Oops, You Forgot: Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers That Ship Fast

For restless hands, this Mini Daydream Thinking Putty is a fun $4 fidget that slips into any pocket or stocking. We found the smooth, stretchy silicone satisfying to knead, and it's non-toxic and made in the USA. The trade-offs: the mini tin contains a small amount, some batches arrive stiff and need warming and working to soften, and glittery variants can leave micro-sparkle or feel scratchy to sensitive skin. For a quick, calming distraction, it punches above its size.

Smart home curious on a budget? The Kasa EP10 mini plug costs about ten bucks and, in our testing, its ultra-small size didn't block adjacent outlets. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings for easy voice control, though be aware it only connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. We've seen occasional setup hiccups and rare drop-offs that a reboot usually fixes; for simple lamp or coffee maker automation, it's a practical, under-$25 stocking stuffer.

LEGO’s Series 26 Space minifigures make a fun, under-$5 surprise that slips easily into a stocking. In our testing, the designs felt fresh, with unique prints and new molded parts that collectors—and kids—will appreciate, and they pair nicely with any space-themed builds. Because they’re blind bags, duplicates can happen when ordering multiples, and each pack contains just one mystery figure. Note the small parts (and a small ball) pose a choking hazard for children under three, so age appropriately.

For mess-free creativity on the go, Water Wow! is a sanity saver—just add water to the chunky pen and watch colors appear, then dry to reuse. In our testing, the spiral-bound pad was travel-friendly and easy for small hands, and we love the FSC-certified paper. Be aware the pen tip can fray or clog with heavy use, and pages may scratch if kids press hard or pour water. Our experience shows repeated use eventually wears it out after a few months.

UNO is a no-brainer stocking stuffer when you’re racing the clock—at $6.40, it’s a classic crowd-pleaser that works for kids and adults. In our testing, the rules take seconds to teach, and the compact deck slips easily into a bag for road trips or family gatherings. Do note that packaging can tear when opening, and print quality occasionally varies between batches. Still, for budget-friendly, on-the-go fun that scales from two players to many, it’s hard to beat.

At around $0.99, this classic pack is a cheerful, budget-friendly add-on for any stocking. During our review, colors laid down smoothly and washed off skin and many surfaces with minimal effort—great for kid-friendly cleanup. The trade-offs: crayons can snap under pressure, and we’ve seen occasional shipping dings or opened boxes. Our experience shows the paper wrappers may loosen with heavy use, so consider a small crayon case or sleeves to keep pieces organized and protected.

Consider the classic Rubik's 3x3 for a screen-free challenge that fits any stocking. During our review, the familiar 3.5-inch size proved great for travel and quick brain breaks, and the under-$10 price is easy on last-minute budgets. Build quality can vary; some pieces feel loose and there are reports of cubes coming apart, so it's not meant for serious speedcubers. For casual solving and nostalgic fun, though, it's a simple, satisfying pick.

For a tiny stocking stuffer that upgrades any phone, PopGrip adds a secure hold and doubles as a handy kickstand for streaming or video calls. During our review, installation and removal were simple, making it easy to reposition or transfer between cases. Be aware the adhesive can fail on some surfaces, and it may interfere with wireless charging. It adds slight bulk and could scratch painted finishes, so pair it with a compatible case and charge with a cable when needed.

If you need a fast, functional gift, this Totes compact umbrella hits the sweet spot at $15.99. During our review, the one-touch auto open/close felt convenient when dashing from the car, and the canopy offers wider coverage than many compacts. Just note the trade-offs: the button can be stiff, wind can flip the canopy, and some users report breakage after a few uses. Treat it as a lightweight everyday backup rather than a storm fighter, and it's a handy stocking stuffer.

Tile Mate is an easy win for forgetful friends—at $19.99, you get two-way finding to ring your phone from the Tile and locate the Tile from the app. In our testing, the IP67 water resistance handled rainy commutes and splashes fine. Trade-offs: the battery isn’t replaceable, so the whole unit gets replaced at end-of-life, and the alert is quieter than some rivals. It also lacks UWB precision finding, but for everyday keys-and-bag tracking, it’s a solid, budget-friendly pick.

