Clutter Free Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I used to load up Christmas stockings with future clutter! Here are some of my (and your) best ideas for NOT doing that!
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[@SassySue67]

When my siblings and I were little,Santa would leave our stuffed stockings on the end of our beds. Found out later, that was to keep us from waking our parents super early. The stockings on our beds kept us occupied for at least an extra hour so our parents (who stayed up half the night putting things together) could get a little extra sleep.

[@stephaniecowherd3976]

Smart parents!!!!

[@robinrogers4221]

My mom did the same thing. There are 4 of us and she liked to sleep in at least until 8:00 Christmas morning. Lol

[@suzannebethard8034]

Same⬆️. And I did it with my children as well.

[@fwebster6226]

Great idea!

[@bevw9408]

Same with my parents. My mom always put fun foods we could eat for breakfast (canned juice, an orange, jerky, crackers, etc.) and a couple of toys so we were occupied and didn't get hangry during the gift opening.

[@vonny10096]

Poor Reid...sobbing as he edited...hes a grown man but what a way to tell him Santa dosent stuff his stocking....love the credits as much as the videos.

[@naturenutty2]

Now he knows he should take care of his mom's stocking! :D

[@vonny10096]

@@naturenutty2 Yeps

[@teresastanton2358]

Every year we gave each of our children a Christmas tree ornament. When they moved out they had a whole collection of meaningful ornaments to decorate their first tree.

[@foraging123]

We did this as well.

[@eviewesner6231]

Reid's tidbit at the end😂

[@auntyjo1792]

Our typical things: chocolate coins, flavoured hot chocolate powder, mini marshmallows, pencils with names on, erasers (I'm British so I choose my word carefully!) A satsuma!😅

[@sarahkoltz8017]

I laughed a little inside, picturing you & your son putting up that wreath this summer to film the video.

[@amyd9821]

We have put a can of Pringles in our kid's stocking since they were young. We didn't have much money to spend on stockings so Pringles really helped. They take up a lot of room in the stocking and don't cost much. Now our grown up kids expect them each year!🙂

[@Stormy_Dawn]

I love this!

[@mheninger99]

Great idea! We all love Pringles!

[@juligoff9309]

It’s not a stocking item but when my kids were little and I was a single mom I bought a box of their favorite cereal and wrapped it. Who doesn’t like sugar cereal and now I’m carrying on the tradition with my grandkids and they love it.

[@Stormy_Dawn]

@@juligoff9309 I used to do that too! We call it silly cereal in my household. 😂

[@kmac2482]

My daughter loves Kraft dinner and it isn’t something I make, so she’s getting two boxes in her stocking.

[@melissaweller3718]

My kids are grown now, but in their teen years I started the “everybody participates” approach. Each person had to get something for each stocking, that way we all looked forward to the surprises. It could be any of the items you named in your video, or a pack of gum for each or something fun. One year someone put in a Groucho Marx patch (sew on) for each person. Dad usually took care of the candy, I usually got Christmas socks for everyone. I know someone did a small candle each. The fun was in participation, sneaking the items into each stocking and then opening them on Christmas morning.

[@swrigley9861]

What a great idea to keep a little bit of that Christmas magic going once the little ones aren't so little anymore. I'm totally going to use this idea in a few years. Thanks for sharing!

[@monicamorelli5686]

I love this! Thanks for the great idea

[@sheribell421]

Flashlights!! my grown kids still love it and want them every year

[@NLY1WAY4U]

For sure! One for car, one for bedside, one for purse, one in kitchen, etc. One every year for different places and do not forget to give with appropriate batteries!

[@cltinturkey]

A great and lasting gift is rechargeable batteries with a charger. We've been using the same ones for years.

[@juliehowman3912]

My mum started our traditions. The toe of the sock is always an orange / apple. There is always underwear and socks and then a single item of choice to a certain value. Each family member gets to select up to five items up to a certain value, their secret santa then selects one item from that five and that goes into the stocking. Then there is a bag of nuts(usually that persons favourite type) each and a chocolate bar. In our house stockings can be opened immediately upon waking. Gift unwrapping happens after breakfast, with the whole family.

[@Beepbopboop19]

Love it! This is similar to our traditional too.

[@pattyadams2338]

We also got an orange, the original nuts that you have to crack and a peppermint stick.

[@shana91212]

Love this idea. (Also, my finger accidentally hit the thumbs down instead of expand 😢 - hopefully I fixed it in time)

[@juliehowman3912]

@@shana91212 it’s easily done ✅ as screens get smaller our fingers don’t

[@grutarg2938]

My family always does a tangerine, which is a leveled-up orange, I guess.

[@aliciamarin5226]

This year, I'm stuffing my kids' stockings with craft supplies: pipe cleaners, craft sticks, etc. They love crafts and will have their own stash.

