Who doesn’t love “The Night Before Christmas” poem? That infamous poem, penned in 1823, has probably had more kids hanging up stockings in front of the fire place than any other tale.
Today, many of us use “stockings” (or mailboxes) at work to deliver small presents to friends, while those of us with little ones still need to find gifts or treats to fill those stockings like Santa would have liked us to do.
But let’s face it; our kids eat too much candy as it is and if you hit the dollar stores for friends or co-workers, they will probably find out and then you come off as cheap skate.
That’s why we have created a list of stocking stuffers that you can feel good about.
Keep reading and see if these ideas don’t ring your jingle bells!
- Think Experiences
Forget the gift cards that are oh so impersonal, think experiences. You can make up your own “gift card” and offer an “outing of your choice with me”. Or you could purchase (or promise to purchase if dates are questionable) tickets to the movies, an amusement park, or a place that your recipient really, really loves.
Little ones might enjoy “tickets” for a trip to the zoo, their favorite ice cream parlor, or a “pick your own” movie night at home with their favorite homemade treat.
You can offer to take mom to a day spa or stay home and do something she really enjoys (bingo? Gardening?)
The possibilities here are endless, so get creative and make your own “experience” card. Gifts are often forgotten, but an experience is something that is always treasured.
- Think Practical
There is always something that someone actually needs or will use. Another bottle of perfume for mom will probably sit on her dresser, along with the ones she received for Mother’s day, Valentine’s Day, and her birthday, for years to come. But how about a kitchen or gardening tools that she will actually use?
We can think of a dozen other things that we never seem to have enough of, including mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, fuzzy socks, super warm socks, ear buds, subway tokens, reading glasses in a pretty case, playing cards, card games, nail polish, emery boards, pretty nail clippers, and hair accessories, just to name a few!
- Think Themes
These are always fun and some people are so creative! Think of the person you want to buy for; what are their favorite hobbies? Interests? Snacks? Upcoming events? Everyone loves something; all you need to do is think about it and build a stocking around that theme.
This might be someone who loves to cook. You could add silicone pot holders or other silicone cooking items, cute egg timers, cookie cutters, spices in pretty bottles, and a tiny handmade book of awesome recipes.
If the person you are thinking of is more of a “camping and adventure” type, you could put a compass, flashlight, beef jerky, foldable hat, and a set of mini binoculars.
- Think Health and Beauty
Everyone loves to pamper themselves every now and then. Why not add a few things that they might never buy for themselves?
Think about items like super scented body washes or body scrubs, facial scrubs, therapeutic foot scrubs or body butter?
Don’t forget to add everyone’s favorite essential oil or incense for a gift that everyone loves.
Ladies, most men won’t ask, so why not put some manly scented soaps, shaving lotions, and even cologne in their stockings?
- Think the Active Life
For the people in your life who are into fitness, there are tons of options. You can pay for a mobile phone app and put a handmade card telling them how to activate it.
There is also a wireless activity tracker by FitBit called FitBit Zip, that keeps track of steps taken, calories burned, and distance travelled. This info is then sent to their smartphone.
And for those friends who exercise, even in cold weather, Zippo makes a cute little metal hand warmer. It looks like those infamous Zippo lighters, but it simply stays toasty warm, for as long as 12 hours! We bet you buy one of these for yourself!
- Think Cool and Unusual
Some people just love stuff that is a little bit offbeat.
Try spicing up a friend’s life with a round disc of decadent dark chocolate, flavored with a tangy bit of Tabasco! You can find this on Amazon and it’s less than $10!
For the teacher in your child’s life, try a set of Smencils. These are a 10 pack of gourmet scented pencils that keep their scent for as long as 2 years!
Anyone who loves wine can never have enough corkscrews. Check out the retro-looking Hootch-Owl Corkscrew. It’s cute and functional at the same time!
- Think Gadgets
Some people are simply goo-goo for gadgets. If you have some of those people in your life, check out these ideas:
Toasta Bags are for those who like food such as bagels, left over pizza, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches toasted, but don’t own a toaster oven. Simply put the food in the bag and put it in any toaster! No dripping gunk in the toaster ever again! Great for office gifts! These are complexly washable and reusable, which makes it an Eco friendly gift as well.
For the overgrown kid in your life, like grandpa (?), The Magic Wand Remote Control makes changing channels or turning the TV off and on a fun adventure. This would also be perfect for the future magician in the house.
For the family that likes to play together, Skyball will take their games to a whole new level. These are helium filled balls that go as high as 75 feet in the air! Fido will never get hold of these beauties!
- Think Food/Kitchen
For the cooks in your life, the possibilities for cute gifts are almost endless. Some of our favorites include:
The Garlic Rocker. This little beauty makes mincing garlic fund and easy.
Whisky Stones are a great way to cool drinks without watering them down with ice. Although they are called Whiskey Stones, you can use them in any beverage.
If your giftee is a coffee fan, the Aerolatte Milk Frother is an easy way to mix drinks and frothe milk quickly and easily.
And who doesn’t enjoy a cup of tea now and then? The Eva Solo Tea Bag isn’t actually a bag, but rather a stainless steel container that looks like a tea bag, so you can brew the perfect cup of tea from loose tea leaves or herbs.
- Think Cool Gifts for Babies and Tweens
Tweens can be especially hard to buy for as they aren’t really children, but they aren’t exactly ready for a new car!
Hickies Shoelaces are a fun and futuristic way to lace up any pair of tennis shoes. These elastic laces tighten and loosen automatically, depending on movement. These come in bright colors that tweens are sure to love.
Shower Squids can be enjoyed by tweens or mom’s with little ones. Each “squid” has nine adjustable ties which can hold shampoo bottles, soap, or what-have-you. Think of it as an extra pair of hands in the shower.
For those with young children, Cowboy Baby Socks are a super cute idea. Each pair of socks looks like a miniature pair of cowboy boots!
And for those with elementary aged children, Fanciful Bird Wings are the answer for those who are tired of the same old super hero capes. These are lightweight, beautifully sheer “wings’ that attach with straps and finer tabs so children can “fly” away to their hearts content.
- Think Particular
Some people are so difficult to buy for because they only want the best or unique things in life. Well, take a look at the following items because one of them is sure to appeal to even the most finicky person on your stocking stuffer list.
E-Tip gloves by North Face are the perfect answer for those who want a really superb pair of gloves, but need their fingers free to use their cell phone or tablet. There is no need to remove these gloves, as the fingertips are specially coated to work with touch screens.
There really is no comparing the Diptyque Candle, no matter how hard you try. These candles are super high quality and have unique scents such as Bulgarian roses or blackberry/currant leaves. We bet once you smell one, you buy one for yourself.
Last, but not least, for the cell phone super fan, you can’t go wrong with The Oona Stand. Unlike most of the $5 stands on the market today that falls over if you breathe on them, The Oona Stand is completely adjustable for any surface and it really, really stays put.
Of course, this list isn’t all inclusive. Do you have any stocking stuffer suggestions that worked well for you or that you wish someone would buy for your stocking?
We would love to hear from you!
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