Stocking Stuffers

[Harry]

My sister has asked me to fill up a Christmas stocking for her to open when she is with her son on Christmas morning. I won't be there. I suck at stocking stuffers. What she likes is cheap junk, but lots of it, so she will have many things to open. She's 68 years old, but I think she wants to be somewhere between 7 and 14 with this stuff. I am clueless about girls, especially in this age group, so I need some ideas.

Any help anyone can give me with this task will be greatly appreciated.

[Random Precision]

Check your local Dollar Store. They have tons of cheap gaudy crap that you can use to fill up a sock. There's also the sugar plums route - small wrapped chocolates or favorite candies are good for stockings. And there should be at least one special item. I don't know what that is for your sister, but it should be something of quality and value. Perfume is a possibility.

Whatever you decide to put in there, you should have some fun doing it. Look for things that your sister will get a kick out of opening, even if it's just something silly like her favorite candy or toy from childhood. And a lump of coal at the bottom.

[Harry]

I especially like the lump of coal part.

[Queen Tonya]

If she's asking for a stocking, I don't think you have to stay age-appropriate, per se. I mean, you could go with metamucil, oil of olay and vitamins, but that'd be boring.

Silly Putty, gotta have some of that.
Scented votive candles, you can get a single Christmas themed glass votive candle holder at the dollar store, for sure.
Bonne Bell lip flavored lip balm. It's gigantic and takes up more room than chapstick.
One of those chocolate orange thingies that you get to smack on the table to break into.
You can get cheap stretchy knit gloves in any color for a couple of bucks.
A pair of warm fuzzy socks might be funny in a stocking.
At the dollar store you might be able to find sparkly barrettes or other hair accessories.
A pen with a troll doll attached to the top, or one of those candy can shaped pens with scented ink.
A pack of water balloons to remind her that summer will return.
Trial sized hand lotion and/or hand sanitizer for her purse.
Bangle-y bracelets.
Mints, candy, taffies, whatever type she likes.

For ease of wrapping, since she specifically wants the fun of opening, grab a large pack of tissue paper at the dollar store.

[Clockwork Jackal]

Underwear.

[hilarity n. suze]

I don't know if they have it where you live, but Cost Plus is wonderful for this kind of thing. They have stuff that isn't expensive, and they have stuff that is, but lots of fun stuff, anyway. Bangles, scarves, kitchen gadgets, candles, bright shiny beads...

If I were to get a stocking for Christmas here is what I would like: Some Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, a battery-powered heated eyelash curler, a pepper mill, some caramel candy, some peanut brittle (yeah, the hell with my teeth), little candles, hair doo-dads, some smokehouse almonds, costume jewelry, an itty-bitty candy dish, with or without candy, and a couple of books. (Since you can't fit a pony into a stocking.) There's some girl stuff here even though I am pretty old for a girl. The Sephora store also has some neat stuff, like little packets that have one mud mask, one firming facial, and stuff like that. I think those are about $2 each so not really cheap, considering they are one-and-done, but they are kind of cool.

I do not think underwear is appropriate for your sister, unless it's a joke.

[Queen Tonya]

Originally Posted by hilarity n. suze

a battery-powered heated eyelash curler

I thought you were kidding until I googled that.

[Jaglavak]

Fearless!

[Scuba Ben]

A foot!

What else would be in a stocking, eh?

[JackieLikesVariety]

tiny stuffed animals
a little flashlight
candy (fancy pants)
fuzzy slipper
chai tea


just go for quantity - she is bound to like something -

ETA and you are a good brother to do it, too

[AuntiePam]

Laurel Burch kitty socks -- I'm about your sister's age and I'd love these.

Also, if her ears are pierced, those tacky Christmas earrings are fun. And Christmas pins, the ones that have a little battery and light up. And little jingle bells she can tie onto her shoelaces.

Does she drink? Maybe some little bottles of booze?

[Jaglavak]

Me and my brother used to give each other ammo as stocking stuffers. But that might not go over so well.

[Flying Saucerian]

There's 'Lump of Coal' candy available in a lot of stores. You can also get those little chocolate 'coins.'

Maybe cheap but pretty jewelry: Earrings, rings, necklaces, that kind of stuff.

[AuntiePam]

I assume she already has a pen by Harry. If not . . . ?

[SmartAleq]

That should definitely go down in the toe of the sock--that's where the best stuff goes! And don't forget the mandarin oranges and walnuts!

[Harry]

These are some great ideas, everyone. Thanks a lot!