Stocking filler ideas: useful little Christmas extras

Stocking fillers are small gifts, but several low-priced items can quickly become a sizeable order. Decide how many extras you want and who each one is for before browsing. Focus on things the recipient will use, rather than buying the same filler for every stocking.

Start with everyday usefulness

Possible directions include socks, a small notebook, hair accessories, a keyring or a familiar hand-care product. Match the choice to the person’s age, habits and preferences. For children, check the manufacturer’s age guidance and the product description. A small size does not by itself make an item suitable for a young child, and a festive photo is not safety information.

Count the actual items

Read pack quantities, dimensions and volumes. A multipack can be useful if you know how the contents will be shared, but check that the individual pieces suit the intended recipients. Avoid opening or splitting products that need their original information or instructions. If buying toiletries, keep the relevant packaging and do not assume every miniature is equivalent to the usual full-size product.

Set a stopping point

Write a short list and tick off each stocking as you complete it. Add delivery and wrapping to the total before looking for more. A voucher threshold can encourage an extra purchase, so compare the final basket with and without that addition. Once the planned stocking is finished, further browsing does not necessarily improve the gift.

Before you choose

• Check suitability and stated age guidance.
• Read dimensions and multipack contents.
• Keep a total for the whole stocking.

Are multipacks automatically better value?

Only if the contents will be used. Compare the price for the number of suitable items you actually need, including any delivery charge.