26 Ridiculously Cool Stocking Stuffers That Would Make Great Gifts On Their Own

updated Dec 14, 2022
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This feature is part of The Kitchn’s Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas for every occasion. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides.

In case you couldn’t tell, we’re already looking forward to the holidays. There’s just something uniquely special about waking up on Christmas morning to a stocking filled to the brim with goodies. For kids, these items are often fun-but-fleeting tchotchkes that get tossed aside when the main event begins under the tree. For adults, though, it’s the perfect way to slip a little something playful, useful, or really unique into the gifting process.

That’s why we put together this short list of some of the best, most thoughtful stocking stuffers in the game. Below, you’ll find a variety of fun gifts suited for all different types of food-loving grown-ups, from useful kitchen gadgets and gear for your super-practical loved ones to sleek blades and sweet-tooth-satisfying treats. We love each of these finds for stockings, but they’re all special enough to be wrapped up and gifted on their own. Without further ado, let’s take a look!

Tools

1 / 10
Uncommon Goods
$20.00

Upgrade their Christmas Day tradition of roasting marshmallows around a roaring fire with this safety-focused roasting stick. Not only does it eliminate the need for a trek to the woods to find the perfect stick (and subsequent bark stuck to your 'mallow) but it actually extends to over 2 feet so they can keep a safe distance from the flames.

2 / 10
Williams Sonoma
$13.99
was $19.95

Though it's probably rare you'll leave a half-full bottle of wine on the table come the holiday season, a chic wine stopper is still a hosting must-have. Stuff this cute vine version in Mom's stocking or pair it with a great bottle of red for the next holiday bash you head to.

3 / 10
Made In
$59.00

A paring knife is one of the most versitie tools someone can have in their kitchen (or picnic basket). This one feels great in the hand and is easy to maneuver, making quick work of peeling fruit or cutting small things.

4 / 10
ThermoWorks
$74.96
was $99.95

Got a second? With this lightning-fast thermometer that’s all someone will need to check the temp of their meat on the grill, the roast in the oven, or whatever else they’re cooking up.

5 / 10
Amazon
$17.99
was $34.99

Sometimes cast iron skillets need some extra TLC to get them clean. Enter: this rust-proof stainless steel chainmail scrubber. It can chip away at burnt-on food without hurting the seasoning. Get this for anyone who loves their cast iron skillet like one of their own.

6 / 10
W&P
$12.00
was $15.00

This pick slides into a stocking as easily as it fits into a purse, backpack, or the glovebox of a car. The stainless-steel utensils are a great alternative to plastic, and the silicone carrying case will keep everything nice and clean while on the go.

7 / 10
Stojo
$19.97
was $39.95

Now you see it, now you don’t. This sturdy bottle holds 20 ounces, but once empty, it collapses down to something that would fit in the palm of your hand. It’s a perfect fit for a stocking (of course!) but also tucks nicely into a gym bag, backpack, or purse.

8 / 10
Amazon
$16.99

This cute little bear has an important job to do! Once soaked in water and placed in a container of brown sugar, the terracotta teddy can help keep contents soft for 3 to 6 months. But, brown sugar isn’t all this little bear can do: He can also keep foods like marshmallows, pretzels, and crackers fresh.

9 / 10
Uncommon Goods
$25.00

Have you seen the sweaters that some people knit for penguins? If you don’t know what we’re talking about, stop everything and Google it. OK, now that we have that out of the way, here’s something just as cute: banana hats. Yes, they’re exactly what they sound like. Hiding under them is a silicone cap, which helps keep the gasses that turn the fruit brown from doing their thing. Meaning, whoever uses them will have more fresh bananas for longer, and fewer overripe ones that need to be turned into bread or muffins.

10 / 10
Goldune
$24.00

Let’s be honest: Plastic wrap is a drag. Sometimes it won’t cling and other times it will cling in all the wrong places. This wrap — made from cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin — is frustration-free. Even better? It’s reusable, biodegradable, and looks pretty cute, too.

Food

1 / 10
Amazon
$39.00

Late-night snackers will love this handy ramen collection, which combines three of Immi's yummiest flavors (Black Garlic "Chicken," Spicy "Beef" and Tom Yum "Shrimp") for a savory, umami-packed treat whenever the craving hits. The best part? Though they're packed with flavorful goodness, these packs are all vegan and 100% plant-based.

