Advertisement
Money & Career

Stocking stuffers for under $10

Here are just a few ideas to that might help you fill your stockings on the cheap – and avoid useless chachkas that end up in the trash on Boxing Day.

red stocking, gift card, Christmas, Santa

In my family we’ve given up on Christmas gifts for adults – there are just too many of us sitting around the tree on Christmas morning. Instead we’ve chosen to focus on giving to the kids. Except for one holdout: stockings. All of us, adults and kids, hang stockings on the mantle on Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition we all love – but buying three to four stocking stuffers for each person in the group can get expensive. Which is why I try and keep each item under $10 to stretch my budget. Here are just a few ideas to that might help you fill your stockings on the cheap – and avoid useless chachkas that end up in the trash on Boxing Day. Feel free to share more in the comments below. 

Accessories: Every year, I snap up funky little scarves, bracelets and other cute accessories at places like H&M or the dollar store. I found a scarf for my sister for just $5.95. And I also picked up pretty hairpins for my young niece to wear at Christmas dinner – a bit of bling for a mere $4.95.

Kitchen gadgets: From measuring cups to milk frothers, there are lots of inexpensive kitchen goodies that fit perfectly into a stocking. I found a handy paring knife on sale for $5.19 – who doesn’t need a good knife?

CDs with your personal music mix: For next to nothing, you can make CDs of your favourite music to share on Christmas morning.

Advertisement

Notebooks: I always carry a notebook with me – I use it for grocery lists, personal thoughts, sketches and work ideas. You can get great notebooks for just a few bucks at art supply stores or even your local dollar store (wrap it up with pen and call it an inspiration kit).

Preserves and jellies: Put them in small jars and wrap them in tissue paper – a perfect stocking stuffer that can be enjoyed once the holidays are over.

Framed photographs: I’ve said before that in this electronic world we live in, a lot of people don’t bother printing their photos. It makes for a bare mantelpiece or fridge – so print out your favourite photos and share them with family as a stocking stuffer.

Advertisement

Chocolate: We’re all feeling overstuffed with candy and cookies during the holidays – do we really want to get even more of it in our stockings? I say it depends. For example, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in the toe of my stocking – or a few Quality Street candies. Traditional treats like those help keep me fueled up until turkey time.

Gift cards: $10 can buy a couple of lattes or an album on iTunes so why not throw in a little gift card from Santa? They’re easy to wrap and always appreciated (nothing like a free coffee to get you through the first week of the new year).

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement