They might be the least expensive items on your gift-giving list, and often they’re last-minute picks, but that doesn’t mean that stocking stuffers can’t be just as thoughtful as the other gifts you plan on giving. Spare your loved ones the predictable sock packs (snooze), scarves (boring), and ho-hum candy (trust us, they’re all set in those departments), and instead, check our list (twice!) for modern, unique, and special gift ideas for literally anyone and everyone. RS editors scoured specialty boutiques, niche websites (including Etsy, of course), and our favorite mass retailers to find items we know your recipients will go gaga over. From family members to friends, coworkers, and your kids’ teachers (and everyone else in between), these creative gems show lots of appreciation with just a little something. So let us take the guesswork out of shopping for those hard-to-buy-for people in your life and save you tons of time and energy so you can finish checking off your gift list with plenty of time to spare this year. Editor tip: Load up on some of these goodies pre-holiday season and stash them in a drawer or closet in your house so when another party pops up, you can grab, wrap, and go (yes, these are great for the holidays, but many of them double as amazing housewarming and birthday gifts, too). With a starting price at only $2, they won’t break the bank, and they are sure to make everyone on your list feel loved and appreciated.
The options are practically endless here! Use up leftover cooked vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, green beans, brussel sprouts, celery root, mushrooms, peas, spinach, and winter squash. We used carrots, green beans, and brussel sprouts in this version. This hearty dish is also a great way to use up uneaten roast chicken dinner any time of year.
A puffy, golden Dutch baby is an unbelievably easy and impressive centerpiece for breakfast or brunch-and the only equipment it requires is a sturdy 12-inch skillet. (We love cast iron.) Tip: Take care to coat only the bottom of the pan with melted butter, as getting butter on the sides will prevent the batter from climbing the sides of the pan. And no peeking! Opening the oven door during baking puts your pancake at major risk of deflating. This version uses leftover cranberry relish, but your favorite jam or preserves could easily take its place.
Shopping for a gadget-obsessed friend or family member? Tech gifts are some of the most popular and sought-after gifts out there, yet many electronic gifts come along with a big price tag. But if you’ve written off any and all devices this year because of the fear of sticker shock, you might think twice after seeing our editors’ creative picks. We’ve kept things affordable, because we know just how many people you have to shop for. And cost-effective doesn’t have to mean lame, though. You can still get one of the year’s hottest gifts-a virtual reality headset-for under $100. Plus, there’s dozens of items priced at $50 and under (foldable keyboards, Bluetooth tracking tags, and robots), too. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a man, a woman, or a child, you’ll find something here for even the pickiest person on your list. And since we know everyone favors different operating