Clutter Free Stocking Stuffers for Adults and Kids

Want ideas for great stocking stuffers for adults and kids? This article is for you!

I have to be honest. We are not doing stockings this year.

gasp!

I know!

It seems crazy, especially because I love stocking stuffers for adults as well as kids. But this year it just seemed like a chore to buy stocking gifts and since Olive won’t know any different, we decided not to waste the money.

Often stocking gifts end up turning into clutter, especially when we choose them based on how much time we have rather than what the recipient really wants (that seems to be the case most years).

Even though we aren’t buying stocking gifts this year I still wanted to share some ideas for clutter-free stocking stuffers for adults and kids so those of you who are filling stockings this year can do so with minimal clutter.

It has to be said though, the first rule to being frugal or a minimalist is to choose not to buy anything that you don’t really need to buy!

So, could you choose to skip stockings this year? Or could you use smaller stockings? Possibly handmade ones?

Or maybe your family could choose to buy only gifts for the stockings (Doing any of these things will surely reduce clutter too!).

No? You have children who loves their stockings and would be crushed without them? That’s fine too! (also check out my post on great gifts for kids with a minimalist twist).

Stocking Stuffers for Adults and Kids

Obviously everyone’s tastes are different but the important question to keep in mind is will they actually use this?  

If your gift recipient will use your gift then it won’t turn into clutter that needs to be recycled or given away.

Here are some ideas that will hopefully not turn into a burden to your family and friends!

Lottery Tickets

These are great stocking stuffers for adults and kids. It’s so fun to imagine winning big! And since they are only a dollar or two, they are incredibly affordable.

Edibles for Stocking Stuffers

This is probably my favorite gift. The only thing left over is a few wrappers!

Some ideas:

• Candy – some of my favorites are dark chocolate with forest mint and organic gummy bears
• Fruit leather
• Beef jerky
• Fudge
• Oranges
• Individual packets of hot cocoa mix, mulling spices, oatmeal, tea, trail mix, or *ahem* a nipper of Bailey’s.
• Specialty oils or vinegars
• Maple syrup
• Coffee

Health and Beauty Products

These are another of my favorite stocking stuffers for adults. Practical and frugal, these gifts are easy to choose when you already know which brands and fragrances your loved ones enjoy.

For something really special you can even make some of them!

Some ideas:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Body wash
• Handmade organic makeup
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Hair ties – these no crease hair ties are super fun
• Fun bandages

Art Supplies

When I was a kid I loved getting a brand new coloring book and set of crayons in my stocking. I would probably still love it now!

• Coloring books
• Adult coloring books
• Colored pencils
• Crayons
• Markers
• Paint sets
• An origami kit
• Scratch art cards
• Make your own bouncy ball kit

Activity Tickets or Gift Cards

Creating a memory is the best gift of all. Check Groupon, Living Social or other discount sites for deals.

Some ideas:

• Movies
• Local museums
• Community theater
• Local sports games
• A (cooking, martial arts, pottery, etc) class
• Ice skating 

Entertainment

It’s always fun to get a new game or toy, even for adults! Just make sure to choose toys that the recipient will love and not just something that fits in the stocking.

Some ideas:

• Travel games
• puzzle books
• play dough
• Little cars and trains
• flash cards
• books
• magazines
• movies

Camping/Survival Gear

If your recipient is an outdoorsy person or just someone who likes to be prepared these can be really fun and practical gifts!

Some ideas:

• Flashlights or headlamps
• Hand crank emergency radio
• Swiss army knife
• Mess kit
• Paracord bracelet

Kitchen and Home Stuff

For someone who loves to be in the kitchen, new gadgets and utensils are a great gift.

Some ideas:

• refrigerator magnets
• Biodegradable paper straws
• candles (emergency or decorative)
• dish towels
• wine aerator
• lint roller
• Poo-pouri!

Gardening Supplies

When it’s cold and dark in December it’s fun to be reminded of springtime. New gardening supplies are a great way to keep a gardener happy through the winter!

Some ideas:

• flower or herb seeds – Seeds Now is a great place to get non-GMO, heirloom seeds
• gardening gloves
• garden markers

Office Stuff

Everyone can use office supplies and there are a lot of really fun options out there!

Some ideas:

• Pens
• Pencil sharpener
• Post-it notes
• this hilarious tape dispenser
• usb drive
• bookmarks
• these pen cap eating utensils

Sport or Hobby Stuff

• fishing lures
• golf balls
• paintballs

Other Fun Ideas

• Piggy bank with cash – like this maze piggy bank
• $5 Gift cards

Did you miss my handmade gift guide or how to have a no-debt holiday?

What are your favorite stocking stuffers for adults or kids?