Why do you think they don’t want you to buy them big presents? Is it out of concern for your finances, they can’t afford to reciprocate or they feel it’s wasteful because they don’t use or need the gifts? I love doing stockings but the problem with them is you can end up filling them with cheap tat if you do them on a budget…
I find it’s quite helpful to have a formula each year to stop going overboard on wasteful items or tat! 😂
Eg
We always have something to keep the recipient occupied in quiet moments on Christmas Day. A tradition that started when the DC were little - a toy to keep them going until it was time for tree presents 😂 It could be a book, a puzzle, a small craft kit, card game… a lock picking kit, a sweary needlepoint mini kit, infectious disease Top Trumps and an anatomy colouring book are some of the more quirky options we’ve had.
There is always something to drink and eat (whatever your DC’s like) eg their favourite tipple or chocolates or Christmas snacks.
Something weird and wonderful to eat or drink eg sweets and snacks from the world food aisle or a fiery chilli sauce or “liquid smoke”. We always have fun sharing them and trying them out.
Something luxurious or expensive that you know they want eg earrings, perfume, toiletries, cashmere beanie, gloves or socks. If it has to be on a tight budget, I would stick to luxury socks, earrings, cuff links or something they always use (eg their brand of moisturiser) or a product to match their perfume (soap), scented candle (if they are a fan) if you don’t know what they specifically want or need. A “main gift”. I would spend most of your budget on this rather than buying lots of stuff. Quality over quantity.
Something small related to their hobbies and interests eg guitar plectrums, a bullet journal, seeds, strawberry huller, nutmeg grater, essential oils, cute bird needle threader, unusual ingredients, book mark, adult colouring book, a book etc
Something genuinely useful they never knew they needed eg magnetic wrist strap for DIY, mini mag light or credit card toolkit, champagne stopper, bag in a bag, packing cubes, honey or pickle spoon, colour change egg timer Or just useful if you can’t think of anything original 😂
A few small bits eg lip balm, a bath bomb, shower gel, oil diffuser, scented tea lights, fancy tea or jam, scratch card. I suggest setting a tight budget of £5 or less in total for this so you don’t go crazy!
There are lots of good suggestions on the other stocking filler threads. If you post what your DC’s hobbies and interests are, people might have more specific ideas.