Whether filled with inexpensive gifts or decadent holiday treats, Christmas stockings are a favorite tradition in many households. When considering Christmas stocking stuffers, gift givers should always consider the recipient's likes and dislikes, their hobbies, and in the case of food, any intolerances or allergies. Stocking stuffers can be purchased almost anywhere, from the local dollar store to a high-end boutique.
Stocking Stuffers to Enjoy Later
- scratch tickets and lottery tickets
- memberships to a museum or art gallery
- tickets to a sporting or cultural event
- gift card for a favourite coffee shop
- gift card to purchase online music
- gift certificate for a movie theater
- gift certificate for a massage
Edible Stocking Stuffers
- candy, from homemade rock candy to decadent, individually wrapped truffles
- cookies, either homemade or gourmet
- herbal teas
- hot chocolate mix
- exotic coffee
- miniature liquor bottles
- hot sauce
- gourmet mustard
- specialty spice rub
- gourmet waffle or pancake mix
Traditional Stocking Stuffers
- Christmas ornaments to begin or add to a collection
- chocolate coins
- fruit and nuts
- candy canes
- socks and underwear
Just For Fun
- deck of cards
- miniature travel games
- book of crossword puzzles
- sketch book with paints, pencils or watercolors
- small jigsaw puzzles
- temporary tattoos
- juggling balls
- magic trick kit
- book of horoscope predictions for the upcoming year
Stocking Stuffers for Readers
- bookmarks
- book light
- pocket reference books like dictionaries or foreign language phrase books
- a classic novel
- a deliciously trashy novel
- a magazine subscription
Inexpensive Gifts That Pamper
- lip balm/chapstick
- eye mask/sleep mask
- loofah sponge
- scented skin lotions
- manicure/pedicure supplies
- hair accessories
- scented candles
- makeup brushes
- bath beads, bath bombs, bubble bath
- whimsical bedroom slippers
- colorful nail polish or lip gloss
- pyjamas
- costume jewelry
- fun change purse
- warm hats, scarves, mittens, or earmuffs
Stocking Stuffers For the Kitchen
- cookie cutters
- tea infuser
- fun salt and pepper shakers
- bottle opener or corkscrew
- fun and whimsical kitchen gadgets
- fridge magnets
Music, Media and Hobbies
- CD's/DVD's
- sudoku books
- cell phone cover or accessories
- usb flash drive
- mini-tools
- pocket knife or multitool
- flashlight
- earbuds or headphones
- guitar picks
- rubber stamps and scrapbooking accessories
- special edition coins or other collectibles
Personalized Stocking Stuffers
- diary or address book
- purse mirror
- luggage tags
- personalized golf balls and/or tees
- aluminum water bottle
- money clip
- notecards and stationery
Stocking Stuffers for Kids and Kids of All Ages
- action figures
- small stuffed toys
- bib
- teething ring
- bubbles
- piggy bank
- matchbox cars
- building blocks or lego sets
- plasticine/modelling clay
- stickers
- retro toys like yo-yo's, ball and paddle sets, and wind-up toys
- coloring books
- activity books
Those looking for stocking stuffers should consider making their Christmas stockings tailored to the recipients' personalities, rather than the same thing in each family member's stocking. New families may also consider starting new traditions, such giving an ornament each year to the children in the family. Once the children are old enough to leave home, they will have a collection of ornaments ready to adorn their own trees.
Gifts in Christmas stockings can be wrapped individually, making Christmas morning even more fun for the gift recipients.
Catherine Walsh - Catherine Walsh is a professional actor, playwright, and freelance writer. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Catherine's film ...
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