76 Stocking Stuffers They'll Actually Use
On top of holiday shopping this year? Prepared shoppers likely have a long list of what to buy, but stocking stuffers are often forgotten until the last minute, when useless items — often marked-up for just this reason — are grabbed in the checkout line out of desperation. Don't end up with gifts no one really wants by making that money-wasting mistake. Here's a list of stocking stuffer ideas that may not be as fun as a bit-coding robot but won't trash the budget or end up in the trash.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$10 from Amazon
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All natural and never tested on animals, this pampering travel kit from Burt's Bees contains cleansing cream, body lotion, hand salve, foot cream, and lip balm.
Related: 50 Last-Minute Gifts You Can Pick Up at the Drugstore
$13 from Always Fits
Here's a fun stocking stuffer for that child of the 1980s who loves snacking: a set of four clips designed in the style of popular games of the era, including the Magic 8 Ball, Speak & Spell, and more.
Related: Rad Gifts for People Who Just Love the '80s
$10 from Amazon
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People have been stuffing packs of sticky notes into stockings since humans first learned to put glue on little pieces of paper. But you can up your sticky note game with this 125-pack from Amazon. Complete with a wooden stylus, it lets you scribble, jot, and doodle in multi-colored style for just a few dollars.
Related: Creative Gifts for Artists That Are Sure to Inspire
$8 from Sur La Table
This cheerful fellow would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who enjoys cooking but isn't so crazy about cleaning up. There's also a rubber ducky version that's just as cute.
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$10 and up from Walmart
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Give the gift of safety with the BASU eAlarm, a tiny but loud personal alarm that can go inside a pocket or hang from a zipper or key ring. The 120-decibel alarm is on par with an ambulance siren, and the included batteries last up to five years.
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$20 from Amazon
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A great stocking stuffer for beauty buffs, high-end Beautyblender sponges have racked up plenty of awards and a big cult following among makeup lovers. These edgeless, reusable sponges are water-activated and promise even application of foundations, powders, and other products.
$13 from Amazon
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This slender unisex wallet is ideal for any minimalist who wants to get around without worrying about keeping track of a bulky bag. Made of real leather, it comes in more than two dozen colors and has RFID blocking to prevent data skimming and ID theft.
$12 from Always Fits
Cleaning up after cooking doesn't have to be a drudgery if she's got this trio of whimsical sushi-inspired kitchen sponges at the ready. Shrimp, tuna, and tamago will rub-a-dub-dub those dishes 'til they shine.
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$10 from Amazon
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An ideal stocking stuffer for insomniacs, Badger SleepBalm is a blend of essential oils including bergamot, balsam, and lavender that help speed them off to dreamland naturally. It's made in New Hampshire, certified organic and cruelty-free, too.
Related: Gifts For Women Who Are Serious About Self Care
$3 from Amazon
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For jotting down notes or making a quick to-do list, a stylish notepad makes a good alternative to a phone or tablet. Give recipients the satisfaction of physically crossing off each item as they go. Look for cover designs that reflect their interests and style — like this Van Gogh notebook for someone who loves art.
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Prices vary from USPS
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Even in the era of digital everything, there is one universal truth at the holidays — everyone can use some stamps. A book of stamps will undoubtedly not go to waste.
$23 and up from Amazon
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Socks as a gift? They won't sneer if they're these Vermont-made wool-blend socks, ready for anything thrown at them. All Darn Tough socks are also guaranteed for life.
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$23 from Manly Man Co.
Have something really important to say to a jerky lover? Have it laser-engraved on a greeting-card-size piece of jerky so they'll be sure never to forget it.
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$9 from Amazon
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It may not be an obvious item to add to a shopping list, but a travel sewing kit, small enough to slip into a purse or pocket to save the day when a button comes loose or a seam pops, is so practical that it's bound to inspire gratitude.
Related: Fun and Creative Gifts for Women Who Like Crafts
$14 from TCM Shop
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For more than 25 years, Turner Movie Classics has been must-see TV for classic Hollywood films, especially from the golden era of Warner Brothers and MGM. These argyle socks incorporate TCM logos and would make a great stocking stuffer.
Related: Best Gifts for Movie Buffs
$15 and up from Amazon
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If they're not going to text you back, at least make sure they can't use a dead phone as an excuse. A great stocking stuffer, this compact little external battery has enough juice to charge most phones twice.
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$13 from Always Fits
The perfect stocking stuffer for an old-school gamer who's always jotting down notes, this notebook has 144 pages (unlined, lined or gridded). It measures 5.5 by 8.25 inches.
