Quick answer: The best camping stocking stuffers are small things campers lose, break or run out of: a mini rechargeable lantern, a headlamp, wool socks, a multitool, hand warmers, firestarters, a carabiner and a camp mug. For kids, think glow sticks, a small flashlight, a nature journal and a bug viewer. Most cost under $20 and fit in a standard stocking. The lists below split ideas for adults and kids, plus a few that need a slightly bigger stocking.
A few of these are products we sell and are marked as ours. The rest are described by type, not brand.
Camping stocking stuffers for adults
1. A mini rechargeable lantern
Small enough for a stocking, bright enough for a tent. Our GlowBright portable lantern is a good size for this.
2. A headlamp
The single most borrowed item at any campsite. A spare is always welcome.
3. Wool hiking socks
Warm, dry feet can help on cold nights in the tent or the car. Roll a pair into the toe of the stocking.
4. Hand and toe warmers
Air-activated warmers are cheap and can make a cold morning easier. Buy a multi-pack.
5. A compact multitool
Pliers, knife and screwdriver in one. We sell a 14-in-1 stainless steel multitool that fits in a pocket.
6. A firestarter kit
Waterproof matches, a ferro rod or firestarter cubes make evening fires easier, even with damp wood.
7. A carabiner set
For hanging lanterns, keys, mugs and trash bags off a tarp line or roof rack.
8. A collapsible spork or utensil set
Lives in the glove box so they never eat camp chili with a stick again.
9. A small first-aid pouch
Bandages, blister pads and antiseptic wipes in a zip pouch.
10. Biodegradable wipes and a travel towel
Small comforts for campsites without showers.
11. A spare mattress carry bag or cover
If they own a Hazli camping mattress, an extra carry bag or a spare washable cover folds flat into a stocking. Check their size first.
Camping stocking stuffers for kids
12. Glow sticks and glow bracelets
Kids love them, and they help you spot little ones around camp after dark.
13. A kid-sized flashlight or headlamp
Their own light makes the first night in a tent less scary.
14. A nature journal and pencils
For pressing leaves, drawing bugs and keeping a trip log.
15. A bug viewer or magnifying glass
Turns any campsite into a science lesson.
16. A deck of cards or a travel game
For rainy afternoons in the tent or the car.
17. A whistle
A simple safety tool kids can wear on a lanyard. Teach them three blasts means “help”.
For a bigger stocking
18. A solar camping light
Charges from USB or the sun. We sell a 500-lumen solar camping light.
19. An insulated camp mug
Keeps coffee hot through a cold sunrise. Put the smaller gifts inside it.
20. A self-inflating camp pillow
Packs down small when rolled. We sell a self-inflating foam camping pillow.
Tips for camping stocking stuffers
- Theme the stocking. A “first night at camp” stocking (lantern, headlamp, socks, hand warmers) feels like a planned gift, not a pile of bits.
- Put a note in for the big gift. If there is a mattress or a cot under the tree, a lantern in the stocking with a note saying “for the first trip” ties it together.
- Charge rechargeable items first so they work on Christmas morning.
- Skip anything with a blade for young kids. Multitools and knives are for adults and older teens.
Looking for the main gift?
For car campers, the gift that usually makes the biggest difference is a better bed. We make the Hazli Matrix memory foam camping mattress (our own product) in six sizes from Kids to Queen, with a waterproof, machine-washable cover, CertiPUR-US certified foam and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric. It rolls into a carry bag and has nothing to inflate. See more ideas in our gifts for car campers guide and camping gifts under $50, or browse the gifts for car campers collection.
Frequently asked questions
What are good stocking stuffers for campers?
A mini lantern, a headlamp, wool socks, hand warmers, a multitool, firestarters, a carabiner, a spork and a small first-aid pouch. They are small, useful and easy to lose, so spares get used.
What are good camping stocking stuffers for kids?
Glow sticks, a kid-sized flashlight, a nature journal, a bug viewer, a deck of cards and a whistle.
What are cheap camping stocking stuffers for men?
Hand warmers, a carabiner set, firestarters, wool socks and a headlamp all cost little and get used every trip. A multitool is a good step up.
How much should I spend on a camping stocking stuffer?
Most good ones cost under $20. Save the bigger budget for one main gift, like a camp pillow, a cot or a camping mattress.