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. For the artist in your life, we’ve included the Viviva Colorsheets—a portable booklet of watercolor paint sheets. For crafters, there’s plenty of gift ideas to keep them busy, including a hedgehog needle felting project. For photographers, check out the solar photography kit. But if you’d like that creative person to just relax, give them some geode bath bombs to make sure they take some time that’s just for them.
Looking for creative stocking stuffers? Check out our selection of 40 small gift ideas that are sure to make a big impression.
Geode Bath Bombs
Ballerina Bookmark
Artist Page Flags Set
Bull Bottle Stopper
Mindfulness Cards
Frida Kahlo Action Figure
Small Leather Pouch Kit
Solar Photography Kit
Cubist Earrings
Cat Butt Magnets
“Art Genius” Playing Cards
Hedgehog Needle Felting Kit
Animal Multi Tool
Cat Head Air Freshener
Tealight Candles
Animal Temporary Tattoos
Abstract Portrait Ring Cone
Fox Embroidery Kit
Never Give Up Necklace
Small Wooden Cat Pile Game
Lollipopter Kinetic Toy
Wearable Nail Polish Bottle Holder
Cubebot Multicolored Wood
Balloon Dog Phone Stand
Wooden Snake Block Toy
Sheep and Sheep Dog Wool Dryer Balls
“Dot” Kokeshi Doll
Rainbow Pencils
Quote Pencil Bag
Music Box Kit
Portable Watercolor Paint Sheets
Blue Floral Temporary Tattoos
Yoga Joes: Series 1 Figurines
Rainbow Sloths Enamel Pins
RGB & CMYK Double-Sided Necklace
Baby Nessie Tea Infuser
Monstera Leaf Coasters
Vincat van Gogh Enamel Pin
Mini Cactus and Green Circle Planter
Modern Table Tiles
This article has been edited and updated.
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