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You are here: Home / Fundamentals / Frugal Stocking Stuffers for Young Children

by Stacy  159 Comments

Frugal Stocking Stuffers for Young Children

Stockings are my FAVORITE part of gift giving! There is just something about filling a sock (albeit huge) with little random things that I know the recipient enjoys. It’s not a Rolex or a Wii…it’s only a little pair of $1 mittens, but hey – they’re useful and they’re fun to pull out of a sock.

As far back as I can remember, getting a stocking on Christmas from my mom was my favorite gift. She still does this for us (but now it’s usually a brown grocery bag because the things are larger) and I STILL LOVE IT! Now Barry and I give stockings to each other – and I hope it never gets old.

Maybe now I like it so much because gosh, it’s a sock that I don’t have to wash and it’s not black on the bottom from running around in the yard without any shoes on.

So this week I thought I would share with you some frugal little, fun things I put in stockings – you can have fun with one and not break your budget…or your piggy bank.

I think this is the EASIET age when it comes to Christmas stockings. I actually had to cut myself off this year because I was about to fill two stockings – and I was feeding my inner child. Oops.

First, when it comes to stockings, I don’t buy things at “big stores.” I purchase stocking stuffers at: Dollar Tree, consignment stores, Ross, and the $1 section at Target. This helps me stay on budget and still have fun.

Frugal Stocking Stuffers for Young Children:

–Pens and paper.

Annie thinks I hung the moon when I give her a notepad and pen. She’s finally at the age when I can give her a pen and not worry about self-tatooing. It is not, however, a good idea to take a bath while she has a pen or she might just color the TV. *cough* Found these for $1 each.

–Mittens or gloves.

Kids grow so fast you almost have to get them a new pair of gloves every year. You can find great deals on small gloves at Ross ($1-5). Get a fun pattern for brownie points.

–Card games

Annie and I have a lot of fun playing with cards. She needs a new set each year because they become very well “loved.” And plus, then I know that the match for “orange” is the one with the corner chewed off – the challenge is gone for me.  I found these for $.50 each.

–Socks

Kids all over the world are groaning right now. They don’t want you to listen to me. But really, socks are great fillers for stockings…if you get a pair in their favorite cartoon, they might just get excited. Easy to find at Target for $1.

–Play jewelry

I like getting dress up jewelry for Annie. This doesn’t apply for boys…but you might consider getting them a little watch from the dollar store. As you can see, this is a clearance set from Easter; cost = $.50. It pays to shop all year for gifts.

–Sunglasses

Somehow Annie manages to maim and injure her sunglasses. Watch out for these after summer to get them for CHEAP, as in less than $1.  I know I’m not much help for right now. Sorry.

–Raisins

We try to limit Annie’s sugar intake – we try to do the same for ourselves. So, instead of getting her candy bars and such, we like to buy her little boxes of raisins. Yes, I know they’re still sugar – but at least it also includes fruit. Throw in some yogurt raisins to win the Mommy of the Year Award. Watch for grocery store sales ($1-3)

–Cups

Annie loves having a cup – her very own cup…no sharing. Make it fun and drinking your milk goes to another level. I found this cute one at Ross for $1.49.

–Hair bows/Caps

I have this bad habit – I misplace hair bows all the time. Annie helps me by hiding them in obscure places like under the bed and television. Therefore, we need replacements often. For a boy, a nice cap is a good stand-in. Cost = $1-3 and Ross is where it’s AT.

–Markers, Pencils, and Crayons

I don’t buy these at Christmas. I buy these when school starts. For real, dawg. You could fill your entire stocking with school sales. Think in advance. Think like the boy scouts. $.25-1 in cost.

–Band Aids

What is UP with kids and Band Aids? Annie thinks she needs at least one a day – and they bring hours of enjoyment, so I just go with it. I hate wearing Band Aids, for the record. Watch for sales at CVS, Rite Aid, etc. to get these on a good sale.

–Toothbrushes

I’m not talking your normal toothbrushes here…I’m talking Mack Daddy toothbrushes, like the cool ones I found at Target for $.97 that LIGHT UP. Want your kid to brush their teeth? Get them a kickin’ toothbrush. Booya.