[@matemahe]

my bestie aka my friends daughter loves googly eyes so that with other craft stuff sounds brilliant

[@katrinalemire9506]

My kids are 5, 3, & 1 I’ve been getting them the cool character bandaids for their stockings the last few years. It’s useful and they love it!!

[@annw1395]

The bandaid idea is genius!

[@heatherarmstrong261]

We did this, and character toothbrushes when our kids were little. They loved them both! Kinda sad that they've outgrown them.

[@yourfriendinvermont2478]

Okay. So weird. My kids are the SAME age and that’s what I got them!

[@bethheerten1132]

Character bandaids were a big hit in our house a few years back. I had forgotten how excited our youngest grand was to get "her very own princess bandaids". Sometimes it's the little things, right?

[@kathymoss6288]

My “kids” are 25 & 30 and I found character bandaids they would like for this year! Not sure if they will get used, but at dollar store price it will be worth it anyway.

[@geebamom]

My husband and I always fill each other's stockings instead of buying big gifts. He always gets me Excedrin and I always get him Chapstick.

[@juliatepe5760]

Yes! My hubby always gets Chapstick and deodorant in his stocking. Cornhuskers lotion too, if he needs it. Grandkids get snacks, micro wave popcorn, and cocoa mix, no junk toys. I like the Excedrin idea, but don't know if that makes me laugh or cry!

[@geebamom]

@@juliatepe5760 It's always welcome. He's retired and I work from home. ;)

[@katattack907]

Dana, your red wreath is so cute! Especially with the minimalist background, neutral colors, and your dark red shirt. This whole vibe is so chic!

[@susanmckay5085]

I take it as you are spending more initially, But wasting less, because it's something they'll use/want, rather than just being a "throw-away".

[@hollypepen4012]

I used to get Scotch tape in my stocking as a child because I went through soooo much of it for crafts 😅

[@SaraShire]

My grown daughter always loves getting a pomegranate in her stocking. I used to get lots of candy for the stockings, but it was too much. Now I just put a little bit of candy, and lots of fruit and things like lip balm, toothbrush heads, hair stuff and a fidget toy. I fill my own stocking, but was so surprised to find things in it that I didn’t buy! My daughter started sneaking things into my stocking!

[@heatherarmstrong261]

Oh my goodness! I'm totally putting a pomegranate in my oldest daughter's stocking! This is brilliant!

[@Cindys-bc1dp]

I always got a pomegranate, too. It was something Santa reserved just for me (my younger sisters weren’t interested). I’m a grandmother now, but I would still love a pomegranate in my stocking! Are you listening Santa?

[@matemahe]

@@Cindys-bc1dp 🙋‍♀️ Me too thats actually super idea bc I love em

[@Holly-hl1vm]

My grandparents always put oranges in our stockings.

[@GodCreated]

Apples and oranges here, bags of nuts sometimes, a few trinkets, candy, and a “wow” item like a cool item I found. And I get the candy cane shaped container of m&ms to hang out the top over the edge of the stocking.

[@katiepresby9224]

My Christmas morning family is a group of well-seasoned adults (no kids). I throw in stamps, lottery tickets, Dollar Tree gift cards.....we all still love our stockings.

[@billieruthmcginnis5335]

We(the adults) do the stamps and lottery tickets also. I get the small travel manicure kits for the girls and ne makeup brushes also.

[@lisae9498]

We do lotto tickets also it’s fun! Hand warmers, my big kids work outside! Coffee cards! Favorite candy, chapstick, car air fresheners. Those fun things they can use and never think to get for themselves!

[@janethunt4037]

I love your comment "things they need but level up." We added a new daughter-in-law to our family this year, so I'm giving her a pair of nice but not expensive earrings in her stocking along with what everyone else is getting: small, useful items including fancy snack foods.

[@heidibonjour]

fancy snack food! smart!

[@gregoriandachshunds]

You’re a nice mom-in-law. Keep up the kindness. ❤

[@stephallen9819]

I thought of this when I did My children (3 and 5 yr old girls) Stockings this year, basic items but fancier / a bit more exy. Ie licenced socks/ undies/ pjs, character bandaids, battery toothbrushes, cute bath exfoliators, hair bands etc. My sister bought my daughter character bubble bath for her 3rd birthday and it was a favourite gift haha.

[@audrey4596]

I also stuff my own stocking ….and I LOVE what I get in it from “Santa”. ❤️🎄❤️

[@mariahwilson6505]

This is my first year stuffing my own stockings and I am ridiculously excited 😜

[@audrey4596]

@@mariahwilson6505 🎊🎉🎄

[@michelled.613]

Santa knows you so well this year!!

[@2HandsForHim]

My husband and I (VERY senior citizens) go together to the dollar store and walk through saying, "Oh, I'd sure love to get THAT in my stocking!" Then we pretend not to notice when they go into a shopping bag. 😉

[@Marialla.]

