Paperback books. (These can often be found in new condition at used book stores.), Socks, Energy Bars for school lunches, Gift Certificates, especially for chain restaurants near their schools, Small fragrant soaps, Pocket calendars, Lotions, Shaving Gels. Charities that provide gifts for children say it is especially important for the teenage children to receive gifts and they are always looking for stocking stuffer gifts for these young ones.
Lynn - West of Eugene, OR
Gloves, Ice Scrape, De-Icer, Hot Oil Treatment packet, Barrettes and hair ties, Pens, Pencils and Erasers, Scissors, Pencil Sharpener
Susan
I always felt that stocking stuffers for adults and teens were easier than coming up with ideas for children. Some things that have worked really well in the past for me are: Small or sample sized colognes, Manicure sets or makeup brush sets, Slipper socks (I think everyone can use these!), Chapstick, Prepaid phone cards, Bubble bath/sponges/bath oil beads, Address books or pocket calendars, Keepsake ornament, Shaving kits (you can buy trial-sized shaving cream and after-shave at discount stores), Pen or pencil sets, Bean-bag babies, Gift certificates to music stores, movie theaters, or a video store. Happy Holidays!
Brandi
Everyone, even teenagers, can use pliers or screwdrivers. For little ones: colors and coloring books.
Nell
These are some of the things I would like to receive as stocking stuffers! A package of safety pins in assorted sizes, scotch tape, Band-Aids, paperclips, Kleenex, a small calculator, a small mirror, felt tip permanent ink pen, wash rags, dish rags, small trash bag liners (they have pretty, scented ones now), a list of current addresses, phone numbers, and E-mail addresses, a new coffee mug, anything small to add to a collection I might have, envelopes, stamps, fabric glue, black and/or white thread and/or coasters. Some of these are very common but very necessary when you need them.
Jela
My Dad is a semi-retired mad scientist, that explains my bend towards this sort of stuff. I've been doing some business with Edmunds Scientifics forever - never a problem. It's fun for adults and kids. Our daughter once stated that she noticed that she only got gifts that encouraged her curiosity. They had a special (on their catalog order form) for a bag of various sized prisms. This is only poured glass - nothing spookier than the glass in your window panes.
By Susan
Another few stocking stuffer ideas would be life savers, nail files, small pack of tissues.
Pat Shook.
Disposable camera, scratch off lottery tickets, local fast food $5 certificates, crosswords or riddle books, car fresheners, key chains, ornaments, ice scraper, address book, quality pen or mechanical pencil, hot chocolate. These work for both sexes.
Essa
Chapstick, Toothbrush, Chocolate Books and/or magazines, Holiday Scratch Tickets, Trial size shave gel or hand cream, razors. For kids: Toothbrush, chocolate, bracelets, ornaments, pencils/crayons, books, craft kits.
Shawna
If you can manage it without the kids knowing, kids meal toys make great stocking stuffers.
Calnorth
Use coupons for buy 1, get free gum, candy, etc. Check throughout the year for small clearance items.
Michelle
I had a few ideas that I am planning on putting in my hubby's stocking. Starbucks gift card, Desktop(one-a-day) calendar, Personal Certificates for Favors, Hugs, Etc. Russel Stovers Candy, Lottery Scratch Tickets, Alcohol Samples (little bottles that you can buy at the liquor store to try new kinds of alcohol), A Car Compass (the sticky kind).
Jennifer
A few great ideas for stuffers are: a christmas ornament that you buy at a craft store that you can paint and put a picture of yourself in, a bar of handmade soap, a can of their favorite fruit/vegetable (ie. olives, fruit cocktail etc.), make a CD of their favorite songs, one of those tiny sewing kits for repairs on the go.
Tina.
