I became my family's lawful Christmas Stocking Stuffer in 1967. My dad had died and my biggest fear was that Santa would forget to come for my two minuscule brothers.
I learned sadness can be counterbalanced by the excitement of doing something underground (and fun) for someone else. The surprised looks on my brothers' faces convinced me that being the Christmas Stocking Stuffer is the best job ever.
Snowflake Ornament
Here are some tips and ideas for those of you who are new to the job of Christmas Stocking Stuffer and also for you veterans in need of inspiration.
1) The Right Stocking: Some families already have their stockings and you'll just have to work with what you got. However, if you're just starting out or have the chance to start a new tradition, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a stocking for stuffing:
Size: I have found that a medium size stocking that's 20-24 inches from cuff to toe, is the excellent size. Remember- you have to Stuff a stocking and a large one could ruin your Christmas budget.
Material: Make sure the stocking is well constructed and made of firm fabric. Knit stockings stretch in both directions. Again, think of your finances.
If your house hangs their stockings, make sure the loop is strong enough to hold several pounds without breaking.
2) Where to Shop for a Christmas Stocking Stuffer: To save money, shop sale items all year round and use store coupons. Many shop have their own coupons available inside the store or on their websites. Here are 101 plus stuffer ideas proven to bring smiles on Christmas morning:
Office contribute Store: memo notebooks, markers, erasers, pencils, note cards, binder clips, paper clips, pens, push pins, rulers, scrap booking supplies, crayons, sticky notes, mini stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener Drug Store: candy, nuts, film, singular use camera, inexpensive toys, coloring books, cologne, lotion, nail polish, bath beads, toothbrushes, batteries, costume jewelry, chapstick, barrettes, comb, razor, hair brush Book Store: books, magazines, bookmarks, book lights, journals, coffee mug, cds, dvds, stuffed animals, puzzles, coffee, tea, epicurean candy Hardware Store: hammers, screw drivers, pliers, paint can opener, work gloves, padlock, spare keys, tape measure, flashlight, gadgets, paint brushes, sanding sponges, vegetable and flower seeds Craft Store: beads, floss, sewing notions, scissors, paint sets, art paper, stamps, stickers, fabric, buttons, ornaments, drawing pencils, glitter, how-to kits, fancy sewing thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks Grocery Store: candy, fruit, cooking gadgets, cookies, small boxes of cereal, small bags of snacks, wine or beer, olive oil, fancy vinegars, snack cakes, pudding, jerky Restaurant contribute Store: wooden spoons, candy thermometer, turkey baster, hotpads, tongs, Chinese strainer, bottle pourers, spurtles, spoonulas, garlic press, vegetable peeler Auto contribute Store: oil spout, magnetic parts dish, telescoping magnet, air freshener, touch up paint, tire gauge, car wax, car wash, shammy cloth Sporting Goods Store: tennis balls, golf balls, tees, wrist bands, bobbers, fishing line, hooks, lead weights, pedometers, compasses, jump ropes, sports nutrition bars, socks Craft shows: ornaments, jewelry, stuffed animals and dolls, art, wooden toys, aprons
Other winning ideas: brain teaser puzzles, card games, deck of cards, car games, picture frames, harmonica, first aid kit, emergency blanket, minuscule photo album,
3) To Wrap or Not to Wrap: This is a personal preference. Since I love to wrap presents as much as I love being a Christmas stocking stuffer, it's a "no brainer." Each Christmas stocking stuffer becomes a minuscule gift - even if it's a pack of gum. Also, unwrapping gifts will slow a child down and make the magic of Christmas morning last a minuscule longer.
4) The Art of a Christmas Stocker Stuffer:
The Foot: Put something round in the toe; an orange, a ball or even a cellophane wrapped popcorn ball. Toss in some nuts that are still in their shells. Add some wrapped candy.
The Body: The body of the stocking holds most of the merchandise. contemplate your stuffers and pick trinkets and treasures that can be layered. The body of the stocking is excellent for a long Christmas stocking stuffer like a box of dominos, a cribbage board or a rolled up magazine. Don't forget that even adults like toys. Take your time and be ready to pack and repack.
The Eye Catcher: You need to have something authentically great Unwrapped tucked into the top of the stocking, about 30% visible. This is what the recipient sees while production his or her 15th trip to the bathroom.
5) As Your Family's lawful Christmas Stocking Stuffer Start a Tradition: Our house has put oranges in the toe of a Christmas stocking along with walnuts for at least 50 years. If you give each child a extra decoration every year, think about putting it in the stocking.
Cater to their hobbies. My brothers still get packs of sports card. I have a girl friend whose stocking always includes a silly magic trick from her dad. I know a husband who always hides the big ticket item (diamond earrings, pearl necklace, tennis bracelet) in his wife's stocking.
6) Who Can Be a Christmas Stocking Stuffer? The prosperous Christmas Stocking Stuffer is someone who is: a good listener, observant and thinks love is in the details. He or she is organized and can think outside the box.
And don't forget the three stages of life:
During stage one - you believe in Santa Claus.
During stage two - you don't believe in Santa Claus.
During state three - you Are Santa Claus!
Tags : Naot Shoes Top sale
No comments:
Post a Comment