I've started doing a morning hot drink with my son. It could be instant hot chocolate, instant coffee, mocha, or tea. It's not fancy, but since normally we only drink water in this house the hot drink has become a special morning treat. It gives us an excuse for a few minutes together and a nice hug. I think instant drinks would be a good stocking stuffer. Maybe some crisp cookies to nibble too.

[@mariaolker]

I only do edible stocking stuffers now. Treats that my kids don't get other times of the year. My kids have to have their own container of French's fried onions.

[@DanaKWhite]

That is awesome!!

[@pamhernandez7989]

I put all the necessities like toiletries but my teens FAVORITE seems to be the lotto scratcher tickets that I put in their stockings.

[@fleabitz1474]

Have they ever won anything?

[@elisabethjansen5418]

When you discover nice food on holiday that has long shelflife, bring some back home that you keep secret, and use it as stocking stuffer. Eating those nice cookies or snacks from Spain in the week after your trip is great. But getting them as stocking stuffer half a year later, is even better! People get really excited about it, because they're really not expecting it, they haven't tasted them in months, and it brings back all those fun holiday memories. Food's always a good stocking stuffer, regardless of holiday origin. It doesn't have to be snacks (if you already eat too many snacks around Christmas), you can give a can of fancy soup that you know someone likes, or those puff pastry things that you buy ready-made that you can stuff to make those fancy vol-au-vents.

[@marylandmonroe]

Our stocking stuffers are apples, oranges, and candy. It's worked for us for more than 20 years.

[@bearsbeesbroccoli647]

This was the year I was going to finally stop doing stockings for my 27, 26, and 22 year old kids. After watching this video and getting these great ideas, stockings are back on the menu. You have saved Christmas for my stocking loving kids. 😅 Thanks for the great tips!

[@juligoff9309]

My dil was seriously sad when I told her no more stockings, which is actually a gift bag cause I go overboard) after seeing her face I decided I couldn’t stop

[@jenniferdevries2343]

My mom still does stockings.... we are 46 and 43 and have spouses and kids ourselves. I think she loves it most, but we love it too!

[@rosemarycornwall5162]

@@jenniferdevries2343 My boys are 30 and 37 & I'll do stockings for them until the day I curl up my toes. And I get to do them for the ladies in their lives too which is extra fun.

[@rosywilson3076]

I just talked to my two - both in their thirties - Mum we still need stockings! Guess I’m carrying on then! Some really good ideas here 😊

[@rosywilson3076]

Ok I’ve been shopping - a tin of Quality Street each (we NEVER have those 😊) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental flossers, Pringles (Pom Bears for the coeliac) hand gel, hand cream, a book, chocolate money of course! Job done THANK YOU everyone!

[@heathrusty]

Since my son was probably two we've put Annie's Mac and Cheese bowls and individual cereal bowls in the stockings. When he was 4 or 5 and went to meet Santa, the only thing he said he wanted for Christmas was Mac and Cheese bowls! Score! I wish his gift requests were still that simple (for the record, he did get some toys too).

[@ilakaiser3778]

Stuffing stockings was always my favorite. New toothbrushes and travel size toothpaste were standards for Stockings and Easter baskets. I watch for ideas all year long. A favorite was when I gave my teenage granddaughter a bag (yes a squeeze bag) of ketchup. 🤪. Since doing diagnosed t2 diabetic I am much more aware of giving others what is unhealthy for myself. A large can of quality mixed nuts divided into cute holiday treat sacks goes a long economical way. I find walking the isles in hardware and sporting goods yields inexpensive items. Try a carpenter’s pencil and sharpener, mini level for a key ring, collapsible cup, fork and spoon. Even the $stores have car air fresheners, microfiber cloths, electronic screen wipes, cloths for cleaning glasses. Browse with an open mind for what would really be used and not be clutter.💜🐞

[@EmilyHercamp17]

😍😂 poor Reid! Love his commentary!

[@jeshanahram264]

Poor Reid. What a way to find out. 😆 🤣

[@janicua808]

Haha I just love Reid’s comments at the end! 😂 And yes, this video was helpful 👍❤️

[@susanmckay5085]

I 'stay until the very end' just to read them!

[@anony3027]

My boys always get a flashlight, hand warmers, some candy, a small Lego set, and gift cards that we use for family outings during the break.

[@saversavvy2670]

I like the idea of gift cards that you all use together. We go to Wendy's one Sunday a month after church and I get my 23,19,17, and 15 year old the 5 dollar meal. They are appreciative of that treat. Maybe I will get 10.00 gift cards and put in the stockings and then the next time we go they can get something more expensive. Would be a fun experiment to see who spends it all and who gets the 5.00 meal so that they can get something on another trip of their own.