Lottery scratchoffs, gum, makeup for the ladies, skin care items, boxers for the gentleman, small and inexpensive jewelry
Ideas for men: chapstick, shaving cream, favorite snack, gum/mints, boxers/jogging pants, personal grooming kit (Wal-Mart had some with razors, tweezers, shoe horn, comb, finger and toe nail clippers), lottery tickets, desktop calendar. My husband needed a cell phone charger for his truck. - By Brooke
Trivia Card Games, Popcorn & popcorn seasonings, Work gloves (for men), Garden gloves (for women), Eye makeup remover & cotton remover pads, Their favorite styling products, face and/or body cream, antibacterial hand soap for kitchen, small frames with special picture in it, a scarf you knit yourself.
Nicole
Gift cards are great. LIke Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Albertson's, etc.
Here are some ideas: Lotion, Candles, Ornaments, Card Games (UNO, Phase 10, Etc.), Mini Tool Kit, Bath Stuff (bubbles, beads, fizzy things), Magic Towels, Nail Files, Nail Polish, Make-up, Yo-Yo, Candy, Lottery Tickets (Christmas Type), Gloves, Flavored Tea, Hot Chocolate, or Coffee, Gift Certificates, Matchbox Cars, Crayons, Pens, Pencils (school stuff), Mini Shaving Creams, Razors, Jewelry, Chapstick.
Amanda
For several weeks and months I watch the clearance aisle at our Wal-Mart store. Mostly I am only able to find things suitable for stocking stuffers, but I am almost always able to find several. This year I found scarves for .40 cents a piece and socks for .75 cents a pair! It pays to look!
Robin
Toothbrushes, eye-shadow, matchbox cars, underwear, orange, pack of gum, scratch off tickets, sample size deodorant (they love it since they are 6 and 8, they feel grown up), perfume samplers, deck of cards, $10 gift certificate to a local gas station, bag of fruit snacks, granola bars. They all get a personal letter handwritten by Santa telling them what wonderful things they did over the year.
Cher
I put 5 crisp one dollar bills in my 5 year old's stocking. I also bought a gift certificate book to McDonald's for him. He thinks he is so grown up paying for items himself. I don't do gift cards, he loves to get the change back and purchase other items. I also get tickets to the zoo, aquarium, movies, etc and put one in each one of our stockings.
ANGEL
Batteries, photo film, shoe laces, breath mints, flavored tooth picks, disposable bibs for baby, hand sanitizer for purse and hand cream, crayons, paints, Legos, magic tricks.
Jcerar
Right after halloween I went to Target and found my sister's favorite candies for only 50 cents for a big bag! I have enough to put a few in everyone's stocking.
Melody
Shake up flashlights for the kids, no batteries needed, ever!
Harlean from Arkansas
For women and driving teens: a good dependable flashlight and emergency flares for their car, in case of roadside emergency. For men: knives. For Preteens: an accessory to go along with their personal interests. For children: flavored chap-stick, sing-a-long CD's. I think the rest has been covered. There are some really good ideas listed.
Tina, TX
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The best stocking stuffer that I've ever seen was batteries. Everyone needs batteries!
At my local Dollar General they have secetion where things are on clerance for a $1.00. So far I picked up note pads, and stickers. They also have other items for a little more like candles and crayons. My kids are young.
how about jumper cables, fix it tire spray, flares, other stuff to put in a emergency kit - bandaids, antibactrial spray, and such. I remember once when my father hauled out the kit because a man who was rollerskating fell and nicely ripped up his knee!
Pez dispencer and the candy to go with it!
FOR ADULTS....napkins, socks, toothpicks, duck tape, cd, puzzle books, playing cards, books, magazines, deodarant, tea, hot chocolate, coffee, nuts, lottery tickets, pens, mints, gum, candy, dish cloth, flash light, candles, travel games, gift certificates, jewllery, cook book, comb, brush, wallet, note pad, calendars, dvd's.
