Photos: 23 gifts under $5 at CVS and Walgreens

We hit holiday pay dirt at CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. If you’re willing to prowl the aisles and get creative, you’ll find plenty of stocking stuffers at prices Santa would love. Everything here is under five bucks, including toy trucks, above, for your favorite little tyke.

--Rene Lynch (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

March 12, 2014 9:30 AM PT

Cuddly critters are always welcome under the holiday tree or as stocking stuffers. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Sudoku fans can never get enough — same goes for crossword lovers. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

At these prices, you can mix and match. You could also use an ornament to dress up another gift, be it a bottle of wine or a holiday gift card. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

For the queen of the kitchen: holiday-themed pot holders ... (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

...and kitchen linens that will help everyone get in the spirit. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Nice hostess gift. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

These cute doorknob hangers are two for $5. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Everyone knows someone who is always cold. This is for that person. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

For the budding artist. At this price, you could throw in some markers or crayons and still stay under budget. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

We have some kids on our holiday list — and we just don’t know what to get them. A poster is one size fits all. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

A calendar works too. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Perfect for a little schoolgirl — and perfectly priced too. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

We found a bonanza of make-up items that would be perfect for any tween girl. Such as a French manicure kit. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Assuming mom says it’s OK. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

For the edgy tween. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Don’t know which color will work? Go with can’t-lose “clear.” (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Terrific choice for a hostess gift. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

Chocolate from chocolatier Ghirardelli. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

There were no shortage of “sweet” gifts to bring to your holiday gathering, such as shortbread cookies. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)

No holiday list would be complete without some gag gifts. So we have Santa boxers. (The front flap says — what else? — “Ho, Ho, Ho.”) (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)