[@patriciahibbard7345]

we buy things like dish soap, trash bags, olive and avocado oils. Also seasonings. My girls like practical gifts

[@mychalbrown4585]

I use our stockings to give the kids "first breakfast" with granola bars, candied nuts, etc. And a small toy, like a mini Lego set, to keep the occupied while we get the real breakfast ready. That way they're able to wait to open gifts until after breakfast. I'm going to also put in some Essentials like toothbrushes and such this year.

[@courtneyhaselberger2382]

Thank you SO MUCH for this idea!! I’m going to use it for my little ones (5 and nearly 2). Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

[@amybee40]

Small jigsaw puzzles are good too.

[@rachelernest8811]

My kids are getting new water bottles in their stockings (takes up a lot of space) along with many of the items mentioned here. For little kids: small bubbles, chalk, crayons/markers, bath bombs/dropz/bubbles. My husband is getting fancy beef jerky in his.

[@dawnjeffersramstad8401]

My kids are now late 20's & early 30's. My mom made them super sized socks that were a pain to stuff. I began putting 'socks in the socks' when they were teens. They still want them now.💕

[@cltinturkey]

For little ones, how about including a "coupon" for a special day with Mom and Dad? They could pick the day and together you could decide what to do on your special day. Time with loved ones is always precious.

[@bethbranson9050]

We grew up with getting a walnut in the toe of our stocking. Now a family tradition!

[@karenhightower4022]

I do the same with usable items. One other thing I like to add to the stocking is hand warmers. Hubby and grandson love them. ❤

[@tinam761]

Along the pringles theme … I would wrap a box of their favorite sugary cereal that they normally didn’t get. I wrote their name in sharpie on it and they LOVED knowing every cardboard marshmallow inside was theirs lol … I did this at Halloween too … especially fun for littles as opening the gifts 🎁 is a major part of the fun!

[@terryruiz7417]

I too am a practical gift giver. Tins of strong mints are appreciated. If doing adult stocking, it's possible to use tiny bottles of wine, or even mixes. Small boxes of chocolates are appreciated. Small travel items, too. Always a large apple, large orange in the toe. Great video! Will use Pringles!

[@jwest2133]

The year my son was old enough ( by my standards lol) to have hisown house key, I put it in his stocking. He still remembers that as a huge deal😀 As a kid I always got a bottle of nail polish remover and a tube of round cotton pads/ balls. We also got an orange, and a candy cane, a roll of lifesavers, a pez dispenser, gold candy coins, and a bar of scented soap. I loved it!

[@christineschmidt4337]

Stockings are our family's absolute favorite tradition! Our teenage kids say they would rather give up gifts then stockings if we ever need to cut back. Half the fun is in the novel little things I find. But I'm at my whits end picking little things up around the house all year long. This year I leaned much more towards the idea of elevated things I buy anyway and consumables. And if I felt dread over picking it up I didn't buy it! Teen guys are the hardest! Razors, bodywash, o'Keefe lotion, small tools, fishing and camping/survival stuff, like a compass are good for my guy. My husband insists on doing my stocking. Super sweet but I find cooler stuff I wish I could buy myself. 😉

[@maryellenerikson1397]

Love the Pringles idea. We do similar things like coffee beans, nice cocoa or fancy teas or for my son who isn't fond of hot drinks, the more expensive packets or bottles of flavoring to add to water. Fun flavors of toothpaste, nicer shower gel, fun and fluffy socks, their favorite chocolates, anything that I know without a doubt that they will use, just maybe a little nicer than the usual grocery list or all theirs so they don't have to worry about eating it as soon as I get home from the grocery store just to make sure they get some. ;) I knit my kids their stockings and over the years they have stretched so I am always looking for bulk! ;) It seems like all of the little gadgets and gizmos that are called stocking stuffers are lost, broken or of no interest by New Year's anyway. I will say that my son usually has all of his candy eaten before we have packed up the car, but that just means he does his sugar rush at Grandma's and is comatose for the long drive home. Win!

[@granitemoss1451]

We tend to do smaller, useul things too, especially seasonal things that will get used up, like chapstick and hand lotion. I tend to pick up cleaance fall candy for sockins when I can. This yea, Santa is bringing a lot of Reese's PB footballs. Sure, they're not tree shaped, but they were 10/$1 a while back!

[@carguyswife]

its reeses!! they WILL be excited.. lol

[@barbaraandrews402]

After decluttering my youngest daughter's room because we were moving just before Christmas, I told her to ask people for things she could eat or diamonds for Christmas (on the grounds that they would soon be eaten or take up a tiny amount of space to store.

