If you’re anything like me, Christmas stockings are an afterthought. I try to be thoughtful about my kids’ regular gifts and spend a lot of time making sure I’m choosing ones that will (hopefully) be meaningful and well-loved. But then, sometime during those final few days before Christmas I remember – the stockings!
Shortly thereafter I find myself wandering aimlessly through the closest store, throwing whatever small little token items I think my kids might like into my cart. Of course, it’s easiest to fill up my cart via the candy aisle.
This year I want to do better. I want to spend my money on things that are fun yet practical, inexpensive yet exciting. Things that my kids don’t necessarily expect, and things that aren’t candy.
We asked our four bloggers for ideas, and here are their Top Ten!
1. Nail polish – From toddlers to grown women, who doesn’t love a sparkly new bottle of nail polish? (Ann)
2. Band-Aids – Buy some of the fun, character-themed band-aids they always admire in the store. (Stephanie)
3. Flashlight – These don’t have to be high-tech, brand-name, expensive flashlights. Save those for your emergency kit. These are toys – so buy cheap ones from the dollar store or those little keychain-sized ones! (Angela)
4. Toothbrush – These need to be replaced every few months anyway, so buy a fun toothbrush (maybe even one that lights up!) to make their Christmas toothbrush extra special. (Kristina)
5. Stickers – Kids love stickers. ‘Nuff said. (Stephanie)
6. Craft/office supplies – Colored pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, tape, glue sticks…kids can’t ever get enough of this stuff. Plus, have you ever seen how much joy a little roll of scotch tape brings to your budding artist? Get them their very own and see how their face lights up! (Angela & Ann)
7. Socks & underwear – This really falls under the “practical” category, but kids should learn to be just as grateful for the mundane necessities as they are the unexpected surprises. In all honesty, I wouldn’t mind finding either of these thing in my own stocking this year! (Kristina)
8. Single-use gift cards – Do you have teens? I know…everything they want is super expensive! Buy small gift cards to movies, restaurants, or for gas so they can go out with their friends. (Ann)
9. Hair accessories – Combs, brushes, headbands, barrettes, even a bottle of their fave hair product…you can find something in this category for boys or girls of all ages! (Kristina)
10. Commuter mug – Are you buying for an adult or teen? This is a great idea! Even young children love their own special travel cup. (Ann)
What’s your favorite inexpensive non-candy stocking stuffer? Help other mamas who need new ideas!
Do you have a topic idea for Top Ten Tuesday? We’re looking for guest writers for this feature; email us at comments@allmomdoes.com with your 1-2 sentence pitch. If it’s approved you’ll be asked to write the full article and it will be published on allmomdoes!