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$15 from Amazon
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Christmas doesn't exactly conjure up images of backyard grilling in most of the country, but barbecue season will be here before you know it. When it arrives, whoever's stocking you stuff will be happy you got them the Grate — the universal, non-damaging brass cleaner that works for all gas grills.
Related: Cool and Practical Gifts for Men Who Like to Grill
$22 and up from The Grommet
It's the perfect stocking stuffer for the outdoorsy, build-a-fire kind of guy who can't actually build a fire. These soy wax-based mini-campfires burn for 3 to 5 hours.
Related: Gifts for Women Who Love the Outdoors
$34 from Amazon
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One of the most well-known flashlight manufacturers, Maglite makes its entire product line in the U.S. The 272-lumen Mini Maglite Pro, crafted from diamond-knurled aluminum, is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who needs a reliable flashlight to stash in a kitchen drawer or glovebox.
$10.50 and up from Amazon
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Let them forget those old pencil tire-pressure gauges, which aren’t especially accurate anyway. Many sport a built-in LED light for easy viewing and some even come with carrying cases. This stocking stuffer is especially useful for a driver with an older car that lacks a built-in tire-pressure monitor — remember, properly inflating tires extends tread life and helps with gas mileage.
Related: Cool Gifts for Men Who Love Cars
$18 from Uncommon Goods
Each bottle of this vegan nail polish is "infused with micronized crystals related to each sign in the zodiac." Made in Florida, it would make a great stocking stuffer for an astrology devotee.
Related: The Best Astrology Gifts for Your Horoscope-Loving Friends
$11 and up on Amazon
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Don't let loved ones get caught in the dark if the power goes out in a storm. There are lots of mini-flashlight options out there for $15 or less, including this one, which comes with legs that can prop up the LED light or attach it almost anywhere.
Related: 16 Emergency Essentials You Don't Want to Be Without
$22 from Amazon
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Keep your favorite traveler more organized with these convenient double-stitched packing cubes, made from water-resistant nylon. A laundry bag is included to keep other clothes smelling fresh.
Related: Gifts for Women Who Love to Travel
Prices vary from CVS
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Some of the best stocking stuffers are the ones that help the people who receive them stock up their medicine cabinets. Headache medicine isn't glamorous, but it's necessary and practical. Scoop up a 100-count bottle of Advil tablets from CVS.
$9 from Target
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This classic piece of Americana makes a great, inexpensive gift for a co-worker. "Will the boss let us go home early today?" "Outlook good."
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$7 from Amazon
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Train your mind while you look for the one answer that is correct on this classic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube. Twist it, turn it, try again. Rubik’s Cubes teach spatial intelligence, problem-solving logic, memory, focus, and above all, patience!
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$18 from Amazon
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Bendable and stickable without any special tools, American-made Wikki Stix are a molding toy made from knitting yarn and non-toxic wax that can be shaped into just about anything. This set includes 48 3-foot neon pieces for mess-free fun.
$15 from Amazon
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This holiday give the gift of preparation with an emergency tool that the stocking stuffees — this is a four-pack, after all — will hopefully never need, but will certainly be glad to have if the situation calls for it.
$19 from Amazon
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The multitasker in your life will love having this screwdriver-flashlight hybrid on hand, great for common projects around the house. It's compact and rechargeable, and the handle pivots for a more comfortable grip.
$15 and up from Amazon
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Whether the chef in your life is a novice or a pro, these vibrant knives will liven up their kitchen. Backed by a lifetime warranty, they have a nonstick coating and come with protective slides.
$15 from Amazon
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A great gift for teens who like to take the party anywhere, this waterproof speaker has universal compatibility, a built-in mic, and high-definition Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
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$10 and up from Amazon
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When you stuff a stocking with this GE Universal Remote Control, you give the gift of total control over multiple devices. You can upgrade a lucky someone's home theater system with a remote that comes in five different color options.
$3 from Target
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Some toys are so timeless they never need to be updated, rebooted, or made over to stay in style forever. An American-made original, the Slinky literally never gets old, and if you've got a kid on your shopping list — and if that kid has access to a staircase — you've got the perfect stocking stuffer.
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$20 from Walmart
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Give someone you care about the gift of a connected TV and streaming video with Google Chromecast. Simple and cheap compared to many of its pricier rivals, Chromecast packs a digital punch without busting the bank.
$20 from Amazon
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Be the hero in your favorite toddler's life by gifting this plush puppet that plays the "Baby Shark" song (doo doo doo doo doo doo). The tempo slows or speeds up depending on how fast you move the mouth.
