Stocking Stuffer Rules: The Do's and Don'ts of Festive Fillers
It's that time of year again! The time to don your gay apparel, sing carols at the top of your lungs, and stuff stockings full of goodies until they're fit to bursting. But what makes a good stocking stuffer? Is it size? Price? A combination of the two? Here are a few tips to help you make sure your stocking stuffers are just right.
Do: Stick to a Budget
When it comes to stocking stuffers, it's easy to get carried away. After all, they're small and relatively inexpensive, so why not buy ten or twelve of them? But resist the urge! Stick to a budget—between $5 and $15 per person is a good general rule—and stick to it. You don't want to blow your holiday budget on stocking stuffers and have nothing left over for actual presents.
Do: Think Small... but Not TOO Small
Stocking stuffers should be small enough to fit in a stocking, but not so small that they'll get lost among the other goodies. A good rule of thumb is to stick with items that are about the size of your fist. That way they'll be small enough to tuck away but large enough that they won't get lost in the shuffle.
Do: Consider Their Interests
When choosing stocking stuffers, it's always a good idea to consider the recipient's interests. If they're into sports, look for small items like sports trading cards or keychains with their favorite team logo. If they're into crafting, look for items like beads or buttons. And if they're into beauty products, look for items like lip balm or hand lotion. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure you choose something that they'll actually use and enjoy.
Don't: Go Overboard with Food Items
While food items can make great stocking stuffers, you don't want to go overboard. A couple of small candy bars or packs of gum are fine, but resist the temptation to fill their stocking with an entire box of chocolates or a tin of cookies. They might not appreciate being given such a large quantity of sweets, especially if they're trying to watch their weight! Instead, focus on smaller food items or non-food items altogether.
Don't: Forget the "Stocking" Part
Remember, stocking stuffers should be small enough to actually fit in a stocking! So when you're out shopping, make sure you bring along a measuring tape (or at least an approximate idea) of how big their stocking is. That way you can be sure that your festive fillers will actually fit inside without causing any stuffing-related injuries. No one wants a trip to the ER on Christmas morning!
Conclusion:
With these tips in mind, you're sure to choose the perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list this year. Happy holidays!