Christmas Is More Fun With Stockings... #HollyJolly

Stockings have always been a part of our Christmas celebrations. I remember one year I found a tiny set of blue and white dishes tucked into my stocking. Then out came a stunning white china tea set with pink roses on the side. When we finally got to the gifts, my final present made the stocking stuffers make sense: Her name was "Charlotte" and she was the most beautiful china doll I had ever seen. But it all started with the stocking stuffers. 

While I am no longer hoping for tiny tea sets in my stocking, it remains a tradition in our home to open stockings first - although I do prefer a cup of coffee before digging in! In the early years of our marriage, Peter didn't quite get the point of stockings, but over the years he has warmed to the idea, and is now the king of stocking stuffers. 

If you follow Modern Mrs. Darcy, I hope you caught her list of stocking stuffers for kids last week. She recommended some really fun items. Yesterday, Jessica shared her stocking ideas on Life as MOM (what can I say? Great minds think alike... even if we don't always agree on books!). And if you're looking for more adult ideas? Well, here's what makes my list of fun gifts, based on what I have received in the past that I enjoyed, as well as what I would like to find in the future (hint, hint "Santa"). 

Give Their Tootsies Some Love

• Splurge on wool - something really nice that will last
• Go for warm fleece - something they can wear on Christmas morning
• Have some fun with holiday-themed footwear (they always make me smile!)
• Fuzzy socks are always a winner (I'm geeking out over these fuzzy knee-highs!)

Anne included tights on her list, and I would agree - but for adults. Last year Peter splurged on some really nice 100% wool tights and I adore them!

• Check out these fleece lined tights for the cold-blooded in your life (SANTA!!)
• Merino wool - a bit of a splurge, but also good stocking filler

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

• Go with Godiva - it's once a year, splurge! I like these...
• Hot Chocolate packets - grab one or two Ghirardelli mixes at the grocery 
• I'm not a fan of instant coffee, but Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks looks pretty yummy 
• Christmas morning - need a kick? Put some chocolate covered espresso beans in a stocking!
• Grab and Go with these Pretzel & Dip snack sets - so cute!
• Hot tea lover? Try THIS, THIS, or THIS (one of our favorites)

The Sights and Sounds of the Holiday Season

• Update a favorite Christmas movie to Blu-ray (we did The Muppet Christmas Carol this year)
• Add a Christmas movie to your collection (like TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday)
• Everyone can use more Christmas music, and we added a few CD's this year

Cook Up Some Fun

• Silicone hot pads (available pretty much anywhere) - I use mine all the time!
• Inexpensive and awesome, we love our egg timer
• Best. Spoon. Ever. We have 3.
• Silicone Non-Slip Tongs - worth every penny
• Specialty salt - it's amazing the different flavors (Fresh Market has a nice selection)

General Fillers

• Bring a smile to work with a 8 GB Mini Cooper Car or a 4GB R2-D2 USB Flash Drive
• ThinkGeek always comes through with something unique - check their sale section
• For something a little wacky - Ben Franklin Action Figure (last year, Peter got me Jane Austen)
• This 300lm Mini Cree LED Flashlight is inexpensive and small (but VERY slow shipping)
• A fun winter hat, a new pair of gloves, or a warm scarf (store bought OR hand knit!)
• A mug - to enjoy their new coffee, hot chocolate, or tea in!

The bottom line is that you should try to tailor stocking stuffers to the recipient's tastes. If they're a techie or a car buff, play to that, or if they enjoy music and coffee, include a CD and a bag of specialty coffee (preferably whole bean - if you know they have a grinder). Whatever you do, don't just fill the stocking with junk - fill it with thoughtful gifts. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, just some thought and time.

Do you have a favorite stocking stuffer story?

What would make YOUR list?