[@sweetsanddandy8639]

Diamonds? 😯

[@auntiegliz737]

@@sweetsanddandy8639 haha! I was thinking mom wants some diamonds, but I hope it's an autocorrect. 😀

[@barbaraandrews402]

Definitely diamonds. My logic was that if anyone did buy them, they would be tiny and not take up much space! My 🇬🇧 sense of humour. PS she was hopeful and dutifully told anyone who asked what she would like from Santa. PPS She was about 23 at the time 😂

[@deenahaines200]

😂

[@heatherderganc5984]

Yes! 😆 Diamonds in mine! I’ve been verrrry good this year! 😄

[@annsaeli7583]

I do mostly junk food in stockings too. My grands expect such exciting objects as Spaghettios and chicken noodle soup!!

[@billiepiche8322]

- Spray bottle of eye glass cleaner & a microfibre cloth (can use for sunglasses too, so works for most people) - Eye glasses case (the hard-sided ones are nice) - Home made "gift certificates" for my mom. For the monthly ones, I print 12 of each on my printer, then roll them up & tie them with a pretty ribbon. - monthly date (we take turns picking something fun to do together) - monthly "tech support" appointment - monthly "worker bee" day (where we tackle projects she needs help with) - specific-item gift certificates (clean her car, help with mending, etc) - If you donate to a charity, they may have some sort of certificate you can print off. We do a lot of charitable gifts in our family (we're all adults & don't actually need anything). We print the certificate and then pop it into their stocking. Once the person has read that we've adopted an elephant (or donated to the food bank, library, etc) , they doesn't need to keep the notification. It's off to the recycle bin with no hard feelings.

[@TheSecondSoprano]

Eye Glass cleaner and wipes is one of my favorite stocking stuffers. I'm just running out when Christmas rolls around.

[@CoftheIsland370]

So creative!

[@christhelatest]

One of the best sticking stuffers I ever did was nice . It was such a delight to hear everyone busting into kazoo "music," throughout the day. And yes, in some ways they could become clutter - but I have found that when we stumble onto a kazoo, it leads to more fun and laughter. We never throw them out.

[@lillianmartinez1593]

Great gift ideas! Helps not to bring extra clutter into the house! Love Reid's comments!! Thanks for making the font larger! 💕🌴😎

[@kathymoss6288]

First off, that color of red for your shirt and lipstick is a fabulous color for you! Also, nice to hear another mom confess that they fill their own stocking. I usually give myself fancy tea. Also, how smart am I, I have been “leveling up” toiletries and things for years for stockings! One year when my oldest was little she got tin foil and tape in her stocking because she loved to make creations with foil.

[@mariahwilson6505]

For those of us with older kids - coffee shop gift cards, favourite gum/candy, travel size toiletries, batteries, mitten warmers (in cold climates - trying to keep it useful or edible. Event tickets would be cool too

[@jackiewiggins4188]

A mom friend and I swap stocking goodies. We always have chocolate for each other and we typically wrap everything! This typically is our only surprise. Yes we giggle over how the chapstick ended up in the ring container or how a notepad had just the right funny quote. Or aprons or tea cups or travel bath items... usually there are fuZy socks. I recommend finding a friend if your family is not into stuffing your stocking.

[@katepearlzorn7275]

This is such a sweet idea! 💜

[@melodyharkins6324]

Thank you for being you. So inspiring.

[@monicakimsey5664]

Great ideas! I’m very much the same. Love the blurb @ the end! 🤣

[@oatssettle846]

To Reid...😳 I think Dana is one of his Helpers

[@Stormy_Dawn]

My kids very much still enjoy & expect a pack of socks & underwear wrapped every year. It's usually the first present they search for so they can put them on before opening other presents. Haha

[@lindsaywaistell208]

My daughter is 5 and son is 1 my daughter is getter toothbrush, school hair stuff , colouring pens etc. my some is getting baby deserts and pouches that I need anyway . Good post

[@pamwood3956]

I only have a stocking for me and my boyfriend. I put things he uses in his. Razors, Aleve, low dose aspirin, melatonin (we're in our 60s). These are things he buys on a regular basis, so he will be stocked up for awhile and save him time and money.

[@HolyMoly432]

I had 3 kids close in age and then 7 years later had another so stockings were still a thing even when our oldest got married and started his own family. We included Our daughter-in-law. They did stockings for their kids of course so we just continued with the adult children and eventually two sons in law. We always opened them before any gifts or food but It became confusing for the grandchildren re: Santa and lots of questions I didn’t want to address so I came up with the idea of Santa boxes. We put them under the tree and they are much easier to fill then a stocking. I buy the Christmasy photo boxes from Michael’s. I pick up different things throughout the year. Sometimes it is something I have seen that was shared on KZbin or when I am traveling, etc.. Flashlights, paring knives, candles, paperbacks, earrings (can be inexpensive), headlamps (buy 3 from Costco and divide up). This year I’m getting those rechargeable arc lighters, personal battery operated fans, a Halloween decor item, Christmas ornament and the socks, candy, etc. Really fun, and we open these last. I wrap about half of them so it takes a bit longer as another commentor said. By then the grandkids are off watching a movie in the other room so they aren’t even aware of it. My grown kids always look forward to this. I don’t have to share the credit with Santa either! Lol Oh and I always ask to have the boxes returned for next year. Kind of a lot to store but one year I couldn’t find enough of them (I need seven!).

