There's nothing more exciting than waking up in the morning and opening a larger-than-life stocking filled with treats galore, not to mention stuffing your face with as much chocolate as possible before 9am.
But, have you ever wondered how the age-old tradition of stuffing a sock with small presents came to be?
The history of Christmas stockings
In one Scandinavian legend, St. Nicholas of Myra, who was believed to be the inspiration for Father Christmas, was traveling through a small village when he learns of the plight of a merchant and his daughters.
So the story goes, a once wealthy merchant falls on difficult times and is worried for the future of his three beautiful daughters who he is unable to marry off to suitable men for want of a dowry.
St. Nicholas decides to help the man, and rides his majestic white horse by the merchant's house one night. He then tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney of their house.
All the bags are luckily captured in the girls' stockings, which had been hung by the fireplace mantle to dry.
When the gold coins are discovered the next morning, the merchant’s daughters rejoiced, and went on to make advantageous marriages and live happily ever after.
Apparently, after the account of this miracle spread, children began hanging their stockings by the fireplace, in hopes that they too would receive gifts from St. Nicholas.
Who knew, eh?
Back in the day, the things that families would fill their stockings with were cheap, easy and likely seasonal. There would always be a satsuma at the bottom, some gold coins (with reference to St. Nick) and perhaps something like a toothbrush.
Nowadays, stocking fillers can fetch a hefty price, and premium brands are keen to get their names in the mix. But, it doesn't have to be that way, and you can still get a good hoard of token treats for under a tenner, or even a fiver if you're thrifty.
This year, it's been a bit harder to get to the shops and have a casual browse what with extra queues because of social distancing, and fear of too-busy high streets - as if the 'rona hadn't taken enough from us...
To make up for the hardship, online retailers have pulled out all the stops and you can get stocking fillers for all the family (yep, even your toothbrush) from the comfort of your own home.
From make-up minis to sweets and treats, there's plenty stocking fillers to go round on the world wide web AND, so you don't have to stress about finding all the best ones, we've put together the perfect list. You're welcome.
So sit back, relax, and start browsing 2020s very best stocking fillers for him, her and the kids (yep, we've even categorised them).
SHOP: 2020's very best stocking fillers for him
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The best stocking fillers for men 2020
1 of 10Clear Confidence Co Synthetic Shaving Brush - Vegan-Friendly Shave Brush with Synthetic Bristles
Gone are the days of supermarket shaving foam into the palm of your hand. Give your loved one the gift of a luxury wet shave this Christmas - you could even get them an old fashioned cut throat razor to go with it.
2 of 10MONIN Premium Coffee Syrup Gift Set 3x5cl
These are the ultimate stocking filler for that family member with an extra sweet tooth. Transform their morning coffee with delicious caramel, vanilla and hazelnut and it'll feel like Christmas morning every day (just don't mention the calories...).
3 of 10Christmas Beer Canister
Because what dad/brother/uncle doesn't love cracking open a cold one with the boys?
4 of 10OCEANTEE 70mm Bamboo Tees - 40 Pack
Golfers go through tees at the rate of knots, so why not opt for eco-friendly bamboo ones instead. They cost less than a fiver, and they're 100 per cent sustainable and longer lasting, too.
5 of 10Matt Paste by Percy Nobleman. A Hair Paste For Men, 60g
If lockdown taught us anything, it's to learn how to style and trim your own hair when the barbers are closed. With this Percy Nobleman paste, he'll be able to wrangle even the worst overdue haircuts. Go on...there's free delivery.
6 of 10Love Beauty and Planet Medium Bamboo Toothbrush
It's super affordable and, the rate we go through toothbrushes, it's so much better for the planet. Why not grab one for the whole family?
7 of 10Joe & Seph's - Limited Edition - Double Salted Caramel - 80g
If you haven't tried this, make it a priority. Joe & Seph's salted caramel is the most luxurious, delicious treat you'll ever set your teeth around. Seriously, buy this for you if not for him.
8 of 10Gibsons Christmas Bauble 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Who doesn't love a puzzle? If you've been as bored as we have when all the shops and bars have been closed, then you'll know this is a good shout. Plus, it's a fun activity while you wait for that delicious turkey.
9 of 1040 Ethiopian Compostable & Plastic Free Nespresso® Compatible Pods
Not quite under a tenner but, the way we see it, you could split this up between all the family. Or if you're set on just the one pack, you can order one on the Blue Goose website for just £5.50. It's delicious coffee and it's plastic-free and compostable - one for the eco-conscious relative.
10 of 10Playstation Playing Cards
If he's a gamer, then this is the token gift for him. You may have waited online for the PS5, but everyone loves a retro throwback so take it right back to the original PlayStation this Christmas.
SHOP: 2020's very best stocking fillers for her
The best stocking fillers for women 2020
1 of 11Peachy - The Original Tanning Mitt Velvotan - Self Tanning Applicator
When you haven't been able to go on holiday all year (unless you're one of the lucky ones), it's likely that your tanning mitt has seen better days. This is probably a safe bet for most women's stockings this Christmas.
2 of 11Caffeine Eye Serum Christmas Cracker
Wake up tired eyed in those cold Winter mornings with this punchy eye serum from Q+A Beauty.
3 of 11Kissaircandles Personalised Tealights
A cute option if you're keen to support a little independent business this Christmas, and who doesn't love lighting a tealight next to a nice hot bath.
