Best Christmas stocking fillers and small gifts: from budget to luxe, the petite presents for kids, teens and adults

If you’re anything like us, excitement reaches fever pitch on Christmas morning.

And while we’ll be raring to get to the gifts sitting under our perfectly decorated tree and pop the corks to start our champagne breakfast, there is a starter treat that we won’t even have to get out of bed to enjoy: the Christmas stocking.

The tradition of a stocking has roots in Saint Nicholas mythology. Also known as Father Christmas, Santa Claus or the more popular Americanised Santa, the story goes that he visits the homes of good children in the wee hours of Christmas morning and fill their empty sock-like sacks with small presents. Meanwhile naughty kids woke to stockings crammed with lumps of coal instead.

While it is still largely for kids, it’s a tradition that many grown-ups still like to keep. Waking up to a bag full of treats - what’s not to love about that?

Whether you’re looking for gifts to delight your little ones or want to tuck something small but special into the stockings of friends or family, we’ve put together an edit of the best Christmas stocking fillers to give this season.

See our favourites below

Best Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts for Kids

World's Smallest Voice Changer

This teeny megaphone will distort their voice into four different sounding ones. Batteries included... but maybe use half-charged ones to ensure some peace in time for the Queen's Speech.

£8.99 | Prezzybox | Buy it now

Personalised Toblerone Bar

An oldie but a goodie, and now customisable with their name on. Sure-fire winner.

£12.99 | Prezzybox | Buy it now

TY Marvel Captain America Toy

This 16cm tall superhero is perfect for mini fans of the Marvel series.

£6.40 | Peacocks | Buy it now

Schylling SC-CTK Classic Tin Kaleidoscope

This classic tin toy brings new shapes and colours to Christmas Day - and beyond.

£6 | Amazon | Buy it now

Barbie Career 60th Anniversary Astronaut Doll

To celebrate Barbie's 60th year, Mattel has released a series of dolls in her many careers over the decades. We love AstroBarb, but you can also get Fireman Barbie and Football Barbie too.

£9.60 | Hamleys | Buy it now *On sale from £12

Twisted Spiral Slime

The reasons behind the recent playground craze for slime is not for adults to ponder. Kids are wild about the stuff, and this one comes with a mix of colours swirled together to create a pleasing marble effect.

£3.25 | Gift & Gadget Store | Buy it now

Underwater Disco Lightshow

Transform bath time into a disco wonderland with this waterproof gizmo that projects psychedelic light patterns.

£7.99 | Firebox | Buy it now

F&M Chocolate Gold Coins

Pick up some bouji milk chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil to fill out their stocking surprise.

£5 | Fortnum & Mason | Buy it now

Woolen Finger Puppets - Set of 4 - Magical

Let them enjoy playtime wherever or whenever with this finger puppet and cardboard theatre set. Suitable for kids aged 3+.

£15 | Amara | Buy it now

Scentos Sweet Shop 12Pk Coloured Pencils

A pack of brightly coloured pencils will colour their Christmas happy - and this 12-pack also have sweet shop-inspired scents too.

£4.87 | Amazon | Buy it now

Best Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts for Teens

Revo-Pooches Palette

Adorned with cute pups, this 18-shade eyeshadow palette is full of colours that will suit every one. The pawfect addition to a budding makeup collection.

£10 | Revolution Beauty | Buy it now

Ban.Do Retractable Charging Cord - Stay Positive

A mini travel charger that doubles as a pun-ny keyring is sure to impress your teens - even if they don't show it.

£28 | Ban.do | Buy it now

Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Palette

If you're prepared to splash out for your older, beauty-obsessed teen, this might just make their whole Christmas. The latest eyeshadow palette from celebrated MUA Huda Beauty features 18 cosmic-inspired hues that will eclipse anything else in their stocking.

£58 | Cult Beauty | Buy it now

Orelia London Constellation Disc Necklace

A cute trinket in their star sign is sure to raise a smile.

