Whether for family or giving in your circle of friends or community, little “stocking stuffers” are a fun way to show you care. AND, they are a great opportunity to give directly to the loved one’s personality.
Keep a Tradition
Two traditions for stocking stuffers at our house are Smartwool socks and unique snacks. We are an active family that enjoys the outdoors regardless of the weather, so a new pair of Smartwool socks is something everyone looks forward to.
Because we’ve always raised our kids with treats in moderation, everyone is excited about what goodies will come in their stocking. Finding items that fit our dietary needs is important, and fortunately, there are so many great companies making simple whole food snacks feel really fun and treat-like. This year a new one I’m excited about is individually wrapped mini dark chocolate coconut bars by UNREAL. Think Mounds bar without the junk!
Gift an Experience
We also like to give experiences. Consider individual interests or an event or opportunity the whole family would love. Last year we went dogsledding, and it was a hit with a fresh snowfall, beautiful blue sky, and happy four-leggeds. This year I am seeking out more of a half-day adventure and farther north. Nobody would be sad about doing it again, and this year more than ever, we need to get outdoors for our mental and physical health.
Consider these experiences and gift cards (or come up with your own!):
- Bowling
- Waterpark weekend or overnight
- State park reservation camping or camper cabin
- Guided fishing trip
- Guided canoe trip
- The gift of generosity (Dr. Nancy’s idea)
- Energy/healing work, massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, stretch classes
- Sauna, PEMF, BrainTap, or foot bath at MHB (gift certificates available!)
- Winery tour
- Skydiving (indoor options, too!)
- Climbing gym
- Bookstore
- Thrive Market (because it’s an experience itself, AND, you’ll find great stocking stuffers)
- Coffee shop
- Smoothie/juice/acai bowl shop
- Daily Harvest
- Splendid Spoon would be great for the college kid in your life
- Gluten free bakery
- Zip-lining
- Food tour
- Zoo tickets
- Movie tickets
- Concert, play, dance, or other tickets
- Subscription of interest
- **Not to be missed: any of these great experiences for mom** (not so inconspicuously email this link to your husband stat!)
Who Doesn’t Love Food?
One thing I love every year is to find special goodies my kids would be excited about but are also healthy (or healthier) than what you may normally find in a stocking. Some ideas:
- Maple syrup candies
- Surf Sweets
- HU Chocolate
- Macaroons
- Freeze dried fruit
- Macadamia nuts
- Cocoa nibs
- That’s It Truffle Bites
- My Super Cookies (for younger kiddos)
- UNREAL chocolate gems (healthier version of M&M’s, my kids LOVE these and I like to get them from our local co-op)
- Lovely Organic Chewy Candies
- Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Packs
- SkinnyDipped almonds
- Chomps Chomplings (mini beef sticks for on-the-go)
- Boom Chicka Pop or Lesser Evil Popcorn snacks
The Everyday
- Smartwool socks
- Fuzzy scarf
- Leg warmers
- Necktie
- Locally made mittens
- Essential oils (we’ve got a lot in stock that you can bundle)
- Coffee mug with fun photos (Shutterfly, Vistaprint)
- Popsockets
- Vinyl stickers for water bottles
- Water bottle: Lifefactory, Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen
- Safesleeve EMF-free earbuds
- Neck gaiters
- Non-toxic makeup, skincare, and body care products (we’ve got Beautycounter items in stock)
- Book
- Deck of playing cards — regular or a game deck such as Uno
- Deck of oracle/affirmation cards (Louise Hay has the best!)
- Jump rope
- Personal eating set
- Play silks
- Minnesota made wooden toys
- Wooden books
- iTunes gift card
Artsy Fun for Everyone
- Markers specific to their craft/style
- Hand lettering book
- Journal
- Stickers
- Modeling beeswax
- Wax yarn sticks
- Crochet kit
- Finger knitting tower with yarn
- Watercolor paints
- Painting tray
- Kinetic sand
- Beeswax crayon sticks or blocks
- Origami or paper crafting supplies
- Skein of nice yarn
So many of these products can be purchased locally or from Etsy artists, which I highly encourage you to do. Whenever possible, please support the small businesses in your area (in-person or online).
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