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Stocking stuffers are the “amuse bouche” of the holidays — the small appetizers leading up to the main course presents. Personally, I love giving — and getting — these small gifts, and I think of them as no less important than the main show — especially if they’re thoughtful and have to do with fashion or beauty, for women of a certain age.
Here are some of my favorites, all under $50.
From Vermeer’s famous painting of “The Girl With a Pearl Earring” to Kate Middleton’s oft-seen pearl earrings and necklaces, throughout history, pearls — real and faux — have been a hot trend, for women of all ages, particularly for glamorous grandmas.
Up your giftee’s lobe look with Ettika Dripping Pearl Delicate Drop Earrings, featuring five freshwater pearls dangling from each ear. Olive & Piper’s Pearl Pave Studs are a chic choice for anyone on your gift list who doesn’t have pierced ears. Pearls are featured again on the Maya Hair Barrette, with ivory shell pearls. It's a festive accent for any hairdo and a showstopper on silver locks.
Hero Bobby Pins from Day Rate Beauty are a tony take on the classic bobby pin — get a set of the 12 2” pins in hot pink to be used as a cool accessory! They come in other bright colors and are decorated with flowers or butterflies,
Three Positano Large Scrunchies come in Christmas colors and are made from mulberry silk without elastic — meaning they won’t damage hair. The Positano clips collection is also stellar, including the blue and white ones in porcelain.
The Amélie Comb from Malionne is lightweight, and with its wide-spaced teeth will keep hair painlessly tangle-free while also surely delighting with its rainbow-colored design. For that friend with a ‘70s look, go for a head scarf in florals or stripes from Anthropologie, or a Boho Bandeau Headband from Natural Life. It’s back to the 90s with a faux fur bucket hat, made by a variety of design companies, available online for well under $50.
Or how about a stocking for stocking stuffer? UGG Cozy Chenille socks come in a variety of colors and I really appreciate that they’re non-slip to avoid falls on shiny floors.
For that really glam grandma, the Arabella-Heart Fairisle Heather Marl Cashmere Women’s Luxury Socks from Pantherella can’t be beaten. Or, how about ordering a pair of Custom Face Socks with Photo by D-Story for your sisters or besties? They will have big smiles on their faces staring at their own faces warming up their feet.
Everyone from Cleopatra to Lucille Ball to Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has worn a bold red lipstick, and MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in the color “Ruby Woo,” or the bargain-priced Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in “Wine” are two good choices for lipstick lovers.
Another beauty product that your giftee will adore is my new fave, Jones Road Miracle Balm from makeup guru Bobbie Brown. It’s a highlighter and skin tone corrector that delivers a natural-looking glow; dusty rose is a universally flattering shade. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask proves worthy of its legacy as a TikTok sensation, providing the overnight hydration we all need in the winter months.
For the traveler, Burt’s Bees 5-piece Essential Kit Holiday Gift Set contains sample-sized cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, foot cream and lip balm for trips or for an at-home spa experience. Dry hands will turn silky soft with L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, a luxurious drink for dry skin and my personal go to.
And to check out the finished made-up face? Pop for a rechargeable Mila Luxe Lighted Compact Mirror by Fancii, a pocket-sized makeup mirror with LED lights that adjusts to surroundings and that offers 1-10x magnification. Perfect for the woman who is always on the go — and always touching up her makeup.
Always a winning gift is a durable tote, for every kind of shopping or toting. The bestselling Standard Baggu reusable bags made from 100 percent recycled nylon are great for big grocery shops and stashing athletic gear en route to the gym. These durable bags hold up to 50 pounds! They come in lots of patterns and colors — a good stocking stuffer would be the bright yellow “Happy Faces” bag, to be immediately used for the recipient to load up her haul of gifts.
My dream stocking would be filled with a small box of chocolates; a pretty barrette; a fortune cookie (unopened and saved from a Chinese takeout dinner); a compass (so when Google Maps tells me to go "Southeast" I know which way to turn); a pretty-colored lip balm; a small bottle of hand cream; and a loving, hand-decorated note from my husband (who's very bad at buying gifts, but has a way with words).
Regardless of what turns up in your stocking, or under your tree, may your holidays be healthy, safe and filled with joy.
Do you still buy stocking stuffers for anyone? Let us know in the comments below.
Amber Day
Follow Article Topics: Lifestyle
