However old you are, the best thing about Christmas morning has to be the stocking; a carefully curated selection of gifts that your recipient will cherish. If you’re considering giving just a tangerine and a bag of chocolate coins, think again. It’s time to level up your stocking game. And we’re on hand to help.
Whether it’s your first time curating your selection, or you’ve been doing it for years, we’ve reviewed a range of incredibly stylish stocking fillers that are guaranteed to put a smile on your giftee’s face. Of course, the number of items you choose to include will be down to budget, but forget the tat. Instead, think skincare in the shape of Molton Brown, affordable, yet high-quality pyjamas they’ll want to wear on repeat, and perhaps their favourite tipple.
You may also want to consider other smile-inducing surprises, such as a dressing gown, their favourite box of chocolates, or a mug they’ll enjoy having their morning cup of coffee out of. Similarly, bookworms will love a great novel they’ve not read. Keep scrolling for our review of the best stocking fillers for her.
How we tested
When it comes to stocking fillers, we considered how thoughtful, practical and of course, affordable each item was. We also steered clear of any gifts that we thought wouldn’t stand the test of time.
The best stocking fillers for her for 2023 are:
- Best stocking filler for her overall – Merit balm blush: £32, Meritbeauty.com
- Best candle – The White Company winter candle: £35, Thewhitecompany.com
- Best cookbook – ‘Nothing Fancy’ by Alison Roman, published by Hardie Grant Books: £22.25, Amazon.co.uk
- Best bottled cocktail – Lockdown Liqour espresso martini: £25, Lockdown-liquor.com
- Best pyjamas – Their Nibs womens cotton traditional pyjamas: £36, Theirnibs.com
- Best book – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, published by Generic: £13.90, Amazon.co.uk
Merit balm blush
Make-up products make lovely stocking fillers, and if the woman in your life keeps her face as natural as possible, turn to Merit. The brand specialises in minimalist beauty products that are vegan-friendly. While we love everything from Merit, the balm blush is a failsafe gift. The cream formula glides onto the skin with ease and it offers buildable colour. Any beauty lover will be pleased to unwrap this on Christmas morning.
Buy now £32.00, Meritbeauty.com
Lockdown Liquor espresso martini
Uber cool drinks company Lockdown Liquor makes some of the best premium cocktails. Each of its blends makes for wonderful gifts all year round. If you know the woman in your life loves a certain cocktail, there’s no better stocking filler. The espresso martini is quite something, not too sweet, it tastes as it should once shaken in a cocktail shaker with ice and poured into a glass. An ideal tipple for Christmas Day. We can also vouch for the picante – a sweet, smooth and fiery cocktail that is very drinkable – and the lychee martini, which is deliciously sweet and tangy. Whichever one you choose, it’s bound to get them in the Christmas spirit. For a really special touch, you can even get the label personalised.
Buy now £25.00, Lockdown-liquour.com
The White Company winter botanical candle
The White Company’s home fragrances make great gifts all year round. This mega candle, which has a burn time of 60 hours, makes for an excellent stocking filler that’ll certainly cheer up the dark winter months. Despite its appearance, the hard outer shell doesn’t burn – just the soft inside and the candle comes with helpful instructions on how best to keep it neat (cut the wick by 5cm before lighting). The spicy and warming scent fills the room even when it’s not lit, and when it’s burning it has a very impressive throw.
Buy now £35.00, Thewhitecompany.com
‘Nothing Fancy’ by Alison Roman, published by Hardie Grant Books
Cookbooks make wonderful gifts and if the girl in your life loves to host but finds the cooking part a bit of a chore, make sure to put Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman in her stocking. Despite the name, the recipes do indeed taste fancy and delicious, but they are also perfectly simple and unfussy – perfect dishes for when you’re having people over. From small plates and sides to mains to puddings, it’s full to the brim of brilliant crowd-pleasing dishes. Just wait until you try the roast chicken, frazzled chickpeas and the herby salad. They are chef’s kiss.
