I became my family's official Christmas Stocking Stuffer in 1967. My dad had died and my biggest fear was that Santa would forget to come for my two little brothers.
I learned sadness can be counterbalanced by the excitement of doing something secret (and fun) for someone else. The surprised looks on my brothers' faces convinced me that being the Christmas Stocking Stuffer is the best job ever.
Here are some tips and ideas for those of you who are new to the job of Christmas Stocking Stuffer and also for you veterans in need of inspiration.
1) The Right Stocking: Some families already have their stockings and you'll just have to work with what you got. However, if you're just starting out or have the opportunity to start a new tradition, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a stocking for stuffing:
Size: I have found that a medium size stocking that's 20-24 inches from cuff to toe, is the perfect size. Remember- you have to STUFF a stocking and a large one could ruin your Christmas budget.
Material: Make sure the stocking is well constructed and made of firm fabric. Knit stockings stretch in both directions. Again, think of your finances.
If your family hangs their stockings, make sure the loop is strong enough to hold several pounds without breaking.
2) Where to Shop for a Christmas Stocking Stuffer: To save money, shop sale items all year round and use store coupons. Many stores have their own coupons available inside the store or on their websites. Here are 101 plus stuffer ideas proven to bring smiles on Christmas morning:
Office Supply Store: memo notebooks, markers, erasers, pencils, note cards, binder clips, paper clips, pens, push pins, rulers, scrap booking supplies, crayons, sticky notes, mini stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener
Drug Store: candy, nuts, film, single use camera, inexpensive toys, coloring books, cologne, lotion, nail polish, bath beads, toothbrushes, batteries, costume jewelry, chapstick, barrettes, comb, razor, hair brush
Book Store: books, magazines, bookmarks, book lights, journals, coffee mug, cds, dvds, stuffed animals, puzzles, coffee, tea, gourmet candy
Hardware Store: hammers, screw drivers, pliers, paint can opener, work gloves, padlock, spare keys, tape measure, flashlight, gadgets, paint brushes, sanding sponges, vegetable and flower seeds
Craft Store: beads, floss, sewing notions, scissors, paint sets, art paper, stamps, stickers, fabric, buttons, ornaments, drawing pencils, glitter, how-to kits, fancy sewing thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks
Grocery Store: candy, fruit, cooking gadgets, cookies, small boxes of cereal, small bags of snacks, wine or beer, olive oil, fancy vinegars, snack cakes, pudding, jerky
Restaurant Supply Store: wooden spoons, candy thermometer, turkey baster, hotpads, tongs, Chinese strainer, bottle pourers, spurtles, spoonulas, garlic press, vegetable peeler
Auto Supply Store: oil spout, magnetic parts dish, telescoping magnet, air freshener, touch up paint, tire gauge, car wax, car wash, shammy cloth
Sporting Goods Store: tennis balls, golf balls, tees, wrist bands, bobbers, fishing line, hooks, lead weights, pedometers, compasses, jump ropes, sports nutrition bars, socks
Craft shows: ornaments, jewelry, stuffed animals and dolls, art, wooden toys, aprons
Other winning ideas: brain teaser puzzles, card games, deck of cards, car games, picture frames, harmonica, first aid kit, emergency blanket, little photo album,
3) To Wrap or Not to Wrap: This is a personal preference. Since I love to wrap presents as much as I love being a Christmas stocking stuffer, it's a "no brainer." Each Christmas stocking stuffer becomes a little gift - even if it's a pack of gum. Also, unwrapping gifts will slow a child down and make the magic of Christmas morning last a little longer.
4) The Art of a Christmas Stocker Stuffer:
The Foot: Put something round in the toe; an orange, a ball or even a cellophane wrapped popcorn ball. Toss in some nuts that are still in their shells. Add some wrapped candy.
The Body: The body of the stocking holds most of the merchandise. Survey your stuffers and choose trinkets and treasures that can be layered. The body of the stocking is perfect for a long Christmas stocking stuffer like a box of dominos, a cribbage board or a rolled up magazine. Don't forget that even adults like toys. Take your time and be prepared to pack and repack.
The Eye Catcher: You need to have something really great UNWRAPPED tucked into the top of the stocking, about 30% visible. This is what the recipient sees while making his or her 15th trip to the bathroom.
5) As Your Family's Official Christmas Stocking Stuffer Start a Tradition: Our family has put oranges in the toe of a Christmas stocking along with walnuts for at least 50 years. If you give each child a special ornament every year, think about putting it in the stocking.
Cater to their hobbies. My brothers still get packs of sports card. I have a girl friend whose stocking always includes a silly magic trick from her dad. I know a husband who always hides the big ticket item (diamond earrings, pearl necklace, tennis bracelet) in his wife's stocking.
6) Who Can Be a Christmas Stocking Stuffer? The successful Christmas Stocking Stuffer is someone who is: a good listener, observant and thinks love is in the details. He or she is organized and can think outside the box.
And don't forget the three stages of life:
During stage one - you believe in Santa Claus.
During stage two - you don't believe in Santa Claus.
During state three - you ARE Santa Claus!
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