So, there you go. My ideas for kids. I know you guys have some great ideas to add so just leave them in the comments and let us all stock up…stock up, stockings. Get it? HA!

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Gina Torrey says

    December 8, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    These tips have sure come in handy, Stacy! And rafflecopter worked for me…today, anyway LOL 🙂 Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 9, 2012 at 8:59 am

      🙂 I’m so glad! I think I’m kicking that widget to the curb. lol

      Reply
  2. Laurel McKinney says

    December 8, 2012 at 9:11 am

    My kids used to like getting the little compressed washcloths from the dollar store. They magically turn into a full sized washcloth when placed in water. Another favorite is Pez. Twenty year ago I bought 4 Pez dispensers and we are still using them. We laugh when we see who got the goofy elf or the scary Santa Pez in their stocking this year. Of course Pez refills are a must!
    P.S. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing at the eucalyptus oil link!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 8, 2012 at 9:31 am

      🙂 That’s a good link, huh? And Annie likes those washcloths too!

      Reply
  3. April says

    December 8, 2012 at 8:31 am

    I like to put in some cheap DVDs. Black Friday sales had some for $1.97 at walmart. Thanks for all the great ideas for dads stocking.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 8, 2012 at 8:50 am

      I have a few DVDs I got for free for Annie and Andy! Great addition. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Linda says

    December 7, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    Stacy you are a hoot! Love your sense of humor. Those are very good suggestions. And FYI I had NO trouble with the Rafflecopter – worked easy-peasy for me. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 7, 2012 at 3:39 pm

      I’m SO glad. I was beginning to hate that little widget. 😉

      Reply
  5. kathy says

    December 7, 2012 at 2:18 am

    I can’t seem to enter. It keeps saying it is loading but nothing changes. ={

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 7, 2012 at 7:16 am

      Whew! Rafflecopter is giving me a fit. I’ll enter you myself. 🙂 And then I won’t use it again.

      Reply
  6. Rebecca says

    December 6, 2012 at 10:26 am

    After checking daily at several different locations, your widget magically showed up for the Target card!!! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 6, 2012 at 4:22 pm

      Dude – I wish I knew what was wrong with that silly widget. I don’t think I’m going to use Rafflecopter anymore since it’s giving y’all a fit. I’m glad you finally got entered!!

      Reply
  7. Katy Nelson says

    December 6, 2012 at 7:26 am

    I always find cute SS at Michael’s Dollar Spot 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 6, 2012 at 8:19 am

      I wish we had a Michael’s closer. 🙁

      Reply
  8. Cheeryshirley says

    December 5, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Hi Stacy & Barry! We have sooo enjoyed your blog! Thanks for the give-away! Very generous! We are pursuing cash envelopes and Dave Ramsey…Is there any suggestions for taking the course online (with DVD’s that we can re-review? Thanks so much for this stocking stuffer post…great ideas! I, too, love the anticipation and surprise of first peeking into a stocking! Hugs, Cheeryshirley

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 5, 2012 at 4:10 pm

      Here is our best advice – stick with it. Make it a habit…that will take WEEKS. And when you get discouraged, take a look at how far you’ve come. 🙂 Or just holler at us – we’re good at encouraging!

      Reply
  9. June says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:39 am

    I cannot find the widget/form either to enter the giveaway. Could you please enter me in your drawing? Thanks! Love your stocking stuffer ideas for the kiddies! Just what I needed to finish the grandkids stockings!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 4:45 pm

      Sorry that it’s being ornery. You’re all set. 🙂

      Reply
  10. stacey r says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Where do we enter the giveaway??

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 9:02 am

      Using the rafflecopter widget at the bottom of my post. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sarah Gunn says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Oh and necklaces…I think we did Hello Kitty this year, from the $1 aisle at target 🙂

    Reply
  12. Sarah Gunn says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:31 am

    We did the Target $1 too. I <3 Target. Socks, chapstick, lotion, toys, paper and pencil.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 8:49 am

      Target is my fave!

      Reply
  13. Amanda says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Thank you for all of the great stocking ideas! In past years, chapstick has always been a hit – for both my son and daughter! Why not? 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 6:54 am

      Chapstick is a great idea! 🙂 Annie loves having her own.

