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