£18 | Orelia London | Buy it now

DED POP Calcutta CC Case

Designed in east London, DED POP offers a selection of stylish phone cases that will make them the envy of all their chums.

£20 | DED POP London | Buy it now

S'ip by S'well Harry Potter 'The Boy Who Lived' Vacuum Insulated Drinks Bottle, 450ml, White

Christmas is the perfect time to encourage new habits, like using a refillable water bottle. S'wells are among the best and come in a variety of designs, like this Harry Potter-inspired one.

£25 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit

One for phoney photographers, this 6-pieces kit includes a fisheye and a starburst lens, helping them raise their Insta-game to a whole new level.

£19.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Barry M Nail Shot - Grape Seed

This vegan and cruelty-free nail and cuticle treatment is just what they need to give paws some hydrating TLC.

£3.99 | Superdrug | Buy it now

Great Goddesses: Life lessons from myths and monsters

Touted as one of the voices of her generation, poet and storyteller Nikita Gill's latest book centres on tales of brave and beautiful Greek goddesses.

An inspiring read that will disrupt their constant phone scrolling.

£9.17 | Amazon | Buy it now

Lush Angel Hair Shampoo Bar

One of the newest shampoo bars to join Lush's line-up, this is not only kind to hair but smells absolutely divine too.

£8 | Lush | Buy it now

Handheld Pac-Man Arcade Game

Men of a certain age will get a kick out of this palm-sized version of the retro arcade game, while teens will enjoy the 80s aesthetic. Requires 3 AAA batteries (included).

£30 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now

Poo Pourri Secret Santa

A playful gift that's actually rather useful. Just spritz into the water before you go to the loo and it will contain potentially embarrassing emissions. No excuse to avoid those Brussel sprouts now!

£8 | Poo Pourri | Buy it now

Levi's Banana Bum Bag

The coolest way to carry accessories around.

£20 | Levi's | Buy it now

Glossier The Skincare Set

If your teen has been making noises about makeup, give them the right foundations with a skincare set first. Glossier is still one of the most coveted beauty brands for teens and this set includes a cleanser, moisturiser and skin salve to help keep their complexions in check.

£35 | Glossier | Buy it now

Yu Ling Rollers Rose Quartz Facial Roller (Small)

The most coveted beauty tool on Instagram is, quite handily, the perfect stocking size. It must be fate.

£16.80 | Cult Beauty | Buy it now

Mossimo Men Eau De Toilette 100ml Spray

This edgy bottle will make a great new addition to his toiletries collection.

£10 | The Fragrance Shop | Buy it now *On sale from £15

Peropon Drinking Animal Planter

Inspire a New Year's resolution to be more green-fingered with these adorable planters.

£10.99 each | Firebox | Buy it now

Best Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts for Him

F&M Christmas Spiced Biscuits, 125g

Bite into a taste of Christmas first thing with this lovely decorative tin of Christmas biscuits. Prepare for crumbly mouthfuls of sugar, spice and all things nice.

£5.95 | Fortnum & Mason | Buy it now

Howdah Bombay Mix

All that rich Christmas food can take its toll. Cut through the stodge with fistfuls of Howdah's dangerously moreish Bombay Mix. Vegan friendly.

£2.75 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now

Zara Black Animal Embossing Leather Airpods Case

Whether he's already got a pair of Apple's Airpods, or they're waiting for him under the tree, we're sure he'd love this stylish holder. Compatible with AirPods 1.

£15.99 | Zara | Buy it now

Grey Goose La Collection

Let them enjoy a pre-noon tipple with this gift set of four miniature Grey Goose vodkas. Flavours include original, orange, lemon and pear. Cheers!

£15 | Tesco | Buy it now

Christopher Raeburn Off-Cut Weather Map Notebook

Ignite his sense of adventure with this beautifully made A5 handbook. It's been created with off-cuts of a silk weather map print, which the celebrated designer has also used to make floaty dresses and accessories.

