10 Clever Stocking Stuffers for Couples

Growing up, I always found stocking stuffers more exciting than gifts. There’s something about the tradition that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Christmas, the warmth of the fabric as it lingers on the fireplace mantel. Of course, it might be just the subliminal association I have with candies within the stocking that gives me a fond feeling about them, as in my pre-adolescence I downed sweets like a determined and committed addict.

With the holidays drawing nearer, it behooves you to do a little research on those often-neglected stocking gifts. They’re just as important as under-the-tree presents. So let’s take a look at a few clever stocking stuffers for couples.

Ticket Stub Diary – Urban Outfitters ($14.99)

You know when you come home after a day at the movies only to throw your ticket stub on the table and forget it? There’s a better use for it. The Ticket Stub Diary will preserve your memories in a diary, keeping them there for casual reminiscing. Pondering the good times—movies, concerts, and other ticket events—is made easy with this innovative booklet.

Rustic Metal Signs – Personal Creations ($24.99)

For the male, the Rustic Metal Signs from Personal Creations give your boyfriend’s man-cave a little flavor. They’ll personalize it with any name—up to 12 characters and up to 30 characters for Living the Dream—and punch up the atmosphere in the garage or poolroom. You can get this for 15 percent off, dropping the price down to $21.

Reasons I Love You Stones – Red Envelope ($24.99)

It’ll melt the heart of your girlfriend (or boyfriend, but mostly your girlfriend). Stones have ‘reasons’ etched in them, and the other side simply says, “I love you.” Each set comes in a red faux-suede pouch. As the holiday nears, Red Envelope will likely feature site-wide discounts. It’s one of the most romantic gifts in history, so score some easy points, fellas.

Superman Men’s Caped Socks – Target ($12.99)

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … socks. The gift of socks generally follows with a sigh, but not this time. Superman Men’s Caped Socks will pump his ego, make him feel like a man of steel, and potentially make him love you more. Honestly, it might. You never know. Find these at Target and anticipate grandiose site-wide offers as the holidays approach.

Black Matte ID Bracelet – Things Remembered ($30)

The Black Matte ID Bracelet is wearable for both work and happy hour. For the guy who errs to the stylish side of things, you can have his name engraved with a short message. Right now, Things Remembered is offering a coupon code for $5 off, dropping the price down to a more-manageable $25. It’s a gift he’ll wear anywhere, and he’ll be proud to show off your message.

Guitar Pick Punch – ThinkGeek ($19.99)

Guitar picks are elusive little devils. They disappear randomly, falling through the cracks, vanish amidst clutter. There has to be a place where all the picks go to live—perhaps a pick heaven?—where they dance in the clouds and get played by Jimi Hendrix. But I digress. The Guitar Pick Punch creates picks out of anything—store club cards, plastic packaging material, whatever else you can use to recycle. If you wonder about pick heaven yourself, consider this gift a godsend.

Whiskey Stones – Crate & Barrel ($19.95)

He digs whiskey, but he hates the dilution. The perfect solution: Whiskey Stones. Just freeze ‘em and plop ‘em in. Made with non-porous soapstone, they won’t absorb odors or flavors. These ship free at Crate & Barrel and they come in a pouch. And obviously, they can be used for any other drink on the menu.

Sealed with a Kiss Personalized Boxers – Personalization Mall ($27.55)

Personalization Mall also has shorties and camisoles for women, but for the sake of brevity, let’s just review gifts for men. You can print your very own “Property of ____” content onto the boxers, effectively marking your territory as to repel any lurking third parties. It’s the gift of underpants, with a touch of charm.

Personalizable Beer Holster – Red Envelope ($21.99)

I previously mentioned the Superman Socks will make your man feel manlier, but the Personalizable Beer Holster from Red Envelope should jolt his testosterone levels to rhino-like levels. If you hold backyard parties and barbecues, it’s the perfect conversation-starter. Ninety-five percent of buyers recommend it, and 99.99 percent of men wear it in their apartments after casual days at work.

Sweet Hearts Photo Collage Frame – Personalization Mall ($39.95)

Personalization Mall has some pretty awesome gifts for couples, but this received one of the highest ratings of all. Your memories are enclosed within a custom frame, spelling out your names. Reviews state it comes in good quality at excellent value. You could take your honeymoon photos and make the ultimate photo collage. Currently, you can get 20 percent off orders, taking the price down to $32.