Those who celebrate Christmas, did you open your stockings first or last as a kid?
Throughout my childhood and up until I moved out of my parents’ house when I got married, the last thing we opened on Christmas morning was our stockings. They would be filled with some essentials - shaving cream, razors, deodorant - some gifts - bath bombs, lip balm, an ornament - and sweet treats - Hershey kisses. Santa would also stick a piece of fruit in there, too, for a bit of health to end off the year.
These days, whether Mark and I open our stockings first or last is a game-day decision. All we know is, that come December 25th, there are festively wrapped packages under the tree and full stockings hanging from nails he hammered into the wall above and to the side of our television (apartment living, am I right?). And as much as I love to open my stocking, I love filling and watching him open his stocking more!
I can’t take all the credit my A+ stocking stuffer shopping skills. It’s mostly due to my Mom’s influence. However, I will say, I dominate the stocking game. Mostly because I know what Mark likes, but I also see stuffing his stocking as an opportunity to get creative with these little gifts. I always cover the basics - his favorite holiday treats, and everyday essentials that need restocking - but I try to include some fun surprises, too! What’s the fun in being Santa’s elf if I don’t add some elements of wonder?
By the time you’re reading this, you likely have all of your under-the-tree shopping done (and if not, I have a list of last-minute gift ideas that might be worth your browse). But, if you haven’t collected all of the smaller gifts you’d like to include in a loved one’s stocking, or are just looking for some fresh stocking stuffer ideas that will switch things up from last year’s lot, allow me to be of some assistance.
These gifts are said to arrive by Christmas at the time of publication. Be sure to pay attention to any disclaimers each website has regarding delivery updates.
And, as always, let me know in the comments below which of these items you loved most, and if there are any additional stocking stuffers the Beyond My Byline community should know about for holiday 2023! And, if you don’t see an item on this list that would match your recipient’s personality or tastes, shoot me an email. I’ll offer some personalized recs based on your specifications.
**Please note, prices are subject to change as sales start!**
A Friendly Disclaimer: Beyond My Byline is reader-supported! When you buy through Amazon links in this post, I may earn an affiliate commission.
For Him
Dude Wipes Flushable Wet Wipes
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$16.98, amazon.com
Rather than toilet paper, your dude can use these damp wipes made of 100% plant-sourced fibers that are sewer and septic-safe as they begin to break down once they’re flushed. They’re fragrance-free and made of 99% water. You could consider them a handheld bidet for your bae.
The Good Patch Active Wellness Patches
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$23.98, amazon.com
It is no secret that The Good Patch is a favorite in the Guerra household. They’re used often and Mark and I both swear by their powers. The brand launched its Active patch earlier this year, and the stick-on acts as a pre-workout amp-up and more. Infused with caffeine, beta-alanine, L-Citrulline, and Rhodiola extract, and designed with four-way stretch, the patch can be worn for up to 12 hours to support their active lifestyle all day long.
Beard Oil Coconut Oil & Vitamin E
Photo Courtesy of Bath and Body Works
$13.95, bathandbodyworks.com
Mark shaved his head earlier this year and has become obsessed with the art of shaving ever since. His beard is also kept primped and sculpted, but also soft, thanks to Bath & Body Works’s Beard Oil. It’s infused with coconut oil and vitamin E, so the product is both nourishing and softening. Plus, Mark says it smells really good, which is always a win.
Darn Tough 1466 Men's Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$24.95, amazon.com
Another Guerra favorite stocking stuffer is the Darn Tough sock. This wool pair keeps your feet toasty and mobile amidst frigid weather conditions, courtesy of its blend of 63% Merino wool, 35% nylon, and 2% lycra spandex. The only downside is, that the retail price only covers one pair. However, we believe they’re well worth the cost. Mark swears by them, and I’ve borrowed them enough to concur.
Afta After Shave Skin Conditioner
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$22, amazon.com
Another Mark-inspired pick, Afta is his aftershave of choice. Miraculously, I can speak to the scent of this one. It’s crisp, and fresh, and does make his head feel extra smooth to the touch. If shaving and smelling good is important to your guy, gift him Afta and see how he likes it!
Nexon Botanics Head Ease Essential Oil Roll-On
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$11.95, amazon.com
Sometimes, Tylenol, Advil, and even Excedrin don’t cut it. If your guy suffers from chronic headaches or migraines, or you just want him to be prepared when out and about, Nexon Botanicals offers a natural remedy to help ease their head. It’s a soothing blend of lavender, peppermint, and rosemary oil, which sounds pretty basic, but the product has over 32.9K ratings on Amazon alone, with an average of 4.5 out of a potential 5-star rating. I’d go as far as to say, then, that it’s not so basic after all. Sounds downright magical to me.
Saucemoto Dip Clip
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$11.99, amazon.com
If they treat themselves to drive-thru cuisine at lunchtime, add to their experience with the Saucemoto Dip Clip. I saw these on Shark Tank and bought them for Mark last year, because how fun?! They can simply clip the dip holder to their air vent and voila! They no longer have to hold their sauce. Convenience just got even more convenient.
