Does everyone do stocking stuffers? Our poor kids. Some years they get stockings, and some years they don’t. This year, I am resolved to have their stockings all filled. But not with expensive items that together would cost as much as a good quality full-sized gift. Instead, I’ve come up with a bunch of quick and inexpensive stocking stuffers that are either low cost or free.
Target
Target has some shelves where all items are priced only $1. There are some good finds in there. Recently I spotted two pairs of stretchy kids gloves (packaged together), a full-sized slinky, a set of 15 glow bracelets, a set of Disney mechanical pencils and other items that cost more in the value store.
Tangerine
Kids of long ago would be thrilled to get an orange in their stocking. fruit in the winter was scarce and expensive. Feeling the tow of the stocking to see if the round orange was there was usually the first thing kids did. To follow this tradition, I’ll include a tangerine, which is not always available and my kids think is fun to eat.
Name cookies
Do you remember the Little House on the Prairie books? If not, it might be a good opportunity to read them together with your kids. Mary, Laura and Carrie all received a special cookie made with real white sugar. To update this idea, I’ll make fun sugar cookies that will be iced and include the child’s name. Having something with your name on it is always special.
Homemade crayons
Fun homemade crayons are so easy to make. I use a couple of whimsical silicone muffin tins (snowflakes and Christmas trees) that were given to me as a gift. Simply pop different colors of broken crayon pieces into the bottom of each cup. You don’t have to fill the cups, just make sure the bottom is somewhat covered. Bake the crayons in a low degree oven (150 degrees) until they melt. Allow the crayons to cool and then pop them out. These make great gifts for your kid’s friends or classmates.