If you’ve been around Shop Good a while, you may have gotten a sense that I have a mini passion about no “junk”, especially when it comes to toys and knick-knacks. In our house, we are less-than-average housekeepers, and having little bits & pieces journeying around the house (thanks to our 3 young kids) just adds another layer to the never-ending (and losing) battle of tidyness.
However, I’m not committed to full-on minimalism (or even half-on minimalism), and kids just seem to love little “things”. It’s a real-life tension!
The other problem when it comes to this time of year is that I LOVE stockings and always have. My big ole stocking was always a highlight and what I looked forward to at least as much as the “red ribbon” gift under the tree. Now that I am the one filling them (on behalf of my white-bearded friend, of course), it is definitely a part of the holiday process to which I give serious consideration (and budget).
Stockings must, by nature, be filled with small things, and, ideally, things that are FUN, too! So, what’s a gal to do?
Well, gift-giving and shopping are an art, not a science, so I can’t make any claims to hard-and-fast rules about what should go in a stocking. But, generally, I like items that are practical/useful, consumable, or legitimately valuable (in my definition, this would include items of good quality, items with longevity, items that will delight because they are specifically related to the recipient, etc.). Having little traditions that carry on year-after-year is great, as well.
Check out the list below for some starting points, and get to the end for some items to be wary about, if you (like me) are afraid of junk.
Practical or Useful Stocking Stuffers:
I did not grow up with a practical stocking at ALL, so the idea of a Christmas sock full of shampoo & underwear is hard for me to wrap my head around. But, I do think that on a budget, it is a fantastic way to kill 2 birds with 1 stone: fill a stocking full of items they will be excited about AND restock missing, needed items. I also love that a stocking gives regular, everyday items a place to upgrade to something incredibly special or fun (with only a minor tweak or a holiday theme).
- Socks (upgrade: holiday or fun pattern)
- Toothbrush (upgrade: lights up, fun design, or electric)
- A mug, a bowl, a plate, utensils, etc. (upgrade: fun design or personalized to their interests)
- Hairbrush, elastics, headbands, bows
- Grooming/manicure set
- Soap, lotion, loofah
- Lip balm
- Makeup samples, face mask, hair mask
- Hand sanitizer or containers
- Earmuffs, headband, toque, beanie, mitts
- PJ shorts or pants, boxers
- Notebook or To-Do List pad
- Tech cords, pocket charger, fun cases
- School or art supplies like markers, pencils, or crayons (upgrade: metallic or smelly markers, holiday pencils)
- Flashlight or booklight
- Bandaids (upgrade: fun patterns or characters)
- Water bottle
- Spare reading glasses (for oldies)
- Hand warmers (if you are in a chilly climate)
- Shoelaces
- Exercise accessories, like slides, loops, gloves
- Wool or needles/hook for a knitter or crochet-er (? Is that a word?)
Questionably useful:
If this thing will actually be useful, great! If it has a strange design, isn’t something you would practically use, or you envision it in a forgotten corner, don’t do it!
- Quirky contact lens case
- Bottle opener
- Sticky notes
- Keychain
- Bookmark
- Luggage tag
- Stationery or blank cards
- Sleeping mask
- Ice pack in a fun shape, design, or character
- Nail polish
- Sunglasses
- Slippers
Consumable Stocking Stuffers:
These items will be enjoyed & gone before you know it, so no clutter. Yay!
- Fancy tea or coffee
- Bubble bath
- $5 gift card for frozen yogurt, coffee, etc.
- Pass or punchcard to your local pool or gym
- Movie pass
- Temporary tattoos
- Stickers
- Candy
- Individually packaged hot chocolate mix
- Bubbles (if you can use them outdoors)
- Drinking straws
- Astronaut ice cream or other unusual snack
- Unique spice or specialty ingredient to cook with
- Special jam, honey, or spread (yes, Nutella counts)
Legitimately Valuable or Delightful Stocking Stuffers:
Use your discretion! Will it delight? Will it last? Do I like it? Will they like it? These sound like obvious questions, but easy to lose sight of in the abundance of stocking-ready gifts (that may not, in fact, be all that great for your stocking) as well as the stress of filling.that.thing.up.
- Airplane flyer
- Whoopee cushion
- Jacks
- Parachute man
- Harmonica (if you are crazy!)
- Hot Wheels
- Spinning top
- Fold-up flying disc
- Playing cards
- Uno
- Sports or trading cards
- Rubik's Cube
- Puzzles (jigsaw for kids, wooden or mind puzzles for adults)
- Pocket "board" games like Farkel, Hive
- Spring/Summer sporting related, like golf balls, badminton birdies, sweatband, jump rope (delayed gratification!)