      Reply
  14. Teri W says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    Band aids!!! My kidlet’s love them and I would have never even thought to give them those in their stockings! Raisin either!! Your tips… my socks… blast off! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:08 am

      You’re funny! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Angela says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    I have always used dollar items to fill the kids stockings every year and they love the stuff i put in them. I also love the dollar bins at target for inexpensive gifts for friends and neighbors. I found several things in the dollar bins to make little gift basket type stuff for my friends younger children that hardly cost me anything. Who doesnt love Hello Kitty lol.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:13 am

      I know who….Annie. LOL She saw a life-sized one at a festival and it scared her half to death. Bhahahahahaha!

      Reply
  16. Rebecca says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Our Ross (well the one 1+ hr away) is terrible, but Gabe’s on the other hand is awesome!! And our KMart is great too!
    PS I can’t see the Rafflecopter either! And when I was at the library tonight for storyhour, it wouldn’t show up on that screen either or on my phone?!?!?!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:15 am

      Rebecca, Barry and I are stumped…we both see it on our computers, our phones, and he can see it at his computer at work? Maybe try again today?
      PS – That’s sad about Ross…it’s my favorite place to find deals. Our K-mart is horrible! lol

      Reply
  17. Carolyn says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Band-Aids are a great idea! My son constantly has “owies” and wants them I think a box of them would be gone by the time the day is done.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:17 am

      I set a limit of 2 per day for Annie. Some days she forgets though, so they last a bit longer. However, they can’t seem to stay on her body for longer than an hour. LOL

      Reply
  18. Franziska says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    Love those stocking stuffer ideas.And I love to shop at Target, especially the $1 bins. Unfortunately, I can’t see the link to enter for the raffle.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:21 am

      I’ve tried to fix it, but I don’t know what to do. 🙁 I can see it on my phone and computer – so can my husband…and he also sees it at work. Could you try again today?

      Reply
  19. Ramie Schulteis says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    My kids used to love getting their OWN tape! They didn’t even care if it was cheap tape, not Scotch brand! I love stockings!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      Oh my gosh! I didn’t even think of that! Annie would LOVE IT!!!

      Reply
  20. Linda Las Vegas says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    I am laughing at the Bandaid comments because it’s true! My supply graduated from the Superman or Cinderella etc. designs for the younger grandkids, to mustaches, pickles, cupcakes, bacon & Jesus for my teen grandkids! They always ‘need’ to check the new designs! Fun @ any age!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      If you’ve got a booboo, why not go crazy with it? 🙂

      Reply
  21. Megan R says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Great ideas! 🙂 Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:57 pm

      Thank YOU for reading!

      Reply
  22. Dixie says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    Also, I always fill with popcorn, that cuts down on using as much candy, tho I have always put orange and some candies. Other kid ideas: small playdough cans (buy in big package, divide and conquer; this is a treat because we made all our normal day playdough homeade); jacks set or other party favor from dollar store ( i say this because some dollar store party favors are too cheap and break, but not jacks or marbles; just choose carefully),fancy straws,bead sets, batteries (for the toys they will get other places), combs/brushes, balls, animal crackers in little boxes,. For teens, since you don’t have a day for them…cute paper clips or other office supplies that will be cool at school, fingernail polish in bright weird colors-ugh!, polish remover, chapsticks or lipsticks, mascara, again bateries to electronics they will get, earphones, cool printed little business cards (VistaPrint has good deals) to share their numbers and screen names, email addresses, dollar store fashion eyeglasses, rubber stamps and ink, crazy bright shoelaces…

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      Great additions! Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Laura P. says

    December 3, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    Such an easy entry! Thanks for the giveaway.
    I love giving Altoids mints as a stocking stuffer:)

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      SHEW! Those things are potent! 🙂

      Reply
  24. grannie-to-ten says

    December 3, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    I loved all of your suggestions. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:59 pm

      🙂 You are most welcome!

      Reply
  25. Kathryn says

    December 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Love your list. I never thought about bandaids! My kids would go nuts!
    We always do a book of some kind, but I think my kids favorite is playdough which has to be refreshed every other year or so any way.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 3:59 pm

      Yes – play dough dries out…or at our house, just becomes brown/black because she mixes it together. HA!