[@kerik6265]

Stockings were always the favorite in our house and thus were saved for last (even our fur babies loved their stockings and would sit guard by theirs until given the ok to dig out their treasures, lol). :) A funny t-shirt would often be stuffed in the foot of the stocking. Orange TicTac's & Nerd ropes were a tradition, Travel toiletries, especially if we had a trip coming up. Gift cards and Group-ons were popular. We're Irish and I'd often put something related to that in there, like a wallet or belt (I was the only female in the house). My youngest was (still is, lol) a prankster, so I'd get him things like a whoopee cushion, lol. My oldest likes creative, artsy things, so I'd go that route with him. It's just my hubby and I now, as the boys have grown up and we are all spread across the country, so I officially passed on the torch and they'll be exchanging stockings with their girlfriends this year. I'm excited for them and all the joys and new traditions to come!

[@bossyprincess28]

My kids get character toothpaste that I don't normally buy, new loofah, bath bomb, a pack of candy, etc. My husband and I get cologne/perfume, lotion (yes he loves ocean lotion from bath and body works lol), fun hand sanitizer from bath and body, a new loofah and candy. My mom gets the same things (even a loofah haha) she gets a hand soap too from bath and body. Pretty much the same all throughout! Last year, I splurged and got us all electric toothbrushes that you can buy extra heads too so we can keep the same toothbrush, just change out the head. It was worth the investment for me. ❤️ Merry Christmas!

[@cherylsutton7981]

Mrs. Claus gives underwear and the reindeer give socks every year. They like to wrap them. I like doing a theme for the stockings. One year everyone got medicine bags for the car: Iburofen, Tylenol,Bandaid, gas relief, Immodium, etc. Another year I gave gloves, hand warmers, cocoa, etc. Last year was bottles of wine, beer, or alcohol of choice, little one shot bottles of alcohol for some, etc. This year was all snacks: goldfish, Fruit snacks, etc....and a survival sleeping bag for their cars I love all the ideas here!

[@jeannebowes2898]

Everyone gets their favorite consumables, plus the orange- nuts -gelt tradition.

[@kathyvance5534]

My son loves to get glass bottle soft drinks. We do not get these except at Christmas, so it is always a treat! Gloves, gift cards

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

There are some of us live some not so much close to each other ( out of 5 siblings and 12 nieces and nephews and half a bazillion of siblings grands. . And every other Christmas nieces and nephews are all around and we have a grand time. We all get stocking stuffers for every one. Every one puts some one thing in the every other ones socking.. you see where this is going. We all have a great time and lots of laughter and smiles . We all have a great time together and enjoy the holiday so much!!

[@netamorton4832]

This is the first time in a long time, I’m stuffing our two grown sons stockings! I started buying back in August. I got some face care for them both. Deodorants, One son is going to travel abroad and needs to get a passport. So I got a passport holder, boxer briefs, I tried to think of the individual son and what he really likes!❤️

[@kathyhirsh9687]

Years ago, when I was a stay-at-home mom, money was tight and my holiday budget would be blown on my kids and fam. That's when I started filling my husband's (and my own) stocking with consumables from the house: shaving cream and mouthwash, hair conditioner, favorite body wash, packs of gum, granola bars. Yes, my husband thought it was ridiculous that I was filling our stockings with stuff we already use (& had to put back), BUT it cut down on cost, impulse buying and an influx of "holiday clutter." I still do this. And now it's a great way for my college son to refill his toiletries for school

[@shelbybell787]

You explained my approach better than I realized I was doing. 😂 I also like consumable activities like a Christmas mad lib book!

[@brandyforras6308]

We mostly do consumables in stockings along with a few fun surprises that are individualized. One of my favorite things because it's just a Christmas treat is a can of spray cheese and a sleeve of Ritz crackers! Everyone gets their own so we don't have to share. =D

[@kimberlyvasek9082]

My boys have grown to love the practical stocking stuffers....teenage boys opening up the personal care items and saying Yes....I needed this !! Lol. Gift cards for Apple or Xbox...favorite fast food restaurants or the gas station and definately AA batteries for gaming contollers along with a few sweet treats are perfect! They told me they would be disappointed if they didn't get socks and underwear for Christmas. Now that they are older and have jobs they also extra appreciate all the free stuff that they don't have to spend their money on. Totally agree on stuff they or I would be buying anyways.

