Warning: This post is not for kids due to it’s Christmas content :)
Looking to stuff the stockings without sending your kids (or your spouse) into a sugar induced craze? There is nothing wrong with a few special treats in the stocking, but it is also nice to have some healthier options to help fill that stocking real estate. Around here Santa likes to make a mix of useful and whimsical items. The list below is a mix of items for people of all ages, both kids and adults, so I’m not recommending you put coffee in your kid’s stocking or give your spouse new crayons.
- homemade coupons (special outing with parent, trip to get ice cream, massage etc… )
- Trail mix made with crispy nuts
- silver coins (old quarters…make sure to attach a note not to spend it!)
- dried fruits
- puzzle of themselves or a picture of your choice
- fun magnets (alphabet, dinosaurs, princesses, homemade magnets)
- fun toothbrush you might not normally buy, toothpaste
- popping corn
- cocoa nibs
- sweet fruits such as clementines
- DVD- exercise DVD’s, favorite TV shows, movies etc…
- nice cooking utensils (stainless steel, wooden spoons)
- Pedometer
- legos
- eco friendly coffee cozy (cute ones on etsy or make your own)
- Sunglasses
- flashlight
- pocket knife (this would not be for a kid!)
- whistle
- gift cards
- water bottle
- reusable travel coffee cup
- CD
- Winter accessories such as hat, gloves, scarf etc..
- blank recipe cards
- playing cards (Go Fish, Old Maid, Classic Cards)
- sticker puzzles
- sudoku, crossword puzzles
- lip/body balm
- new wallet
- maple glazed nuts
- play dough
- silly putty
- a special ornament for a favorite team or an event that year (graduated, got a dog, had a baby etc…)
- travel packs of toiletries
- temporary tattoos
- sporting stuff: golf balls, sweat bands, fishing lures etc…
- stickers
- garden markers
- harmonica
- tickets for a special outing
- fun bandaids (my little boy LOVES these!)
- reusable shopping bag
- USB drive
- art supplies- crayons, colored pencils, small pad
- note pad
- soft socks
- tea infuser- shaped like a monkey!
- herbal teas
- coffee
- personalized stationary
What are your favorite stocking stuffers? Do you stuff a stocking for yourself or does your spouse stuff it?
References: American Heart Association, Livestrong
See you soon,
Please read my disclosure here
This is a very helpful list Katie. I always do the stocking stuffing and you have great ideas I'm going to use this Christmas. I'm going to take care of my own stocking too with good stuff, not just candy canes.
Thanks, Rhondi. I always stuff my own stocking too :)
Katie
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Great ideas! I do the stockings for my mom, two sons (25 & 21) and hubby. I buy half of the items for mine since I'm a better shopper than hubby. I give him a bag well in advance so I forget by the time Christmas morning comes!
I always give everyone things like deoderant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairspray, lotion, razors, bath mitts or gloves, and then add their favorite candy, nuts, scratch tickets, Dunkin' Donuts gift cards, personalized or fun post-its, mints, car scraper & air freshener, deck of cards, etc. I buy myself things for crafting (pop dots, brads, ATG tape, etc.). I buy throughout the year and then look when it's close. I usually have way too much to stuff in the stockings!
you wanna make my stocking?? i'll take one of everything on the list above ;)
my family has typically done away with most of the gifting come Christmas because it's just so ridiculous but we still get stockings and mom always goes out of her way to wrap each individual thing – makes it a little more special :)
That is so sweet!
Katie
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Stockings are so fun to fill!
Katie
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Since when is a pocket knife not for a kid? Kids have had them for decades… my husband is getting our 10 year old daughter one for her stocking this year and he is so excited to teach her how to handle it safely and use it just like his grandfather taught him.
I guess each family has to make a decision of what is best for their child. It has a lot to do with maturity and how they handle responsibility. I don't think there is anything wrong with it for the right child, but I didn't want to make broad generalizations and have anyone get hurt. Hope you understand :)
Katie
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So
Those are all good. We do quite a few off your list every year. I fill the kids and my hubs, and he fills mine. Plus my mom still fills one for everyone, which is SO fun. We always do an orange or clementine in the toe. I've done rolled up coloring books and/or magazines a few times. Drill bits and other small tool related things are always a hit with The Dad. You've pretty much covered everything else already, though.
