Looking for stocking stuffer ideas? Today on the blog I’m sharing my formula for creating a perfectly filled stocking.
Stocking stuffer ideas | What to add to make it perfect
Here in the Lowe household, we take stockings pretty seriously. To us, a great stocking is a curated little bundle that perfectly reflects the individual receiving it. It is thoughtful and composed and each item that makes it into the stocking has meaning and purpose. It has taken a few years but I believe we have nailed down the anatomy of a perfectly filled stocking and I’m sharing it with you today!
While the mix of what goes into the stocking is important, the key to all of this is to keep the recipient top of mind when selecting the below items. My suggestions will give you a great start and if you tailor them to the individual, they will feel loved, thought of, and appreciated.
Stocking stuffer ideas
So what makes a great stocking? I believe a perfectly filled stocking is a mix of the following:
The anatomy of a perfectly filled stocking
- SOMETHING SWEET
- SOMETHING TO READ
- A THOUGHTFUL PRESENT
- A GIFT CARD THAT ALLOWS THEM TO CHOOSE
- A HANDWRITTEN NOTE OR CARD
Stock it with something sweet
Let’s start with the obvious. I mean you can’t have a perfectly filled stocking if it doesn’t include something sweet. When selecting candy for your stocking, think about what your recipient would want.
Using my mom as an example, if I wanted to get her something I knew she’d love I would select andy’s mints or Reese peanut butter cups. (I mean who doesn’t love them some peanut butter cups?) If I wanted to get her something she doesn’t have all the time, I would grab something chocolate and filled with coconut. And, if I wanted to go the nostalgic route, french burnt peanuts or whoppers are the way to her heart. All of these are great options for my mom because I know they are personal favorites. They are specific to her. By selecting these for her stocking, I’m letting her know I care and that I really know her and what she likes.
But what if the person you’re curating a stocking for doesn’t necessarily love all the candy? My hubby is a good example of this. Mike loves a good cookie and is a huge fan of chocolate cake, but when it comes to candy, it’s not necessarily his go
Add Something to read
Continuing on with the anatomy of a perfectly filled stocking, the next item on the list is something to read. Magazines, a book by a favorite author, or even a journal with daily prompts in which to write thoughts and reflections are all great options for this category.
Magazines are one of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas. Especially for guests that come to stay with us. I find ones that I know they’ll enjoy and can provide some light reading before bedtime or in between activities.
Books are a great option too. Especially if the receiver loves to read. There are so many different ways you could go with this one. A great fiction to get lost in, a biography, or a best seller.
I also love the idea of gifting a journal in this category. One with prompts would help with collecting daily thoughts and capturing them on paper.
Don’t forget the perfect gift
Every perfectly filled stocking needs a wrapped gift…or two am I right? There are so many different options for this category but my suggestion is to keep it small and tailored to the person it is for.
One of my favorite wrapped items to add to our stockings is Christmas ornaments. I love hunting for the perfect ornament for family members. One that speaks to a hobby, or favorite character, or even a big event that happened that year.
My sister had a baby this year so I had a friend make an ornament to celebrate this milestone. I know she will love it and it’s the perfect item to wrap and tuck into a stocking.
For my husband, I usually order him some personalized golf balls or his favorite beard oil. Anything small that I happen to pickup for him gets wrapped and stuffed in the stocking.
Some other ideas include cozy socks which is one of my mom’s favorite stocking gifts to receive. Mini skincare and haircare items, face masks, or bath bombs are also fun items to wrap and tuck into a stocking.
Let them choose
I try to be thoughtful in my gift-giving but sometimes the most thoughtful gift is letting the recipient choose.
I know some people may think that giving the gift of a gift card is the complete opposite of what we’re trying to do here. It may feel too impersonal and somewhat like taking the easy way out. Honestly though, giving the gift of CHOICE is SUPER thoughtful.
Keeping in mind the places the giftee likes to shop, eat at, or visit will allow you to still show thoughtfulness in the selection.
Does the individual love to read? Maybe they would like a gift card for Barnes and Nobel? Are they into skincare? Do they shop at Sephora or Ulta? Maybe they have a Starbucks addiction and every time they stop to grab a drink they’ll think of you and your sweet gift!
Adding a small gift card to your stockings is the perfect little bonus treat and will be much appreciated when the recipient opens it up!
Tis the season for gratitude
No stocking would be complete without a handwritten note or thoughtful card tucked inside.
The holidays are the perfect time of year to stop and reflect and show gratitude for all that we have. Taking the time to share with loved ones and friends just how much they mean to you is one of the best gifts you can give someone.
The holiday season is chaotic and hectic for sure and it is easy to get caught up in all that needs to be done. Stopping to reflect and show gratitude towards those that fill our lives with joy is what this season is all about.
I always wait to write my notes and cards until I can carve out a little quiet time to think and reflect. This isn’t an activity I want to rush or speed through. It will show in my writing if I am.
In the quiet, it will be easier to compose your thoughts and to capture exactly what it is you want your loved ones to know. When complete, add your card or note to the stocking and you’re done!
Stocking stuffer ideas
There you have it! My formula for creating a perfectly stocked stocking along with some ideas to help you achieve it.
No matter what you decide to add to your stockings, if you remember to keep it thoughtful and unique to the recipient, you can’t go wrong!
Get ready for smiles of delight and words of gratitude when your stocking is opened, which in the ned is one of the best gifts there is!
Cynthia Linville says
I simply love your stocking stuffer ideas! You obviously can’t go wrong if you follow your simple steps!! Your thoughtfulness always shows through and everything you do!
Deanna says
Thanks, Mom! I’ve learned from you!! xo