After going a little overboard last year, I tried to plan ahead this year. Actually, I already have pretty close to everything I need for the girls' stockings already, without buying anything yet this holiday season. I don't have everything for Michael's stocking, but I have a good start.
One of the best ways I found to get items to save for stockings is through one of my favorite ways to shop - seasonal clearance! Last year, I stumbled upon a treasure-trove of 90% off Christmas items at Target. Among a number of other items, I picked up Christmas coloring books and stickers for this year's stockings. I also got a few clearance Christmas items at CVS.
Stocking stuffers are not just limited to Christmas clearance. Even other holidays clearance sections might have some little doo-dads that could be good stocking (or Easter basket) stuffers, such as stickers, pencils, and candy. I have noticed that occasionally even items at the Target dollar spot go on clearance for half price, so I try to stock up on items then. Also, I found several items in toy clearance sections after Christmas and at the end of the summer.
Jessica's idea about using free samples as stocking stuffers also got me thinking about using items from my household stockpile as stocking stuffers. I have a number of scented candles, lotions, and body washes that would be good if I were stuffing an teen or adult female stocking.
Including practical items is another good way to save on stocking stuffers, especially if you needed to purchase the item anyway. When I was a child we got plenty of fun items in our stockings, but we often also received socks, underwear, and toothbrushes. We didn't mind, and "Santa" often made these items more special by getting Christmas socks or a toothbrush with a favorite character.
The rest of the items I have for the stockings I just picked up when I saw them or when I found a good deal throughout the year. I got my girls some simple dress up items from the Target dollar spot months ago. I'm not organized enough to do the majority of my Christmas shopping ahead of time, as some people do, but any time I do find something I can pick up for Christmas, I do. Even if I spend the same amount of money on it that I would have at Christmas, it's easier on the budget because it doesn't come at the same time as all those other holiday expenses!It might be late to "stock"pile for your stockings this year, but I hope you find some inspiration from the ideas. And in a few weeks it will be time to start saving for next year!
Photo by Juliaf.
When we were kids we got oranges, walnuts and popcorn balls! Now I feel like I have to have the right mix of candy and small surprises. But I like to throw in things they need like socks and toothbrushes, too. Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI was going to mention the same thing! A big orange and apple in the bottom of our stocking took up quite a bit of room when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI also have no shame and have wadded up newspaper to stick in the toe of the stocking when they were real little!!