Buy now £22.25, Amazon.co.uk
My Vitamins Ashwagandha KSM66 capsules
Ashwagandha was a bit of a buzz word this year, with the handy herb said to help reduce stress, improve sleep and memory, and even manage blood sugar. So, if you’re shopping for someone incredibly interested in wellness, chances are this could be quite high on their wish list. Right now, you can pick up 30 capsules for just over £3, thanks to the My Protein sale, making it quite the bargain buy as well.
Buy now £3.43, Myprotein.com
Nars afterglow lip balm
Perhaps the best lip balm she’ll ever try, we swear by it for keeping our pout hydrated. An everyday staple that comes with us everywhere we go, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients including coconut oil and squalene that provide long-lasting comfort without feeling sticky. The formula leaves a subtle shine on your lips and comes in a choice of nine shades from clear to the brand’s signature orgasm pink and mulberry.
Buy now £26.00, Narscosmetics.co.uk
Voya fennel fusion
Sometimes, it’s hard to beat a great cup of tea and it also makes for an incredibly easy gift. While fan favourites like Yorkshire Tea or Tetley can make for a great cuppa, when it comes to Christmas, why not try something new? Our beauty editor loves this organic fennel and seaweed option from Irish brand Voya, which is said to contain a hefty handful of nutrients. We promise, it doesn’t taste salty.
Buy now £13.00, Voya.ie
Tangle Teezer the ultimate detangler
If your recipient loves to look after their hair, there’s no better stocking filler than this brush from Tangle Teezer. From easily detangling knotted wet hair to combing through dry strands, it can do it all and feels satisfyingly good on your scalp while doing so. Designed with two tiers of teeth, the brush has added flex that helps to cause less breakage, making it especially great for fragile hair and you can even use it while showering to draw through shampoo and conditioning treatments.
Buy now £14.00, Tangleteezer.com
Their Nibs womens cotton traditional pyjamas
Finding luxe-looking pyjamas that don’t break the bank is increasingly difficult. That’s where Their Nibs comes in. The brand’s designs look and feel high-end, and are something she’ll undoubtedly love wearing during Twixmas. This hummingbird pair has been part of our PJ collection for more than two years and they still look as good as new. We’ve found that they wash well and have gotten softer over time, but we’d recommend ordering a size up to what they usually wear so that they’re more comfortable. If you’re not sure your giftee will like this print, there’s a whole range of different options.
Buy now £36.00, Theirnibs.com
‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver, published by Generic
Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead is deserving of every accolade. An ambitious retelling of Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield, Kingsolver’s version is set in the Nineties in Appalachia at the start of the opioid crisis. Damon Fields (nicknamed Demon for his fiery red hair) is born in a trailer to a single, teenage mother who’s in and out of rehab. Following the boy as he journeys through foster homes, derelict schools, addiction, relationships and labour work, the Odyssey touches on love, loss, family and poverty. Damon’s story will linger with your giftee long after they finish the last page.
Buy now £13.90, Amazon.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason Fortnum’s pink Marc de Champagne chocolate truffles
A grown-up alternative to the bag of chocolate coins we always found at the bottom of a stocking as a child, these pink chocolate truffles ooze sophistication and luxury. The white and pink striped lid covering Fortnum’s signature bright blue-green eau de nil box is part of the gifting experience, making the recipient feel special before she’s even looked at – or tasted – what’s inside. Once the lid is lifted, she’ll be delighted by the sight of four decadent truffles, coated in pink chocolate and lightly dusted in icing sugar. But the real treat is biting into one, and being bamboozled with the intensely boozy Marc de Champagne-infused ganache. They taste better at room temperature so it’s advised to store them in the cupboard, out of direct sunlight if she can avoid the temptation to eat them all in one sitting.
Buy now £8.95, Fortnumandmason.com
Marks & Spencer velvet amber eau de toilette
With top notes of neroli blended with sensual white jasmine flowers, this scent is sure to be a big hit. Finished with base notes of amber, it has an impressive staying power. Our tester applied it in the morning and she could still smell it strongly eight hours later. However, the 100ml size means it can easily be carried in a handbag or stored in a desk drawer for frequent top-ups, should she desire a boost of freshness before an important meeting. Presented in a chic gift box, it looks a lot more expensive than £10.
