There are so many different things you can buy as stocking stuffers. Stocking stuffers make great presents. They are usually small and inexpensive. You can give most of this stuff as a regular gift or as a bonus stocking stuffer. Most stocking stuffers can be given to children or adults. You can make a stocking very easily. It could be another gift to someone if the person doesn’t have a stocking yet. Just go to your local Dollar Tree or Dollar Store and buy a red stocking with a white top. Buy some sparkly glitter glue gel while you’re there too. Now, use the glitter gel to spell out the person’s name on the white part of the stocking. Once you have created the stocking then you can fill it with all kinds of goodies.
According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA) at www.candyusa.org, the origin of stockings dates back to the fourth century and Saint Nicholas, who was known for his kindness to children. St. Nick heard about three poor sisters whose father was desperate because he could not afford to provide them with dowries to marry. According to the legend, one day the sisters washed their stockings and hung them by the chimney to dry. That night, St. Nicholas secretly visited their home, tossing a handful of gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in the sisters’ stockings and the tradition of the holiday stocking was born.
Today, the tradition of holiday stockings continues as millions of Americans fill their stockings with small gifts. With so many options available for stocking stuffing, size is really the only restriction when it comes to finding the perfect items.
Here’s a list I have compiled of the best inexpensive stocking stuffer ideas.
- Chap stick
- Yo-yo
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Sample size products (tooth paste, deodorant, cologne/perfume, baby powder)
- Pez dispenser/candy
- Gum
- Life savers
- Andes candy
- Lottery tickets
- Pajama shirt/pant set rolled up
- Coasters
- Batteries
- School/office supplies (pens, paper, post-its, crayons, markers)
- Coloring book or other book
- Puzzles/puzzle books/small games/
- Deck of cards
- Disposable camera
- Harmonica
- Foods like beef jerky/pretzels/cookies/chips
- Socks
- Small stuffed animal
- Chocolate
- Makeup
- Journal/diary
- Slinky
- Nail polish
- Key chain
- Snow globe
- Piggy bank
- Sidewalk chalk
- CD or DVD
- Hand held calculator
- Flashlight
- Small tools (hammer/screwdriver/pliers)
- Small coffee mug
- Paper soap (from Pier 1, only costs $1)
- For fun: Reindeer poop, a block of goal, a bag/box of nothing, a doll or washcloth that expands in size when you put it in water or practical joke gifts
