Our guide to the best stocking fillers for Christmas

A stocking is the perfect time to stock up (excuse the puns) on those beauty products that are useful all year round, that don’t necessarily come as part of a gift set. Think a glittering lip gloss from Inglot, Byoma jelly cleanser from Boots and a bath bomb or two from Lush.

When it comes to making a house a home, it’s those little finishing touches that make the difference. Luckily, they needn’t cost more than £15. We love Primark’s boucle storage box, which is both pretty and practical, and this Le Creuset mug from T.K.Maxx, a steal at that price. Or you can never go wrong with a diffuser from The Body Shop.

There are so many great fashion accessories and wardrobe basics you can get on the high street that will not only fit nicely in a stocking, but will cost you less than £15 too. For example, these sunglasses from H&M, this satin clutch bag from Next and these men’s socks from Gap.

Of course, you can’t expect to be able to fit an XBox in a stocking (or on a budget), but there is still plenty of affordable tech you can get that will make life a little easier. Like a wireless charging pad for phones, a microSD and SD Card Reader to back up movies, photos and computer files, or a case for your Polaroid camera.

Food is probably the most universally pleasing gift, especially if it involves chocolate. Good luck with making Hotel Chocolat’s salted caramel puddles and Flying Tiger’s chocolate-covered Christmas cookies last beyond Boxing Day. It might take up a lot of space in the stocking, but this Sassy Cidre rose wine is worth it too.

Whether they’re into running or football, or any other sport, fitness accessories make for great stocking fillers. You can pick up a unisex baseball cap at Asics, a football pump at JD Sports and kids’ thermal gloves at SportsDirect.

A common misconception is that you have to spend a fortune on jewellery to have a nice piece that you’ll keep forever. Not so. Costume jewellery may not be made of solid silver or gold, but it still has the power to transform your outfit and have a spot in your forever wardrobe. At Lovisa, you can get four pieces of jewellery for £15, including necklaces and rings. There are plenty of fashion stores, like & Other Stories, who also offer great trendy jewellery pieces. For younger ones, we love Claire’s make-it yourself rainbow bracelet kit.