      Reply
  26. Vanessa Arnold says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:59 am

    I have not been blessed with little ones, however enjoyed reading this just in case God ever changes his plan for me and my husband. My sister and I now fill our Mom’s stocking to return the favor from childhood! I love Christmas! Another idea for “fillers” is hand knitted items…I love to knit and coin purses are a big hit. Not to mention, salt dough ornaments are fun to make and fun to decorate for stockings, not to mention if you put cinnamon in the dough it smells nice as well! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 4:20 pm

      Man, I wish I could knit. Bummer.

      Reply
      • Vanessa Arnold says

        December 3, 2012 at 8:17 pm

        I would be glad to teach you if you ever want to learn as I live in Bristol… 🙂

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 4, 2012 at 7:15 am

          Mama has tried…I can’t pick it up for some reason. 🙂

          Reply
  27. Trudi says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:44 am

    I don’t see the Rafflecopter form/widget anywhere either. I am using Internet Explorer. Unfortunately this isn’t the first time this has happened, but it doesn’t happen all the time as I’ve entered using Rafflecoptor before (on other websites). 🙂 Any ideas of what to try?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 11:52 am

      Trudi, I’m not sure what’s going on….because I can see it just fine? I’m totally a non-techy person. I entered you myself. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  28. Jennifer says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Any ideas for teenagers, I have all ages and the teen boys are the hardest!
    Thanks for the great ideas for my two middle ones! Looking forward to the one for baby tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 4:22 pm

      There are some great ideas for teens in the comments! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Shelley says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Michael’s was where it was at for me this year! I scoured their clearance aisle and, even though I had to take many things to the front for a price check, it was well worth it!! Many things (stickers, notebooks, etc) rang up as one PENNY! And since they have the policy not to charge customers a penny, I received the penny-items FREE!!!

    I’ve also had success with great Christmas-condition toys (big and small) at garage sales and local Facebook sale pages. Our money has gone so much further this year! In fact, I think we began to so inexpensively “feed our inner child”, too, that I’m thinking about saving some stuff for birthdays!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 4:25 pm

      Wow! I didn’t know that policy! Thanks! 🙂 We don’t have a local Michael’s, so I try to hit it up when I’m out of town.

      Reply
  30. Michelle says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Stockings are still my favorite too! I do the same stuff you do (plus candy though, that is a hard (sugar)habit to break). Never thought about bandiads, Stacy…you are a genius!
    !

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 4:25 pm

      🙂 You’re gonna make me strut.

      Reply
  31. Rachael says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:59 am

    Are you automatically entered by leaving a comment? I don’t see a Rafflectoper form to fill out anywhere.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 11:29 am

      No, you enter using Rafflecopter. I can see it….people are entering so I know it’s there – and it’s in my html. It’s weird that you can’t see it. What browser are you using?

      Reply
      • Rachael says

        December 3, 2012 at 11:38 am

        Internet Explorer 8. I think I have entered one other drawing you had and could see it fine. Not sure why I can’t this time. Oh well. Don’t worry about it.

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 3, 2012 at 11:54 am

          I’m sorry it’s not working for you. 🙁 I can see it just fine, but I don’t know how to fix it since I don’t see the problem. I entered you myself. Merry Christmas! 🙂

          Reply
  32. mamax4 says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Please enter me in the giveaway. I ALWAYS put in an ornament, usually from the dollar store, or Michaels has inexpensive cute ones. Santa puts each kids’ name and the year on it. My plan is once they move out they will have some ornaments for their first tree. The kids like to pull them out every year and try to remember something about past Christmases.

    I also started buying an ornament from any vacation, so when the kids take their ornaments my tree won’t be bare!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 11:30 am

      I love giving ornaments! Make sure you use the Rafflecopter widget to enter. 🙂 Comments are not counted as entries.

      Reply
  33. Alison says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:55 am

    I am looking forward to reading the suggestions for babies stockings!! My little guy is just over a year, so I will be using some of the suggestions above, but will be bookmarking this for next year 🙂 Thanks for the great ideas 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 4:26 pm

      🙂 Babies are hard! I hope you find tomorrow helpful!

