No matter whom you’re buying for this Christmas, it’s important to remember you don’t need to shell out on something totally lavish. Whether you’re doing a cost-conscious Christmas this year or you have an office Secret Santa with a strict limit, our stocking-stuffers shopping guide is tasteful, inexpensive, and full of inspiration. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite products we’ve been writing about at the Strategist UK, all of which are under 20 quid, so you can gift something special or interesting (or both!) this Christmas.
To make sure no stocking is left unstuffed, we have checked the delivery times for each item. Check below for specific dates that gifts need to be ordered by to arrive in time for Christmas. We’ve used standard Amazon shipping times, but Prime customers can expect their deliveries to dispatch a little quicker.
£5 and under
Strategist staff writer Chris Mandle grows these bee-friendly flowers to help pollinate his courgettes. They’d make a great stocking filler for a friend with a balcony or patio. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
Chef James Cochran says this cherry-bourbon sauce is particularly good on a Boxing Day sandwich. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
For something more nostalgic, give the gift of tuck-shop nostalgia. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
A very classy way to take notes (we’ve included some pens further down too). Last day to purchase: 21 December.
The best stocking stuffer is something they’ll actually use. Clara Amfo told us she swears by this lip balm. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
£10 and under
These LEGO Minifigures feature monster-themed characters such as a zombie businessman, a wolf-man, and a mad scientist. Last day to purchase: 15 December.
This scented candle was featured on our roundup of the best (according to reviewers). Last day to order: 21 December.
A set of our best-in-class pens would go nicely with that notepad. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
Delightfully illustrated matches: highly giftable for anyone with a penchant for nice candles. Last day to purchase: 22 December.
Perfect for a teen with excellent taste in music. Last day to purchase: 17 December.
If you know someone who takes coffee seriously (like, really seriously), then a bag of beans will always be gratefully received. Last day to purchase: 16 December.
Stylist Colin King (who just finished working on Kirsten Dunst’s home in the San Fernando Valley) told us about these coffee cups by Hay that come in pleasing soft shades. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
Bar owner Felix Cohen told us to “think of bitters as salt for cocktails … useful for making just about any drink a bit more delicious.” These ones are made from West Indian oranges. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
If they have quite enough plants, these brass animals, which hang on stems, are slim enough to slip into a Christmas card. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
But for the Aēsop fan (who has enough hand cream), this clove-mint-anise toothpaste would be an inexpensive gift. Last day to purchase: 23 December.
This is useful for getting scuffs out of your suede boots – but it’s also a great tool for tackling stains on leather furniture, too. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
An addictive, pattern-spotting game for kids and adults alike. Last day to order: 21 December.
A gift that says “sorry you’re still working from the sofa.” Last day to order: 21 December.
Pair them with these water-bearing brushes and you can do some illustrating practically anywhere. Last day to order: 16 December.
£15 and under
Okay, you might not be able to physically fit this plant in a stocking, but it’s a resilient, interesting-looking present that’s hard to kill. Last day to purchase: 16 December.
Chef Jackson Boxer told us about this inexpensive caviar. “This isn’t Beluga Grand Imperial, but it is incredibly delicious, and in caviar terms, it’s a pretty low price.” Last day to order: 23 December.
Give the gift of prying and jimmying this Christmas. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
A small but perfectly delicious gift. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
This brooch from Chalk — a jewelry brand founded by architect and designer Malaika Carr — proves gifting jewellery can be inexpensive. Last day to purchase: 20 December (by 1 p.m. with Special Delivery).
Perfect for a cosy day watching The Princess Switch 3 on Netflix. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
For low-maintenance men — this salt spray will give hair a bit of texture without feeling gunky. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
This elaborate candle would be great for the tarot reader in your life. Last day to purchase: 22 December (with next-day delivery). Last day to purchase with standard shipping is 17 December.
An essential purchase for your favourite pooch. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
Illustrator Alex Testere loves this watercolour set which, due to being solid, means he can take it on a flight and draw at 36,000 feet. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
£20 and under
Perfect for making a cappuccino extra foamy. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
This traditional Japanese face soap, made from rice bran, is nondrying and can be used anywhere — from face to body to hair. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
When we asked cool people to recommend red lipstick, author Shon Faye chose this M.A.C option. Last day to purchase: 23 December.
Not only is the length super-helpful, but the cherry-red colour on this charger is highly appealing. Last day to purchase: 21 December.
A tiny bottle of Champagne would be a nice present to find in a stocking. Last day to purchase: 19 December.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.