Wow, you have all outdone yourself with your suggestions, I'm sure that I will put some of these items in my family member's stockings this year. Thank you all and Happy Holidays.
shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hairspray, comb, brush, mirror, hair clips, socks, after shave, , shave gel, tooth brush, tooth paste, movies, dvd, cd, lottery tickets, envelopes, thank you cards, scotch tape, pay as you go cell phone card, cheese spreader, nut cracker, nuts, key chain, books, book mark, nail polish, soap, games, golf balls, wine opener, hand cream, cosmetic bag, address book, note pad, doll, lego, hot wheels, coloring book, crayons, pens, animal toys, kitchen utencils, clock, batteries, calendar, small tools, paper clips, staples, ties, gloves, glasses, hat, scarf, mitts, slippers, dictionary, photo frame, one-time-use camera, pringles, cologne, grooming kit, curling iron, mouthwash, cough drops, air freshner, tide stain remover pen, scissors, make up set, and watches,
book of stamps
Just a few ideas that may or may not have been mentioned yet. hand warmers, lens clothes (for eyeglasses or monitor screens), eyeglass repair kit, utility knife, night light and/or bulbs, decorative wine corks, chip clips, fridge magnets, room fragrancers (glade plug-ins, etc.), SD memory cards or jump drives, lanyards, retractable key or ID holder, spices (hot sauce variety), commemorative coins, a book or roll of stamps, tokens to your local arcade, coupon saver book, super glue, holiday pins, pins of their favorite sports team or player, koozie, favorite tobacco product (pipe tobacco, cigar, etc), dental floss, small figurines, kitchen utensils, candle snuffer, matches/lighters, decorated blank keys (krazy keys) to have their home or auto key copied, auto fragrancers, head scarves, belts, lapel pins, cuff links, ties, medical alert bracelets, pill divider and cutter. I have a number of people to buy for - all ages and relation.
I will stash these ideas into my Christmas idea notebook
Digital Photo Frame, Zune, Cell Phone, mini digital camera, fly fusion pen, Bobby Pins, Pocket sized Journal, chocolate, candy cane, lip gloss, deck of cards, at Barnes and Noble there is this cute little "Piece of Charcoal" which will have them freak out but it has a bunch of game ideas for it!, Little Virtual Pet Games, Cds, Microphone, Voice Recorder, car keys, concert tickets, slipper socks, money, gum, deodorant, perfume, sample sized lotion, soaps, catch phrase, 20Q, barbie for little girls, poster for teens, curling iron, straightener, hairspray, DVD, personalized postits, t-shirt with their favorite band/animal/singer/color/actor/actress, crystal bracelet, pocket book, Harry Potter Wand, Webkinz, mini flash light, DON'T JUST USE THESE! COME UP WITH YOUR OWN! STRETCH YOUR MIND! MAKE THE PRESENT SPECIAL!
For kids...brag size photo album filled with their family or friends photos, those camping light sticks (so much fun at night), bath scrungys, you know those round lacely balls you wash with? apple or orange, very small cans of playdoh, stickers, personalized pencils, nightlights, glossy lip balm, or regular for boys, hair ribbons for girls, new combs for boys, bandades with characters, silly straws, snow globes, very small sample bottles of perfume or colonge, mittens and travel size personal items like shampoo. The note that hints where the biggest gift is hidden. vitamin enriched cough drops.
WOW so many good ideas thank you all!! I always put a bag of Hersheys kisses and a bag of hersheys hugs in my hubby's stocking. It is not only his favorite candy but it gives him kisses and hugs from me when ever he has one!
Great ideas, but don't forget the Orange (or tangerine) and nuts (in the shell). The orange goes in first to help shape the toe. It's a tradition I grew up with. Orange, nuts, candy, and then the gifts!
Some good stocking stuffer ideas are chapstick, batteries, piggy banks, candy canes, wallet, nail clippers, nail polish, glasses case, flashlight, stay home socks, scarfs, hats, gloves,movie tickets, or gift cards to local fast food places.
Baseball and basketball cards, candy , small bottles of cologne, CD, jewelry, socks, gloves, movie tickets, gift cards
Eyelash curler, lip chap stuff, body sprays, socks, mints, mouthwash, posters, tooth brush, stuff if they have a pet like an add on to a cage or something if its there own pet.