2 / 10
Omsom
$12.00

Treat your grill-savvy dad or FIL to a flavor-packed upgrade they'll never want to cook without. Created in collaboration with Chef Jimmy Ly of Madame Vo in NYC, this starter set lets them achieve the nuanced and memorable flavors of traditional Vietnamese BBQ at home with very little effort. Bonus: This pantry shortcut is gluten-free and can be used on everything from pork and fish to tofu for a truly personalized dish. (Plus, it's 20-percent off at checkout right now!)

3 / 10
Mouth
$10.50

We can’t imagine anyone who would mind waking up to a salted caramel popcorn snack on Christmas morning. Hey, it’s a holiday, it’s OK to live a little! Made in Asheville, North Carolina, this sweet-and-salty combo is so good you might want to buy two. One for someone’s stocking and one for you!

4 / 10
Golde
$28.00

There's lots of matcha out there these days and it can be hard to tell what's what. This stuff is made with 100 percent pure, shade-grown green tea leaves from Uji, Japan. We give it the GREEN light.

5 / 10
Sonoko Sakai
$14.00

This curry powder blends 17 different spices into a mild, but flavor-packed, seasoning that your giftee can use to give a little something extra to a variety of dishes. Of course, traditional curry would be an obvious choice, but it can also be used to make fried rice, masala dal, or even help kick morning eggs up a notch.

6 / 10
BEHAVE Candy
$25.00
was $30.00

Gourmet gummy bears? Trust us, it’s a thing. And, it’s a thing that everyone deserves to try. This bag has a mix of fun flavors including raspberry, passionfruit, and lycee, and only 1 gram of sugar (that’s a lot less than traditional bears).

7 / 10
Amazon
$13.99

If sprinkles make everything better, then what do fancy sprinkles do? (Hint: They make everything great!) Give these to your favorite baker — they can use them to top their cakes and cookies, jazz up a slice of toast with peanut butter, or add a little pizazz to a bowl of yogurt. The best part? They’re vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and have no artificial dyes.

8 / 10
Chomps
$49.00

Give someone with a hearty appetite a protein-rich snack that delivers on flavor. This turkey pepperoni stick is free from the added sugar and artificial flavors that are found in many similar products. The individually wrapped sticks are also super easy to slip into a gym bag or desk drawer so they’ll always be available when hunger strikes.

9 / 10
Jacobsen
$5.00

Flavored salts can feel fancy, and almost fussy, but this impressive black pepper infusion in an old-timey tin comes with zero pretension. Home cooks will enjoy experimenting with this in their food and putting it on the dinner table when guests come over to let them in on the fun, too.

10 / 10
Momofuku
$15.00

Anyone who likes their food on the spicy side will appreciate this special blend of chili and habanero peppers. David Chang developed this sauce with the same ingredients used in his restaurants, so it's a great (and super easy) way to upgrade home cooking while experimenting with new flavors.

Just for Fun

1 / 6
Etsy
$12.00

Is their week not complete without a Friday night slice? Well, then they need these foodie-focused earrings. Designed to mimic two classic New York slices (with pepperoni), they're a cheeky way to grease up your favorite pizza fan this holiday season.

2 / 6
West Elm
$24.00

There's no better way to add a bit of cheer to the kitchen than with a vibrant tea towel. Designed in collaboration with Brooklyn artist Claudia Pearson, these charming illustrated designs feature food-centric motifs such as tea accessories and citrus.

3 / 6
Etsy
$6.40
was $8.00

IYKYK. Shoppers need a quarter in order to get a cart at Aldi (it's returned at the end of a trip). If you're shopping for someone who loves shopping at Aldi, this handy keychain will make sure they're always ready for their next grocery run.

4 / 6
Amazon
$9.99

Mistakes happen, so why not help someone fix them with something cute? These avocado erasers look like the real deal and get even better as they get used up.

5 / 6
Delicacies Jewelry
$90.00

Help someone proudly (and fashionably) show off their love for gyoza with this sterling silver necklace. And, when you give this gift, you can also do some good at the same time: A portion of the proceeds from each will go to feeding food-insecure residents in Chinatown.

6 / 6
Sur La Table
$34.96
was $35.00

Hot drinks are not required during the winter, whether they're on the table or on the tree. This twinkling glass Moscow Mule ornament is a welcome nod to warmer weather and an unexpected way to spread holiday cheer.