- Magazine
- Sudoku, maze, crossword, or other puzzle mags
- Paperback or classic novel (great value as they are in the public domain and are constantly being reprinted and subsequently discounted)
- Glow in the dark stars or wall decals
Year-after-year Stocking Traditions:
- A specific treat (Toblerone, Chocolate Orange, Kinder Surprise)
- Magazine
- Ornament
- Obvs: Orange, Candy Cane
Items I would caution against:
That sounds really dramatic, as though something bad would happen if you bought these items. Nothing will, except they will potentially haunt your countertops and junk drawer and corners of your room & cause you to curse spending any of your valuable money on them.
Products that are near the checkout that are clearly devised to go in your stocking. Sometimes these items are awesome and sometimes they are terrible. It all depends on how good the curator is and what they consider to be a good gift. Remember: Do I like this? Do I want this in my home (or whomever's it will end up in)?
Mini versions of things. It always seems like a cute idea – a tiny notebook & tiny pen! – but in reality, they just do not accomplish the purpose for which they are designed! There is a reason for the original size… Frisbees just do not work when they are 3 inches wide.
Shaped Erasers. If you find that you (or the stocking recipient) do a lot of erasing, then by all means, buy away. But, in my experience, when I need to erase something, I still reach for the white, useful eraser, while the small hamburger or flower shape are what I find mysteriously under my pillow or in my shoe.
Candles. Candles are a very easy gift to purchase, because they are a great size, good price point, and you don't have to know anything about the person for whom you are buying it. If the one receiving it is someone who actually lights candles, then go for it! If not, pass.
Quirky versions of something that makes you think it would be a perfect stocking stuffer. Yes, my husband wears glasses, but really, why do I need another bottle opener, just because this one is in the shape of glasses? I have fallen for this a number of times in my quest to fill the man's stocking. It's so hard! We already have, like 3 bottle openers shaped like things. So unneccessary!
“Desktop {something}”. Because men's stockings are notoriously difficult to fill, there are all kinds of products created to fill the gap. They are so fun & quirky! And, often, ridiculous... Like the "mini" things above, if something is a "desktop" activity (bowling, billiards): proceed with caution (or maybe just a little discernment).
What about you? Any great hits or misses of stockings past? Share in the comments below.
Shop Our One-of-a-Kind Stockings:
“I love these stockings! They're beautifully stitched, and each print is unique. When they hang from the mantle, they're casual, warm and cozy, which is exactly how I feel Christmas should be! And what better way to celebrate the season than by helping to give dignity to someone else?”
— Julie
112 comments
Leave a commentWhen the Bible states we are gods of the earth, I felt this truth during my encounter with Lord Meduza, the spell master. I’m Denzel Chau and I’m here to present the individual who transformed my life from poverty to becoming a multimillionaire Jackpot victor. I reached out to Lord Meduza for assistance with winning numbers and he successfully helped me after casting a lottery spell for me. I utilized the numbers to enter the Jackpot lottery and I was announced as the winner of $368,000,000. Acquiring the numbers from Lord Meduza took 72 hours and I want to express my gratitude publicly to him for his remarkable service to humanity and for deciding to assist me during my life’s lowest moment. Not everyone is meant to win the lottery, but with the assistance of Lord Meduza, you can achieve it. To reach him today, drop a message to his email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com or Whats^App +1 807 798 3042. To learn more go to his webpage: lordmeduzaspelltemple.com
When the Bible states we are gods of the earth, I felt this truth during my encounter with Lord Meduza, the spell master. I’m Denzel Chau and I’m here to present the individual who transformed my life from poverty to becoming a multimillionaire Jackpot victor. I reached out to Lord Meduza for assistance with winning numbers and he successfully helped me after casting a lottery spell for me. I utilized the numbers to enter the Jackpot lottery and I was announced as the winner of $368,000,000. Acquiring the numbers from Lord Meduza took 72 hours and I want to express my gratitude publicly to him for his remarkable service to humanity and for deciding to assist me during my life’s lowest moment. Not everyone is meant to win the lottery, but with the assistance of Lord Meduza, you can achieve it. To reach him today, drop a message to his email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com or Whats^App +1 807 798 3042. To learn more go to his webpage: lordmeduzaspelltemple.com
When the Bible states we are gods of the earth, I felt this truth during my encounter with Lord Meduza, the spell master. I’m Denzel Chau and I’m here to present the individual who transformed my life from poverty to becoming a multimillionaire Jackpot victor. I reached out to Lord Meduza for assistance with winning numbers and he successfully helped me after casting a lottery spell for me. I utilized the numbers to enter the Jackpot lottery and I was announced as the winner of $368,000,000. Acquiring the numbers from Lord Meduza took 72 hours and I want to express my gratitude publicly to him for his remarkable service to humanity and for deciding to assist me during my life’s lowest moment. Not everyone is meant to win the lottery, but with the assistance of Lord Meduza, you can achieve it. To reach him today, drop a message to his email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com or Whats^App +1 807 798 3042. To learn more go to his webpage: lordmeduzaspelltemple.com
I’m Vera by name.
