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Cookie Cutter Stockings
Stocking Stuffers
by Nikki Willhite - willhite@aol.com
Description: Creative, frugal Christmas stocking stuffer ideas.
What is a stocking stuffer? To many people it is a gold pendant.
To others, it is a comic book.
While it would be nice if our stocking stuffers could be made of
gold, (and money grew on trees), we need to come up with some
acceptable, modest items to put in the stockings decorating our
mantels and fireplaces, and for our families.
Last week we had an article with some suggestions for gift
baskets. Almost all the small items that you put in them would
also be suitable for stockings. Here are some more suggestions:
FOOD - Children love candies and chocolate of any nature. Adults
appreciate gourmet chocolates, cookies, and brownies, as well as
assorted nuts and dried fruits. Everyone loves cookies. An
occasion adult (such as my husband), has a thing for malted milk
balls!
CLOTHING - Again, we all wear it and need it. There are many
small accessories that are always appreciated, such as winter
gloves, scarves and mittens, as well as scarves, hosiery, tie
pins, socks, belts, handkerchiefs, slippers, rain gear, coin
purses, wallets, card holders, and other things that can be worn
or used year round.
KITCHEN- There are so many little gadgets that you can buy for
someone who likes to cook. There are dozens of small items you
can buy for the kitchen, such as potholders and mitts, towel
sets, utensils, mugs, measuring cups, refrigerator magnets,
wooden spoons, egg slicers, graters, garlic presses, etc.
GARAGE- There are lots of small tools that anyone who works with
their hands could use. Some popular tools are now cordless,
magnetic, or ergonomic. Again, this is something you would
probably "do without", but would make a great gift. Other items
if you don't have them are things like a stud finder, tire gauge,
organizers for small items like nails and screws, rulers, etc.
HOME - Most women appreciate home decorative accessories. Some
items in this vein would be candles, potpourri, picture
frames...anything small. Christmas tree decorations and other
holiday items are also possibilities.
OFFICE and COMPUTER - More and more people are finding a place in
their home for an office , or at least a place to put the
computer. Office supplies are small and good stuffers. One of my
favorite presents was an electric pencil sharpener. It wasn't a
"stuffer", but I use it every day. Anything that is used a lot
is appreciated.
TOYS - Small toys for kids range from matchstick cars, to silly
putty, jacks, slinkys, balls, card sets, magnets, magnifying
glasses, yo-yo's, etc. And I say this from experience- if you
son wants a hula hoop, let him have it! I've spent over a
quarter of a century listening to the sad tale of my husband's
childhood deprivation.
LEISURE - Adults appreciate magazines, and books. Other
possibilities are certificates for savings at restaurants,
movies, music and video rental stores.
When it comes to finding things to put in a Christmas Stocking,
just keep these two things in mind:
*Buy items that are used so much that they wear out. Usually we
try and "make do" with these items to save money. When we
received a new one at Christmas, it is always appreciated.
*Purchase things that you would not ordinarily spend the money
on, but you know would be enjoyed.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
