The Most Popular Stocking Stuffers, From Traditional to Quirky

A recent survey conducted by Duck Brand, a packing product company, dived into Americans' preferences regarding stocking stuffers, ranging from gift cards to electric razors. The survey involved polling 1,000 Americans and aimed to uncover emerging trends in this holiday tradition.

Revealing some of the more unconventional items found in stockings, the survey identified coal as an unexpected item, with 18% of respondents reporting receiving this unique gift. Other items on the list included a can of sardines, slime, olives, and even toilet paper. Despite the trend of adding more eccentric choices, most stocking stuffer recipients still tend to receive more conventional presents. Gift cards led the preferences at 71%, closely followed by snacks such as dried fruit and candy, along with self-care items like lip balm and makeup.

Turning to the practical side, over half of the respondents mentioned finding kitchen and bath accessories in their stockings, while the remaining half discovered tape, including craft and painting tape, nestled amidst the holiday surprises.

Ashley Luke, the product manager at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company behind Duck, highlighted the survey's insightful findings, stating, "While slipping quirky gifts into stockings can evoke laughter, the majority (78%) of people express a preference for receiving practical or useful presents over those that are unconventional or humorous." She further highlighted that stocking fillers, often considered underrated Christmas gifts, are appreciated by many for their cost-saving impact on essential items that recipients would typically purchase for themselves.

Real Simple magazine backs this up, saying that stocking stuffers are a great way to give practical, personal, or quirky gifts that don’t cost much. Whether it's a personalized token of affection for a loved one or a kitschy keepsake for a friend, stocking stuffers offer versatility. The magazine noted, "Since stocking stuffers are limited to small items, sometimes those unique finds can be super interesting or incredibly convenient for the receiver while not something they would think to buy themselves."