Last-minute Christmas shopping is not how I roll, but I generally do get stocking stuffers closer to Christmas. Let’s go shopping for Stocking Stuffers and I’ll show you what I get.
Recipient
Most years I’m purchasing for hub and son. So two males. But every once in a while I’m blessed by a sister visit and get to buy some chick stuff. Way more fun, right?
But this year, we’re shopping for two dudes. Hon, if you’re reading this, I’m putting a Porsche in your stocking. Don’t worry.
Cost
I’ve seen some bloggers and influencers suggesting stocking stuffers in the hundreds of dollars. Umm, no. Not around here.
In my tradition (I grew up on the poorer side) stockings contained fruits and nuts and coins and candy. And that was delightful!
Just because something is small in size doesn’t qualify it as a stocking stuffer around here. It’s also moderate in price.
Go-To Gifts
Year after year, everyone in our family can count on a lottery scratcher in their sock. And most everyone wins something. That is fun. A $2 purchase can turn into a $30 surprise. Funny how those big winners sort of keep quiet.
Favorite snacks are another reliable stocking stuffer. Since our home is already inundated with homemade yummies, any store bought treats are appreciated but usually don’t get consumed for a couple of months.
Gift cards from In-N-Out Burger are a favorite. I think they now have locations in Colorado, but before they did, it was always a fun Boxing Day run for my sister and nephew to spend their gift cards at In-N-Out. Who doesn’t love that place? My fav for sure.
I think Chick-Fil-A is another popular gift card option and is being added to the mix this year.
Favorite Stores
For small cosmetics, lip balm, pocket tissue packets, I’ve always shopped at Walgreens or CVS. Target or Walmart is probably cheaper with better selection, but the drugstores are convenient this time of year.
Surprisingly, especially for manshopping (I made up that word) Ace is the place (I didn’t make that up). No, not for tools or hardware. They have a fantastic gift section.
This year they have a variety of meat rubs and sauces. My son loves those types of things so he’s getting a surprise from that aisle.
This year, I was able to find a lot of nice items at our local Safeway grocery store. Bonus! Almost everything was 50% off.
Cheap junk going right into the trash is something I try to avoid. Useful and fun stocking stuffers are what I shop for.
Wrap Up
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” comes right to mind. Memorized after years of indoctrination. Can you picture it? A beautiful sight.
Except in our house. We don’t have pretty stockings. We don’t even have a tree for heaven’s sake.
When the boys were very small (35 years ago) their grandmother made them stockings and we still use them. Or a gift bag. Or a plastic grocery bag.
I know, I’m pathetic. I’m not even qualified to write a post about anything Christmas.
Unless you think Christmas is about Jesus. Or love. Or joy. Or family. Or friends. I’m all over that. Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday.