Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas for under $10
That last minute holiday push is upon us, make sure we have everything we need for the celebrations and gift giving that will take place over the next few days. So let’s see, what have I forgotten… Ingredients for a dish to share at the post holiday party - check. A small gift for the neighbors - check. Stuffers for the stockings - doh! I always forget about the stockings. One year my kids got oranges, toothbrushes, barrettes, and granola bars. Though I love the idea of useful and practical gifts, the stockings are a real chance for fun and silly gifts that bring smiles and memories.
This year I found a list of great last minute stocking stuffers at thebargainist.com. All were under $10, and many are easy to find locally:
Makeup - Sephora, Ulta, Beauty First; they all have some great options for low cost make-up. Put a girl in the shopping mood with a $5 gift card to any of these or to Eyeslipsface.com. EyesLipsFace.com for a huge selection of items for great prices (like pressed powder for $1). With your gift card, now you can use coupon code LOYAL to receive a free mini makeup collection with purchase.
Flowering Twig Pencil - Anthropologie.com makes writing rustic and fun with the Flowering Twig Pencil. It’s just $5—not much considering it features a hand-carved rose blooming from the top of a bark-covered branch. Locally I found some gorgeous wood carved gifts at the University of Michigan Museum of Art gift store. Most items are a bit more extravagant, but truly worth a look.
Moustache Bandages - Get a laugh Christmas morning with a pack of Moustache Bandages from Urban Outfitters. Whether they have an injury or not, your loved one will want to wear one of these. There are four different mustache styles in each can of bandages.
Bacon Mints - We do not know why it is hot this season, but it is. For the owner of the manliest stocking hanging on your fireplace, The Rocket in Ypisilanti has all of the baconware your heart desires - (this is a cardio-conscious way to love your bacon). Pick up some tasty bacon mints ($2.49) or bacon scented soap ($6.99). Just be ready for some bacony thank you hugs and kisses.
Magazine Subscription - Head to Magazines.com or Amazon.com for discounted magazine subscriptions. There are a variety of popular titles for just $5 including Redbook, Cosmopolitan and Esquire. The gift note can be printed out as late as Christmas Eve, and the gift will keep on coming long after the holidays.
Origami Toilet Paper - Perhaps you know someone whose New Year’s resolution is to learn the art of origami or someone who’s striving to be more productive in life. This Origami Toilet Paper from BaronBob.com is the perfect stocking stuffer either way. Hollander’s is the local place I turn to for Origami, and though I do not see the toilet paper listed online, they have a vast selection of books, kits, and gorgeous paper for origami. Cindy Hollander introduced my kids to origami, and is very skilled in this soothing art.
Candy - Sweet and delicious, and fits perfectly in a stocking. Gji’s Sweet Shoppe is my pick for nostalgic yummies. They also offer a gift tin full of sweet concoctions or popcorn. See’s Candies operates one of the friendliest kiosks at the mall. They always offer me a free sample to improve my mood as I make my way through the crowds. Their white mint truffles are $5.95 for a 3.5 ounce box.
Coal - Even if everyone’s been nice this year, tease them with a lump of coal. The candy version can be found through out town at hardware stores, candy shops, and novelty stores.
Coffee - Mighty Good Coffee makes a Holiday Blend that is all I have been drinking since Midnight Madness a few weeks ago. If I get to stuff my own stocking, I will get me a pound of this freshly roasted goodness and call it a day.
Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com
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