jump right to stocking stuffer ideas for…
…the one who keeps it cozy: OHOM Ui Artist Collection Self-heating Mug, $128 at Amazon
…the dessert lover: Peppermint Bark, $30 at Williams Sonoma
…the kitchen gadgeteer: The Fluicer, $17 at Amazon
…the one who grills year ‘round: Weber Premium Gloves, $53 $40 at Amazon
For the one who keeps it cozy:
Who wants socks as a holiday gift? Me. I do. I’m looking at my stocking, which is already a sock, and wishing there was another, smaller sock in there. Happy Socks delivers, evoking the traditional Christmas cracker (think party favors, not cheese accessory) with this gift set of two holiday-themed food prints: candy canes and hot chocolate.
2-Pack Candy Cane & Cocoa Socks Gift Set
If the multiple yule log videos on YouTube are any indication, curling up by a fire during the holiday season is the iconic cozy activity.