Caroline's Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas

With only 12 days left before Christmas, now is the time to snag those last minute gifts for your loved ones. Stocking stuffers are always the final and oftentimes most fun piece of the gift giving puzzle for me, so to help you put together a thoughtful selection of small presents, I’ve curated some of my DIANI favorites. From playful socks and sustainable kitchen finds to luxe lotions and diamond jewels (need I say more?), these gifts are proof that the littlest things can bring the biggest smiles.

Head-To-Toe Cozies

You can’t go wrong with cozy. And it’s even more luxurious when it's super soft alpaca, like this warm winter Carpenter Hat from Lauren Manoogian. A little oversized for a slouchy fit, but thick and structured for the chilliest winter temps. A chic take on a classic, this Shearling Slipper is made in Italy from 100% natural shearling for a soft and comfortable footbed, that doesn’t compromise on style. Add some pizzazz to her sock drawer with the butterfly Papillon Crew Socks or mood-boosting Lykke Cashmere Crew Socks.

The Chill Out

Set the mood for some serious chilling with my favorite candles, like the organic soy wax Milk Candle, which doubles as a work of art, or my signature DIANI Mazuri Candle, an homage to my roots in Kenya, England and California with scents of bergamot, oak moss and patchouli. To help easy my mind I love lighting incense, like the Breu Resin Bundle which includes six palo santo sticks, or The Palo Santo Incense Box filled with hand-pressed bricks that have a shorter burn time, but equally soothing aroma. My custom DIANI Sage Bundle is a favorite gift that also separates so the sage can be burned. And don’t forgot to add in these cute Oh Christmas Tree Matches or my personal go-to, The Motli Light, a rechargeable lighter and LED flashlight in one. 

Self Care Guru

Bring the spa to them with a curated assortment of potions and lotions. Starting with this luxurious Magnesium Bath Soak that has CBD, green clay and magnesium to ease soreness and enhance relaxation. Use with the Organic Anti-Aging Sheet Mask for the full at-home spa experience. There’s also my favorite Calming Temple Balm and Body Cream, both made with CBD to heal dry skin and ease an anxious mind. And new to the store is the Palo Santo Skin Potion, which combines Palo Santo and Vetiver essential oils with flower essence to calm and moisturize. Self care also means taking care of the things you love, and this Stain Stick will keep her laundry like new and is toxic-free too. And to make those winter favorites last longer and look like new, the natural pumice Sweater Stone is a must.

The Note Taker

If she prefers pen and paper and a printed book, she will love these screen-free classics with a twist… the Chicken Scratch Notepad will instantly bring a smile to her face as she jots down her to-do list. Pair it with this 12-piece Garden Party Pencil Set, which features a floral print and touch of gold foil. Add to her growing art collection with this beautiful Set of 4 Santa Barbara Prints by Jeffrey Doornbos. It highlights four of the artist’s (my husband) favorite iconic views of Santa Barbara. And if she has a little one, this sweet Tooth Fairy Box made from beechwood is a must.

Eco-Conscious Cook

Surprise the head chef with a stocking stuffed with these sustainable kitchen favorites. Packing up lunches or leftovers never looked so pretty with these blossom-printed Beeswax Wraps. This handcrafted Bottle Stopper is a favorite for keeping beverages both fresh and stylish. And she will love topping just about everything with the Black Truffle Amola Salts, from pasta to freshly popped popcorn. As an alternative to plastic, these Bento Bags and Reusable Produce Bags are great for storing all kinds of goodies - from lunch and groceries to snacks and produce. Fun and festive, this cotton Tea Towel has a functional loop in the back and quirky holiday jingle that is sure to get a laugh. 

Chocolate Superfan 

Her sweet tooth will thank you when you fill her stocking with a variety of decadent chocolates. Small batch and Santa Barbara-based, Twenty-Four Blackbirds is a local favorite that makes handcrafted chocolates from raw bean to bar. Their classic Madagascar Chocolate Bar and Oko Caribe Chocolate Bar are made from certified organic beans and have a delicious creamy cocoa finish. For the coffee lover, these Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans made from local coffee roaster Low Pigeon will be a hit. In a class all their own, the Vanilla Salted Caramels are the perfect balance of sweet with a hint of salty. And last but not least, the decadent Drinking Chocolate with a twist has hints of Mexican chili, cinnamon and cayenne.

The Candle Connoisseur

Light her up with a Christmas stocking full of all things candles. The newest addition in my home are the beautiful Japanese rice wax candles. They're available in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic Rice Bran Taper Candles to the smaller Blessing of Rice Candles, which come in a set of eight. If she is new to this type of candle, the Rice Wax Candle Gift Box is a wonderful choice. I also love these handmade Japanese sumac candles, like the Tohaku Sumac Wax Candle, the Nanao Sumac Wax Candle or this lovely set. To maintain these candles, this Brass Duck Snuffer will cut the black burnt part of the wick, plus it’s cute too.

Jewels For Her (And Her Furry Friend) 

Deck her out in glistening gold and diamonds with my picks for classic, everyday jewelry. Wearable and timeless, these Adina Reyter Curve Posts will add a hint of sparkle to any look, while this elegant Butterfly Necklace is subtle yet stunning and great for layering with other necklaces. Gift together for a beautiful set she will treasure forever. I’m a big fan of gold bracelets with almost any outfit – from a dress to jeans and a t-shirt. The 24k gold plated brass Nyundo Stacking Bracelets have a natural shape that moves with you, while the handcrafted Capsule Link Bracelet adds a touch of classic sophistication. And don’t forget her furry friends – these dog tags (see here and here) are gold plated and proceeds support pet adoption shelters. 

Accessory Enthusiast

Unexpected and chic, these stand out accessories will complete her favorite looks. A neck scarf is one of my go-to accessories – it can be worn multiple ways and instantly elevates any look. I love the BV Bandana for its silk blend, fringed trim and all over paisley detailing. For a cotton alternative, the Cot Bandana in forest green wears well around the neck, wrapped around your head or as a pocket square. And to keep her organized, the Porte Mobile M is a gorgeous printed envelope pouch with two compartments - one for a smartphone and the other for cards.

And although I’ve put these gifts into categories, they can easily be mixed and matched depending on the person. Treating your loved ones with things that you know will bring them joy is one of the best parts of the holiday season. And that can be done with the littlest of presents that fit into stockings.