By J. A. Young
Stocking stuffers are all the little gadgets, trinkets, do-dads and whats-its that fit snuggly in those Christmas stockings everyone looks forward to Christmas morning. Everyone’s stocking can be a unique fit filled with items just right for a special person. The following suggestions cover great stocking stuffer ideas for all members of the family—including the family pooch!Stocking stuffers for a working girl: A terrific and practical way to fill her stocking is with: stockings, trouser socks, designer pen, silk scarf, engraved business card holder, gift certificates (favorite lunch spot, train tickets, coffee shop, beauty salon, dress store), jewelry, glasses case, hand cream, personalized compact or any item that might be appropriate for her office that fits in a stocking!
Stocking stuffers for men: Most men appreciate useful items, but it’s always fun to add something frivolous too. Consider the following stocking stuffers for him: cufflinks, cologne, socks, fishing lures, small photo frame, wallet, business cards, gift certificate (sporting goods store, electronics center, coffee shop, oil change, book store), toasted nuts or candy, engraved lighter, engraved flask, money clip, engraved key chain, paperback book, etc…
Great stocking for a world traveler: You can have lots of fun with a stocking for an international enthusiast. Consider the following ideas: Japanese tea cups, chopsticks, Russian lacquer trinket box, English toffee, Swiss chocolate, Belgian lace scarf, Italian watch, Brazilian nuts, hula girl bobble figure for car, Waterford crystal bud vase, kangaroo keychain, jade pendant, Eiffel Tower note cards, Great Pyramid paper weight, folding maps, magazine subscription for National Geographic, small travel journal.
Filling a stocking for an antique lover can be great fun whether you choose authentic pieces or neat replicas. Consider the following: celluloid ring box, bakelite holiday pin, vintage handkerchiefs, lace doilies, small china teacup and tea, pocket watch, rhinestone bracelet, painted thimble, Victorian jet beads, old postcards, antique note cards, gift certificate to local antique market.
The family chef can be remembered with a fun-filled stocking too: cookie cutters, vegetable peeler, wooden spoon, ladle, kitchen magnets, napkin rings, cork screw, apron, chef’s hat, ice tea stirrers, gift certificate to exotic foods market, small jars of herbs and spices, gourmet soup mix, packets of cinnamon sugar—any small and useful kitchen gadget will be appreciated!
Stocking stuffers for infants might include: rattles, bibs, onesies (with their name embroidered), teething rings, baby lotions, sippy cups, finger puppets, alphabet blocks, socks, mittens, silver spoon, scrapbook items, disposable camera, bath mitt, pajamas, receiving blankets, etc…
Great stocking stuffers for school-age children include: pens, pencils, wristbands, bandanas, patches, temporary tattoos, beaded jewelry, headbands, hair clips, socks, stickers, gift cards (toy store or book shop), colorful shoelaces, paperback book, locker magnets, diary, marbles, jump rope, locket, baseball, candy, crayons, markers, watch, tapes / cds, mittens, mitten clips, super ball, Silly Putty—any small toys you can fit!
People that have everything can always enjoy a stuffed stocking filled with the likes of special decks of cards (have them specially made with their dog or cat’s face), an engraved pen, a card for a magazine subscription, a small packet of gingerbread flavored coffee, sachets, gift certificates (to dinner, ballroom dancing lessons, foreign language class), perfume / cologne, personalized note pad, stationary cards, bracelet / cufflinks. Of course, the more personal your choices, the more the recipient will understand and appreciate your thoughtfulness!
As for the dog: rawhide treats are available shaped like lollypops, licorice sticks and more! Give Trixie that rhinestone collar she’s been pining for or a stiff-wire brush for Gigi’s coat. The dog’s stocking is also a great place to stash a much-needed gift card to put toward Rocky’s obedience class!
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