The Best Stocking Stuffers for Cooks and Foodies

There are so many festive traditions associated with Christmas—leaving cookies out for Santa, decorating evergreen trees, going caroling, sharing white elephant presents, and spending time with family. Another classic tradition is the Christmas stocking. In “ye olden days” (aka the early 1800s), these stockings were filled with small toys, candies, coins, or even oranges. While toys and candies are just as common stocking stuffers nowadays, the gift possibilities have expanded dramatically. 

If you need some inspiration for good stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. These are the best stocking stuffers for cooks, bakers, and foodies—from budget-friendly measuring cups to an adorable set of holiday-themed kitchen tongs.

Stocking Stuffers for $10 and Under

Let’s start with some treats at the lower end of the price scale. Sweet treats like candy canes and chocolates are classic options, but we also found a few other fun gifts—including kitchen gadget stocking stuffers and gourmet pantry staples. 

There’s nothing better than a warm cup of hot cocoa (with marshmallows) on a cold, snowy day. This little gift puts a fun twist on the classic drink. Designed to look like a smiling snowman, the white chocolate hot cocoa bomb will dissolve in hot milk, releasing the drink mix and mini marshmallows inside. Williams Sonoma has many different designs and flavors available, including Buddy the Elf’s hat, peppermint bark, or the Grinch.

Popcorn is a classic snack, but there’s something extra special about making it at home, especially around the holidays. Wabash Valley Farms provides gourmet yellow kernels in a very merry tube decorated like Santa Claus. You and the lucky giftee could even make a traditional popcorn garland. 

These tiny tree tongs are perfectly sized for the younger foodies on your list. They could be used to prepare a meal or to dole out delicious snacks at a holiday party. The silicone-tipped heads are heat-resistant and non-stick, but the tongs are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. If you really love the mini tongs, Williams Sonoma also makes a matching full-sized pair. 

Why not give the gift of wine? (After all, sparkling wine is the go-to drink for festivities.) While most bottles are too big for the average stocking, these mini bottles are the perfect size. This light-bodied prosecco from La Vostra has notes of peach, honeysuckle, and apple for a bright and crisp taste.

Cinnamon is common in a lot of holiday treats, but this isn’t your average spice. Burlap & Barrel is known for its high-quality spices sourced from small farms all over the world. The royal cinnamon comes from the mountains of Vietnam. It has a bright, spicy-sweet flavor and will delight any baker who finds it in their stocking.

Stocking Stuffers for $15 and Under

Bumping up the price by $5, we reach the mid-range of the cooking stocking stuffer tier. We’ve included some gourmet treats, helpful kitchen gear, and cute holiday-themed gifts. 

This could be a beau-tea-ful stocking stuffer idea. The festive holiday tin is decorated with red ornaments and green holly. Inside are 50 bags of black tea flavored with notes of vanilla, cardamom, and blackberry leaves. Brew a piping hot cup and add a splash of milk for a creamy Christmas morning drink. 

Speaking of tea, how adorable is this silicone infuser? The punny mana-tea holds onto the side of a mug and steeps the loose-leaf tea inside. There are a ton of other tea-riffic infusers to choose from, including a slow brew sloth, a smiling hedgehog, an upside down duck, and dozens more. Whichever option you choose, a tea-lover is sure to adore this little kitchen gadget stocking stuffer.

‘Tis the season of giving, so what if a gift delighted more than just the recipient? Grounds & Hounds donates 20 percent of all profits to dog rescue programs. That makes this gift of chocolate-covered espresso beans twice as sweet. 

Wine is a classic gift for nearly any occasion, but this accessory adds a cute holiday twist. The red and white sleeve resembles a cozy knit sweater, complete with wooden buttons. It makes any standard-size bottle look festive and dashing. 

Peppermint is the ultimate flavor of the holiday season; pair it with chocolate, and you’ve got a delicious combo. Compartés makes gourmet chocolates in a wide variety of flavors. This peppermint bark chocolate bar is a seasonal favorite, but other chocolatey options include gingerbread cookies and sticky toffee pudding. 

Stocking Stuffers for $25 and Under

At last, we come to the level of indulgence and splurges—at least, as far as stocking stuffers go. Check out these high-quality sweets, cooking spices, drink accessories, and more.

Nobody likes a watered-down drink. Whiskey stones are a great way to keep drinks cool without sacrificing taste. This sleek set of cubes is made of granite and sits in a pristine burnt-wood tray. Pop the stones in the freezer for four hours before use. Though the dark granite is certainly striking, the cubes also come in a lighter chalk gray and an ivory white. Cheers!

Kitchen utensils are meant to be functional, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cute. Shaped like a plaid mitten, this handy spatula is perfect for mixing up pancake batter, scrambling eggs, or spreading frosting. The silicone mitten is heat resistant up to 600°F, safe to use on nonstick surfaces, and can detach for cleaning in the dishwasher.

What’s better than a bag of coffee in your stocking? Six bags of coffee in your stocking. Harry & David’s coffee sampler is an ideal gift for someone who likes a good cup of joe. Each 1.5-ounce bag of pre-ground coffee features a different flavor: chocolate cherry, vanilla crème brulée, chocolate raspberry, Northwest blend, caramel pecan, and butterscotch caramel. 

Corkcicle is known for clever drinking accessories, such as ice wedge glasses or the Palmpress coffee maker. The Air Wine Chiller resembles an icicle in more ways than one. After chilling in the freezer for 90 minutes, insert it into any wine you want to keep cool. It also has a convenient aerator pour-spout built into the cork top, so you can easily serve the wine.

This isn’t your grandma’s maple syrup. Runamok adds edible sparkles to the genuine Vermont syrup, making for glittery pancakes, French toast, or waffles. The limited edition Snow Globe bottle features stunning snowflake art that will add a bit of holiday magic to any breakfast.

Why Take Our Word for It?

Allison Wignall takes great pride in finding the perfect gift for her friends and family. In fact, much of her professional career has revolved around writing gift guides. Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, the Spruce Eats, Southern Living, and more.