Frugal Friday: Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers should obviously fit into a stocking! But what other guidelines are important?

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Price – Stocking Stuffers can be inexpensive or not (we all know some woman out there is going to get an engagement ring in the toe of her stocking!) but, unless it is your family’s tradition to only give stockings as presents, most items should be inexpensive but nice.

Quality over Quantity – It is far better to have a nice mixture of things that are under $20 (ideally, even under $10). A few really nice stocking stuffers beat a whole bunch of cheap items. A pretty but inexpensive pair of earrings are a quality gift. (this pair is only 20 cents!) is a quality gift. A toothbrush or a pair of tube socks seem cheap and thoughtless. Who really wants something so mundane for Christmas? (Unless it’s this one I’ve been coveting! See yesterday’s post for tips on how to successfully give practical gifts.)

Fun – Sneak in an inexpensive toy or novelty item of some sort. A mini puzzle, a top or a bouncy ball are fun yet frugal additions for both young and old – we all need to play! You can find many fun items in the novelty section (where many items are $3 and under!) at a nice toy store.

Personal – Make at least one item very personal. It doesn’t matter what the item is – it just has to really be meaningful in some way – this is where YOU get to be the detective. If you are really stumped, it could even be a card where you write about your feelings for the person or what the importance of your relationship with them.

Happy gifting!