Here’s the tricky thing with stocking stuffers. You want them to be cheap, but look expensive at the same time. Cutesy, but practical. Simple, but meaningful. Small, but only in size. Finding the perfect little gems to stuff your socks with takes time and consideration, but thankfully I did the hard part for you.
After combing through dozens of pages on Amazon to find the best stocking stuffers under $20, I can say with confidence that the finds on this list are all of the above—useful, thoughtful, and anything but boring. You’ll find favorites of Team InStyle that we’ve tested ourselves, along with picks across beauty, wellness, tech, and fashion. Best of all, prices start at just $5 thanks to early Black Friday sales.
Best Overall Stocking Stuffers
- Billie Dermaplane Starter Set, $13
- COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, $19 (Originally $25)
- Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $19
- Kitsch Satin Hair Scrunchies, $6 (Originally $8)
- Kintion Pocket Mirror, $8 (Originally $15)
- Essence Lash Princess Mascara, $5
- MEIRUBY Electric Candle Lighter, $10
- TWONE White Cloud Magnetic Wall Key Holder, $8
- ESARORA Ice Roller, $19
- orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer, $17
- Duo Toothpaste Tablets, $14
The secret to soft, smooth skin is with this handy little tool that gently removes beach fuzz and dead skin cells off the surface. I’ve used mine religiously for the last year, and it never ceases to amaze me how much brighter and more even-toned my complexion looks immediately after each session. It’s easily one of the best dermaplaning tools on the market.
A consistent top seller at Amazon, and an InStyle team favorite, this essence is what everyone needs in their beauty arsenal heading into the winter months. Just ask the over 70,000 reviewers who gave it a perfect five-star rating. When applied prior to moisturizer, it plumps the skin and helps reduce the look of sags and lines. The main ingredient, snail mucin, is popular in many Korean skincare products thanks to its uber hydrating properties.
Lip balm is one of the most practical stocking stuffers, but not all are created equal. We love this one because it goes on light but hugs the lips with moisture throughout the day, so you don’t have to reapply every hour. Think of it as the step sister to the brand’s beloved Lip Sleeping Mask, which FWIW is a great over-$20 stocking stuffer.
Scrunchies are another useful gift that anyone would be happy to receive. They’re easy to misplace and just one of those things you can never really have too many of. This silk variety is easy on the hair and doesn’t leave any unwanted creases behind.
I keep a compact mirror like this in my work bag, purse, and makeup bag and it is one of my most-used items daily. It takes up hardly any space, and really allows me to see my face clearly in virtually any setting thanks to the addition of LED lights.
Shop more of our favorite stocking stuffers across beauty, fashion, and wellness.
Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers
We might be a wee bit biased, but beauty gifts are perennial crowd pleasers, both in and out of a stocking. From makeup sponges to eye masks, these beauty picks are worth getting excited over.
Best Fashion Stocking Stuffers
Personalized jewelry, chic accessories, and cozy knits are just some of the little fashion luxuries that will have everyone on the receiving end swooning.
Best Wellness Stocking Stuffers
The holidays are the most wonderful time of year, but arguably one of the most exhausting too. Remind your loved ones to find their zen with these top self-care gifts.