Shopping·11 min read

The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Stocking stuffers under $20
Design: theSkimm | Photo: ThirteenLune
November 1, 2023

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It’s time to change the stocking stuffer narrative. This holiday season, say no to gag gifts they’ll never end up using, and go for gold with options they’ll be dying to add into their daily routines. Like a self-care tracker to help them stay relaxed, or chic earplugs they can use whenever they need a little noise reduction. The best part: These small-but-mighty things all cost less than $20.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list.

Hydration stick
Colourpop

A serum stick they can use for on-the-go hydration…

We’re big fans of a little midday touch up, especially during the harsh winter months. Hyaluronic acid will refresh any dry areas and caffeine will revitalize tired skin. For an extra cooling effect, tell them to store it in the fridge before use. ($14, Colourpop)

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Hair clip
Madewell

A cute hair accessory studded with pearls…

It’s all about pearls this season. This barrette is covered in real freshwater pearls and has a gold accent clasp that’s meant to hold even the thickest of hair in place. Customers rave about the quality and how easy it is to style with so many outfits. Buy one for yourself, too. ($16.50, Madewell

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Tracking pad
Amazon

A weekly self-care tracker to help them relax…

Shopping for someone who could use a little help self-caring? Snag them this handy tracking pad with built-in self-care goals they can check off as they go. With reminders to take a walk, put their phone down, and avoid toxic jerks, plus weekly affirmations, goals, and feeling check-ins, they’ll be on the path to their better self in no time. ($10.50, Amazon)

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Hand Sanitizer
Touchland

Hand sanitizer that actually smells good…

Hand sanitizer has become a purse necessity, but not all are created equal. Touchland’s award-winning sanitizers, available in scents like frosted mint and velvet peach, come in thin, chic packaging that can slip right into your bag. They’re as moisturizing as they are effective in germ-killing. And for the smell-sensitive, it comes in unscented, too. ($10, Touchland)

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octobuddy
Amazon

A suction tool that helps them mount their phone anywhere…

They can attach this to the back of their phone, and it’ll stick to mirrors, windows, and other flat surfaces. It has 24 individual suction cups so they won’t have to worry about their phone falling while they’re taking photos or filming a video. If you have a teen in your life, chances are this is on their wishlist. ($12.99, Amazon)

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Eye patches
Patchology

Cooling eye patches for their next night in…

Their tired eyes will thank you for this cult-fave eye patch. (Skimm HQ’rs are also big fans.) This one works best after storing in the fridge and helps to smooth, depuff, and refresh. Snag a single pair or a five-pack, and single-handedly save their under eyes from the busy holiday season. ($4+, Patchology)

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Spoon
EngravingForever via Etsy

A personalized spoon for your resident ice cream lover…

There’s nothing sweeter than a little after-dinner ice cream. Except having a personalized spoon to eat it with. These engraved spoons for dad or grandpa will ensure there’s no confusion come dessert time. Too. Cute. ($9.58, EngravingForever via Etsy)

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Wellness patches
The Good Patch

Wellness patches that provide all kinds of relief…

Whether they could use something for their next hangover, a dose of B12 for an energy boost, or relief from minor aches and pains, The Good Patch has got them covered. They provide long-lasting relief and are made with ingredients you can trust. Don’t believe us? Read our full review of them here. We won’t say we told you so. ($12/4-pack, The Good Patch)

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Makeup sponge
Sephora

A fresh makeup sponge for their collection…

Let’s be real: None of us clean our blending sponges as often as we should. Give them a fresh start with this affordable, angled option from Sephora. Perfect for blending, it comes in its own little box with a ventilated base that ensures it dries after every use. ($12, Sephora)

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Puzzle
Amazon

A tiny puzzle you can personalize…

With only 100 pieces, this puzzle is the perfect, quick stress reliever. You can add a holiday greeting or a sentimental message on the back of the box, and give them something they’ll want to keep forever. Go the extra mile and get them a little frame they can use to hang their puzzle in once they're done. ($8, Amazon)

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Ornaments
Food52

Unique ornaments to spruce up their tree…

We can’t get enough of these modern ornaments, and neither will they. Snag your barbecue lover a handmade felt hot dog or a pack of gardening- themed ones for the green thumb. For the more traditional route, grab a glass stick of butter for the baker, or this tin of anchovies for the cook. There’s plenty to go around. ($12+, Food52)

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Lip Balm
Pixi

A cult-favorite lip balm for a pop of color…

This one delivers a sheer, buildable pigment that also softens lips thanks to shea butter and mango in the formula. It comes in three natural-looking shades, all with a dewy finish. Customers say it’s their go-to for quick and easy lips. ($14, Pixi)

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Themed notepads
Amazon

Themed notepads that’ll look cute on their desk…

Got milk? Now they will. This quirky collection of notepads comes in a cute milk carton package with its own pencil and sharpener. They’ll get more than 500 tear-off sheets to use as they please, plus a conversation starter for their office desk. ($14.09, Amazon)

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Oil roller
Amazon

A peppermint essential oil roller to relieve stress…

Filled with 100% peppermint essential oil, this pocket-sized roller can help alleviate headaches when applied to the back of the ears and neck. A sniff can also help ease congestion and quell nausea, or encourage relaxation when applied to pressure points. Psst…this comes in 17 more essential oil varieties, from soothing lavender to energizing grapefruit. ($9.99, Amazon

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Silicon mat
Amazon

A silicone mat to clean their makeup brushes…

It’s the beauty tool they never knew they needed. Just run brushes over the ridges on the mat to remove caked-on makeup. Each section has a different design with varying textures for different types of brushes. A suction cup backing keeps the mat firmly in place. Hello, bristles that’ve been hiding under all that product. ($5.99, Amazon)

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Facial Globe
Sundree

A facial globe to help with depuffing…

This cooling facial tool is the cherry on top of a skincare routine. It depuffs, energizes, shrinks pores, and acts as the perfect applicator for serums and oils. Plus, It’s filled with biodegradable gel that stays cold longer than regular glass. ($14, Sundree)

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Drying lotion
Mario Badescu

Drying lotion that gets rid of pimples like none other…

This acne treatment puts salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide to work to absorb excess oil and unclog pores. We like to dab it on our problem areas and leave it on overnight. Keep in mind that this product shouldn’t be shaken. Separation is necessary for the product to work — and this works leagues better than other acne treatments out there. It’s a classic for a reason. ($17, Mario Badescu)

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Seasonings
Spicewalla

Ranch-flavored seasoning they’ll sprinkle on everything…

Move aside Hidden Valley, there’s a new player in town. This special blend of garlic, onion, dill, and more comes together to create that taste they know and love. They can add it to their morning avo toast or dinnertime chicken breast for a little taste elevation. It’s vegan, so everyone can enjoy it. Psst…use code SKIMMHOLIDAY23 to get 15% off your order. ($11.99, Spicewalla)

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Smart earplugs
Curvd

Smart earplugs that look and feel good…

Have a sound-sensitive loved one you want to take care of this holiday season? These are a must-buy. They offer up to 30 decibels of noise reduction, perfect for managing anxiety-inducing noises, muting out sounds for sleep, or even staying focused at work. They come in six colors and have a super sleek design they’ll feel confident showing off. We love the compact carrying case that’ll keep them handy whenever they need them, and the customizable silicone tips that’ll give them the most comfortable fit possible. ($19.95, Curvd)

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