Have been getting scammed multiple times. I was so confused about these scammers, I had to do what everyone in my situation would do, I made a research all by myself, I got to reach out to Wizard Gottfrid Warg via gottfridwargwizard@gmail.com through the help of my lawyer, since I was recommended by my lawyer I had to give him my trust. The most interesting part is that I got all my funds recovered back to my wallet. you can contact Wizard Gottfrid Warg via gottfridwargwizard@gmail.com
In March 2019, I was only 24 years old when my life changed in a way I never imagined. My Name is Manuel Franco, I became the winner of the incredible $768.4 million Powerball jackpot. Before that happened, I had received spiritual numbers from Chief Ade. At first I wasn’t sure what to think, but something inside me told me to trust the numbers. I followed the guidance, bought my ticket, and waited. When the winning numbers were announced, I checked my ticket again and again. I was completely shocked, I couldn’t believe that the numbers on my ticket matched the winning numbers, that moment changed everything for me. I went from being an ordinary 24-years old to becoming a multimillion dollar lottery winner overnight. I will never forget the role Chief Ade’s spiritual numbers played in my story. To this day, I still look back and ask myself how everything came together at exactly the right moment. Sometimes, life can surprise you in ways you never thought possible. Email chiefadespellhome@gmail.com Or WhatsApp +234 901 380 6328
My Experience With Cryptocurrency — CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER
I lost over $82,000 in Bitcoin after falling victim to a fraudulent online investment scheme. After realizing I had been scammed, I spent considerable time researching possible ways to recover my funds.
During my research, I came across CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER and decided to contact them after reading their reported success record and encouraging client positive reviews and testimonials. Their team guided me through the recovery process, and I was grateful to successfully recover my lost cryptocurrency.
The experience was challenging, but I appreciated the assistance and support I received throughout the process. I’m sharing my experience in the hope that it may encourage other victims to carefully research their options and verify any recovery service before proceeding. I will forever be thankful to you
CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER
📧 Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com
🌐 Website: recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1
📧 Recoverycapital@fastservice.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (336) 390-6684
My Experience With Cryptocurrency — CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER
I lost over $82,000 in Bitcoin after falling victim to a fraudulent online investment scheme. After realizing I had been scammed, I spent considerable time researching possible ways to recover my funds.
During my research, I came across CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER and decided to contact them after reading their reported success record and encouraging client positive reviews and testimonials. Their team guided me through the recovery process, and I was grateful to successfully recover my lost cryptocurrency.
The experience was challenging, but I appreciated the assistance and support I received throughout the process. I’m sharing my experience in the hope that it may encourage other victims to carefully research their options and verify any recovery service before proceeding. I will forever be thankful to you
CAPITAL CRYPTO RECOVER
📧 Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com
🌐 Website: recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1
📧 Recoverycapital@fastservice.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (336) 390-6684
I’ve been attempting to expand my wine business in my hometown in White Plains. For the past 7 years, I do play the lottery in my spare time, but on this blessed day I came across an article about Lord Meduza’s spell to win the lottery. I contacted Lord Meduza to see if it would work and after I agreed to his terms and conditions for completing the task for me, he performed his magical powers for me and within 48 hours, he provided me with the numbers I needed to play the lottery, and I followed his directions. I found out at the store that I was the winner of a $105 million jackpot. For a moment I felt uncertain but I looked again and I saw it was real. As I speak to you, My level has been elevated from grass to grace and I’ve come to know that life is more spiritual and with the Lord Meduza spell, you can actually win the lottery. Lord Meduza contacts are listed as follows..
Website: lordmeduzaspelltemple.com
Email: lordmeduzatemple@hotmail.com
Whats App: +1 807 798 3042..
Hello, I am a retired woman barely surviving on my senior pension. I live in Ontario, Canada. 🇨🇦 I have no help from any family or even my children. I am a divorced 69 year old woman . There is a $90 million dollars lotto max tonight. Can you help me to enjoy the remaining of my life with a peace of mind?
Best Cryptocurrency Recovery Experts | Visit Alpha Recovery Experts
I recently had an experience with ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS, and I have to say, they were incredibly helpful. After losing some of my cryptocurrency and NFTs, I felt really overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do. At the verge of giving up I came across numerous positive reviews about ALPHA RECOVERY EXPERTS online. Their compassionate approach made a huge difference, and they took the time to explain their recovery process step by step. The team began their investigation by analyzing blockchain transactions and tracing the stolen funds. It was a painstaking process that required advanced technical knowledge and an understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape. They kept me informed throughout the entire process, which was reassuring. In the end, I was able to recover a good portion of my lost funds, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their support. I would recommend Alpha Recovery Experts to anyone in need of assistance with crypto recovery.
Visit (Alpharecoveryexpert. com)
Email ( Info@alpharecoveryexpert. com )