100+ Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teens and College Students (2023)

When your teen lumbers into the family room on Christmas morning, takes their stocking down from the mantle, and looks inside, you might glimpse their little kid self. Here are our favorite stocking stuffers for teens, college students, and adults.

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Stocking stuffers for teens and college students

1. Anker Nano Power Bank (Amazon)

With a built-in lightning connector made specifically for Apple devices, you never run out of battery life again! It operates without a cable and is available in six colors.

2. Ninja Outdoorsman 11-in-1 Stainless Steel Tool (Amazon)

ninja wallet tool

You never really know when you’re going to need a Can or Beer Bottle Opener, Cutting Edge, Flat Screwdriver, Ruler, 4 Position Wrench, Butterfly Screw Wrench, Saw Blade, Direction Ancillary Indication (Water Compass), 2 Position Wrench, Keychain, or lanyard Hole (Amazon.) It fits inside a wallet. Your teen boys will love this!

3. Bombas (Bombas)

Bombas socks are the best and make ideal stocking stuffers for everyone on your list! Plus, they donate a pair of socks for every pair purchased.

4. Class of 2024 Ornament (Amazon)

We love this idea for your high school or college grad. This clear ornament comes with tassels in dozens of colors to make it easy to find just what you need. If you want to make your own with your son or daughter’s actual tassel, here’s where you can find a DIY ornament option to preserve a special keepsake.

5. Left Center Right (Amazon)

left center right

A game is a stocking stuffer idea that your teen will love to open and play with throughout the holidays. Left, Center, Right is a wildly popular game appropriate for all age groups.

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7. Hair Claw Clip (Amazon)

Hair clips are very popular among teens and college girls for an easy and comfortable way to hold hair up. The long shape of these clips makes them great stocking stuffers.

8. Bracelet Hair Ties (Amazon)

bracelet hair ties

These cute and super practical hair ties can be worn as bracelets when not used. We think this is a genius idea and a significant upgrade from the ordinary elastic bands that never have a particularly polished look.

9. Anker Portable Battery Charger (Amazon)

A portable charger is always helpful on the go. This is one of the slimmest and lightest portable chargers and works with almost all phones and tablets.

10. Taco, Goat, Cheese Pizza Card Game (Amazon)

taco goat cheese pizza

This super-popular card game is easy to learn and can be played in 10-15 minutes. How can anyone pass up this game if only to find out how “taco, goat, cheese pizza” are related???

11. Phone Pocket (Amazon)

phone pocket

This lycra pocket adheres to phones and is a perfect way to store cards or a few bills, eliminating the need for a bulky wallet. Comes in a pack of 2.

12. Phone Holder for Bike (Amazon)

roam bike mount

The Roam phone mount is an incredibly popular small gift or stocking stuffer that any of your bike-riding teens would appreciate.

13. Crazy Aaron’s Liquid Glass Thinking Putty (Amazon)

This might remind your grown-up kid of the silly putty of their childhood. This improbable stretchy “liquid glass” will be a toy and stress reducer.

14. Lokai Bracelets (LOKAI)

We think these bead bracelets are lovely on the inside and out; Lokai is a socially responsible brand with a mission to help everyone find balance along life’s journey. Each bracelet is infused with elements from the earth’s highest (Mt. Everest) and lowest points (Dead Sea). Plus, we love that the company donates 10% of net profits to charity.

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16. Do Your Laundry, or You’ll Die Alone (Amazon)

Do Your Laundry

We love this slender book of wit and wisdom, written and illustrated by our amazingly-talented friend, Becky Blades, before her eldest daughter left for college. It includes everything you’ll want your teen daughter to know about living her best life away from home and for her mom to coach her along the way.

17. Apple AirTags (Amazon)

This ingenious Apple device will help your teen keep up with their backpack, wallet, or gym bag.

18. Frother (Amazon)

frother

When your teen finishes their coffee or hot cocoa with this handy frother, they can create a customized hot drink at home rather than heading to Starbucks for a more expensive one. This device’s utility and thin shape make it a great stocking stuffer.

19. iWalk Portable Charger (Amazon)

I walk portable charger

This compact portable charger is compatible with an iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5/4 S23 S22, Nintendo Switch, Google Pixel, Huawei, iPad Pro/Air, and AirPods.

20. E.L.F. Putty Primer (Amazon)

Smooth imperfections and help get skin ready for makeup. This very popular teen brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

21. Birdie Personal Alarm (Birdie)

She's birdie

This small alarm can be clipped onto a backpack or keychain and, when activated, has a loud siren and strobe light. The audible alarm can be used multiple times, and the battery for the light is replaceable after 40 continuous hours of use. Available in five colors.

22. Mario Badescu Facial Mist (Amazon)

facial mist

This is a must-have for many teen girls who prefer to mist their faces rather than use a heavier moisturizer.

