An ideal stocking formula

 When creating a stocking for Christmas, there are a lot of traditions. The school of thought in my family is sticking to small, edible, and/or practical items. I have taken over the stocking creating responsibility as I have become an adult, and I greatly enjoy it. With that perspective, I have developed a not-so-secret formula for creating the ideal stocking. It consists of mixing items from 3 categories: food and treats, practical items, and fun items. 

Category 1: food and treats 

This can include pretty much any small snack or treat that will be exciting to receive. Some top ideas include:

• Chocolate (especially nicer chocolate like Tony's Chocolonely)
  
• Candy (especially seasonal)
  
• Tea bags, hot chocolate powder, small amounts of coffee
• Electrolyte tablets
• Granola bars, trail mix, other snacks 

 

 

Category 2: practical items

Which of these you include depends on what the person would be happy to receive (some people may love deodorant in their stocking because it means they won't have to buy it, others may take it as a sign you think they smell bad). Know your audience.

• Pens, pencils, other stationary items
  
• Lip balm
  
• Deodorant, bars of shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toothbrush
  
• Bath bombs, face masks, other skin care
• Make up or hair items 
  
• Socks, gloves, a beanie, or any other useful small clothing items
• Powerbank, charging cord, phone case
  
• Reusable straws, beeswax wraps, reusable ziplock bags
  
• Fun bandaids 
• Gift cards (coffee shops, restaurants, stores, or really anywhere) 
  

 

Category 3: just for fun

This can include pretty much any small snack or treat that will be exciting to receive. Some top ideas include:

• Stickers (you can get lots of fun stickers on Etsy, at local stores, 
• Fidgets
• Essential oils 
• Candle 
• Small stuffed animal 
• Small items related to a hobby or other activity 
• Outdoors: flashlight or headlamp, sunglasses, water filter, fire starter
  
• Colored pencils, markers, paints, other art supplies 
• A mini craft kit (crochet, paint by number, sun art paper, or anything else at an art store)