Casely Black Power Pod
Photo Courtesy of Casely
$60, getcasely.com
This stocking stuffer idea is a bit on the pricier side, but if you have the budget and feel like spending, I think this power pod by Casely is pretty cool. It’s the size of a credit card and as slim as an iPhone. It attaches to the smart device and powers it up when the juice is low. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns if black is too bland for your giftee’s taste.
Likeny Beard Bib
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$16.69, amazon.com
I feel like every man who shaves their face or head and tends to leave hair sprinkling on the bathroom floor needs this quirky bib. He wears it around his neck and attaches the side with suction cups to the mirror before buzzing off his beard or hair and bam! Cleanup is done for them. All they have to do is walk the remnants over to the garbage and dump ‘em in.
Bear Paws Meat Claws
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$14.99, amazon.com
Shredding meat is the worst kitchen activity I’ve yet to endure. Mark hates doing it, so I volunteered to take over the job. I now understand why he hates it so much. It’s just exhausting and sometimes two forks just don’t get the job done well enough. If you know a man (or woman!) who loathes this task as much as the next Guerra, gift them these claws. They’ll do the trick - at least, that’s what their cult following claims.
For Her
Silicone Earring Backs
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
from $3.99, amazon.com
I slotted this stocking stuffer first on my “for her” list because I think it’s one of the most genius ideas I’ve ever had. I am constantly losing the backings of my earrings. I’m down to two that I have to keep track of. You can get 240 or 300 backings for $3.99, 600 backings for $4.89, 1200 for $4.99, or 2000 for $9.99! It’s a steal.
Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance-Free Makeup Remover Face Wipes
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$9.94, amazon.com
This stocking stuffer idea is one of Mark’s go-tos for me. I love the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, especially on nights when it’s late and the last thing I want to do is go through my entire makeup routine. This cuts down my cleansing time in half. They’re also great for travel and come in miniature singles!
eos Shave Cream
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$8.55, amazon.com
Remember when I said I used to get shaving cream in my stocking? Well, I still get shaving cream in the stocking hanging on the stairs at my parents’ house, and this can from eos is typically in rotation. I love how thick the foam gets, and the formula really does leave my legs silky smooth.
Lake Bath Bomb
Photo Courtesy of LUSH
$8.50, lush.com
I write about Lush bath bombs all the time, and not because I’m sponsored by them (I’m not, but Lush, if you’re reading this, hi), but because I am genuinely obsessed with their bath bombs. I’m a bath girlie because of Lush. They have so many bombs and bubble bars to browse and choose from based on your recipient’s preferred scents and what they want to get out of their soak (i.e. relaxation, sleep-induction, or energy).
BESARME 3 Pieces Face Wash Headband and Wristband Set
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$9.99, amazon.com
I love enacting my skincare routine. It’s a chunk of time I dedicate to me, myself, and I, so I like to feel pampered throughout. I have a bow headband and love how cute it looks and how effective it is at keeping my hair from getting wet, but face wash wristbands are a new-to-me product that I can 100% get behind. Their purpose is to shield your arms from water drips, keeping you and your floor dry. It’s a genius concept and we all need to try them.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$24, amazon.com
Another year, another Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask recommendation. Listen, I have a tub on my bedside table, a tub in my purse, and a few backups tucked away in my cosmetics drawer. I swear by this stuff, along with the 36,000 reviewers singing its praises on Amazon. Skip the chapstick and treat them to this hydrating treatment.
Ultra Petite Satin Scrunchies
Photo Courtesy of Kitsch
$10, mykitsch.com
We can thank the return of 90s and 2000s fashion trends for the return of scrunchies. I love these hair accessories from Kitsch. They can wear them like hair ties, and they won’t leave their strands bent when they let them down.
The Hair Edit Octopus Claw Clip
Photo Courtesy of Ulta
$9.99, ulta.com
Claw clips are another early aughts trend back in fashion, but for those of us with extra long hair, finding a clip that can handle our tresses can be a challenge. Enter The Hair Edit’s Octopus Claw Clip that can handle it all. It’s a great pick for every length.
doTERRA Clary Calm Essential Oil Monthly Blend for Women
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$45.33, amazon.com
You get an essential oil blend, and YOU get an essential oil blend! Clearly, I dig essential oils, but I especially love essential oils around that time of the month. This concoction from doTerra combines the healing powers of Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Cedar wood, Yang Yang, Geranium, Fennel, Carrot Seed, Palma Rosa, and Vertex to ease menstrual symptoms quickly and naturally. It’s a must-have, particularly for those who experience cramping and hot flashes.
THISWORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Photo Courtesy of Amazon
$20, amazon.com
We could all use better quality sleep, and one of the best products on the market that can help us achieve those Zs, is the thisworks Deep Pillow Spray. I’m speaking from experience, and Mark can back me up. A few spritz of this mist onto their pillow, and your lucky recipient will have a one-way ticket to snoozeville.