      Reply
  34. A. States says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Our kids are teenagers, so the ideas for gifts to put in their stockings is getting harder each year. We keep up the tradition and will even when the kids are out of the house. I put little things in my husband’s stocking and he puts something in mine. Oh, and yes, we always include an orange or tangelo in the stocking (an old tradition of my family).

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      🙂 It just means you have to be more creative! There are some great ideas for teens in the comments.

      Reply
  35. grannie-to-ten says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:43 am

    I loved all of your suggestions. Thank you. If I win the Target gift card, I’m going to bless a missionary family (Pappua New Guini) that has quintuplets, four are home from the hospital, with diapers and wipes. Thank you for the opportunity. Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:05 pm

      That’s wonderful!

      Reply
  36. Heather says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Oh my gosh, Stacy… we do the same type of stocking stuffers too! right down to those darn band-aids, lol. I, too, only shop at the dollar tree for my stockings. I’ve got 4 littles so I can still have fun this way, but not blow my budget. This year, they got band-aids (avengers and neon colored), water colors, markers, cards, and paper pads. Thanks for sharing; now I know I’m not alone in shopping at the dollar spots for my kiddos 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:13 pm

      No…that lady beside you is me. 🙂

      Reply
  37. Amber says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Our niece loves band aids and socks. Heck even I love a good pair of socks for Christmas 😉

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:13 pm

      Me too, sista!

      Reply
  38. Joanne Cannella says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:34 am

    I love this site. My kids loved opening their stockings when they first woke up. They still do. They are grown and the girls’ husbands fill their stockings now. My son (single) sleeps at our house Christmas Eve so he can get up early and open his stocking. It’s fun filling them too. I think the hardest to fill are older boys (12-15 or so.) The items to fill are really expensive and I feel that expensive gifts get wrapped and put under the tree. Yeah for video game magazines and comic books.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:14 pm

      Yes, I agree – boys are a lot harder than girls.

      Reply
  39. Julia says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Anxiously awaiting the baby stocking stuffers! I’m a first time mom with a 6 month old!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:17 pm

      Coming up tomorrow! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Melanie says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I love all of your tips and ideas! We have been really focused this year on getting out of debt all while living on my income while my husband is in seminary. I have really benefitted from your website. And I’m really looking forward to a very fun-filled, yet frugal, Christmas! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 4, 2012 at 7:22 am

      Frugal Christmas! Woohooo!!!!!!

      Reply
  41. Janette says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:08 am

    I agree with “what is UP with kid’s and Band Aids”. My kids are the same way and I usually ask them if their owie is bleeding a lot. If the answer is no than there really isn’t any need for a Band Aid. They still like to have them on unnecessary owies.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Those invisible owies need lots of luvin’. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 3, 2012 at 10:21 am

        whenever our 2-year old has an owie that isn’t bleeding, she tells us she NEEDS a bandaid because “it’s fixin’ to bleed” LOLOLOL!!! Needless to say, we go through our share of bandaids 🙂

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 4, 2012 at 7:21 am

          Annie thinks booboos only get better with bandaids. lol

          Reply
  42. Cheryl says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:03 am

    Great tips! Target dollar bins are my fave. They always have something for my two youngest girls. BTW my kids love getting socks!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:06 am

      LOVE Target!!

      Reply
  43. [email protected] The Dollar Holllering Homemaker says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Great ideas!
    We don’t do Christmas gifts around here. Just stockings. We love to add an orange as a fun treat.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Stockings are SO much fun!

      Reply
  44. Heather says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Great ideas…I hadn’t thought of bandaids before!;)

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:09 am

      Annie is crazy about them!

      Reply
  45. Lyn says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:47 am

    The week before Christmas, we put one stocking stuffer in each of our children’s stockings. This is anything from a pencil to an orange to a $1 craft kit from Dollar Tree to card games and so much more!! One year we gave our second oldest son a large beer stein (NOT for drinking beer, but bc he likes large glasses for drinking his pop!) and stuck it IN his stocking!

    For Christmas gifts, and because there are so many of us, we draw “Secret Santa” names. Each child gets the name of a brother, sister, parent or their grandmother (Literally drawn from names on paper put into a hat!), and we set a spending limit of $10 for the gifts. Some are quite frugal and get their recipient 3 or 4 gifts, some buy just one thing they know the person they drew would like. The end result is allowing our children to buy things for others that they have observed is something that the recipient has mentioned needing or wanting.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:10 am

      I love drawing names! Wish I could convince my family to do the same. 🙂

      Reply
  46. Lori says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Awesome ideas!