For late-night readers or crafters, this Glocusent neck light offers adjustable color temperatures and several brightness levels, plus bendable arms to aim light exactly where you need it. In our testing, the rechargeable battery and clear level indicators made it easy to track runtime between charges. The thick neck band can feel bulky when reclining on pillows, and the button placement sometimes gets pressed by accident. A few users may still want more brightness for ultra-detailed tasks, but it’s great for everyday use.

If you’re stuffing stockings for commuters, skiers, or sideline parents, this 10-pack is a warm win at $7.48. During our review, the pouches heated quickly after a shake and stayed toasty for hours, making them great for pockets or gloves. Our experience shows the single-use design creates waste, and they can run too hot for kids or sensitive skin, so supervise. Effectiveness varies slightly between packs, but for affordable, instant heat with zero charging or prep, they’re tough to beat.

This OXO opener feels reassuringly solid thanks to its die-cast zinc build, and in our testing the comfy, non-slip touchpoint made repeated openings easy. It handles metal pop-tops and most twist-off caps without fuss, perfect for holiday parties or tailgates. Just note it’s not magnetic, so it won’t live on the fridge, and it can’t open plastic screw caps. We also found occasional size quirks with certain soda and water bottles, though day-to-day performance was dependable for standard caps.

If you’ve got a barbecue fan on your list, these OXO shredding claws make quick work of pork shoulders and roasts. In our testing, the sturdy build didn’t flex under pressure and the long handles kept hands away from hot, greasy meat, and they cleaned up easily in the dishwasher. They’re bulky for delicate jobs like small chicken breasts, where forks may be better. Also keep them out of reach of kids—the large, sharp claws warrant careful storage.

Travelers will appreciate the Anker 511's pocket-friendly size and reliable 20W USB-C fast charging for most phones. In our testing, it topped up an iPhone quickly and slipped into tiny pouches without bulk. Keep in mind it's a single-port charger and doesn't include a cable, and some Android models prefer higher wattage or PPS for peak speeds. As a compact, under-$25 essential for everyday carry, it's a smart stocking add-on.

At around $20, JLab's Go Air Pop are the no-stress earbuds you can toss in a stocking and actually use. In our testing, battery life was a standout: roughly 8 hours per bud and about 32 total with the case, plus the built-in USB cable is clutch for quick top-ups. Fit can be loose and the silicone tips don't always seal, and the case lid feels flimsy compared with pricier models. Expect occasional pairing hiccups, but everyday listening is surprisingly solid for the price.

You can't go wrong with a classic tube of Burt's Bees for under five bucks. During our review, the beeswax and natural-origin oils left a matte, non-greasy feel that's great under masks or lipstick, and multipacks make gifting easy. Note the trade-offs: the peppermint tingle can irritate sensitive lips, the caps feel thinner and can crack, and some folks report frequent reapplication. As a budget stocking staple, it's simple, familiar, and widely available.

Skincare fans know The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a budget hero at just six dollars. In our experience, it layers easily under moisturizer and sunscreen, and helps curb oiliness while improving the look of pores over time. The flip side: 10% niacinamide can sting or trigger purging for sensitive skin, so patch test and start slowly. Watch for packaging issues if ordering from third-party sellers, but for an affordable serum, it's hard to beat.

Nothing beats a classic: Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles have that smooth, melting center that feels instantly indulgent. We found the festive packaging easy to drop straight into a stocking, and the creamy texture is a crowd-pleaser for sweet tooths. That said, the milk flavor can be too sugary for some, and warm shipping can lead to soft, sticky pieces or the occasional thin shell or dented truffle. If you're gifting locally, they're a reliable, luxe-feeling treat.

Reach for Ghirardelli's Premium Assortment when you want variety in a stocking stuffer. In our experience, the chocolate is rich and creamy, and the assorted flavors make it easy to share or please picky palates. Just be mindful that foil-wrapped squares can get messy if they warm up, and some buyers have seen outer packaging arrive crushed in transit. It's pricier than generics for the bag size, but the brand-name quality usually wins over gift recipients.