“Uh, sweetheart, that’s another big-ticket item,” I said, mentally calculating the cost of the three presents my son had requested for Christmas. I didn’t need any more of those ideas. I needed little things. Palm-sized and inexpensive. Things I can stuff in his stocking that’ll surprise and hopefully delight him. But it’s not that easy anymore. My teenager doesn’t want a yo-yo. Finding good stocking stuffers for teens can be hard.
With teens, it can be tough to find presents, period. Sometimes they know exactly what they want, and sometimes… they just don’t. They have one foot in childhood and one toeing around young adulthood. Where does that leave room for toys? Gifts? If you’re looking for what to buy your kid this Christmas, here are 10 categories of stocking stuffers for teens packed with ideas. Hopefully, you can still delight him.
1. Candy, of Course, but Snacks Too
Teens aren’t too old for candy, so use it to fill up some room in their stocking. But don’t forget mini snacks too. Christmas is a day for a little indulgence, and when candy and snack foods are a rarity, the holiday gives us a chance to enjoy these treats a little more.
Ideas: Candy canes, chocolate snowmen, chips, granola bars, gummies, movie theater-sized candy boxes, mints, gum, popcorn, nuts.
2. Book Lover Items
If your teen loves to read (or you want him to read more), think about including some of these ideas.
Ideas: Reading light or flashlight, bookmarks, highlighters, an eBook or Kindle voucher, a magazine, a new release paperback, an invitation to get a library card with you.
3. Lip and Hair Care
Teen boys and girls can both benefit from a little bit of self-care. Plus, these presents are small enough to fit in a stocking.
Ideas: Chapstick or lip gloss, hairbrush, comb, scrunchies, hair ties, gel, claw clips, fancy shampoo, hair or lip mask, locker mirror for touch-ups.
4. Skin and Fragrance
Teens and tweens have been in the news recently for taking more interest in their skin. For ideas, peak at social media to find the latest trending items, or simply listen to what your kids are talking about.
Ideas: Scented lotion or lotion for cracked knuckles; perfume or cologne; shaving items, body wash, and a loofah or bath mitt.
5. Gift Card
It doesn’t have to be much: $5–10 will do. And having a gift card will encourage your teen to get out of the house and perhaps meet up with a friend too.
Ideas: Coffee shop, gaming store, beauty or makeup counter, bookstore, candy shop, sandwich shop.
6. Specialty Store Item
For the teen who likes to knit, throw in some new needles and some Alpaca yarn. For the teen who plays an instrument, what about new guitar picks, bow resin, wood polish, or sheet music? And then there are gifts for an artist: brushes, canvases, watercolors, clay, paint pens. What does your teen do in his free time?
7. Sports Item
These important pieces often need to be replaced. Why not stuff one in your teen’s stocking?
Ideas: Goggles, swim cap, batting gloves, leotard, mouth guard, towel, golf balls, Ben-Gay, kinesiology tape, eye black, running belt, athletic socks.
8. Sun, Shade, and Fun Items
If she enjoys spending time outdoors, think ahead to what she might use come spring. These stocking stuffers for teens will come in handy a few short months from now.
Ideas: Sunglasses, sunscreen, bird feeder, garden seeds, hiking map, sun hat or visor.
9. Unique or One-of-a-Kind Items
My teen asked for a pen. A fancy one. So, I looked around for a nice (and not too expensive) pen and found one that fit the bill. If your teen has eclectic taste, think what you can do to feed those interests. Is he studying Mandarin? Maybe a pocket dictionary will do. If she has a pet lizard, perhaps a bag of crickets (or not?).
Ideas: Earrings, bracelets, wallet, calligraphy pens, jewelry-making tools, chopsticks, dice, plastic drawer organizers, a belt, car cleaning sponge, keychain.
10. Odds and Ends
You might want to throw in a little extra (or maybe you’re still struggling to fill that stocking), so here are few more ideas.
Ideas: Big stickers for water bottles and binders, sleep mask, nail polish, deck of cards, underwear, string of lights, charging cord, mini-fan, satin pillowcase.
What stocking stuffers for teens have been a hit at your house?