    Now, I have teenagers, so I am sadly well past my kids being enthralled with crayons and paper (although, I kept a coloring book and crayons when I was in college…stress relief from 12 hrs. of literature classes comes in all forms… ahem), but here is what I do: hair stuff (my 13 yr. old is a dancer, so, we live and die by these things), Mike & Ike candy, good pens and mechanical pencils (they love them for school), socks, panty hose, nail polish, purse size lotion, valve oil (my 15 yr. old plays the tuba, so he uses this a lot), homemade gift certificates for time with mom, votive candles (my daughter loves them), playing cards, book marks (homemade ones with ribbon and beads are fun), merit badge booklets (my son is a scout), hand/foot/body warmers (you can get them by the case at Sam’s.

    Thank you for the chance at the fift card! Hope you and your family havr a Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:12 am

      I LOVE bookmarks! I used to collect them. 🙂

      Reply
  47. Jennifer Spring says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:32 am

    This is my first year as a single mom trying to make a fun filled christmas for my 3 kiddos on a budget (when I was married we were lucky enough to not need a budgeted life style). I love the ideas here and I think I can make it just as enjoyable for my kiddos with some of these ideas – thanks Stacy!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:13 am

      Christmas on a budget is the best kind! Lets you be creative. 🙂

      Reply
  48. Veronica says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Stockings are my favorite part too! I just love the memory of waking up when it was still dark out, my room lit by the candle in the window, and dumping out my stocking to look through all the goodies!
    My mom still fills stockings for each of us adult children 🙂 Every year she buys us an ornament that she packs in our stocking too! Chocolate coins and fruit are a staple too…and a chocolate orange!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:13 am

      I love that my mom still does them for us too. 🙂

      Reply
  49. linda St. laurent says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:22 am

    Stockings are soo fun. I love filling my kids with special treats. My 21 year always get special shampoos and conditioners, its fun, and if you play your cards right, the gifts can last well into the year.

    Thank you for the give away, and the awesome blog.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:14 am

      I sometimes put off buying things because I know I’m going to get them in my stocking. 🙂

      Reply
  50. Krys Davis says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:12 am

    I carry on the tradition of my mom and put an apple and an orange in the very bottom of the stocking to fill that awkward space perfectly. As much as my kids love fruit, they actually get excited over it!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:15 am

      I like stuffing socks down in there!

      Reply
  51. Carol Pool says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:04 am

    When I was a child,we had real stockings,You know the sheer kind that women wore on their legs with garters to hold them up when they would get all dressed up to go to town,LOL.Let me tell you there was nothing more exciting that to wake up Christmas Morning at my Granny’s house and see those stockings filled with Apples,Oranges,Bananas,Grapefruits,Walnuts,Pecans,and all the other kinds of nuts you could find along with homemade Fudge,Divinity,Brownies and of course store bought candy.We always seemed to also have a Book of Lifesavers that was stuck in the stocking with all kinds of little toys like a slinky,a paddle & ball,or a set of jacks and other small toys.That stocking might have started out only being like 3 feet long,but by the time all that stuff got put into them they were stretched a good 6 feet,LOL.I Loved being a kid and seeing the excitement on my Granny’s face Christmas Morning when she would get up extra early to make sure that she didn’t miss seeing the happiness and excitement that we had when seeing her stockings stretched with so many goodies stuffed in those stockings for us.My Granny has been gone for 15 years now but these are memories that I hold so dear to me,so even if someone can’t afford the fancy stockings that the stores sell,you can still give wonderful memories to your kids by doing something like my Granny did for us.If your child has a favorite sweater that they have outgrown then you can take that sweater and turn it into their stocking,or if it’s a pair of jeans that they loved and have outgrown,then cut them into a stocking and sew it up and put their name on it and make it something that they can use and have beautiful memories of their childhood.It doesn’t have to do with the cost but it’s the memories that these items create for a child that are so special.
    Thanks for this story that has helped me to reflect on such wonderful childhood memories,and may your Family have a Very Merry Christmas and a Very Blessed New Year!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Yes! I used to get those books of Life Savers too! I had forgotten. 🙂 Thanks for reminding me of that great memory.