4 of 11Pantene Hair Biology Mask Cleanse & Reconstruct 160ml
Everyone loves a good old pamper evening with a hair mask and an extra bubbly bubble bath. This one from Pantene works to combat greasy roots and damaged ends and gets to work in under two minutes.
5 of 11Gift Box - Two Cans
Choose from raspberry bellinis, passionfruit mimosas or one of each and give her something to put the spring in her step this Christmas (alcohol, give her alcohol).
6 of 11CharlotteKarinStudio Handmade Floral Face Masks - Bright Colours - Double Sided
Another indy business option and a great one to go into 2021 with. No one wants to wear one of those disposable blue masks (unless you're a key worker, in which case, THANK YOU) so why not jazz it up with these Liberty-style floral prints?
7 of 11Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon Vegan Sweets
These are a firm favourite here at Closer and your mum, sister or friend will love them, too. They come in loads of flavours and they're vegan, which is always an ethical plus. Plus plus...ONE POUND.
8 of 11Collection Spotlight Shine Loved Up Nail Polish
A classic red for Christmas Day. Need we say more? (Oh yeah, free delivery, too).
9 of 11Dr.PAWPAW Classic Balms 3 x 10ml Festive Tree Gift Set. Includes Ultimate Red, Original Balm, Peach Pink Tinted Lip Balms
Winter hits our lips HARD and lip balm is always and welcomed gift at this time of year, if you ask us. Dr.PAWPAW's is one of the best and you could even split this gift set between three family members.
10 of 11Doll Beauty Khloe Lashes
Doesn't everyone glam up on Christmas Day (just to stay in all day). Make her day extra glam with these wispy lashes from Doll Beauty.
11 of 11Baileys 6 Mini Crackers Box
Crackers, but the fun kind that you actually want! These are packed with delicious milk chocolate Baileys truffles.
SHOP: 2020's very best stocking fillers for kids
The best stocking fillers for kids 2020
1 of 11So Slime DIY Slime Assorted
Slime is still the in thing (sorry parents) and this mini gift set from So Slime DIY will keep your little ones occupied and your wallet happy, because who wants to spend more than a tenner on glorified sludge...
2 of 11Kinetic Sand Rainbow Mix Set with 3 Colours of Kinetic Sand (382g) and 6 Tools
Ok, we may be adults but we've got to admit, this stuff looks cool AF. It's bright for little ones (ages 3+) and it'll keep your older ones (parents too ud83dude09) occupied for hours as they squish and mould together different creations.
3 of 11Personalised Nutella Jar
Yesss, who doesn't love Nutella? This is one for the whole family really, but the kids will love having their breakfast from their own special jar. You can add up to 12 characters and delivery is included, woohoo!
4 of 11Baylis & Harding Beauticology Llama Bath Salts Giftset
For kids that are starting to want to do things on their own, this bath salts set is the perfect way to let them get stuck in. They'll love jazzing up bath-time with these colourful fruity tubes (not for eating, obviously).
5 of 11Micro Patterned Scooter Bell, Doodle
If your kid is a scooter fiend then this is the perfect stocking filler. They'll learn how to let people know they're there and it'll probably save you the embarrassment of apologising when they crash into another stranger... You're welcome.
6 of 11Mega Bounce XTR Bouncing Play Ball
Perhaps not for indoor play...but definitely great for kids that love to crash about with a football. This is the next best thing and it'll certainly tire them out before bedtime. It's a win, win.
7 of 11Crayola My First Jumbo Easy Grip Colouring Pencils, Pack of 8
Awww, love these. Kids that are just getting to grips (see what we did there, eh?) with colouring will find these pencils from Crayola super easy to work with, and you'll love putting all their creations up on the fridge...or not, if you're particularly house proud.
8 of 11LEGO Technic Buggy to Racing Car 2in1 Building Set, Off Road & Race Vehicles Collection
Who doesn't love LEGO? It's a great gift for the kids and one for the whole family to get stuck in with.
9 of 115 Surprise Mini Brands Ball (Styles Vary) By ZURU
These tiny collectable supermarket items are just adorable. Your kids will love putting them in their doll's house and collecting the full set - there are over 100.
10 of 11The Bug Spotter Kit
A great option for inquisitive kids. You can send them out into the garden and let them explore. They'll love taking a closer look at some of nature's creations and comparing what they find against the handy bug spotter guide.
11 of 117th Heaven Animal Face Sheet Masks Party Gift Set
If your little one is a beauty guru in the making, they'll love this face mask kit that's designed for kids. The masks feature cute animal designs and gently cleanses the skin. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
WATCH: Emily Atack Talks Holiday Romances | My First Times
Read more
Holly Willoughby: This Morning clothes and where to get them cheaper on the high street
Ruth Langsford reveals 'genius' way to wrap Christmas presents
Stacey Solomon shares £6 secret for homemade Christmas crackers
What to get your friends, family and yourself this Christmas
We've found fun prezzies for your grandparents, Christmas gifts for the kids and the best family board games for Christmas Day - an absolute must, tbh.
A boujee advent calendar
Yup. Long gone are the days where we'd get a chocolate advent calendar because nowadays it's all about advent calendars that men will actually like, plus beauty and sex toy advent calendars. It's not too late to buy one, they might even be on offer now.
Nightwear
Whether you want someone to wear the pyjamas on the run up to Christmas day or after, we've found the best festive pyjamas for the whole family.
Unique Christmas presents
Treat your loved one with a boozy alcohol gift, a hamper - if you just don't know what to get them and the perfect Christmas present for anyone who loves Gemma Collins.