[@charityholt7737]

Thank you thank you thank you. I’ve had such a hard time doing stocking stuffers that wasn’t candy and junk. I have 3 adult kids to think about and these ideas were perfect.

[@lisacausey4773]

Hair doodles, lip gloss, chapstick pencils( they can never find one for homework) toothbrushes, gloves, notebooks, chocolate, deodorant, soaps and now fireworks. I love things they will use and they've never been disappointed. They love it too!

[@agamble1126]

I bought Pringles for my kids' stockings this year too. I always do fun toothbrushes, and sometimes toothpaste, in stockings and Easter baskets. In the past I've bought small Lego sets; this year I got my kids each a new beyblade instead because they love them. My husband suggested I get the kids more snacks this year because they're consumable. I found cute, Christmas themed packaging, mini Oreo packs for them. I never buy Oreos, so they'll be ecstatic.

[@oatssettle846]

We always got a coloring book when we were younger. Takes up space, and rounds out the stocking.

[@seaspeaktome9167]

My mom did this with magazines ❤

[@rosanne7804]

I agree with the items you mentioned as I include items in the stockings that I’m going to purchase anyway. Additional ideas for older kids & adults; 6’ interior extension cord to carry when traveling, phone chargers, jewelry cleaner, cologne/perfume, skin care products, gift card for an oil change, gift card for a car wash, etc.

[@SunnySensei]

I 200% agree with you about stockings being small practical items and not big ticket items! Practical items like socks/notebooks/underwear/hair stuff can be fun too! Honestly, it can also be a good way to distract early risers in the household. That is another reason why we add oranges - they fill up the bottom of the stocking and are a nice snack for kids who are up too early. :-)

[@beautyfarmtas]

Your son!! Love the editors note, as always!

[@mommahov]

I've been brainstorming this very thing this year because I just found your blog a few months ago. I keep thinking consumable and things I would buy anyway. I LOVE the upgraded bit you add to that. But the one thing I thought of for my own stocking is new herbs and spices that I don't use all the time but still like to have. I'm looking at you five spice that expired in 2019. I'll get a few small ones because I know I'll be getting new ones next year and it will even give me a chance to try some new things I think. Great post!

[@susanrodriguez8808]

I've put nail clippers, car wash gift cards, beef jerky and also their favorite candy in my adult kids' stockings.

[@SharonKBM]

You gave us so many great ideas. Stocking stuffers are my favorite things to buy and it's easy for me to go overboard and then it just adds to the clutter. For many years we exchanged stocking stuffers with my husband's side of the family instead of buying bigger gifts for each other and it was so much fun. We always bought a book or puzzle book and lip balm/chapstick for everyone and those seemed to work out well. We also did the "level up" thing with the lip balm for my sister-in-law and mother-in-law and also bought them hand cream and they really appreciated it. We live in the Midwest so it's cold here at Christmas and lip balm and hand cream are always appreciated.

[@JaniceIsLearning]

When I was 20 something and living at home, my parents and I stuffed each other’s stockings. My father shopped at Staples and got mini-post it notes and tape refills for our stockings. The tape was to replenish our supply after wrapping all the presents. Simple, yet VERY useful. And I’m 50 something now and still talking about them.

[@laurahudson8210]

Each of us always got a roll of clear tape... pencils... crayons. Stuff like that

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

Love Reid's comment at the end!! 🤣

[@TheLakeMum]

I normally put an apple, a chocolate orange and other candies, including a candy cane at the top. I include dental, skin care, and hair care items. And I usually include a pair of socks I knit. My daughter says she looks forward to her stocking (she is now 27 and married and I now include my son-in-law in the “stocking” package that I deliver on Christmas Eve. )

[@corinehelton9265]

I am carrying on my grandmother's tradition of Kleenex, a tablet, pen/pencil, and hot wheels in the Christmas stockings. My boys are adults and still expect these each year.

[@katiegleaves3792]

These have often been featured in our family stockings too. Ps, it's just me and my husband, and we're 44 and 49 years old ☺️

[@seaspeaktome9167]

I’m all for consumables! We do snacks/treats, lip balm or toiletry item, mittens or gloves and a magazine (colouring book for young kiddos). Depending on the age of the recipient I add things like lottery scratch tickets, craft supplies/stickers.

[@crystaljoplin8674]

Fun bandaids, favorite snacks/candy, post it notes, hygiene items, magnetic book marks. My younger son loves the mystery lego mini figures. Some items are yearly and a few change like my older boys got a fire starter and a pocket knife last year. We always put an orange in the toe of the stocking, which is what my parents also did. This year each boy is getting rechargeable batteries with charger.

[@caitlinbures4802]

For kids I always wrap at least 1/2 of the items because it makes it more exciting and slows the little ones down! We put the mini cereal boxes in stocks, the kits are exciting because it usually the sugary cereal that “parents won’t buy” and I’m happy because breakfast is done! (Just make sure you have milk in the fridge 😉😉) I should say we don’t do a fancy breakfast because we’re off to grandmas for a lunch.