      Reply
  52. Kelly says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:01 am

    i also add the little kid sparkly fingernail polish and Chapstick for my four year old. Both of my girls, the other is two, also get a kiddie hair brush. I normally get these for a dollar at Fred’s.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Good ones! Nail polish is a great filler.

      Reply
  53. Mary says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:00 am

    Your stocking list and ours look similiar. My girls LOVE bath toys and the bath crayons/markers/paints – since I don’t love the mess of the bath crayons/markers/paints, the girls only get them in their stockings (plus AVON usually puts the body paint rollers on sale for $1 in November! BONUS!!).

    I am excited to see the Daddies list! Husband is always the one I have difficulty with – their “toys” are so EXPENSIVE! LOL!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Barry is tackling that on Saturday. 🙂

      Reply
  54. Linda Miller says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:57 am

    I like to tuck in a ball, new doll dress or a cuddly stuffed animal.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Balls! I can’t believe I forgot balls!

      Reply
  55. Courtney says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:44 am

    The thing wont load for me to enter the contest. Please help!!
    Courtney

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 9:10 am

      Courtney, I’m not sure why it won’t load for you….that’s weird. I added you myself. 🙂

      Reply
  56. melissa alder says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:37 am

    my kids are 11,10 and 7 and they all like to read so i try to find cheap books. i found some at a yard sale that look almost new and i’m giving those as a gift to my ten year old. as far as cheap ideas for stockings i have always found crayons and coloring books to be the big hit for me when they were younger. my boys are older and now they are wanting more expensive things. i will do chapsticks and gloves and small flashlights this year.probably any other boyish things i can find thats cheap.i am also gonna try to do more healthy snacks instead of so much chocolate. i use to really splurge on the candy cause they didn’t get it much during the year. i think its time for a change though. thank you for all the good ideas 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Books are good too – and like you said, you can look for them all year long! 🙂

      Reply
  57. Heather says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:32 am

    These are great ideas! I like to do a chocolate orange in my kids stockings!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:38 am

      Oranges are just a great idea! I have them in tomorrow’s list. 🙂

      Reply
  58. amy B says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:30 am

    Glow sticks (from $1 store) are always popular here. 🙂 Other than that your stocking stuffers (boy version) look the same as ours!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:38 am

      Good one! Annie would love that!

      Reply
  59. Tracy says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:25 am

    Such great ideas…especially for my toddler girls! Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:38 am

      🙂 You’re most welcome!

      Reply
  60. Angela Spicer says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:19 am

    Great ideas. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:39 am

      🙂 Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  61. Marleah says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:13 am

    LOVE these suggestions! It always kills me to see various ads for “stocking stuffers” that cost as much as the presents I put under the tree. I’m looking forward to the rest of the posts in this series!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:40 am

      I know, right? Just because it’s small enough for a stocking doesn’t mean it should go in there. LOL

      Reply
  62. Peggy says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:11 am

    I also buy all year long, not only for my grandchildren but for adults as well, so that I don’t forget what I have bought I keep a list of what I have and for whom. Michael’s craft store also has a section of $1.00 items. They have really great coloring books, note pads, pens and pencils. With 11 grandchildren, I love the $1.00 bins.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:40 am

      Yes! I was looking in their bins this weekend. 🙂 Love Michaels!

      Reply
  63. Summer says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:10 am

    I love stockings too! I just include similar items to what I would put in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Everyone loves little trinkets – no matter where you live in the world! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:41 am

      🙂 It’s better than a big gift, I think!

      Reply
  64. Rosann Brecher says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:06 am

    Just an old fashion addition to your stocking ideas. An orange or two. Tropical fruit was rare and prized in colonial days so oranges were given at Christmas. (They take up a good space at the toe too! )

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:41 am

      🙂 I have that in tomorrow’s list!

      Reply
  65. Cynthia Combest says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:57 am

    I loved all your suggestions, and I am going to use some. Thank you!!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:41 am

      🙂 No, thank you for reading Cynthia!