I think one of the most clever ideas I've ever seen for a stocking stuffer for a child is to get a small block of CLEAR glycerin soap at the craft shop and melt it gently, as per instructions. Fold a new-ish $5 bill (or what your budget will allow) and press flat with an iron. Using either an honest-to-goodness soap making form or a small plastic container(even a yogurt container), pour melted glycerin soap to a depth of about 5/8". Let set until almost firm and place the folded money on it. Pour another 5/8" melted soap on top.
You may need to watch it for awhile and poke it down with a skewer to make sure the money doesn't float from the middle. When totally set, pop out of form and wrap in bright cellophane and ribbons. Your days of reminding your child to wash their hands before dinner are over as they see themselves getting closer and closer to that cash!
I always roll up a magazine and stuff it in there. Love the 5.00 DVD bin at wal-mart. Gourmet canned/jarred foods like olives, oysters, and tapenades. Personalized/engraved key chain, sample size specialty coffee, tea, scratch tickets, wallet/change purses, magnets (better if they have special meaning). Christmas tree ornament to be used the following year, memory cards for the technology-saavy, new toothbrush (they'll need it after the holidays:), for kids: single pillow case with their fave character. It always takes some searching for good stocking stuffers, but I think it's worth it when you put the care into it.
I usually buy a few reusable hand warmers from www.HotSnapZ.com for all the children, nieces and nephews in the family.
Practical, low cost and give a great "WOW" effect when kids first see them work. (btw, I found their name is pronounced like 'hotsnaps') Always unique, I've never gone wrong with them as a stocking stuffer idea.
The most exciting stocking stuffer I ever got was tickets to winter jam...a Christan concert 2 hrs away from our house...my mom planned it for me and my best friend (her mom did the same thing) for a night in a hotel and the concert! It was awesome. My mom printed out the flyer for it and put it in my stocking rolled up.
Great ideas! Also, for the younger generation drivers, I was thinking bumper stickers, window stickers, steering wheel covers (in a small box), key chain accessories...or, what I am going to do for my husband is, a new vibrating shaving razor (he just tried one for the first time and fell in love!), batteries of course, lotto tickets, candy, game cards.
My 18 yr. old step son is getting; batteries, calculator (since him and my husband are always using mine), address book, candles (he really likes them), a card with a gift certificate to walmart (the only store we have here), and an Arizona Drivers Manual (he doesn't have his license yet). Also, for both of them, I am going to get them a religious cross (rosary) just to have something sentimental and precious they can keep forever.
I always feel that the perfect item to stuff a stocking with is a fake foot.
For my husband: borders gift card, peanut m&ms, trial size cologne, trial size liqueor, ornament, scratchers, car fresheners, tide spray (for work if accident on suit).
For my 8 year old son: make a cash bar of soap (melt clear glycerin soap in a container.. use a small soap shaped container and pour half of melted soap in.. wait until soap is mostly hard but sticky soft and put cash on it.. pour the rest of the melted soap on top.. when completely hard, wrap in saran wrap with a bow.. great for remembering to keep clean hands!), xmas peeps, cool bouncy ball, scratchers, extra styluses for dsi, slinky, small ceiling star projector.
Baby girl's first Christmas: something that vibrates, teething rings, car seat dangle toys,first xmas card, leg warmers.
* It is easy to please woman with: gift cards to makeup stores, clothes stores, coffee shops, massage parlors etc.. perfume samplers.. inexpensive jewelry.. candles.. the latest in chapped lip therapy, ornaments, something you or the kids made, chocolate, panties (please wrap discreet if kids will be present), hand lotion, sachets for pantie drawer, fun/significant key chains, quality pens, stationary, nail files..
FYI: Lingerie is a gift for you, not her!
One year my husband decided to develop the theme of 'brushes' as stocking stuffer items for my Christmas stocking by the fireplace. He included a hair brush, bottle brush, nail brush, toilet bowl brush, toothbrushes, makeup brushes, vegetable cleaning brush, etc. The stocking was so funny looking on Christmas morning with the toilet bowl brush sticking out of the top!!!! I felt that he did a great job developing the theme of 'brushes'.
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