21 Ridiculously Cool Stocking Stuffers That Make Great Food Gifts

Even though fall has barely begun, we are already looking forward to the holidays. There’s just something special about waking up on Christmas morning to a stocking filled to the brim with goodies. For kids, these items are often fun-but-fleeting tchotchkes that get tossed aside when the main event begins under the tree. For adults, though, it’s the perfect way to slip a little something playful, practical, or really unique into the gifting process.

That’s why we put together some of the best, most thoughtful stocking stuffers — basically, things we would totally want. These finds are affordable and perfectly sized for stockings, but they’re still special enough to be gifted on their own. Happy shopping!

2021 K Gift Guide - Stocking Stuffers - Food

1. Chocolate Almond Butter

   Enzo's Table

   $15.95

   This delicious spread tastes exactly like fudgy brownie batter — need we say more?

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2. Galaxy Chocolate Croissants (Set of 15)

   Williams Sonoma

   $39.95

   These delicious croissants are shipped frozen and are easy to heat up in the oven, perfect for at-home brunches at home. There are different-size boxes, as well as three different flavors (Classic, Chocolate, and Almond) so you can grab their favorite. These are so good that The Kitchn contributor Lizzy Briskin grabs all three if she's hosting a group.

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3. The Best Seller Sauce Set

   Omsom

   $59

   Omsom's best-selling sauces are instant flavor boosters for any dish, no matter what they're cooking. These will come in especially handy during the hectic holiday season when trying to figure out what's for dinner becomes a chore.

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4. Ramen Variety Pack

   immi

   $39.99

   Immi's instant ramen is packed with flavor and protein, and it's 100% plant-based, too. It comes in a pack of 6, 12, or 18 so you can gift a set to one lucky friend, or split up a large pack into a few different stockings. Either way, don't forget to keep a pack for yourself!

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5. Pure Matcha

   Golde

   $28

   Golde's matcha powder is made with 100% pure, shade-grown green tea leaves from Uji, Japan. We give it the *green* light.

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6. Italian Seasoning

   Jacobsen Salt

   $9.50

   All of the items that we've tried from Jacobsen have been high-quality and delicious, and the brand's Italian Seasoning is no exception: It’s a blend of Italian herbs, dried lemon, and fine sea salt harvested from traditional salt ponds in Italy, and it takes the guesswork out of seasoning pretty much anything you want to have that distinct Italian flavor. (It also makes a pretty solid substitute for Herbes de Provence, in a pinch.)

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7. Jacobsen Salt Co. Pure Flake Sea Salt

   Amazon

   $15 (was $17.49)

   Harvested just off the coast of Oregon, this finishing salt (also from Jacobsen) is a favorite of many chefs. It even made it onto our list of Kitchn Essentials. It's briny and crunchy, and the flakes are perfectly sized. A pouch makes for a nice a little treat that people might not think to buy for themselves.

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2021 K Gift Guide - Stocking Stuffers - Tools

1. Pinch Bowls, Set of 6

   Le Creuset

   $29.99 (was $42)

   Le Creuset's adorable and colorful pinch bowls are great for mise en place, condiments, and dips, and even as a trinket tray for jewelry when they're prepping in the kitchen.

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2. Williams Sonoma Signature Wine Stopper

   Williams Sonoma

   $16.95

   Though it's probably rare to not finish a bottle of wine come the holiday season, a chic wine stopper is still a hosting must-have. Stuff this cute vine version in a stocking or pair it with a great bottle of red for the next holiday bash you head to.

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3. Porter Utensil Set

   W&P

   $15 (was $12)

   This pick slides into a stocking as easily as it fits into a purse, backpack, or the glove box of a car. The stainless steel utensils are a great alternative to plastic, and the silicone carrying case will keep everything nice and clean while on the go.

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4. Stojo 20-Ounce Bottle

   Stojo

   $20

   Now you see it, now you don’t. This sturdy bottle holds 20 ounces, but once empty, it collapses down to something that would fit in the palm of your hand. It’s a perfect fit for a stocking (of course!) but also tucks nicely into a gym bag, backpack, or purse.

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5. Fox Run Terracotta Brown Sugar Bear Keeper and Saver

   Amazon

   $9.53

   This cute little bear has an important job to do! Once soaked in water and placed in a container of brown sugar, the terracotta teddy can help keep contents soft for up to 6 months. But brown sugar isn’t all this little bear can do: It can also keep foods like marshmallows, pretzels, and crackers fresh.

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6. ColorCoral Cleaning Gel

   Amazon

   $5.91 (was $11.99)

   Why should kids have all the fun when it comes to slime? This adult version feels just as slick in your hands, but has a really impressive skill: getting gunk out of hard-to-reach places. It does a great job getting crumbs up and out of a laptop keyboard — in case you're shopping for anyone who works at home and eats over their computers.

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7. Electric USB Lighter

   Amazon

   $7.99 (was $15.99)

   Surprise the candle lover with an eco-friendly stocking stuffer: a rechargeable USB lighter. This thoughtful gift is safer than a box of matches and is less wasteful than traditional lighters, too.

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8. Laguiole 7-Piece Jewel Colors Cheese Knife & Spreader Set

   Macy's

   $36.99 (was $60)

   This nifty knife set combines both style and substance with its colorful handles, bee emblem, and iconic three-rivet design. Plus, it comes in a handy wooden tray, so you can just slip it into their stocking without additional wrapping.

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2021 K Gift Guide - Stocking Stuffers - Just for Fun

1. Break Out the Good Stuff Bar Mat

   Uncommon Goods

   $30

   Their bar cart setup wouldn't be incomplete with this fun mat. It's a nice reminder to use the good stuff when shaking up their favorite cocktail.

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2. Farmhouse Pottery Handmade Stoneware Mug Ornaments

   Food52

   $32

   Lean into their love of handmande pottery with these inspired ornaments. They'll get a laugh every year as they decorate their tree, or as they pretend to drink from it with their pinkies up.

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3. Banana-Saving Hats, Set of Two

   Uncommon Goods

   $25

   Banana hats are exactly what they sound like — and they're too cute to pass up! The crocheted covers hide a silicone cap underneath that helps prevent bananas from turning brown before you can eat them.

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4. Lilliput Little Things Pepperoni Pizza Earrings

   Etsy

   $12

   Is their week not complete without a Friday night slice? Well, then they need these foodie-focused earrings. Designed to mimic two classic New York slices (with pepperoni), they're a cheeky way to grease up your favorite pizza fan this holiday season.

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5. Aldi Quarter Keeper

   Etsy

   $8

   IYKYK. Shoppers need a quarter to get a cart at Aldi (it's returned at the end of a trip). If you're shopping for someone who loves shopping at Aldi, this handy key chain will make sure they're always ready for their next grocery run.

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6. Genuine Fred Avocado Erasers

   Amazon

   $9.59

   Mistakes happen, so why not help someone fix them with something cute? These avocado erasers look like the real deal and get even better as they get used up.

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