23. Tile Tracking Devices (Tile)

Our kids rely on Tile tracking devices to find their keys as they run out the door. They will never be late again. Tile Pros operate in a 400-foot Bluetooth range (the longest of their product line) and are water-resistant. Comes with a one-year replaceable battery.

24. Apple AirPod Pro Case Cover (Amazon)

Air Pods Pro cover

Are your kids getting Apple AirPods Pros for their big holiday gift this year? Consider one of these inexpensive silicone covers that will help protect this expensive tech from scratches and damage.

25. Lip “Sleeping Mask” (Amazon)

lip treatment

Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, this wildly popular overnight lip treatment leaves lips soft and smooth. Available in berry, grapefruit, vanilla, or apple-lime formulas.

26. lululemon Skinny Scrunchies (Lululemon)

If your daughter often wears her long hair pulled in a ponytail, this 6-pack of scrunchies from lululemon, would be a fun surprise in her stocking.

27. Jack Black Lip Balm (Amazon)

lip balms

We are big fans of these lip balms with an SPF of 25 and an assortment of pleasing scents. This is a wildly popular cosmetics brand for guys (but great for everyone), and they have many other fabulous products and gift sets that are perfect for stocking stuffers.

28. Dino Cell Phone Holder (Amazon)

cell phone dino

With this adorable mini dino, your teen will have a space to rest their cell phone to FaceTime with you! They can watch their phones without having to hold them upright. Phones can rest vertically or horizontally, and the dino is available in a dozen colors.

29. Sugar Lip Balm (Amazon)

Sugar lip balm

Sugar is one of our favorite makeup brands, and this luscious lip gloss in Rose, with an SPF 15, looks irresistible. This is a top G&F pick for teenage girls.

30. Question-a-Day Journal (Amazon)

journal

For your thoughtful teen, this journal will be a way for them to create a record of five years of their lives by answering one question daily.

31. Pom Beanie (Amazon)

We love the festive look of this pom beanie and think it would be perfect as a stocking stuffer.

32. Field Notes Memo Books: National Park Series (Amazon)

field notes National Parks

If your teen prefers paper and pen to stay organized when taking notes, here is a trendy brand with many styles to pop in their stocking. We love this National Park Series, with iconic covers representing 18 parks.

33. Journaling Pens (Amazon)

journaling pens

Discovering a new rainbow pack of pens in a stocking on Christmas morning will be a thrill for any of your artistic teens who love to journal.

34. Little Words Project Bracelets (Little Words)

Friends and family bracelets from Little Words Project will be the thing for those we love the most.

35. Carhartt Cuffed Beanie (Amazon)

Carhartt hat

These versatile acrylic unisex beanie hats come in dozens of colors and are perfect for keeping in a jacket pocket for those truly frigid days ahead. 

36. Moleskin Limited Edition Harry Potter Notebook (Amazon)

Harry Potter notebook

Moleskin makes wonderful notebooks, and the limited edition ones, like this Harry Potter notebook, make perfect stocking stuffers.

37. Paper Airplane Book (Amazon)

paper airplane book

We all remember making paper airplanes out of lined notepaper. Here’s a slender book with 69 planes to fold and send off into the air. What a wonderful, nostalgic way to spend Christmas — folding and flying your little planes.

38. Avocado Slicer (Amazon)

avocado slicer

This tool splits, slices, and pits avocados for your avocado-loving teens.

39. The Driving Book for Teens (Amazon)

driving book for teens

The author of this driving book for teens helped to teach her three sons how to drive and knows what motivated her kids to be careful behind the wheel. This well-researched guide will give them the info they need to help pass the written portion of their driver’s test, learn how to care for a car, and understand how crucial safe driving is.

40. Mini Notepad Eye Shadows (Amazon)

Such a cute makeup gift that your daughter would love to take with her when she travels or to use at home. Available in eight different hues.

41. Hand Warmers (Amazon)

HotHands hand warmers
Hand warmers are ideal when it gets extra cold during winter.

42. 6 Ft Charging Cable (Amazon)

If you have a teen in college (or soon to be going), a long charger cord may be the most useful gift you can give them. They can have their phone plugged in and charging overnight while keeping it close enough to their dorm bed to use as an alarm.

Compatible with iPhone 14 14pro Max 13 Pro 12 11 X XS XR 8 Plus (Charger sold separately.)

43. Burt’s Bees Gift Set (Amazon)

Burt's bees gift set

Burt’s Bees is a universally beloved brand, and we think these three products — body lotion, hand cream, and lip balm — are things that anyone would love to receive.

44. Fairy Lights With Photo Clips (Amazon)

Here’s a whimsical way to add illumination to your teen or college student’s room; they can also add some of their favorite photos or cards.

