Christmas in Australia comes with a full calendar: work breakups, backyard barbecues, beach days and more photos than any other time of year. So it's no surprise that a brighter-looking smile is high on plenty of wish lists. If you're hunting for a stocking filler that feels thoughtful, fits in a pocket and actually gets used, a teeth whitening pen is a lovely place to start.
In this guide we'll walk through the three Smile Kit whitening pens, who each one suits, and how to put together a little smile-care stocking for the people you love (or for yourself, no judgement).
Why whitening pens make great stocking fillers
Good stocking fillers share a few things in common. They're small, they feel a bit special, and they don't end up in the back of a drawer. Whitening pens tick all three boxes.
Small, neat and travel-friendly
Each Smile Kit pen box holds two 4ml pens. They slip easily into a stocking, a handbag or a toiletry bag, which makes them handy for summer holidays, road trips and visiting family over the break.
Easy to use, no trays or mess
There are no bulky trays or strips to fiddle with. You simply twist, paint a thin layer of gel onto clean, dry teeth and let it sit for the time shown on the pack. It's a simple routine that fits around a busy festive season.
Thoughtful without being over the top
A whitening pen says "treat yourself" without the price tag of a big-ticket gift. It's a nice pick for Secret Santa, a sister, a best friend, a teenager-turned-adult or anyone who loves a bit of self-care.
Choosing the right Smile Kit whitening pen
We make three different whitening pens, and each one has its own personality. Here's a quick, honest look at how they differ so you can match the pen to the person.
PAP Whitening Pens: the peroxide-free pick
Our PAP Whitening Pens use a peroxide-free formula with 30% PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid). They're a great choice for anyone who would simply prefer to skip peroxide in their routine.
- Peroxide-free formula with 30% PAP
- 2 × 4ml pens per box
- About 30 minutes per use
- Around a 24-month shelf life, so it's fine to buy early for Christmas
Best for: the person who likes a gentle, low-fuss routine and reads every ingredient label.
HP Whitening Pens: the classic hydrogen peroxide pen
Our HP Whitening Pens use a water-free gel with 6% hydrogen peroxide that's activated by saliva once it's on your teeth. Leave it on for about 20 minutes on its own.
- Water-free 6% hydrogen peroxide gel
- Saliva-activated
- 2 × 4ml pens per box
- About 20 minutes per use, or around 15 minutes if you like to use it with a blue, red or near-infrared light device
Best for: the friend who already owns an LED or light device and enjoys making their routine a little ritual.
HP Purple Gel Pens: purple colour correction
Our HP Purple Gel Pens combine 6% hydrogen peroxide with purple colour-correcting pigments. Purple sits opposite yellow on the colour wheel, so the pigments help teeth look brighter while you go about your day. Like the HP pens, the gel is water-free and saliva-activated.
- 6% hydrogen peroxide with purple colour-correcting pigments
- Water-free, saliva-activated gel
- 2 × 4ml pens per box
- About 40 uses per pen
Best for: the person who loves beauty products, is always ready for a photo and likes trying something a little different.
How to build a smile-care Christmas stocking
A whitening pen on its own makes a sweet gift, but pairing it with one or two extras turns it into a proper little kit. Here are some easy combinations.
The everyday smile stocking
Pop in a whitening pen plus a few tubes from our Swift Toothgel Travel Gift Pack, which has six travel tubes across three formulas. It's a fun way for someone to try different flavours of nano-hydroxyapatite toothgel over the holidays.
The light lover's stocking
If you're spoiling someone a bit more this year, pair the HP Whitening Pens with a light device from our red light range, such as the Triple Wavelength Accelerator, which includes a blue light. It makes for a lovely "me time" routine. As with any light device, we recommend keeping your eyes closed during each session.
The "just for me" stocking
Nobody said you can't fill your own stocking. Pick the pen that suits you, add a travel toothgel for your handbag, and you're set for the season.
Tips for getting the most from a whitening pen
Whichever pen you choose, a few simple habits help the gel do its job.
- Start with clean, dry teeth. Brush first, then gently pat your teeth dry with a tissue so the gel spreads evenly.
- Use a thin layer. A little goes a long way, and a thin coat is easier to keep where you want it.
- Keep your lips away for a moment. Smile wide for about 30 seconds after applying so the gel can settle.
- Follow the timing on the pack. Stick to the time and how often to use it as shown on the instructions.
- Go easy on coffee, tea and red wine straight after. Rich-coloured food and drinks can leave stains, so give yourself a little break after each session where you can.
- Be consistent. Results vary from person to person, and regular use over time tends to work better than the odd session here and there.
If you have crowns, veneers, fillings or any concerns about your teeth, it's a good idea to have a chat with your dentist before you start a whitening routine.
When to order for Christmas
The weeks before Christmas get busy for Australia Post and couriers, so it pays to shop early, especially if you're posting gifts interstate. The PAP pens have around a 24-month shelf life, so there's no stress about buying in November and tucking them away. Check our shipping page for current delivery times and rates before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Which Smile Kit whitening pen is peroxide-free?
The PAP Whitening Pens are our peroxide-free option, made with 30% PAP. The HP Whitening Pens and HP Purple Gel Pens both contain 6% hydrogen peroxide.
What makes the purple gel pen different?
The HP Purple Gel Pens add purple colour-correcting pigments to a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel. Purple helps balance out yellow tones, so teeth can look brighter.
Do I need a light device to use the pens?
No. All three pens can be used on their own. The HP Whitening Pens can also be used with a blue, red or near-infrared light device if you already have one, which shortens the session to around 15 minutes.
How many pens come in a box?
Each box contains two 4ml pens.
Give the gift of a brighter-looking smile
Whether it's for your best friend, your mum, your Secret Santa or yourself, a whitening pen is a small gift that feels like a treat every time it's used. Browse our PAP, HP and HP Purple pens, pick the one that suits them best, and get ready for a season full of brighter-looking smiles. Merry Christmas from all of us at Smile Kit!
