The decorations are up, Christmas chocolates stored, now it’s time to focus on the presents. Stockings are a wonderful way of bringing a bit of that childhood nostalgia back to Christmas. No matter your age, stockings are a joy to make and give.
We’ve collected 24 stocking stuffer ideas for men to help you make a creative stocking he’ll love. We cover different hobbies, treats and quirky ideas, all of which make very merry gifts.
Pop Mariah Carey on, grab a mulled wine and let’s go shopping!
24 of the best stocking stuffer ideas for men
Looking for other genders too? Head over to our round-up of the best stocking stuffer ideas for adults.
1. Games, games, games
From miniature board games to the new Black Ops 6, games make wonderful stocking stuffer ideas for men. There are endless options when it comes to games.
First, think about the device they’ll be playing on. Nintendo Switch, PS5, PC or even vintage handheld devices all have a huge range of fun games you can buy.
Of course, you can always go the old-fashioned way too! Poker cards, modern board games or even customised playing cards all make great stocking stuffers for men.
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2. A gripping read
A book is a classic stocking stuffer and a staple for many. If the man in your life is passionate about reading, choose a book by their favourite author, a trending read, or an award winner (think Man Booker Prize)
Even if he isn’t a fan of reading, don’t worry! Football memoirs, graphic novels, cookbooks, travel books and photography collections are all fantastic alternatives.
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3. A strong drink
A good drink is a necessary stocking stuffer for men. It’s perfect for when the festivities get a little too much for them to cope with…
From mini bottles of liquor to fancy coffee beans, there’s lots of beverage options your man will love. Opt for festive tea flavours, hot chocolate bombs or independent beers.
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4. Miniature craft kits
Everyone loves a mini craft kit. They’re the perfect Christmas entertainment and bring a wave of nostalgia to all who receive them. That childhood creativity never goes away.
Lego kits, Meccano kits or woodworking kits all make the best stocking stuffers for men. Think about a craft he’s always admired or is passionate about and base your kit selection on that. You never know, he might just discover a new hobby!
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Fill his stocking with handmade goodies
On a budget? Discover our collection of cheap DIY Christmas gifts and have yourself a very affordable Christmas! All these ideas would make lovely stocking stuffer ideas for men
5. Upgrade his grooming routine
Toiletries are a stocking staple so why not make them a little more luxe this year? Get your guy a range of upmarket grooming products and tools that he can use all year round.
Beard oils, aftershave, balms and skin care all make easy and practical stocking stuffers. Buy items from his favourite brands or replace their tools with more modern, well-reviewed items.
Money-saving hack: Mini versions or travel-sized grooming products are often much cheaper than full-sized products and are perfect for stockings. This applies to expensive aftershave too!
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6. Funny desk additions
We spend a lot of our working lives at some kind of desk so why not give your guy something to laugh about? Silly stocking stuffers are some of our favourites and often make brilliant desk decorations.
From middle finger candles to weird coasters, your man will love seeing his stocking stuffer on his desk every day.
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7. Inside joke pins
Wind up your partner this Christmas with a funny pin! After all, teasing is the ultimate sign of love. Pick out a pin which pokes fun at their worst habits, weirdest traits and nerdy passions.
These funny little pins can be attached to clothing, laptop covers and bags. Plus there’s so many different styles on the market there’s bound to be one which suits them.
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8. Salt, sugar and all things sweet
Chocolate is an unbeatable stocking stuffer in our eyes. Fill your man’s stocking with his favourite sweets, chocolates and festive treats.
For those who have more of a salty tooth, include chutneys, sauces or even crisps in their stocking instead. Choose things he loves, even if it is a little less traditional.
Money-saving hack: For a handmade touch, why not bake him something instead? Use our gingerbread recipe here on Gathered to make delicious biscuits he can snack on all day.
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9. Memory moments
Capture the past year’s memories and turn them into a sentimental stocking stuffer idea for men.
There are plenty of different ways to include photos in his stocking. From photobooks and plaques to car ornaments and this cool Lego brick frame, you can get endlessly creative with your photo gifts.
Use photos from past special events, important milestones, of family and friends or even Christmas’ gone by.
Money-saving hack: Make your own photobook with our DIY scrapbook album. We show you how here on Gathered.
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10. Furry friend gifts
Cats, dogs, snakes, insects – the love we have for our cute and crazy pets is unbound. Get the man in your life a gift based on his love for his pet. These paw print rings are so cool!
Hand-painted prints, embroidered clothing and custom t-shirts all make sweet stocking stuffer gifts. If your loved one has lost a pet this can be a lovely way to memorialise their best friend.
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Is your guy creative?
Explore our list of the best gifts for crafters and find him some inspirational presents.
11. Funky socks
No stocking is complete without a cool pair of socks. It’s simply the law!
Christmas socks, weird socks, fish socks, coffee socks – you can find loads of hilarious options online. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites below.
Money-saving hack: If you’re a knitting or crochet wizz, use our how to make knitted socks tutorial or our colourwork crochet socks pattern to handmake a pair.
