10 Practical Stocking Stuffers You Can Pick Up at the Hardware Store

If you’re tired of stuffing stockings with random trinkets that end up in the trash, the hardware store is your friend. It’s full of small, practical things people actually use—but they rarely think to buy them for themselves.

Here are easy, grab-and-go ideas that work for adults, teens, and even older kids who like to help with projects.

A solid tape measure

A good, compact tape measure ends up getting used more than you’d think—hanging pictures, measuring furniture, checking window sizes. Look for one with a lock and an easy-to-read blade.

It’s small enough to slide into a stocking and useful enough that it’ll probably live in a kitchen drawer or glove box, not lost in the garage.

Work gloves or garden gloves

A pair of decent work gloves or gardening gloves is a simple win. Choose sizes and styles that actually fit the person—smaller pairs for women and teens, heavier-duty ones for someone always working outside.

They’re practical for yard work, hauling wood, or even moving boxes. This is one of those things people wear out and never replace until they have to.

A small LED flashlight or headlamp

Hardware stores have tons of pocket-sized flashlights and headlamps. Go for LED versions with decent brightness and simple on/off switches. Headlamps are great for working in dark corners, power outages, or nighttime walks.

Tuck in a pack of matching batteries if it doesn’t come with some. It’s not a flashy gift, but when the power goes out or they drop something under the couch, they’ll be glad it was in their stocking.

A utility knife with extra blades

A compact utility knife is handy for opening boxes, trimming materials, and all those little “I need a sharp edge” moments. Look for one with a safe folding design or a retractable blade.

Add a small pack of replacement blades so they don’t shrug and toss the whole thing once it dulls. It’s a good, grown-up stocking stuffer that actually earns its spot.

A multi-bit screwdriver

Instead of a whole set, a single screwdriver with interchangeable bits covers a lot of ground—tightening cabinet pulls, assembling furniture, tightening door hinges. Most hardware stores carry compact versions that fit in drawers easily.

It’s the kind of tool everyone reaches for but few people think to buy for themselves. One good one near the kitchen beats five wobbly ones scattered around the house.

Carabiners or bungee cords

A pack of carabiners or bungee cords sounds basic, but they get used constantly—for securing loads, hanging tools, organizing cords, or clipping water bottles to bags.

Choose sturdy, metal carabiners (not toy versions) and mid-size bungees. They’re unglamorous but incredibly useful, which is exactly what you want in a practical stocking stuffer.

Shop towels or microfiber cloths

A roll of shop towels or a stack of microfiber cloths is perfect for anyone who works on cars, cleans a lot, or likes to keep things wiped down. Hardware-store versions tend to be tougher than basic paper towels.

They’re not a showstopper on their own, but tucked into a stocking alongside other practical helpers, they round out the “I know how you actually live” theme.

Painter’s tape or quality duct tape

Painter’s tape is good for projects, labeling, and kid art; duct tape is the “fix almost anything” standby. A fresh roll always comes in handy. Pick one or both depending on the person.

These are the kinds of things you never remember you’re out of until you need them. Getting them as a stocking stuffer saves a future errand and feels surprisingly thoughtful.

A small level or stud finder

A pocket level or a basic stud finder makes hanging shelves and art so much easier. They’re compact, lightweight, and simple to use.

Tuck one in for the person who’s always rearranging or working on projects. It quietly says, “I see how much you do around here, and I’m cheering you on.”

Battery pack for common sizes

Grab a mixed pack of batteries—AA, AAA, maybe a few 9-volts. Holidays always seem to bring at least one toy or gadget that needs them, and nobody wants to run out on Christmas morning.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of the most immediately useful stocking stuffers you can give. And when something dies in February, they’ll remember you thought ahead.