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$20 from Amazon
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From the creators of the satirical web comic The Oatmeal comes this strategic but zany game that's great for kids and adults. Already got it? Check out the expansion packs: Imploding Kittens and Streaking Kittens.
$21 from Sam's Club
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While not everyone is heading back to the movies right now, a movie pass to a nearby theater chain is another good gift to buy in bulk from a warehouse club such as Sam's Club, where members can get a two-pack of AMC "black" movie tickets (they're good anytime and never expire) for $21. The ticketing site Fandango charges a $2 fee to send a physical gift card (and some "convenience" fees may follow), but a printout of the fee-free email version also fits nicely in a stocking.
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$17 from Amazon
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You see these hats everywhere because they're just that warm and practical. Made of stretchy acrylic rib-knit fabric, they come in more than 30 colors.
$17 and up from Walmart
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She doesn't need to know where you got this designer fragrance with notes of fresh fruit, flowers, sandalwood, and cedar — and she may not believe you anyway.
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$13 from Walmart
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Are you shopping for a coffee drinker this holiday season? Then you don't have to think too hard about the perfect stocking stuffer — and it doesn't have to be fancy to be good.
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$30 from Best Buy
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From TVs to computers to streaming devices, a good set of HDMI cables will never go unused. This 4-foot Rocketfish 4K Ultra HD cable can bring all kinds of high definition to all kinds of media devices.
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$15 and up from Walmart
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Slip these cozy slippers into her stocking so she can stay warm during chilly weather. The stretch terry cotton and cushioned sole allow a comfy, custom fit.
$11 from Amazon
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This thoughtful little set is ready to pamper men and women with six travel-size products: two hand creams, a foot cream, hand salve, cuticle cream, and lip balm.
$14 from Amazon
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Whether you know a light sleeper, frequent traveler, or someone who has to sleep during the day because of their job, reviewers say this is the sleep mask to get them. It's designed with large cavities that won't put the squeeze on eyes, but the high-density memory foam still effectively blocks light.
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$13 from Amazon
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When the handyman or woman in your life attaches the Magnelex wrist band, it catches and holds screws, nails, nuts, bolts and anything metal. This way, your favorite DIYer can keep both hands free without holding nails between their lips, which is gross and probably not safe.
$6 and up from Amazon
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Help them cut down on their plastic use with this set of reusable straight and angled stainless steel straws. It includes two lengths sized perfectly for 20- and 30-ounce tumblers. Two nylon-bristled cleaning brushes are included.
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$20 from Home Depot
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The epitome of practical, the multi-tool is what handy people carry around if they can only fit one tool in their pocket or purse. This Stanley 12-in-1 tool, which comes complete with holder, is constructed from stainless steel. Pick one up for the habitual DIYer in your life.
$6 from Bass Pro Shops
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In many parts of the country, winter arrives in force in December. Thin, air-activated hand-warming packs (there are foot-warmers, too) are cheap to buy in bulk and divide into individual stockings.
$12 from Target
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Deodorant doesn't usually win any awards for holiday spirit, but if you're going for practicality, it's a can't miss stocking stuffer. Even better, this Native brand deodorant is paraben- and aluminum-free, and it comes in a variety of fun, limited edition scents for the holidays. Choose between Fresh Mistletoe, Sugar Cookie, or Candy Cane.
$62 from Walmart
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Here’s a hot gift, literally. This 1-inch flat iron has ceramic heating plates to tame frizzy tresses and make hair styling a cinch. It’s got an 11-foot swivel cord that’ll stay out of your way while you’re doing your ’do, and a dual-voltage switch so you can bring it along when you travel.
$16 from Walmart
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If someone on your list has a dog, and that dog has a neck and a head, a leash like this 16-foot retractable one for big dogs from Flexi is the perfect stocking stuffer.
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$25 from Amazon
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For travelers, toting shampoo bars instead of bottles frees up valuable room in a quart-size bag for other carry-on liquids. These all-natural bars come in three fresh scents, and since they're biodegradable, they're eco-friendly, too.
$17 from Amazon
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Any nostalgic New Yorker would love this ceramic version of the eponymous Greek coffee cup, a standard at the mom-and-pop bodega on the corner.
$12 from Amazon
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A thing that helps you maintain appropriate tire pressure might not seem like a glamorous gift, but your recipient will thank you every time a tire gets a little droopy and no guesswork is needed to figure out exactly how many PSI are needed to get them out of that dark corner of the gas station by the air pump.
