For some reason, shoppers usually leave the stocking till the last minute. All the Christmas gifts are bought and wrapped, and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care… but they’re empty. Here’s how to fill them.
Books
Every stocking – and every stocking owner – deserves a brand new book. Stop by a bookstore or even the book section of your grocery store for a new paperback, small cookbook, or even a few magazines to add to the stocking.
Give a Tree
Many websites offer the gift of a tree being planted in someone’s name- tree prices range from $3 to $10 and you can print out a gift certificate to add to the Christmas stocking.
Sock It
Possibly the best stocking stuffers in the world are socks. No one ever has enough of them and they can be purchased inexpensively at dollar stores; there are even online specialty sock stores where you can buy socks decorated with the gift recipient’s favorite theme.
Candy
No stocking is complete without candy – whether it’s a giant chocolate bar, book of Life Savers, bag of red and green M&Ms or the favorite candy of the stocking owner, candy is a fun, inexpensive stocking stuffer for kids of any age!
Jewelry or Watch
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be able to put a small white jewelry box in your loved one’s stocking. Stores like Kmart have inexpensive jewelry departments where you can pick up a cute watch or pair of earrings for under $10.
Warming Up
Some of the best stocking stuffers are those that keep a person warm. Hats, gloves, and scarves are ideal for stocking stuffers and can be found inexpensively at many different types of stores during the holidays.
Makeup or Lip Gloss
If the stocking is for a girl or woman, makeup is perfect- check your local pharmacy for inexpensive brands of lip gloss, eye shadow, nail polish, etc- often there are holiday sets that are cheap and adorable! For a man, Blistex lip balm or shaving cream would be a good alternative.
Music CD or Itunes Gift Card
Whether you choose a music CD or simply add an Itunes gift card so your gift recipient can choose their own music, the gift of tunes is always perfect.
Something Fun
Whether it’s a Rubik’s Cube, small puzzle, sudoku, crossword book or a pack of playing cards, including something the stocking owner can play with – no matter what their age – is something that will bring lots of smiles on Christmas morning.
Christmas Ornament
It’s a nice tradition to give your loved one a new dated Christmas ornament each year. Whether it’s a personalized ornament from a mall kiosk or a Hallmark series ornament these will be enjoyed for years.
Even just using a few of these ideas should help fill that stocking pretty quickly- have a great holiday!
Read more creative holiday celebration ideas.
Mary McCarthy - Mary T. McCarthy is the blogger at pajamasandcoffee.com and Editor of Chesapeake Family magazine.