[@mheninger99]

Ooh! I love this idea! Ok, plan made for this year!!

[@mariahwilson6505]

Yes!!! Sugary cereals that we’d never buy throughout the year are awesome!!!!

[@Lisawhatshersname]

Oh, what a wonderful idea for reverse Advent to donate to the food pantry. Dollar Tree sells shelf-stable milk to be donated also.

[@sidneybales9062]

My mother always put breakfast in our stockings. One year she put bacon in my brother's stocking. She forgot about the dog. When we got up in the morning, the dog had found the bacon and had torn up the stocking and she had torn up the bacon package. It was pretty funny.

[@NLY1WAY4U]

Super idea! What a fun to eat treat!

[@TheDesertMarmot]

My husband has started getting me a pair of gardening gloves in my stocking. I wear out about a pair a year, so it works great.

[@myragroenewegen5426]

A lux non-clutter stocking should definitely include some interesting food for everyone- jam, fruit or veggie preserves, hot sauce or a hard-to-find and novel fruit are great. Also, consider the objects a person uses, cleans and fixes most and get some lovely maintenance stuff for that - a sewing thread pack, or a jazzy computer cleaning pack, or dish cloths. In winter it can often be necessary to remove footwear, so a pair of easily packable slippers or grippy socks that aren't too warm will be welcome. It's not really fancy enough for an full x-mas gift, but I'd also be a fan of gifting issues of interest-based magazines and puzzle books.

[@lkhorvath4]

Only on the third idea and love the level up idea. This is great for adult still at home kids

[@eileencapelle7478]

These are great ideas, including the ones in the comments. I like that they’re all consumables so there is nothing to declutter.

[@nataliem726]

We continue the tradition my dad did with us, and his parents did with him: an apple, orange, and grapefruit in the toe of the stocking. (Though my dad had to eventually switch to dried fruits for my brother who forgot his stuffed stocking under his bed for too long). I was also really excited the year (as an adult) my step-mom switched from all classic candy to office supplies!

[@paulajames6149]

I am currently filling stockings for my teens. I did get portable chargers for them. They need them anyway. Those are all great ideas and I included some of them in ours.

[@jessicatucker4885]

We put breakfast items in our kids' stockings. An apple-shaped bottle of apple juice in the toe, some pop tarts or mini muffins, hot cocoa, and some fruit cups. We also put in the 3d glasses that make pictures appear on Christmas lights (that do end up in the trash a week later, but it doesn't stay as clutter!), Toothbrushes, bath paint, and fun hair accessories

[@deniseharwood9521]

Tell me about these 3D glasses.....

[@bethheerten1132]

I found small packages of Betty Crocker cookie/muffin mixes at the Buck & 1/4 store. Perfect fit for stockings and a quick & easy snack for the older kids.

[@MissTiffanyK1]

@@deniseharwood9521 they are like the cardboard 3d glasses but they make little holograms around the Christmas lights, so you see little shapes sort of twinkling around the lights... gingerbread men or stars or snowmen, etc. They are in multi packs for around $1-2 per pair on Amazon .

[@tanyafrederick2548]

I have included fancy floss (Cocofloss brand has flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, strawberry etc, and comes beautifully packaged). It was a treat because it is definately leveled up, but is something we will use, and makes dental hygiene more fun.

[@cosmeohana2376]

Razor story made me chuckle. My oldest is 14 and not quite there yet, but maybe next year!

[@bevw9408]

So excited for the Pringles idea. Thank you! My husband and I fill each other's stocking and I have been struggling to know what to do. I'm sitting at my table and I can see the Slinky I bought as a desperation gift that now just sits on his desk. I am being true to my promise though to not declutter his designated spaces, but that doesn't mean I can't be careful about my contributions. 😁

[@bethheerten1132]

Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas Day. As our crew has gotten older the items have changed, but they always include socks and food...like maybe a fancy jar of olives or gourmet coffee/tea. This year I picked up some sample sizes of a variety of spices at our local Penzie's Spice store. I'm sure the out-on-their-own grandkids will enjoy experimenting with different flavors. I also got our grown up girls a small tape measure they can keep on their purse and my guys expect a variety of sizes of zip ties and Velcro bands. When they were younger a flashlight was a must! By the way....I LOVED Reid's parting comment.

[@cltinturkey]

You might want to give them a small set (with charger) of rechargeable batteries. These come in handy and cut down on waste in the long run. They last for years.

[@laurah6381]

Post it notes are my favorite stocking stuffer! And I always get a huge bottle of ranch dressing from Costco for each of my kids 😆 They love it!

[@crystalcummings2391]

Great ideas! Always love Reid’s comments at the end 😂 🎅🏻