Prepare to scroll! This list is nearly as long as Santa's!
Each year I fill a stocking for everyone in my family. They're definitely not just for kiddos anymore. It's a fun way to give a "grab bag" style gift! However, finding treats that delight adults can be tricky. Come November, I dive into all of the little bookmarks and pinnings I've been hoarding away all year and start planning my gifts. I like to start with the stocking goodies because usually they inspire other ideas for great gifts. In our family, we always include the traditional inexpensive bits. Clementine oranges, loose nuts in their shell and candies, chocolate oranges, little trinkets are a staple. Beyond that, I get creative with my stuffers, usually adding one or two higher priced items (I'm talkin' $25 or less) for the wow factor. So, I'm always on the look out for unique ideas. I thought I'd share a sampling of my favorite finds this year.
These would be great mini-gifts for any time of year! Consider them for Teacher gifts, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day or as an idea for that uncle that you're just not sure what to buy for the Grandparents that have everything!
Craftable Stuffers
Those are great for our mothers, girlfriends, aunts and grandmothers but if you'd like to make someone younger get excited about your little creation, stuff them with dollar bills instead of tissue! Take the same idea as
lovezilla has done below and just stash the cash into your travel tissue case.
The Helpful Tennis Ball - This little guy has so many uses, check out the link to see more pictures of what he can do.
Little Envelope Journal from Instructables - If this is for a little one you could fill the pockets with stickers and dollar bills. Or if it's for an adult tuck in movie tickets, gift cards, or love notes inside!
DIY Bath Fizzies from Martha Stewart - Simple craft and one batch could be divided into several gifts!
Gift Card Snow Globe by thecreativemama - would be a great gift on it's own or a nice filler to plump up that stocking( perhaps a smaller jar for the stocking). It's pretty much the perfect gift because obvious love and effort went into it, it's a fun little treasure hung all on it's own and they get to decide how to spend the dough!
Gadgety Goods
Colored Ear Phones to designate "His and Hers" - We go through these so fast and color coding takes away the "Are these mine or yours?" guesswork. They're a must have for Ryan's stocking!
Or go for a
retro case like this one from Society6 ($35) - They're are less pricey versions out there, go on a Google hunt!
A Cute USB Hub! ($5-$30) There are a bunch of these on the market, I've linked an amazon search so you can see some of the other choices. I like this little robot that allows you to plug in in both arms and legs.
Motion Sensor Mini Lights ($18) from Solutions - These can be stuck anywhere and will go on when needed! They've got great customer reviews too!
Heart Rate Monitor / Pedometer ($20 and up) - This is a great gadget for anyone who is hoping to get more active after the holidays and begin the new year with a fresh start!
Texting Gloves ($18) from Urband Outfitters - These are available for men at different sites as well, Google it!
Key Ring Tools ($8) - Keep a Philips and flat head screw driver handy at all times!
A Grab Bag of Treasures
Custom stamps from lilimandrill ($25 and up) on Etsy. You can also find great custom address stampers with a quick Etsy search.
Pooping Reindeer ($7) from Paper Source - cute or ew? Either way I betcha know someone who would get a kick out of it!
Owl Timers ($21) from Paper Source - I want one! Gimmie!
"Keep Calm" Bandages ($8) from Urban Outfitters - After being on every stinkin' surface possible, this trendy phrase found a perfect, logical home!
Seasonal Tea ($15) from Papersource by The Repuplic of Tea - my favorite gourmet brand!
Vintage Bird Mug with lid ($13.95) from Paper Source - So many of us are suckers for birds (Portlandia anyone?) and this comes with a lid! How handy, sorta...
Baby's First Christmas
Children's items differ depending on the age and this list is crazy long already. So, I've just tackled a couple of things for baby's first stocking. I will however, show you everything Scarlet is going to get in her stocking in another post or vlog soon!
Fortune Cookie booties ($28) from Uncommon Goods - Okay these are a bit over priced but your first Christmas only comes around once, right? And the fortune is too cute. These seem like they could be craftable too, so maybe make your own version!
Sili Squeeze with Eeeze ($15) from The Silico - New improved design is great for home made purees, yogurts and smoothies!
Boo-Boo Bunnie ($8) - These little freezer friends make those bumps and bruises alllll better! Scarlet has one and the tears stop as soon as the bunnie is in her hand. They come in a variety of adorable colors and prints too!
Monogrammed Unisex ID Bracelet from MinusOne on Etsy ($28) - I bought one of these from this seller for a friends daughter's first birthday. She'll do any name up to 6 letters. Makes a great keepsake!
Sandra Boynton Box Set ($13) - A MUST for every child's library. These books are fun quick stories that help your child delight in reading early!
And finally, a
Mustache Pacifier from Fred Flare ($12) to be like daddy with his beer toppers :)
Hope that sparked some ideas! What are your favorite stocking treats and traditions?
Happy Stuffing!
***Disclaimer***
I have NOT purchased items from each of these links before. Please only purchase from reputable vendors. I have personally shopped at Paper Source, Urban Outfitters, MinusOne on Etsy and Amazon.
