Stocking stuffers were never meant to be worth hundreds of dollars, or even as much as $20 an item. While growing up, stockings were opened while parents prepared themselves for the day and consumed their first coffee. Now, in the presence of Christmas commercialism, stores are pushing consumers to spend more and more on spontaneous, last-minute stocking stuffer purchases. Then of course follows the so called “big” gifts.
Every year so many people complain about the same commercialism they participate in. There really is nothing wrong with purchasing gifts for our family and friends. It does bring a lot of joy to both give and receive. Unfortunately over the years, though, it is becoming the only reason for Christmas, and the value of the gift is more monetary than thoughtful.
There are so many creative and interesting gifts that show the time and caring that was put into a gift rather than the money. Even in tough economical times, people tend to have more possessions then they did even 20 years ago. It is rare to find a home without multiple televisions, some sort of gaming system, at least one cellular phone, an MP3 player and numerous other toy or electronic items.
Rather than just buying another electronic or grabbing one of those pre-made gift baskets at the front of department stores with the usual chocolate, coffee or candles, put thought into the interests of the recipient. An indoor winter herb garden for the gardening enthusiast for example, complete with miniature tools and watering can.
Use stockings for small treats and items to occupy children until everyone is ready to come to the tree. These can include healthy snacks, a special ornament, a Christmas puzzle to assemble, fuzzy socks to wear or perhaps a disposable camera so they can take their own pictures.
Other creative gift ideas include:
- Backpack filled with crayons, markers, paper, and small games
- Arts supplies- create your own kit in a storage organizer with pencils and charcoal, watercolours and acrylics, quality brushes and paper, mannequin for sketching and a palette
- Crafts kit- beads, string, clasps, felt, glue, foam shapes, ribbon, yarn, glitter, chenille wire, pompoms
- Homemade finger paints, baking clay, modelling dough
- Science and exploration kits; ant farm; portable microscope (Lee Valley has a great one for a reasonable price); large foam building blocks; bird house kits (either store bought, or one you prepare)
- Tickle trunk: Buy secondhand costumes, boas, small ladies dress shoes, purses, hats, funny wigs and put in a hinged lid storage tote
- Binoculars and a bird book
- Hope chest items for teens who will soon be moving out on their own: dishes, pots, frames and other housewares
- Stock pot filled with dry goods such as beans, pasta and herbs
- Home canning and baking in reusable containers
- Homemade products: cedar chip sachets, potpourri, soaps, flavoured oil and vinegars, herb teas from your garden, quilts made from material scraps or old clothing (such as a little girls dresses saved for when she moves out on her own)
- Donations to a charity in the recipient’s name: This should be to an organization which they value
- Magazine subscriptions for a hobby they are interested in. There are many great gardening, cooking, home, health, parenting, fishing and crafting magazines out there, just to name a few.
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