Buy now £10.00, Marksandspencer.com
Lululemon mini belt bag
A bum bag may not be the most exciting present they’ll receive this Christmas, but Lululemon’s could be the practical gift they didn’t know they needed. Whether they’re heading off on holiday, particularly into active pursuits, or they just really need a compact bag to bring with them on evenings out, this one is small, compact and unobtrusive. It’s water-repellent and comes complete with an adjustable strap which keeps it from jumping and shifting around on our waist. While it can be worn across the front as a crossbody bag, we think it looks best when slung around the hips, bum bag style. There’s an outside pocket so they won’t need to rummage around for their essentials, and a small interior pocket for keeping keys or a cardholder secure.
Buy now £22.00, Lululemon.co.uk
My Protein baked cookies
If you’re playing Santa for a fitness fanatic, shopping for snacks may be a bit tricky. Luckily, My Protein is here to help with a selection of sweet treats that also pack in your protein, and 13g no less. And coming in a 12 pack, they’ll really help pad out that stocking, or you can spread them around if you’ve got multiple people to please.
Buy now £12.67, Myprotein.com
Molton Brown orange and bergamot hand cream
Molton Brown held the royal warrant for suppliers of toiletries to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Rumour has it that you’d always find a set of orange and bergamot hand wash and cream in the bathrooms at Balmoral during her reign. This 40ml travel-size edition is the perfect size for a stocking filler and the chic yellow and silver packaging makes it look suitably decadent. Our tester loved the thick, creamy texture and said it absorbed surprisingly quickly. She also said the scent lingers on the skin, awakening the senses to the lively airs of sweet oranges, sparkling bergamot and blossoming neroli. This is pure luxury in a tube.
Buy now £12.00, Moltonbrown.co.uk
Pairs Scotland cream white mohair socks
Socks are a stocking essential – and this pair from Pairs Scotland will become a firm favourite everyday wear during the winter months and beyond. Knitted in mohair yarn, we found them to be thin enough to wear with trainers and boots but still cosy and warm. The neutral cream colourway worked best with our wardrobe, but they’re also available in charcoal, navy, mustard, pink and dark green.
Buy now £15.99, Pairs-scotland.com
Fjallraven tab hat
We love all of Fjallraven’s beanie styles, but for a stocking filler we’d recommend the tab hat. It’s lightweight and packable (which is helpful both for tucking it into your backpack and also for stuffing in a stocking) and the cute waffle knit design makes it particularly soft and comfortable. It’s made from recycled polyester, which wicks away sweat and also keeps you warm, so it makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys hiking or winter sports. Even better, it’s machine washable – we found it washed well at 30C, without losing its shape or shrinking.
Buy now £35.00, Trekitt.com
Oliver Bonas Lanai flowers and faux pearls hair slides
With their gold hardware and glittering gem detailing, these Oliver Bonas hair slides are like jewellery for the hair. With flower decorations as their piece de resistance, each accessory comes adorned with silver colour gemstones or tiny faux pearls – a jewellery trend that has been seeing a resurgence over the last year – or a combination of the two. Very importantly, they’re deceptively strong when it comes to holding the hair in place. They also look just as pretty alone as they do when worn as a trio. Anyone who has a penchant for glam is sure to love them.
Buy now £16.00, Oliverbonas.com
UpCircle face mask with upcycled charcoal
Anyone with an interest in living more sustainably will be chuffed with skincare from UpCircle. The brand uses by-products from different industries in its formulas, which could be anything from coffee sourced from coffee shops to upcycled fruit from the fragrance industry. This face mask calls on upcycled charcoal powder, which is known to draw impurities from the skin and the formula also contains coconut and turmeric. A little goes a long way and it dries fast before it’s washed off like a cleanser. We feel fresh-faced after using this, and our skin feels as smooth as anything. What’s more, the formula is both vegan and cruelty-free and comes housed in a glass jar instead of a plastic one.
