Post updated on 12/16/25 to include a section on stocking stuffers that match adult children’s interests and a link to my post on making your small home welcoming for the holidays.

My children always looked forward to opening their stockings on Christmas morning. Maybe almost more than their presents, seriously! We display our stockings over a big window sill, and they are the focal point of our holiday decorating. (See my post on making your small home welcoming for the holidays.)

I always loved buying the stocking gifts and candies, but as the girls grew up, it was more challenging for sure. Little kids are so easy to please, just give them a chocolate Santa and they’re thrilled. Now that they are older, I want them to get as much surprise and delight as when they were small.

So I put some thought into matching these gifts to their ages, tastes, and likes.

These are some ideas you can consider as you’re shopping for your adult children this season. I personally think the trick is to pay attention to things they are interested in, love to eat and do! What would be most helpful for girls living on their own and taking care of their own apartments? What would make their lives a little better? This goes for presents too, of course- check out my post on gifts your adult children will LOVE.

I hope these ideas will inspire you. Put a twist on them for your kids!

Toiletries. I love looking in the travel section of the drugstore where they sell the mini versions of things you need to take on a trip. This has stuff like makeup remover pads, small shampoos, toothpaste, conditioners, body cream, deodorants, hair spray. 

Beauty supplies. Lip glosses, nail polish and remover, face masks, small mascara or eye shadow. Bubble bath. What are they into now? My girls are into eyebrow fillers and blush. I had this Laura Geller eyebrow pencil in my bathroom, and my daughter flipped over it. I got her one for her stocking!

Check out the beauty section of your local TJ Maxx or Ross. They have a great selection of really interesting moisturizers, body scrubs, facial creams and hair products, some in small sizes for stockings. And they’re cheap!

Cooking Gadgets. Measuring spoons, garlic press, juicer, (see 10 Kitchen Tools and Seasonings). What things might they not have but be able to use? If they cook a lot of proteins, maybe a meat thermometer? Ice cream scooper? A corkscrew for wine (bottle stoppers are a super cute idea, too, if they’re into wine).

Wellness. I like to get the girls multi-vitamins specific to women, making sure they have the right doses of everything in case they get busy and aren’t paying attention to eating well. There are also vitamin, collagen and protein powders you can get in small packs perfect for stockings, and the small immunity shots come in the tiny bottles.

Aroma therapy. I got my oldest daughter shower steamers one year, and she liked them so much they’ve become a regular thing. If your kids have oil diffusers, some essential oils are nice to include. I thought this pack of essential oil inhalers was a cool idea for my morning yoga routine. If you aren’t familiar with them, there are certain oils meant to give you energy (eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon), and others for stress (lavender, bergamot). Inhaling one of these scents gives you just the right amount of fragrance. Try them for yourself and put a few in their stockings. Also, consider small candles or incense sticks.

Spices. Small bottles are the perfect stocking size, and it’s likely your kids don’t have ‘good’ ones. I’ve mentioned (Cooking with Kids of All Ages) that finishing salt is an awesome thing to have in the kitchen, yet most people in general wouldn’t think to buy it. Other ideas are commonly used things like mixed spices in grinders (salt, pepper, and garlic). My daughter actually bought me spices for my birthday last year (as part of a cute charcuterie board gift), so maybe she does have a better selection than most adult kids. If you do a search for spice blends, for sure you can find some interesting choices.

Packs of mixes. Chili, pad Thai, mac and cheese, oatmeals. Some things they can easily make in the microwave on the run, or in the crockpot for a nice meal. Or drink packets like hot chocolate or lemonade. We’re into Liquid I.V. right now. A friend at work turned me on to this when I complained I didn’t even realize that I wasn’t drinking enough water during the day. It’s just a powder that mixes with water and is a hydration enhancer, so it gives your body more hydration than a regular glass of water. It comes in some great flavors (watermelon is a favorite) and also in sugar-free!

Sauces. Ketchups, barbecue sauce, taco sauce, salsa. Do they like restaurant sauces like Chick-fil-A dipping sauces, Taco Bell breakfast salsa or Olive Garden salad dressing? If you can’t find these in the grocery store then pick them up at the restaurants! A great excuse to stop for lunch when you’re out shopping 🙂  I think it’s cute/funny to put a few of the small packs of sauces in there.

Pens, pencils, note pads. Especially when my daughters were in high school- they loved their mechanical pencils, and also had favorite pens that were maybe a little more expensive than your regular ballpoint. Getting a few of these was a nice surprise. As they’re older, I just think nice pens are a bit of a luxury that you wouldn’t think to buy until you can’t find the last one you had.

Coffees and teas. I’ve mentioned that we love our coffee, and all have Nespresso makers. See my post on ways to make awesome coffees at home! So a great idea is always coffee pods, especially because they are so darned expensive. Cheaper than the coffee shop but still. A few mini coffee syrups would be a nice touch, too. There are also some instant coffees that are really delicious and are a hit with my girls. If your kids are into tea, check out the many awesome varieties at Trader Joes. I especially love the Winter Wake Up Tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom.

Hats, mittens, gloves, fuzzy socks. Perfect for winter. I feel like my girls are always losing gloves and socks for sure. If you see some with cute patterns, colors your kids like, include these in their stockings. I love getting packs that have a variety of styles of socks like this. You can split them apart and give each child one, or each one a whole pack.

Jewelry. Stocking are not meant for expensive gifts, at least in my world. But if I see fun costume jewelry I think the girls would enjoy that isn’t expensive but doesn’t look cheap, I might get something for the stocking. I bought a bunch of anklets in the summer in a pack of like 20 different colors and styles.

This is the kind of thing that’s perfect to put a few in each stocking. Hoop earrings are another thing that come in packs of styles and sizes. My girls all wear them, so again either give them a pack each, or divide them and mix them up according to who will like what style.

Household Supplies. Things they may need around the house (or car) like a rechargable lighter, small flashlight, small tool set, night light, laundry detergent or fabric softener sheets, car air freshener, portable air pump, thermostat, etc.

Gift cards. I was in Starbucks the other day and it was so festive- and the gift cards were adorable. I had to get one for my daughter who’s hooked on their coffees. Think of what restaurant or coffee shop they love. Another great idea is for a gas station/convenience store gift card. They can fill up their car and grab a snack the next time they come to visit!

Favorite candy and cookies. Little packs of Oreos. That’s one of my daughter’s faves. Hershey kisses, Hugs with almonds, Kit Kats, it’s the time to satisfy their sweet teeth. And I add at least one holiday candy like a chocolate Santa. Me, I’m a fruity girl, so I will not doubt get some Swedish Fish in my stocking (that my husband puts together for me 🙂 ) And definitely munchies, like small bags of chips, nuts, trail mix. What do they love? My daughter LOVES pistachios…so that’s an easy one!

Interests. This comes into play especially if you have sons or daughters-in-law, who you may not know as well as your own children. I definitely want them to have stockings so they feel part of the family. But what to get? My daughters’ significant others are into things like gaming, hunting, cooking, grilling, and hiking. So things they will use like grilling tools, barbecue rubs, seasonings, gloves, a compass… I can find small gifts that will easily fit into a stocking and I know they will like and use!

AN ORANGE. Put one at the bottom of each stocking for good luck and fortune in the new year. If you haven’t heard of this, my English grandmother always did it, then my mother, then me. I think it’s just a cute tradition, and everyone could use some luck 🙂

I use clementines which don’t take up as much room in the stocking, so perfect. Read about it here.

Are there things your adult children love to get in their stockings? Leave me a comment and let me know!