How Much Should You Really Spend on Stocking Stuffers This Year?

We went through 6 years of data and were surprised by the average spend!

BY: Jennifer Belanger

Updated: November 15, 2023

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We went through 6 years of data to determine stocking stuffer spend.
On average, people spend $87 in total per person (based on avg of 4 gifts per stocking).
For kids/teens average spend is $64 per person.
For men, average spend is $128.
For women, average spend is $92 (go figure).

You’ve already purchased all your Christmas gifts, added heartfelt tags to each gift, written out all your cards and already know how much you’re supposed to spend on your Christmas presents overall. And then suddenly you remember the one last nail in the coffin. Yes, we’re talking about the dreaded stocking stuffers. As if everyone needs even more “stuff.”

But fear not because we’re here to help you answer the age-old question: How much are you supposed to spend on stocking stuffers, anyway? Here’s the thing. There really is no magic answer, as everyone is different, has different budgets in mind, and just personal preferences. Some are stuffing those stockings with yummy candy, while others may be sticking in colognes, perfumes, makeup – you name it.

So, we decided to put some time in, pull some of our own internal and external data we can get our hands on and come up with different spend ranges by age group.

HOW WE FIGURED THIS OUT

Since we’re coming up with these spending recommendations ourselves, we want to be totally transparent with you so you can better understand how we came up with these numbers and what are process was overall.

We Used 6 Years of Internal Data: We’ve been covering gifts, Christmas, and stocking stuffers for 6 years now. We combed through all of this data, zeroing on the stocking stuffer content to better understand all areas of the US our readers were buying from, what the basic demographics were, when purchases were taking place and how they found our guide.
We Combed Through Thousands of Amazon Purchases: With our partnership with Amazon (and dozens of other major retailers), we’re able to see specifically which products (in this case, stocking stuffers) were purchased after a reader clicked through from our site to theirs in the months of November and December over the past 6 years and how much each one cost. Sprinkle a little math magic over all the data and we could pull the average spend.
Product Grouping By Age: The thousands of products were then put into individual bucked that we labeled for different ages, stages, and men, women, etc. From there we could see the different ranges that were spent per group.

After combing through all of this for over 2 weeks, we were able to come up with, not only, averages that people spend on stocking stuffers, but what our recommendations are for what you may want to spend based on the various groups, ages, and budget levels. Again, feel free to simply use this all as a guide and remember to just do what you can. There really are options out there for just about any budget, including some almost-free things you can get. It’s always the thought that counts.

STOCKING STUFFER SPEND FOR KIDS

AND UNDER

$ 0

BETWEEN $5 - $10

$ 0

BETWEEN $10 - $20

$ 0

PER GIFT

$ 0

When it comes to the little ones, the magic of Christmas shines brightest in their eyes. Keep their stockings filled with enchanting surprises without breaking the bank:

Low Budget (under $5): Colorful stickers, small figurines, novelty erasers, mini puzzles, festive hair accessories, and chocolate coins.
Mid-Range Budget ($5 – $10): Silly socks, fun-shaped crayons, small board books, character-themed keychains, mini building blocks, and holiday-themed bath bombs.
Generous Budget ($10 – $20): Action figures, craft kits, interactive toys, art supplies, character-themed water bottles, and cozy winter gloves.
Total Spend: Based on an average number of gifts in a stocking being 4, the average spend for kids is $48 per kid.

STOCKING STUFFER SPEND FOR TEENS

AND UNDER

$ 0

BETWEEN $10 - $20

$ 0

BETWEEN $20 - $30

$ 0

PER GIFT

$ 0

Your teenagers may be too cool for some things, but stockings never go out of style. Here’s how to make their stockings a hit without burning a hole in your wallet:

Low Budget (under $10): Funky phone accessories, trendy enamel pins, scented candles, quirky notebooks, flavored lip balms, and colorful socks.
Mid-Range Budget ($10 – $20): Pop culture merchandise, phone grips, wireless earbuds, movie tickets, mini skincare sets, and fun graphic t-shirts.
Generous Budget ($20 – $30): Trendy fashion accessories, graphic novels, video game gift cards, personalized keychains, and cozy blankets.
Total Spend: Based on an average number of gifts in a stocking being 4, the average spend for teens is $80 per teen.

STOCKING STUFFER SPEND FOR MEN

AND UNDER

$ 0

BETWEEN $15 - $30

$ 0

BETWEEN $30 - $50

$ 0

PER GIFT

$ 0

Some guys might seem tough to shop for, but stocking stuffers are a great way to surprise them with thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts:

Low Budget (under $15): Fun beer bottle openers, multitool keychains, quirky desk accessories, gourmet coffee samples, and witty graphic socks.
Mid-Range Budget ($15 – $30): Pocket-sized gadgets, stylish phone cases, specialty hot sauces, grooming kits, and personalized leather key holders.
Generous Budget ($30 – $50): Sports memorabilia, high-quality pocket knives, premium beard oils, tech gadgets, and engraved whiskey glasses.
Total Spend: Based on an average number of gifts in a stocking being 4, the average spend for men is $128.

STOCKING STUFFER SPEND FOR WOMEN

AND UNDER

$ 0

BETWEEN $10 - $20

$ 0

BETWEEN $20 - $40

$ 0

PER GIFT

$ 0

Did you notice the discrepancy in what’s spent on men vs. what’s spent on women? We didn’t need 2 week of research and 6 years of data to have that gut feeling that women spend more on men for stocking stuffers than men spend on women. In fact, on average, almost $10 less. Insert eye-roll.

Either way, the special ladies in our lives deserve a little holiday magic too, and these stocking stuffers will do the trick without straining your budget:

Low Budget (under $10): Festive nail polish, scented bath salts, cute hair accessories, fancy chocolate truffles, and inspirational pocket journals.
Mid-Range Budget ($10 – $20): Dainty jewelry pieces, trendy phone grips, cozy socks, aromatic candles, and elegant makeup brushes.
Generous Budget ($20 – $40): Designer makeup palettes, cozy scarves, stylish hand creams, personalized jewelry, and luxurious face masks.
Total Spend: Based on an average number of gifts in a stocking being 4, the average spend for women is $92.

IN CONCLUSION

Remember, money-aside it’s really the thought and the joy of giving that truly matters during the holiday season, even when it comes to stuffing their stockings.

So, whether you stick to the lower end or go all out with generous stocking stuffers, it’s the love and warmth that make them the perfect touch to any Christmas morning. So, get creative, fill those stockings with care, and let the holiday magic unfold! Oh, and spend a little extra on the women in your life. They deserve it!

How Much Should You Really Spend on Stocking Stuffers This Year?

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