Buy now £14.99, Upcirclebeauty.com
Sudoku a day 2024
While this certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, brain game fans are sure to love a Sodoku and this 2024 calendar option is really the gift that keeps on giving. Providing plenty of entertainment for the year ahead, this little book boasts 366 puzzles while counting you through the new year. Our tester’s have already had a head start and the best part is it’s suitable for all levels, stretching from easy to hard brain teasers.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon.co.uk
Dusk monaco supreme cotton robe
There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself up in a thick cotton robe after a hot shower. And should you be looking for the perfect one to fill her stocking this Christmas, you can’t go wrong with this design from Dusk, it is one of the best we’ve tried. As all good dressing gowns should be, it’s long and oversized, and the cut is cocooning and comfortable. As for the fabric, it feels soft against bare skin and very absorbent. Trust us when we say that she’s unlikely to want to take it off.
Buy now £35.00, Dusk.com
Three Warriors aqua mist
If you’re shopping for a fake tan fan, it’s more than likely they’d love to see a bottle of the good stuff in their stocking. Looking a little more chic than your everyday option, this Three Warriors mist is perfect for regular faux glowers and new fake tan fans alike. In the formula you’ll find skin-loving ingredients such as aloe vera, rose oil and Tasmanian olive oil which help to hydrate while the ultra light mist also offers a sunkissed colour.
Buy now £32.00, Fenwick.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason chocolossus biscuits, 600g
Anything from Fortnum’s is quite the treat, especially when it’s covered in chocolate, and these biscuits are one of the most luxurious food items you’ll find. Inside the gold-tone tube, which measures in at an impressive 35cm, is 600g of delicious biscuits. Supersizing the brand’s bestselling macadamia nut biscuit and dousing them in chocolate, they’re slighty chewy, slightly crunchy and incredibly moreish. Any chocolate fan is sure to love tem.
Buy now £19.95, Fortnumandmason.com
Merit signature lipstick
If it’s good enough for Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That, then it’s good enough for your giftee. Having arrived across the pond from America, Merit is a beauty-editor favourite and it’s signature lipstick is a hero product. Boasting a pleasingly lightweight design, the formula is hydrating with a soft satin finish that can be built up as desired. Made from plant-derived squalane and sunflower seed oil, the long lasting lippie doesn’t dry out your pout while vitamin C is thrown in to help diffuse the appearance of fine lines. Packaged in a classically sleek case, Merit’s lipstick is an opulent yet still affordable stocking filler.
Buy now £28.00, Metitbeauty.com
Thunder toffee vodka
This is one of the most delicious tipples your loved one will drink over the Christmas period, lovely for sipping as everyone’s picking out the turkey leftovers in the evening.
Triple distilled vodka with a tasty toffee flavour, Thunder’s liquor is so delicious and tasted great on the rocks, and it was mouth-watering paired with both lemonade and coke. Rich, smooth and a little bit sweet, we couldn’t get enough.
Buy now £20.99, Amazon.co.uk
Candy’s Cupcakes cake in a jar, box of three
One of the best bits about Christmas is the amount of sweet treats on offer, with Quality Streets, mince pies and Christmas puddings all taking centre stage. But, if you’re playing Santa to a big cake fan, then these cute jars could be a great option. A number of flavours are available, from lemon sponge to double chocolate (here at IndyBest, the classic Victoria sponge was our favourite), so you can mix and match to really stock a stuffing, or split them out between multiple people. Just be sure to order by the 21st December for a fresh delivery that will still come before Christmas (and keep them in the fridge until the last minute, too).
Buy now £19.99, Candyscupcakes.co.uk
The verdict: Stocking fillers for her
Filling a stocking is a difficult endeavour but thankfully there are plenty of affordable fillers out there and where make-up is concerned, Merit is the perfect brand for barely-there products. If it’s a pair of high-quality pyjamas she’ll love wearing during Twixmas and beyond, turn to Their Nibs – the designs look far more luxe than the price tags suggest. Elsewhere, a £10 fragrance from M&S is also likely to impress.
Looking for more present recommendations? Read our review of the best gifts for her
