Stocking stuffers under $10
$10 or Less Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Neurodivergents, Writers and Book Lovers!
I’m not sure when stocking stuffers became so expensive and verging towards gifts in their own right? So, instead I present to you, stocking stuffers under $10 each. Some are more neurodivergent specific (yet I do think everyone needs at least one fidget:) and others are for writers and readers. For ease, most are linked to Amazon - through our own affiliate link. When you use the link, Guildedmonocle.com will receive a small commission.
In no particular order here are some fun stocking stuffers.
Tangelo or small fruit - My family always adds a “cutie” or tangelo or similar citrus snack to our stockings. A healthy snack always helps:) it doesn’t matter who you are - if you don’t like it- give it away:) ($1- $3)
Pen - Yes there are so many types and we are all so particular about them! We suggest a Frixion erasable pen, or a fine point sharpie, or a nice gel pen! Or if you are privileged enough to know - gift them their favorite pen! (more expensive versions include Dr. Grip and Pentel’s Tradio Stylo Sketch Pen. ) ($0.80 - $10)
Pocket notebook - Of course the classic pocket Moleskine is my favorite but there are so many artistic, beautiful and unique notebooks around. For myself, having a smaller page is less overwhelming, and I’m more likely to actually take it with me. While we all can use a notes app on our phones there is something different about writing ideas on paper! ($1-$10)
Face mask or foot mask - This may not be for everyone, but I like the self-care option. You can usually get single packets at drug stores/pharmacies, target, sephora etc. If someone doesn’t like it - I’m sure someone in your or their life will like to have a tool to pamper themselves. ($2-$5)
Can cover - So this is a weird favorite of mine. I've tried a few, and the stretch silicone ones fit lots of things and tend to hold in carbonation better. I find it very useful and they come in multipacks so you can easily divide them between stockings.
Mini puzzles - Whether you are neurodivergent or not, everyone likes an excuse to have time to themselves. A mini puzzle takes concentration and most people understand you don’t need to chat while doing them. (If they don’t get that, just ask if you can do the puzzle quietly - maybe they can join you, but explain you are doing this for self-care). We have a few of these on our site - some are 50 pieces others are 150 pieces.
Calm Strips and stickers - these are some of our favorites - Calm Strips are copyrighted - and a much higher quality and tactile grit than other stickers found on Amazon, however they are also more expensive - so look at your budget. Information on the CalmStrips.com site explains things better than I can - but it's basically an unobtrusive sticker providing tactile grounding.
Fidget and Sensory rings - More unobtrusive sensory devices. Fidget rings are more fidgeting and motion, while sensory rings are for pressure and tactile stimulation, (both help people focus on something present outside of their feelings of overwhelm - at least they do for me:). There are lots more to choose from.
A fun fidget I like this movable spinner or this squeeze NeeDoh baby size
Bath scrub in a packet- make bathing more fun, and the textured salt or sugar makes it more sensory, and weirdly better for some neurodivergents. If you can, try for an epsom salt scrub, the magnesium helps sore muscles (however, some are too fragrant:).
Disposable Towelette or Wipes- Gentle, aloe non-scented pocket towelettes or wipes - (okay I totally judged my mom and rolled my eyes for her stocking stuffer of this a few years ago… then of course I found myself using it when my AirBNB didn’t have running water, but I’d traveled for 30 plus hours. Wet wipes/Deodorant wipes of some sort are helpful for OCD, ADHD, travelers without a shower, and just the general ick of life. Honestly it was a really useful gift!)
Wrist pocket wallet or hide-able pocket sling - Another awkward thing I didn’t think I would use that much, but makes me feel safer. As a woman, I like to have multiple stashes of information and ICOS (what I call In Case of S*&t). Wrist wallets are great for that. Whether jogging, traveling or hiking, having an extra pocket with some cash, insurance card, snack or extra Benadryl always makes me feel better. (PS I realize Benadryl is not the same as an epi-pen). Otherwise a small side sling or hidden pouch can provide a lot of assurance to reduce anxiety. https://amzn.to/4j56f2U
Gift cards - I know they seem uninventive - but they are appreciated! Even if it seems mundane - a gift card for a grocery or drug store can be very useful. And hey if it isn’t - it can easily be regifted to someone more in need!
Burts bees chapstick - yes there are lots of chapsticks but this is my favorite, and doesn’t contain petroleum jelly. Even if it isn’t a person's favorite it is still useful.
Unscented hand lotion mini size - honestly - I would get or gather free samples, ones at home goods or from the travel section of CVS - especially if unscented:)
Travel multi prong cord and or usb wall cube - you can find these on amazon or homegoods, target or walmart. I like multi-prong because they fit everything. I also say the wall cube as recently I can’t find my own, and all the new ones seem to be a USB-C port rather than a regular USB to wall outlet.
Compressible totebag or backpack or sling- makes taking home gifts easier, and its reusable! Or this one with a drawstring https://amzn.to/3YzU2JQ