I’ve already shared a list of 20 tried-and-true gift ideas for men, but today I’m focusing on some less expensive items that are perfect for stockings.
Once again, I consulted John.
Most of these are things we own and use regularly. There are a few travel essentials, some useful gadgets, a couple of favourite treats, and some things that might not immediately spring to mind as stocking stuffers.
And while I’m calling this a stocking stuffer guide for men, plenty of these would be perfect for women or teenagers, too!
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*All prices are in USD and reflect pricing as of publication in October 2026.
1. Mike’s Hot Honey | $10
Mike’s Hot Honey adds a little heat, a little sweetness, and yummy flavour to just about anything.
It’s a fun little stocking stuffer (which is exactly where it ended up last holiday season for John).
2. Sanpellegrino | $20 (for a 24-pack)
John isn’t much for flavoured drinks, but he really enjoys the occasional can of Sanpellegrino.
It’s a nice treat to tuck into a stocking, especially if you’re looking for something consumable rather than another “thing” to add to someone’s belongings.
3. Brookside Chocolates | $12 (21 oz)
Confession: this recommendation is more for me than John.
I love Brookside chocolates. They’re delicious, and I especially appreciate that I can grab a little handful and feel like I’m having an indulgent snack without opening a bunch of individually wrapped candies.
They’re a great stocking stuffer (assuming you can resist eating them before Christmas morning). John buys me a bag of these every year for Christmas. YUM!
4. Five Crowns Card Game | $10
This has been a perennial favourite in our household for years.
Five Crowns takes a while to play (usually 30–40 minutes for our family), but it’s a fun card game with enough strategy and luck to keep things interesting.
And the game truly ISN’T over “until the kings go wild.” A great stocking stuffer for anyone who enjoys card games.
5. YETI Rambler | $35
I’m actually the one who uses an official YETI Rambler in our household, and I’ve owned and loved mine for years.
It keeps hot drinks hot for hours, making it great for transporting coffee or tea in a vehicle (I take it with me to church every single Sunday).
Note: the magnetic slider is NOT leakproof. Do NOT toss it into a bag full of electronics and hope for the best. (Yeti does make leakproof versions, but I prefer the magnetic slider.)
6. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter | $20
This little adapter has travelled all over the world with John.
Australia, Europe, South America, Africa, North America… you name it.
He loves his universal travel adapter, and it’s a staple in our travel packing kit.
If you know someone who travels internationally, this is a practical gift that won’t take up much room in a stocking OR a suitcase.
7. Car Charger | $35
Speaking of charging…
John recently bought a new car charger that plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket, and he’s been really happy with it. (In fact, he specifically suggested I include it in this list.) It has two retractable USB-C cords that click to custom lengths, a display that shows the voltage being pulled, a USB port, and a USB-C port. AND it articulates, so you can position it into the optimal position.
Not the most glamorous present to unwrap, but a very useful one, especially for people who spend lots of time driving.
8. Smart Plugs | $30 (4-pack)
It took me a while to warm up to smart plugs, but now I’m a convert.
We have two sets of Edison bulbs on our property, and both are plugged into smart plugs. This means we can turn the lights on and off using voice commands.
We’ve also used smart plugs for lamps and Christmas lights. Anything you want to turn on or off remotely is a potential candidate.
We use our Google home speaker to adjust ours, but most smart plugs can also be controlled through an app. (Just make sure whichever plugs you purchase are compatible with your existing smart home setup.)
9. Portable Inflator/Deflator | $22
I have never touched this thing.
Not once.
But John assures me this portable inflator/deflator is great for inflating and deflating air mattresses and other inflatable items.
I’m taking his word for it!
It’s compact, practical, and particularly useful for anyone who camps or regularly deals with inflatables.
10. Compression Packing Cubes | $18 (pack of 6)
These are another staple in our travel packing repertoire.
I’ve been a fan of packing cubes for years, but compression packing cubes take things one step further.
They help keep clothing organized while compressing everything down to make better use of limited luggage space. Highly recommended for anyone who travels.
11. Clear Travel Toiletry Bags | $9 (2-pack)
We are SUCH big fans of these zippered clear bags.
Since we travel with carry-ons only, we always have to make sure we’re accommodating for liquid restrictions.
We used to use Ziploc bags, but this is one situation where a little upgrade has made a huge difference.
First, the zippers are so convenient. Second, the bags have a flat bottom, which makes them much easier to fill and organize.
Clear toiletry bags get used constantly whenever we travel.
12. Aerolatte Milk Frother | $25
We own two milk frothers, but our Aerolatte (which we found secondhand!) is definitely the superior one.
We use it to froth milk, coffee creamer, and hot chocolate. (I’ve also used it to dissolve collagen and fibre powder into drinks. Works like a charm!)
A handheld milk frother is an inexpensive little gadget that can get a surprising amount of use. (A cheaper option, which we received as a gift, is this $9 Bodum frother. It also works well, but isn’t as powerful as the Aerolatte.)
13. Collapsible Stool | $24
Once again, we found ours at a thrift store (new in the box)!
These collapsible stools are lightweight, come with a carrying strap, and unfold to create a sturdy little seat.
They’re handy for fishing (the reason we originally bought a set), gardening, camping, or other outdoor activities when you want somewhere to sit but don’t want to haul around a full-sized chair.
Note: I’m linking to one that’s very similar to the version we own.
14. Portable Hammock | $26
To be fair, it’s exclusively the kids and me who use our hammock, but I can absolutely see it being beloved by any adult (or kid!) in your family.
It’s inexpensive, seemingly indestructible, and incredibly easy to put up and take down. (It also packs up into a tiny little bag.)
I love our hammock so much that if we lost it or it broke, I’d immediately buy a replacement.
If you’re looking for a gift that encourages someone to spend more time outside relaxing, a hammock would be a great choice.
15. Pilot Juice Up 04 Pens | $18 (10-pack)
These were a recommendation from Sarah Hart-Unger years ago, and John and I are both converts.
Pilot Juice Up 04 pens are now the preferred pens in our household.
I love how smoothly they write, and the fine tip is perfect for everyday use.
Pens might not be the most exciting stocking stuffer, but GOOD pens (like good socks!) are such a treat as an adult.
Your turn:
- Tell me all your best stocking stuffer ideas for men!
- Do you tend to put practical gifts in the stockings you fill… or fun, novelty items?
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