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12. Eco-friendly ideas
Say no to unnecessary gifts and plastic overload this Christmas with these sustainable stocking stuffer ideas for men. We’ve listed a few ideas to help you make their stocking a little more green:
- Keep cups, flasks and water bottles
- Homemade chutneys, preserves and sauces
- Snack pouches
- Reusable cutlery
- Charity shop finds (you can find brand-new books, puzzles and clothing)
- Small business soy candles (we love the ones above from By The Magnolia Tree)
- Glass straws
Money-saving hack: Learn how to make your own beeswax wraps and seed bombs for the ultimate sustainable stocking stuffer idea.
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Sustainable men’s stocking stuffers
Browse our collection of eco-friendly gift ideas and create the greenest stocking around!
13. Gift cards
They may be simple but gift cards make brilliant stocking stuffer ideas for men. £5, £10 or £20 can go a long way, especially if you split up your budget across several gift cards! Here’s a few potential gift card ideas:
- A gift card for their local coffee shop (many small businesses provide gift cards)
- A gift card for their favourite sporty activity
- A gift card for a subscription service (think Spotify, Disney+, Grind coffee)
- A gift card for their favourite game (Steam, Nintendo Shop, PlayStation)
- A gift card for their most-shopped retailer (Urban Outfitters, Nike, B&Q)
14. Sports based gifts
Football, rugby, tennis, golf – there’s a multitude of sports out there and, if your loved one has a favourite, you can base their gifts around it.
You can go for the practical route including new sports equipment (tennis balls, golf tees) or clothing items. You can go for the informational route, including books about strategy, gameplay or club history.
And, as always, there’s the silly route with wacky merch or funny accessories based on the sport. Sports stocking stuffers are easy to come by and will be loved by sports fanatics.
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15. Music memorabilia
From sports to music! Men with a passion for bands, artists or playing an instrument will love these stocking stuffers. Pick up a novelty gift that relates to their top genre, artist or band. These album cover coasters are a fun buy.
If your loved one plays an instrument, think about gifting them an item that will be useful to their practice e.g. guitar picks, flute reeds or trumpet cleaning set.
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16. Photography enthusiast gifts
Those with a passion for photography are easy to buy for! Stocking stuffers can include photography equipment (new lens, cleaning tools, film), new tech, photo books by famous photographers or even silly gifts like this lens mug.
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Give your stocking stuffer presents the wow factor
Browse our unique gift-wrapping ideas to give your gifts the finishing touch.
17. Crazy condiments
All the men in our lives love a good condiment. Chutney, spreads, sauces and dips – your man is about to have himself a very merry condiment Christmas!
Stick to the classics that you know he loves (Marmite, Tabasco, BBQ sauces) or go for some more experimental, unique options. Indian plum pickle, Gin and Tonic caramel sauce or mulled wine chutney perhaps?
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18. Winter woollies
It’s the most wonderful and chilliest time of the year which means it’s time to wrap up warm. Keep your fella snug with the following stocking stuffers for men:
- Gloves
- Winter headbands
- Balaclavas
- Hats
- Scarves
Alternatively, you could make this gift extra special by crafting these accessories yourself. We have a huge collection of patterns here on Gathered including a men’s crochet scarf pattern, men’s beanie hat knitting pattern and men’s bobble hat pattern.
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19. Mini tools and gadgets
The best stocking stuffers for men are the ones which are both practical and maybe a little pointless… that’s the fun in it! Has he already got a fully functioning tool kit? Yes. Will he love this mini multi-tool snowflake anyway? Also yes.
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20. Brainpower stocking stuffers
Sudoku books, logic games and mini puzzles all make thought-provoking stocking stuffer ideas for men. They get the brain going – a much-needed activity through the festive haze of alcohol, food and TV!
There’s affordable options as well as more expensive items so you can choose based on your price range.
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21. Upgrade your cases
The chances are the man in your life has a lot of tech. Phones, Kindles, tablets or laptops; there’s a lot of expensive tech but a sincere lack of protective casing!
Cases make practical stocking stuffers for men and there are some really cool ones on the market at the moment. Whether it’s a geeky phone case, shatterproof cover or waterproof holder, cases make very handy gifts.
Money-saving hack: Sew him his very own case with our laptop bag pattern. You could even embroider his initials onto it if you’re feeling extra crafty.
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22. Organisational equipment
Another practical stocking stuffer for men is organisational items. Diaries, calendars, notepads and stationary will help him enter into the New Year feeling stress-free. Pens, highlighters and sticky notes are also affordable stocking stuffer options.
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23. Wearable accessories
Give your guy a glow-up by including wearable accessories in his stocking. Think new ties, a belt, a cap or even jewellery. Not on the High Street has some beautiful, customisable options, all of which would make fantastic stocking stuffers.
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24. The finishing touch
Every stocking, no matter who it’s for, needs a satsuma or coal at the bottom. It’s Father Christmas’ rule! What you put at the bottom of his stocking all depends on his behaviour…
If he’s been nice, pop in a chocolate orange. For those who have been bad this year, fake coal would make a hilarious stocking stuffer.
Money-saving hack: Use the real thing! A lump of coal and a tasty orange won’t cost much but will bring the feeling of nostalgia.
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Make him smile with our stocking stuffer ideas for men
We’re sure the man in your life does a lot for those around him, so make him a stocking that’s as special as he is.
Filled with tasty treats, practical gifts and interesting items, these stocking stuffer ideas for men will make him feel like a big kid again!
Make your own DIY Christmas gifts this December
Discover more brilliant stocking stuffer ideas for men over in our DIY Christmas gifts round-up.