I'm totally going to have to steal your idea for the drill bits. Hubby will love it! Thanks!
Katie
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This is a great list! Always on the look out for stocking stuffers – I hate to fill them with candy! Thanks!
Wonderful ideas!
Jennelise
You're very welcome, Lori!
Katie
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What a great list. Our stockings are always full of junk. Just junk that someone picked up from wherever. But for some reason they're the most exciting to open? Stopping by way of Made by You Monday.
Just what I need, new ideas for stockings. BTW, yours are very cute!
I love this post! Every year I buy stocking fillers for my husband and my three now grown up children and a wife! And every year I spend hours and hours thinking and shopping for things that are fun and useful! Sooo difficult! One favourite is Christmas socks or silly Christmas ties for the guys! I also buy fruit leathers, chocolate coins for good luck, Christmas Tree ornaments and this year I found a small "cow" wind up torch (they had sold out of the penguins :( ) I also buy small sample size organic shampoos and soaps …and bandaids (this year they are cupcake ones). I will certainly use your list for more ideas! Thank you!!
Those are some great ideas, Vicky!
Katie
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Thanks, Linda!
Katie
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It is so easy to fill them with junk. I think the kids love it no matter what :)
Katie
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Some great ideas. Thanks!
Glad they were helpful!
Katie
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You're very welcome!
Katie
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Thanks for the great ideas!
Great ideas. We are big on stockings and look all year so we don't have a panic at the end. Since we come from a mission family that travels alot, we usually put in candy, jewelry and other small things from foreign countries.
I also like to put bubble bath from the Dollar Tree in the boys' {ages 5 and 3} stockings and the bath color drops from Walmart. It's not something they get all the time and it is a treat for them.
How fun to have stuff from around the world!
Katie
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This is perfect:) I am seriously loving your post! It is so inspirational and informative. I think my subscribers would really enjoy reading this. I would love for you to come share it at Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways on Frugally Sustainable (http://frugallysustainable.blogspot.com/2011/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-4.html)” target=”_blank”> http://frugallysustainable.blogspot.com/2011/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-4.html)” target=”_blank”>(http://frugallysustainable.blogspot.com/2011/11/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-4.html). I really hope that you will put Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways on your list of carnivals to visit and link to each Wednesday!
Warmly,
Andrea @ Frugally Sustainable
Here's the link: http://www.frugallysustainable.com
What a fun list, thanks for posting!
Debra- thanks. Glad you like it!
Katie
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I bet they love that! My little guy would!
Katie
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Thanks, Andrea. I'll have to check it out.
Katie
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Great ideas! I came over from Tatertots & Jello
Thanks, Ashlee!
Katie
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I would love to add any of the following to your already awesome list! bookmarks, mini photo album, hair accessories, nail polish, small books, homemade hot coco, small homemade edible gifts, winter mittens, hand warmers (homemade or store bought), calendars, bath fizzes, cute kitchen towels, mini calendars, coasters, personalized pillowcases, hand towels, key chain ect… My family typically all stuffs each others stockings (although my mom tends to put stuff in her own stocking too!)
More good goodies ;)
Thanks for all the ideas, Kendra!
I wrap all of the goodies inside for my all of my kid’s stockings, too. I’ve even put a warning lump of coal 2 weeks before Christmas. Totally worked.
thanks for the great ideas! I always leave stocking stuff until the last minute and end up buying junk just to fill them up. I”m taking this list to the store with me!
hopping over from The Better Mom link up
It was my pleasure to share them :) Thanks for stopping in!
Hi Katie,
A great seasonal post and just perfect for our Seasonal Celebration linky every Sunday/Monday over at http://naturalmothersnetwork.com! I hope so much that you’ll choose to link up each week! Rebecca x