This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Nestle. The opinions and text are all mine.
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This post is sponsored by Nestle.
When I think about stocking stuffers, I try to strike a balance between practical items and fun surprises.
I want stockings to feel exciting for my family, but everyone knows that “Santa” follows a specific plan in our house:
“Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read…”
This simple framework takes the guesswork out of filling stockings. Once you split it into those four groups, it’s easy to figure out what each person would love.
On top of these four categories, we always include holiday-themed candy like the Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Snowman and Original Spree and Everlasting Gobstopper Snowballs in adorable reindeer packaging. They make the perfect stocking addition!
Our absolute favorite is the Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cup Snowman. The combination of peanut butter, crispy crunch, and chocolate is divine.
Besides putting candy in stockings, I also set it around the house during the holidays for simple, functional decor. Who doesn’t love walking into a room and seeing a jar of candy?
The red and green Original Sprees, Everlasting Gobstopper Snowballs, and SweeTARTS Merry Mix (shaped like Christmas trees and snowmen) are ideal for this because of their festive colors.
I just put them in jars and scatter them around the house!
The kids usually open their stockings before the main presents because they can’t wait until everyone is awake. So we also gift them a Nestle Crunch 1 LB Bar with their name written on the packaging. It’s super fun!
Here are some ideas for the four stocking stuffer categories we use:
Something They Want
This can be any small item your kids or spouse have been asking for. Nail polish, makeup, or perfume for your daughter. Matchbox cars, cologne, or small tools for a boy.
For your spouse, a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or lunch spot works perfectly. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just something simple you know they’d enjoy.
One year for our baby, we included teethers, small stuffed animals, and teethers.
Something They Need
This is probably the category my family wishes I’d skip, but it’s where I fit in all the essentials. In the past, I’ve added new toothbrushes, flashcards, or other school supplies.
Basically, this category covers things your spouse or kids wouldn’t ask for but definitely need.
Something to Wear
Obviously, a stocking can’t hold anything substantial clothing-wise, but it can hold the basics!
We put underwear and socks in there. I’ve also included new mittens and winter beanies.
I keep this category pretty consistent every year because these items are usually needed by that time.
Something to Read
This is my favorite category because I’m a book nerd. For small kids, board books fit perfectly in stockings. I’ve never had trouble finding one small enough.
For older kids or your spouse, a gift card to a bookstore is ideal. Or if they have an e-reader, an online bookstore gift card works too.
It’s so fun to pass on my love of reading to my children. I love taking my daughter to the bookstore to pick out books with her gift card!
This framework makes filling stockings super easy for every family member. No more throwing in random junk just to fill space!
If you use candy for stocking stuffers, one of my favorite ways to keep my kids from overindulging is to gather all the candy in one basket and use it for lunch boxes throughout the year. Or hand it out when they do well at school or something similar.
The post 5 Things to Include in your Stocking Stuffers appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.