Related: Popular Gifts for People Who Love Cars
$17 from Amazon
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If gloves aren't warm enough, a Zippo hand warmer will really heat things up. He can fill it with lighter fluid, slip it into a pocket, and get up to 12 hours of toasty heat.
$13 from Amazon
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There are some impressive electric wine bottle openers on the market, but they're big and bulky. This simple corkscrew is pocket-sized and backed by sommeliers.
Related: 50 Great-Tasting Red Wines Under $20.
$10 from Amazon
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They’re flower dolls. Just add water to the top of their pots and a Blume doll will bloom, emerging from the pot with a bright floral-themed, beehive hairdo. Each doll has more than 10 surprises including a mini friend, a sticker sheet, and fashion accessories, plus hairstyles and outfits you can mix and match.
$10 and up from Target
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In a survey by the National Retail Federation, gift cards have been the No. 1 item on holiday wish lists for 10 years running. Gift cards fit easily in a stocking and usually can be bought in small denominations. For multiple stockings, consider buying in bulk.
$11 from Target
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Small items such as an Oxo bottle opener will be at home in even the simplest kitchen.
$11 and up from Walmart
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Most people probably have a set of earbuds, but they tend to get lost or broken, so a backup pair is always good to have. One of Cheapism's top picks among cheap headphones is the JVC Gumy in-ear headphones. Prices vary by color.
Related: 13 Perfectly Good Wireless Earbuds Way Cheaper Than AirPods
$13 from Amazon
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Most everyone has some sort of protection on their mobile devices already, but swapping cases can be like switching eyeglasses or nail colors — a fun way to accessorize. One of Cheapism's top picks among cheap iPhone cases is the Incipio NGP, which comes in several color options for the iPhone 8. Cases for newer and older models are available, too.
$9 from Amazon
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Connect all kinds of gadgets crying out for a charge to a computer with a USB hub. These handy accessories come in many sizes and prices. A hub from Sabrent makes one USB 2.0 port into four, each with its own power switch.
$6 from Walmart
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Score this measuring cup set from Mainstays for the cook on your shopping list. They're made of durable stainless steel and are dishwasher-safe.
$20 from Best Buy
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No matter who it's for, no matter what their taste, no matter what else is stuffed in their stocking, the people you're buying gifts for are bound to get something with a "batteries not included" sticker on the box. You can solve that problem with a 48-pack of Insignia AA batteries.
$13 from Amazon
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Quickly and safely troubleshoot electrical issues at home or in the car with this digital multimeter from AstroAI, which measures voltage, resistance, continuity, and more.
$4 from Staples
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It's likely that the list of things duct tape can't fix is shorter than the list of things it can. Although it's hardly the sexiest gift in the world, a roll of good duct tape, like this Duck Tape brand basic strength roll, will absolutely come in handy.
$18 from Staples
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Turn one standard outlet into six and protect your home's power supply from annoying and potentially dangerous shorts with this power strip and surge protector.
$4 from Target
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There are many occasions to send thank you notes, get well cards, or birthday greetings throughout the year, so it's smart to have some ready. Pick up a box or package of blank cards at the dollar store or snag a 10-pack of these pretty cards at Target.
Related: 40 Holiday Gifts You Can Get at the Dollar Store
$8 from Staples
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Few items are more frequently needed — and more easily lost — than a regular old ballpoint pen. A single pack of pens, like this 36-pack of Bic Round Stic Grips, should last until at least next Christmas.
$7 from Target
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Like deodorant, eye drops aren't going to be the wow gift of the year, but if you're looking for a stocking stuffer the contact lens wearer in your life will definitely use — like two 12-ounce bottles of multipurpose solution — look no further.
$2 from Target
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Make whoever's stocking you're stuffing this year think of you with gratitude every morning — or at least whenever they take razor to skin — when you give the gift of shaving cream.
$30 from Best Buy
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The rechargeable Norelco OneBlade works just as well both wet and dry. Whoever finds this in their stocking will be able to trim, shave, shape, and edge with ease, both pre-shower and post.
$4 from Target
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One side is sticky. The other side is smooth. Tape isn't glamorous, but it works. Scotch Magic Tape is not really magic, but it can make two paper halves whole again, and that should make every gift recipient smile.
$15 from Amazon
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Elevate the often-expected gift of a candle by giving one with a unique scent. This best-seller on Amazon will bring to mind that wonderful smell of clean laundry — without having to do chores, of course.
$25 from Amazon
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This smart plug makes controlling the lights as easy as telling an Alexa-compatible device to turn them off. A smartphone app can to set up a daily schedule for lights or small appliance, and easily make it look like someone is home when they're not.
Related: 25 Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money.
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