£25 | Christopher Raeburn | Buy it now

DOIY Insectum Bottle Opener

The cultured way to open a bottle of Bud? By way of beetle, of course.

£22 | Liberty | Buy it now

Ted Baker Zapped Jaguar Cufflinks

The perfect accessory for the elegant (urban) jungle cat in your life.

£55 | Ted Baker | Buy it now

Spreadable Whisky Single Malt Marmalade

Whisky you can spread on your morning slice? We'll toast to that.

£10 | Oliver Bonas | Buy it now

Desmond & Dempsey Printed Cotton Eye Mask

Beauty sleep applies to men too. Help him get all the shuteye he needs with this navy and colbalt blue eye masks from eccentric sleepwear specialists Desmond & Dempsey.

£15 | Mr Porter | Buy it now

SockShop Wild Feet Nutcracker Cotton Socks

This set of three socks are festive enough for the season while being smart enough to wear to work. Shop the women’s version here.

£7.99 | SockShop | Buy it now

Gentlemen's Hardware Whisky Chillers

Keep your dram cool without compromising the taste with these granite and soapstone whisky stones. Each pouch contains six stones.

£10 | Oliver Bonas | Buy it now

Delizie di Calabria Fuoco d'Amore (Fire's Love) Hot Sauce 90g

For those who think they can handle their heat, we present this richly flavoured hot sauce with ingredients harvested from the hot and sunny Calabrian region in Italy. It goes with everything - even turkey, we imagine.

£2.95 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now

Tommy Hilfiger Pure Silk Bow Tie

Change out of those PJs and dress for Christmas lunch in style with this pre-tied bow tie made from knotted silk.

£55 | Tommy Hilfiger | Buy it now

Best Stocking Fillers and Small Gifts for Her

M.A.C Kiss of Stars Liptick in Walk of Fame

A lippie just for Christmas Day? Why not? Especially when it looks as showstopping as M.A.C's star embossed bullet. Available in four other shades, just in case berry's not your bag.

£19 | M.A.C | Buy it now

The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks

Give the luxury of cashmere against your skin with these lovely socks, designed to ward off the chill when your snuggled in front of the telly or enjoying a lazy lie-in.

£36 | The White Company | Buy it now

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

All that eating, drinking and merriment can take its toll. This spray will ensure they get their rest, ready for another day of Yuletide fun.

£19.50 | Next | Buy it now

Coach Small Wallet In Colorblock Signature Canvas

This compact wallet will make the perfect addition to her handbag.

£75 | Coach | Buy it now

Jo Loves Pomelo A Fragrance Paintbrush Gel

This fun fragrance invention from Jo Malone MBE sees scent 'painted' onto the skin using the brush applicator.

£40 | Space NK | Buy it now

Thorntons Pearls Salted Caramel

Start December 25 on a sweet-salty note with Thornton's luxurious salted caramel pearls.

£5 | Thorntons | Buy it now

LSW Mind Cards

Encourage a life more mindful with LSW Mind Cards. The set of 45 business card-sized cards each list a positive action, designed to help you live a more fulfilling and happy life.

£14.99 | LSW Cards | Buy it now

Simple Human Rechargeable Sensor Compact Mirror

This isn't just any compact: the lights mimic the sun to ensure you get accurate makeup application - handy for the days when the winter sun doesn't properly rise until 8am.

£90 | Selfridges | Buy it now

F&M Christmas Sparkling Strawberry Preserve, 200g

Perfect for slathering over hot buttered toast or smoothing over clotted cream as part of a festive afternoon tea, F&M has elevated the experience of a classic strawberry jam with a touch of edible glitter.

£7.95 | Fortnum & Mason | Buy it now

Alessi Parrot Sommelier Corkscrew, Proust

In case they ever needed an excuse to open another bottle of wine.

£30.40 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Baylis & Harding Happy Hour

Up the glamour in your next bath with these fizzy bath bombs from Baylis & Harding.

£8 | The Perfume Shop | Buy it now

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