Giving gifts gets expensive, amiright?
A new NerdWallet survey finds that 82% of Americans plan to purchase gifts this holiday season. And 65% of these holiday shoppers are concerned about tariffs impacting their holiday gift shopping this year.
One solution? Fewer pricey presents, more affordable ones, some that’ll garner a laugh. For this list, we’re thinking outside the sock. Get it?
Prices are current at the time of this writing, but you know the holidays. Things could get cheaper or more expensive.
Silly stocking stuffers you (probably, maybe?) won’t regret buying
1. Wearable blanket: Prices vary
In a world obsessed with comfort (my grandpa is rolling his eyes from above), cozy gifts are always a hit, even the silly ones. Enter the wearable blanket, which, according to Google Trends, is something people actually want.
Here’s one that started it all: Snuggie. Buy it for someone with high self-esteem. The Original is $25.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: Snuggies are comfortable and winters are cold.
2. Tortilla blanket: $16.97 (60-inch size, beige)
I never thought a piece of fabric would make me hungry, but tortilla blankets do. This gift idea is trending and really funny when you take a look. Blankets like this one on Amazon are an easy way to get a smile out of your gift recipient.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: It’s a gag gift they’ll definitely remember, and probably keep.
3. Flashlight for your head: $15.19
Off-brand tools aren’t always bad. I got a headlamp just like this in my stocking a couple years back and chuckled. Then, I proceeded to use it all the time, for tasks like cleaning the fireplace and looking for my wallet in the car. Bright LEDs, a rechargeable battery, and a motion sensor to turn the light on and off with a hand wave make it useful.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: It’s both handy and hands-free.
4. Soda-flavored lip balm: $11.49
This was a pick from NerdWallet spokesperson and personal finance expert, Kimberly Palmer.
Check drug store chains for good, clean flavored fun. Because who doesn’t love the taste of Cherry Coke on your lips? Lip Smacker makes lip balm with legit soda flavors, like Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Barq’s root beer and more.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: You’ll buy this for the kids and end up stealing your favorite soda flavor for yourself. That said, the price might feel steep for a pack of lip balms.
5. Chip clips that look like cats: $5.99
I can never find a chip clip when I need one. Maybe I’d lose them less if they look like little kitties. World Market FTW with this six-pack of cat bag clips. Kate Ashford, NerdWallet writer and spokesperson, says file this under useful things in silly packages.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: Everybody needs chip clips. Get a laugh, then laugh again when your recipient puts these on every bag in the pantry.
6. “Golden Girls”-themed mints: $3
Five Below is another go-to for Ashford. She says the candy section can be a stocking stuffer gold mine.
Case in point: “Golden Girls”-themed mints. For under five bucks, you get four tins of mints, each representing a cast member’s iconic mood. For example, “Sophia’s Judgemints” is the name of one.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: Pretty tins and funny nostalgia, filled with mints, for super cheap.
7. A backyard birds book: $2.49
Personally, I’ve reached an age where all of a sudden birds are kinda interesting. “Is that a Yellow-rumped Warbler?” I’ve wondered as I watch out the kitchen window. If only there was a book of birds.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: The kids will laugh, but bird nerds will keep this book right on the coffee table.
8. Scratch-off lottery tickets: Pick your price
Everybody loves to win, right? Slip a couple in all the stockings as a way to extend the holiday joy a bit longer. This is a go-to gift for Karen Gaudette Brewer, my nerdy head of content.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: Your scratch-off recipient has a (very small) chance to win big. You may want to have them sign a contract agreeing to give you half of anything over $500. You can buy scratchers for as low as $1 and the prices go up from there.
9. A pickle that yodels: $13.95
If the pickle doesn’t do it for ya (managing editor Pamela de la Fuente was intrigued, but not enough to buy), the brand, Archie McPhee, is a novelty store that sells lots of fun, weird stuff.
Why it’s not a total waste of money: This one is all about a laugh. Otherwise, it’s a pretty darn useless $14 pickle.
