Oftentimes stocking stuffers are an afterthought to Christmas shopping, but they can be some of the best presents for the recipient. It doesn't cost a lot to fill stockings with interesting gifts.
Gift Ideas for Stocking Stuffers
Gift certificates are wonderful because they can be purchased in any amount and allow the recipient to spend it on whatever he chooses. Most stores offer them, so the only question is choosing the place your recipient usually patronizes:
- Jamba juice
- Starbucks
- iTunes for someone with an iPod
- Apple store
- favorite restaurant
- from a movie theater
Another idea is to visit the local dollar store, which is filled with cheap items. Perusing their aisles could yield presents priced for only a dollar, so all one has to do is look. Other items from other stores that would please people of all ages and tastes are:
- paperback book
- personalized coffee mug
- address book
- Brag book photo album
- CD's
- blank CD's or DVD's
- DVD's
- Whitman Sampler or other brand of chocolate
- candy cane
- caramel corn
- Christmas cookies
- Christmas ornament, homemade or otherwise
- disposable camera
- box of Altoid breath mints with a ribbon around it
- reading light
- bookmarks
- deck of cards
- USB flash drive
- postage stamps
- pocket calculator
Stocking Stuffers for Women
- toiletries like a toothbrush
- emery boards
- hand lotion
- perfume
- nail polish
- nail kit
- scarf
- hairbrush or comb
- travel size items like tissues and Hand Sanitizer (Target Stores have a section devoted to these useful items)
- gloves
Stocking Stuffers for Men
- tire pressure gauge
- cologne or aftershave
- razor
- comb
- hair gel (if he uses it)
- money clip (Sky Mall offers one that many men like)
- batteries for the TV remote or other item he uses that requires them
- key ring
- travel sized items like shaving cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste
- travel maps
- gloves
- mini tool kit
- wallet
- pocket knife
- flashlight
- golf balls
- lighter
Stocking Stuffers for Cooks
- specialty food like coffee beans
- gourmet jam
- herbal teas
- whisks
- pizza cutter
- big spoons
- candy thermometer
Stocking Stuffers for Kids and Teens
- journal
- costume jewelry like a bracelet, necklace, ring, earrings or barrette
- festive looking socks
- stickers
- $5 or $10 in an envelope
- pen set, marker set
- mittens
- Rubik's cube
- Sudoku, crossword and other similar games
- small toys
- whistle
- doggie leash, collar or treats if a pet owner
When stumped over what to get a picky person, think of his or her favorite store and then go browse the aisles for potential gifts. Most stores have small items by the cash register that interest their particular customers, and this is a great place to find suitable items. For something humorous, Spencer's Gifts has a great variety of small things sure to bring a laugh.
Shopping for Christmas stocking stuffers should be fun and easy when the recipient's age and tastes are kept in mind. The joy is not only experienced by the receiving, but also by the giver as he watches the reaction his carefully chosen gifts elicit.
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