Stocking stuffers with style
If the best things really do come in small packages, then opening up your Christmas stocking could be even more delightful than unwrapping that huge box with a festive red bow -- which could very well contain a vacuum cleaner or taxidermy jackalope from cousin Ben.
Stocking stuffers don’t have to come from among the little trinkets that line the shelves in front of the cash register (as useful as the Ped Egg might be, it just doesn’t say “holiday magic”). They can include anything, whether limited-edition cosmetics, a girlie key ring or the accessory every man in a collared, button-down shirt needs: magnetic collar stays.
Here are our favorite ideas for what to drop in that large knit sock to make the recipient swoon.
Nars holiday collection makeup sets
The king of color has a holiday collection filled with intense eye shadow hues and sparkly nail polish shades, perfect for a New Year’s Eve party -- lip gloss, $45; nail polish, $30; Day & Night palette, $50; at www.narscosmetics.com.
Miu Miu key fobs
Even keys needs accessories these days. Miu Miu is making colorful, jeweled key fobs that any girlie girl would love to hook onto the key of her BMW. $110 at Miu Miu, Beverly Hills.
Origins GinZing eye cream
For anyone who loves to ring in the new year with gusto, a little eye cream for the next morning (or week) won’t hurt. Origins GinZing eye cream, with its tingly little zip on the skin, really works to de-puff those unsightly bags. $29.50 at www.origins.com.
Tom Ford perfume rollers in Black Orchid and White Patchouli
Any fan of Ford’s sexy and mysterious scents will be enticed by these travel-friendly touch point rollers in Black Orchid and White Patchouli -- $45 each at Neiman Marcus.
Tommy Hilfiger passport holders
Whether the recipient is an avid traveler or just venturing out of the country for the first time, they can do so in style. $28 at www.tommy.com.
Aquiesse Cinnamon Tabac candle
This spicy and sweet candle says “holidays” without the cloying smell of synthetic peppermint or evergreen branches. $40 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Dermalogica Daily Defense Block SPF15
A stocking stuffer that will increase face value, this multitasking SPF15 post-shave lotion is formulated to soothe the skin, help prevent ingrown hairs and afford protection from harmful UV rays -- all without leaving the kind of greasy feel that makes guys opt out of sunblock in the first place. 3.4 ounces for $34 at www.dermalogica.com or at the Dermalogica flagship store in Santa Monica.
Chantecaille Les Pétales holiday collection
These little rose gold compacts, cut to look like flower blooms, contain the right amount of shimmer for everyday wear. Highlighter, $36; lip gloss, $36; at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills.
The American Line colognes
Supporting the troops makes sense when you can choose from one of five new officially licensed colognes inspired by (and with a portion of proceeds going to) the different branches of the U.S. military: Patton (Army), Liberty (Navy), Stealth (Air Force), Devil Dog (Marines) and Riptide (Coast Guard). $45 each, available online only, at www.theamericanline.org.
Würkin Stiffs magnetic collar stays
If he’s got a magnetic personality but dress shirt collar points that splay toward the corners of the room like the legs of a tired Irish setter, consider stuffing his stocking with these nifty magnetic collar stays that will help that runaway collar stand at attention. Prices range from $20 a pair (for plain, unadorned metal) to $70 for whimsical “fashion” designs that include Vikings and crocodiles. Available at Nordstrom and at www.wurkinstiffs.com.
Treesje studded cosmetics bags
These leather cosmetics cases are roomy enough to house a beauty junkie’s travel stash or to use as a clutch when going out or running errands. $85 at Kitson.
Arbitrage mustache cuff links
What better way to help the facial hair fanatic in your family display his tonsorial tendencies on his sleeve(s)? These quirky handlebar-mustache-shaped cuff links are available in gold, rose gold, silver and gunmetal finishes. Twenty dollars of each $65 purchase goes to the Movember Foundation, which funds charities battling prostate and testicular cancers. Available online only at arbitrage.com/store/cuff-links. Order by Dec. 18 for free shipping; they can be sent overnight as late as Dec. 23.
Tod’s sunglasses for men
These shades will make the man in your life feel more stylish and sophisticated than ever before, and provide a nice balance to his tattered Chucks and holey jeans. $350 at Tod’s.
Adam Tschorn contributed to this report.
