Stocking stuffers are a must. These little, often trivial items, can make or break a Christmas morning. Whether you’re shopping for a fledgling nerd-in-training or one with a bit more XP, these stocking stuffers will certainly bring them a bit of joy and happiness. All items are under $13, giving the frugal gift giver a bit of breathing room in your holiday budget. Even if you don’t have a stocking to stuff this year, there’s probably something here to satisfy your requirement as a Secret Santa to either someone at work, or even as just a little gift to yourself.
Caffinated Nixie Tubes — $7.99 @ ThinkGeek
Because there’s no better way to kick off a long day of opening gifts and dealing with family than a tube of caffeinated sugar.
Prank Powder Decpti-candy — $5.99 @ ThinkGeek
Looks like the candy above, but is actually a collection of sour, staining, foaming prank candy. Use in place of a chunk of coal.
Google SPF20 Lip Balm — $7.90 @ Google Store
Everyone’s lips get chapped and everyone loves Google. Sure, it’s a bit overpriced compared to supermarket versions, but Google has to pay the power bill somehow.
Android Plush Robot — $9.99 @ ThinkGeek
The perfect stocking stuffer for the Android lover in your life — or the perfect gag gift for the family Apple fanboy.
Android Cap — $7.90 @ Google Store
Die-hard Fandroids get Android tattoos but it’s sort of hard to stuff a tattoo in a stocking. Give this hat instead.
Casio Data Bank Watch — $12.95 @ Buy.com
A classic that anyone from a hipster to an engineer will adore.
Know Your Knots — $12.95 @ GarrettWade
Knowing how to tie a knot is about as important as breathing. Therefore, giving this kit is akin to giving life.
Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room
Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
Yoda Santa Hat with Bendable Ears — $10.99 @ Star Wars Shop
Think about it: the man can levitate, communicate with animals, manipulate physical objects including himself and travel at inhuman speeds. Santa’s a Jedi.
Monkey’s Fist Key Holder — $5.25 @ GarrettWade
Nothing says “I’m of the sea” than a keychain with a nautical knot you didn’t tie.
Bench Cookie Home edition — $11.99 for a four pack @ Rockler
A truly versatile device born for use in a wood working workshop. This version would still work in the woodshop, but has a slightly more residential finish. Use it to hold and elevate nearly anything, including notebooks.
Star Wars Chop Sabers — $12.99 @ ThinkGeek
If you can’t use chopsticks properly, at least you can have fun doing so.
Hexbug Micro Robotic Ant — $4.99 @ Radio Shack
Don’t buy just one, buy a bunch and fill the stocking with these little robotic ants. Creepy but fun. Just the way Christmas should be.
Zibit Mini Collectible R/C Robot — $9.99 @ Toys R Us
It wouldn’t be Christmas without random cheap robots shuffling around for dogs to attack and dads to step on.
The ThinkGeek EvilTron — $9.99 @ ThinkGeek
Think twice — then think twice again — whether you really want to give something that’s engineered to annoy, frustrate and drive a person to the nut house. Maybe this should make its way into your stocking.
Kingston 4GB SDHC Flash Card — $7.99 @ Newegg
Please don’t be one of those gift givers. You know the type. The people that give a game system, but no game. A toy, but no batteries. Give this memory card alongside a digital camera.
Titanium Spork — $8.99 @ ThinkGeek
Yeah, the spork is the ultimate eating utensil but it’s so hard to find a quality one in Macy’s. Buy this one instead for the Taco Bell lover in your life. Mexican Pizza tastes better when served on Titanium.
Seskimo Crabble Smartphone Holder — GB£5.99 @ Seskimo.com
It’s a little known fact that most smartphones are about the same size so this cradle will work with both iPhones and Android devices. Crazy, yes. Spread the word.
Swiss Tech Utili-Key — $10.99 @ SwissTechTools
The perfect keychain accessory. Just hope that the TSA doesn’t start frisking at malls, schools and strip joints. They wouldn’t approve of the 6-in-1 mini-tool.
Keybrid Key-Keyring Hybrid — $8.99 per key
If you only have one key, make it this key. And then put the mini-tool above on it.
Screw Key — $5 for one philips, one flat
Okay, last key-related item. But this might be handy if you constantly find yourself traveling to the garage to get your screwdrivers.
OXO Cord Catch — $6.99 @ OXO
Goes on the desk, keeps mouse and USB cables from slipping back into the void.