      Reply
  66. Heather K says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:55 am

    Great stocking stuffer ideas, and thank you to you and Barry for having the giveaway! I would also add to the list some inexpensive flashlights because our girls love getting their own flashlights & then they don’t have to “borrow” the good flashlight from Daddy… it brings them hours of joy!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 8:41 am

      I’m trying to find one for Annie’s stocking….so far, I haven’t lucked up on a cheapo one yet.

      Reply
      • Lisa G says

        December 3, 2012 at 9:58 am

        I saw some at the Dollar tree at the checkout. They were on the bottom shelf in a round container. They were metallic blue, purple, pink, etc. I snagged a couple of those because my girls love playing hide and seek in the house at night.

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 3, 2012 at 10:07 am

          I’ll have to send Barry by there. Thanks!

          Reply
      • Heather K says

        December 3, 2012 at 1:24 pm

        if you don’t mind spending more than 1 dollar, Walmart has some really cool ones that are both a flashlight and a glow stick… they have 3 or 4 functions and come in several colors and I think they also have a whistle. They’re in the camping department

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 3, 2012 at 3:58 pm

          I don’t mind…but Annie is short of hard on flashlights. LOL So, I’d rather go with something cheapo.

          Reply
      • Heather K says

        December 3, 2012 at 1:27 pm

        I think they are about 3.66 but that’s from memory I know they’re under 4 bucks

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          December 3, 2012 at 3:57 pm

          🙂 Great!

          Reply
  67. Katrina says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:44 am

    It is very Little House on the Prairie of me, but I love to give an orange (or a Clementine), nuts, and a peppermint stick in addition to a few small toys like the ones you’ve mentioned. The orange is a great toe-filler. 🙂 Packs of cocoa (perish the un-poorganic thought) are also a big hit in my house.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:53 am

      🙂 I mention fruit in tomorrow’s post…it’s a great one! Gotta fill those toes somehow. And plus, I like Little House on the Prairie. 🙂

      Reply
  68. Cyndi says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:43 am

    Stockings were always my favorite as well. Now I need to find stockings for our family; the dog is the only one w a stocking right now!;)

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:54 am

      You could improvise this year and buy stockings on clearance for next year. LOL I’m cheap like that. Ha!

      Reply
  69. Johanna says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:32 am

    I love the Target dollar bins! I also love doing stockings for my kids. 🙂 My Mom made one for my sisters and I every year and when we got older she started a very fun tradition. She hid our stocking the night before Christmas and we had to find our stockings before we were allowed to wake my parents up. 😉 It was so much fun looking for our stockings and my Mom was really good at finding hard places to hide them. 😉
    I am really looking forward to your tips for stockings for babies and adults! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:54 am

      Well, that’s fun! 🙂 I love that idea!

      Reply
  70. Roxanne says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:31 am

    Great ideas for the stockings! I have three girls, 10, 15, 17. I started following several blogs and fb pages during the summer and requested free samples that they suggested.. I now have a bag full of hair products, personal care products and just little items like lotions, gift cards, nail polish and candy that I was able to get free or at a very low cost from those CVS extra bucks rewards!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:55 am

      That’s just downright genius. Genius, I said!

      Reply
  71. Amy Looney says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:24 am

    I’m like you…I shop year round for stocking stuffers! It’s the only way to go! If you shop the twice-a-year Bath and Body Works sale, you can get the pocket anti-bac and the little holders for them really cheap! I like to put those in stockings too!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Yard sales and consignment sales are great places to pick up things! 🙂

      Reply
  72. Pamela says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Great ideas ! I find myself looking through those $ bins all the time at Target ( or anywhere they have them ) Sometimes I’m very surprised at what I find in there !

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:24 am

      I know, right? Sometimes I find some really great things in there! It’s a treasure hunt. 🙂

      Reply
  73. Jami Leigh says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:18 am

    Great tips!! Haha love the raisins idea 😉 I can’t wait to do stockings for our twins next year 🙂 And awesome giveaway!! 😀

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:25 am

      You will have So. Much. Fun!

      Reply
  74. Brandy says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:13 am

    Those are all great ideas. I must admit that I am not very good at stockings. Yogurt raisins are a wonderful alternative to candy!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 3, 2012 at 7:25 am

      Stockings are my favorite part. 🙂

      Reply


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