45. Fuzzy Socks (UGG)

UGG socks

These chenille socks by UGG are incredibly soft and come in eight colors. They would be perfect to wear with boots for a toasty warm fit or to pad indoors to avoid that cold floor feeling.

46. Traveling Jewelry Case (Amazon)

mini jewelry box

This mini jewelry box is the right size for traveling or storing just a few special pieces. Available in six pretty colors. (Save 20% Black Friday)

47. Rubik’s Cube (Amazon)

Rubik's cube

A classic toy that is mesmerizing for tweens, teens, or young adults.

48. Crossbody Phone Bag (Amazon)

crossbody bag

This slender, crossbody phone case bag is a practical and trendy solution for any teen who always has their phone in their hand. It has straps of two lengths, has two pockets for storing cards, cash, or keys, and the phone can be used without taking it out of the bag. Available in 37 colors.

49. OPI Nail Polish (Amazon)

opt infinite shine nail polish

OPI is one of our favorite nail polish brands, and this duo set of base and topcoat Infinite Shine will extend the life of her manicure during the busy holiday season.

50. Blanket Scarf (Amazon)

These cute oversized scarfs are perfect for cold climates and/or to pack for chilly flights. They come in many cute colors and are very well-priced.

51. Selfie Ring Light (Amazon)

Creating better lighting for selfies or FaceTiming will be a breeze with this mini ring light.

52. L’Occitane Hand Cream (Amazon)

We love this hand cream — it is soothing to dry hands in winter.

53. Collegiate Jewelry and Gifts (Fanatics)

Fanatics is the #1 site for officially licensed merchandise for NCAA as well as many other pro sports teams. These cute bracelets are just one thing offered with free shipping. Sort by sports league and/or team to find just what your teen or college student would love.

54. Sunglasses (Amazon)

solos sunglasses

Sunglasses are always useful, and Amazon has inexpensive ones that are on-trend.

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56. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick (Amazon)

Love this mini lip balm by Urban Decay. Comes in more than a dozen gorgeous shades.

57. Rugged and Dapper Lip Balm (Amazon)

rugged and dapper

A favorite lip balm for our guys.

58. The Defining Decade (Amazon)

Defining Decade

This is THE book to give your young adults to help them understand how important their twenties are. Also, Dr. Meg Jay explains how to make the most of this consequential decade.

59. Reusable Make Up Pads (Amazon)

make up pads

These washable pads make it much easier to remove makeup and reduce paper at the same time.

60. Hand Sanitizer (Target)

This is a pretty adorable hand sanitizer and is available in several winning fragrances.

61. Peppermint Essential Oil Roller (Amazon)

This compact roller of peppermint essential oil can be an on-the-go way to enjoy a little aromatherapy.

62. Keychain Lanyard (Amazon)

This cute keychain lanyard can be used for car keys, house keys, and more and makes keeping track of small keys much easier. Comes in 32 different designs.

63. Pimple Patches (Amazon)

Hydrocolloid acne patches are very useful for teens with acne. These patches work like a miracle, making the pimple disappear much quicker.

64. Reusable K Cup Coffee Filters (Amazon)

Ideal for college students on a budget who love their coffee, these refillable capsules for Keurig coffee machines allow you to save as much as 80% over pre-made, store-bought coffee pods.

65. Velvet Jewelry Pouches (Amazon)

These jewelry patches are the best way to keep jewelry organized when traveling or even just in the dorms where there is little space. Available in several colors.

More Ideas From Amazon

66. Slinky

67. Gum/breath mints

68. Legos

69. Travel-size toothbrush, shampoo, Kleenex, Advil, hand lotion

70. Ornament

71. Magazine

72. Deck of cards, UNO

73. Underwear

74. Razor blades

75. Beef jerky

76. Toothbrush

77. Hot wheels

78. Phone case

79. Headlamp

80. Stress or Koosh ball

81. Pencils

82. Laundry stain stick

83. Gloves, mittens

84. Measuring spoons, kitchen gadgets

85. Hair ties

86. YoYo

87. Harmonica

88. Kazoo

89. Flip flops

90. Umbrella

91. Sunscreen

92. Post It Notes

93. Silly String

94. Pez 

95. Earrings

96. Nail and cuticle oil

97. Slippers

98. Leave-in conditioner

99. Rings

100. Perfume

101. Hair towel

102. Eye mask

103. Finally, add candy and an orange or apple to the top!

You Might Also Want to Read: 

2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Presents Under $25 

Photo credit: Andrew Malone

About Mary Dell Harrington

Mary Dell is the co-founder of Grown and Flown, the #1 site for parents of teens, college students and young adults, reaching millions of parents every month. She started the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook Group and is co-author of Grown and Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults (Flatiron Books) now in paperback.

Read more posts by Mary Dell

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