Last Minute Stocking Stuffers You Can Still Grab for 2025

Slip the Anker 511 Charger Nano Pro into any stocking and you're gifting real convenience for $15.99: its tiny, pocketable body saves space on crowded power strips and in travel bags. In our testing it delivered full-speed 20W USB-C charging for modern iPhones and many tablets, and Anker's ActiveShield kept temps and output in check. Trade-offs: the prongs don't fold, there's only one port, and it won't fast-charge laptops; our experience shows Samsung "Super Fast" PPS can be inconsistent on some models.

Five cars for under $9 is tough to beat, and the Hot Wheels 5‑Car 1:64 packs deliver variety and play value that kids love. During our review, the diecast bodies held up better than plastic-only cars during floor races and loop track crashes. Keep in mind styles vary—great for surprises but not for chasing a specific model—and some packs arrive with packaging dings or repacks; also note the small parts are a choking hazard for younger children.

Kinetic Sand in the 2‑lb purple bag is a slam-dunk sensory gift under $10 that kids can’t stop squishing and molding. In our testing, the sand’s flowy texture keeps little hands engaged, and the resealable bag helps it stay fresh between play sessions. Just know it can leave stray granules on floors and furniture, it doesn’t include molds or tools, and it’s not for children under 3—set it up on a tray and add inexpensive accessories.

For budding artists, Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels offer bright, opaque color in easy-to-hold sticks that are non-toxic and meet ACMI safety standards—all for about $3.20. We found they lay down smoothly for posters and school projects, though the formula can feel a bit firm, making heavy blending or thick layering trickier. Because the packaging is minimal and sticks aren’t individually wrapped, store them in a small tin or bag to reduce smudging and keep supplies tidy between uses.

Spark imaginative play with LEGO Classic Creative Ocean Fun: 333 pieces plus two extra bags for free building, and six ocean-themed ideas to get kids started - all for $24.99. In our testing, builders bounced between the guided models and mix-and-match creations, which kept play sessions fresh without needing screens. Note the small parts (and a small ball) pose a choking hazard for under-3s, and because the set is retired, availability and pricing can vary widely across retailers.

For a cozy two-player night, The Fox in the Forest delivers elegant trick-taking with gorgeous artwork in a compact box at just $12.79. In our testing, the unique scoring system - rewarding not too many or too few tricks - created great tension and lots of rematch appeal. Downsides are real: it only supports two, the included cardboard score tokens are fiddly, and heavy gamers may outgrow the small card pool; we preferred jotting scores with a pen for simplicity.

If you want dramatic length on a budget, Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara punches above its $5.09 price, and the brush distributes product evenly for that wide-eyed, false-lash look. In our testing, the initial payoff was impressive, though we noticed some flaking and smudging after several hours. Our experience shows formula consistency can vary between batches, so results may differ; if you have sensitive eyes, consider a patch test or keep drops on hand.

Travelers who want luggage that stands out will appreciate the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag’s bright colors and flexible, crack-resistant body, and at $20.97 it still fits our under‑$25 brief. In our testing, the privacy cover kept personal info concealed while remaining easy to access at check-in. The stainless-steel loop is the weak link—some report failures or missing clips—so inspect hardware on arrival or swap in a sturdier cable, as the included blank card and PVC cover feel a bit flimsy.

For a no-fuss winter pickup, the Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie delivers reliable warmth thanks to its thick acrylic rib knit, and at $13.99 it’s an easy add to any stocking. In our testing it held its shape after repeated washes and daily wear, though some buyers do find the fit runs tight at first. If you’re sensitive to acrylic or plan to wear it all day, note the 100% acrylic can feel scratchy and may stretch out a bit over time.

Stocking stuffer standbys are popular for a reason, and Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm still wins on recognizable ingredients like beeswax, vitamin E, and peppermint at about $10.89. During our review, we found it delivers lasting moisture that outperforms many basic sticks, though the peppermint tingle can feel strong on sensitive lips. Some recent buyers say the formula has changed and the newer, thinner caps feel flimsy, so consider keeping it in a pocket or pouch rather than a bottomless bag.

Yankee Candle's Signature Small Tumbler in Balsam & Cedar brings that classic pine-and-cedar holiday vibe for $12.99, and its compact jar tucks neatly into any stocking. In our testing, the scent was pleasantly authentic in bedrooms and entryways, though the throw felt mild for large, open spaces. Burn time is shorter than bigger jars, and the wintery profile is most appealing during the holidays, but for a last-minute, easy-to-wrap gift, it hits the festive sweet spot.

Nothing says holiday treat like the Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Bar, and at around $3.50 it’s a cheerful, budget-friendly tuck-in. We found the peppermint-and-chocolate combo to be a crowd-pleaser, and the individually wrapped, kosher-certified bars are handy for stockings or gift bags. Note that some folks find it quite sweet and occasionally mention smaller pieces or a different topping texture; because it’s seasonal, it can be tough to find outside December, so grab a few while they’re on shelves.

Stuck on time? The $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card lands in inboxes fast, and during our review it redeemed smoothly to a Nintendo account for instant games, DLC, or in-game currency. It's a painless stocking stuffer for Switch owners, but note the balance ties to a single account and is generally non-transferable. Our experience shows some redemptions are limited to U.S. accounts, and certain retailers or payment methods can't be used to buy these cards.

When you truly need a last-minute gift, an iTunes Gift Card code from a marketplace like G2A delivers instantly and adds funds to an Apple ID for apps, media, or subscriptions. During our review, codes arrived quickly, and our experience shows Apple’s balance never expires, which makes it low-stress for both giver and recipient. That said, listings can carry markups, seller reliability varies, and codes may be region‑locked—so choose well‑rated sellers, confirm the right country, and redeem promptly.

A budget-friendly way to keep tabs on keys or backpacks, the Life360 Tile Mate works with both iOS and Android and was just $6 at the time of writing. In our testing, basic finding in apartments was reliable, and the marketed multi-year battery life means fewer swaps, but there's no UWB directional arrow for precision locating. Our experience shows some useful features sit behind a subscription, and the built-in speaker and real-world Bluetooth range can trail pricier competitors.

Sparkly and fun without the sticky feel, Lavender Star Dust’s Amethyst Glitter Lip Oil is cruelty‑free and adds high‑shine shimmer that teens love, and at $7 it’s an easy last‑minute stuffer. In our testing the non-tacky texture felt comfortable, with a light grape flavor that doesn’t overpower. Do note the small 0.4‑fl‑oz size can go fast, and a few buyers report broken components and glitter spills; with some retailers listing final‑sale policies, consider in‑store pickup or careful unboxing.

For a quick, cheerful add-on, the pocket-sized Mattel card game gives you classic Uno fun in a travel-friendly format - perfect for holiday downtime and only $1.75 at Dollar Tree. During our review, rounds moved fast at the kitchen table, but the mini cards can be fiddly for adults to shuffle or hold. We've also seen packs with fewer cards or slightly tweaked gameplay versus full-size Uno, and packaging can be confusing, so double-check contents before gifting.

Give their phone an instant upgrade with the PopSockets PopGrip, a $9.99 add-on that makes one‑handed texting and photo taking far more comfortable while doubling as a quick stand for videos. In our testing, the swappable top was a fun way to personalize without buying a whole new grip. Be aware some users report adhesive failure on certain cases and finishes can scratch, so let it cure overnight and buy somewhere with easy returns in case of shipping damage.