I’m seeing suggestions (in other places) for stocking stuffers in 2022 that cost so much money, they really are not even affordable gifts. Or, the stocking stuffers are gag gifts and little items no one really needs. These are always stuffed in a drawer, or thrown out. But not in this story! I’m suggesting six small stocking stuffers (gifts) that are affordable. But they’re also unique and useful. They’re gifts that people will thank you for because they’ll actually use them.
Plant Your Pencils-Yes, Really!
Did you know you can plant your pencils? Well, not any pencils, but definitely the ones from Sprout World. They have plantable pencils for writing, colored pencil, and even makeup eyeliner and a brow pencil made from ethical sources. The single pack in either black or brown is $13, and the double is $29. You’re not actually going to plant the capsule at the end that has seeds in it. After you are done with the pencil, it and be planted and will grow into wildflowers. The pencil itself is a natural formula with natural good for your skin oils. It’s nice to know that you can give your cosmetics another life!
There are also plantable colored pencils that you can choose that can be planted for herbs, flowers, vegetables, and even a tree. I loved the idea that a tree becomes a pencil and now the Sprout pencil can be planted to grow a tree. The pencils are the ultimate green, sustainable gift. To plant your pencils, use them until they are too short to use. Then plant them in a pot with the capsule lightly covered with soil. Add water and sun. In 7-12 days the eyeliner pencil germinates. Ditto the other pencils.
Our samples included a pack of 5 pencils (regular pencils) each with a different set of seeds to attract bees, thyme, cilantro, chia, sage, and carnation. Another set of 5 pencils includes all spruce tree seeds. You can also print your message and design your pencils. These stocking stuffers in 2022 would also be so nice for a hostess gift or a wedding favor. https://sproutworld.com/
Make A Treehouse Dream Come True:
Have you ever dreamed of getting a treehouse? Maybe that bucket list item hasn’t passed you by, even if you don’t even have a tree! Tiny Treehouses offer DIY model kits of mini-sized wooden treehouses to hang as a decoration or place outside on an actual terrace or tree. Some are more complicated than others and many of the pre-cut pieces are very small. However, these kits are rated for ages 14+ so you can do this as a family project and keep your teen away from TikTok for a few hours. Each kit is $39 with a build time of 2-3 hours.
You get everything you need to complete the treehouse. All kits come with an acrylic stake, so it is moisture-resistant if you display it in soil. Add the LED lights (included) to make it truly spectacular.
Gift this to detail-obsessed folks on your list or maybe Dad, who said he would build you a treehouse but never did. Now, he can deliver it! There are so many adorable kits to choose from. Our editorial samples were the hanging Treetop Hideaway and the Temple of Gratitude planter. In full disclosure, I haven’t had the time to make either one, but on a cold Winter weekend, I definitely will. Visit the Tiny Treehouses Website.
Be BioTRUE To Your Eyes:
Do you know someone who has perpetually dry eyes? For stocking stuffers in 2022, we suggest Biotrue by Bausch & Lomb, A few drops and you can see clearly again. The Biotrue Hydration Boost Eye Drops are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan)and Electrolytes plus antioxidant protection and naturally inspired ingredients. 5% glycerin is the active ingredient, and this makes the product safe even for soft contact lens wearers.
However, there is also a new Biotrue Multi Purpose Solutions product we just reviewed and it is really great for contact lens wearers as well. These are not expensive items (about $13 – $20) but they are a godsend for tired, dry, irritated eyes. Start out seeing clearly and feeling great!
Read about the Biotrue Eye Care Recycling program with TerraCycle. For more information go to the eye care aisle at most national retailers, including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and Amazon, or visit www.Biotrue.com
A PURR-Fect Skincare Gift:
Purr has some lovely gift sets nestled into cardboard boxes. This brand believes in simple skincare that offers ingredients harnessing the power of mother nature. and that is also good for the planet (in other words, sustainability). The brand is a woman-owned company that believes in diversity, inclusivity, and leading with love.
The Purr Gua Sha gift set ($86.40) is the perfect way to start a new self-care skincare routine. The set includes a 30 ml. face serum in a dropper tip bottle, and a white jade Gua Sha stone. The ingredients in the serum include 60 mg. of CBD (trendy)! The face serum on its own is $75 and the Jade Gua Sha stone is $28 so this is a good value as well as a lovely gift set.
The golden serum reduces signs of stress, fatigue, fine lines, and wrinkles thanks to organic camellia oil, rosehip oil, and pomegranate seed oil. It really does feel soothing and pampering. You will get plenty of good for your skin ingredients in that bottle! Make sure you get the most out of the serum (or other skincare products) by using the Gua Sha Tool. It has been used in China for centuries. Massaging your face with it really does help to reduce stress and feel pampered.
How to Use a Gua Sha Stone:
White jade is a calming and purifying stone. The stone on your skin feels soft and pampering. It’s fun to use, too. But to use it properly, follow these instructions after applying your favorite skincare oil or serum:
- Jawline and chin: Glide the tool from the center of your chin out to the earlobe in an upward motion to contour the jawline.
- Forehead: Start at the center of your forehead, and glide the tool upwards and outward.
- Cheek: Start at the nose and work upward in a swooping motion along the cheeks and cheekbones, moving outward toward your ears.
- Under Eye: Start in the inner corner of the eye and glide outward toward the temple. Be super gentle in this area.
- Brows: Glide upward along the brow bone, going from the inside out.
- Neck: Gently glide upwards from the bottom up. Note: Gua Sha Tool should be used with light pressure and glide at a 45-degree angle.
Website: www.purrskincare.com/
Put This in Your Wine Bottle and Aerate It:


Just For Men, Spirits Spritzer:
It’s rare that I wrote about products for men. However, if you are assigned a man for secret Santa, or you need an affordable but fun gift for a guy, Spirits Spritzers ($24) by 18.21 Man Made could be the answer. The spritzers are all-over body sprays in a can. That already makes them pretty cool. Our editorial sample was “Sweet Tobacco.” To my nose, it smells like a mix between some gentle florals and a lot of wood. This very sexy and masculine scent has notes of California lemon, clove buds, clary sage, saffron, musk, decadent leather, tobacco leaves, and more.
I don’t believe that scent has a gender, but Sweet Tobacco signals “male” to me. I think it’s a sensual fragrance even though the price is so low. We didn’t try Spiced Vanilla, Absolute Mahogany, or the Noble Oud scents. But based on our test with Sweet Tobacco, we can recommend these unique fragrances as stocking stuffers for 2022 that will appeal to all sorts. The 18.21 Manmade website has tons of fun things for men so check them out!