Stuff those stockings...RIGHT

It's probably no surprise that I am talking about stockings again - I have an obsession - I love stockings and I love stuffing stockings. I love it a little too much. In fact, I spent 100$ last night just on stocking stuffers and more if I count the other odds and ends I got during different shopping trips. Luckily my husband doesn't read this blog - at least I don't think he does.

I guess I will find out.

I am not a fan of a stocking full of candy; as a parent I don't want to deal with hyper kids for the next few days so I try to get other stuff for the stockings but still keep it fun.

My husband always said that his favorite part of Christmas morning was his stocking so I have tried to make stockings special for our kids. I do a lot of small presents instead of just food. I get stuff they like but that I don't buy or let them eat often. I try to wrap some of the little things that will go in their stockings.

I have found great stocking stuffers at bookstores, drug stores, Smith and Edward's (local), Michael's and Target.

Here are some things I love to get for my stocking stuffers -of course you'll want to think about what your person wants/needs and adjust.

Adults:

body wash

something nostalgic (food/toy/book/game from childhood)

lotion

chapstick

shavers

loofah

facial wipes

Listerine

full sized candy bars

personal interest magazines

a book - fiction/crosswords/sudoku

key chain

watch

a movie

chips/nuts/jerky

Favorite cookie/cracker

a love note

planner

ornament of something that happened that year

shave gel/after shave

socks

beanie - gloves (winter wear)

belt

elastic bands

hair clips

Something hobby oriented - golf balls, running socks, fabric, ribbon, earphones etc.

Children

yogurt covered raisins

sidewalk chalk

paper back books

stickers

gloves, beanies

underwear

socks/tights

new sippy cup

baby food (for babies of course)

Fruit leather or character fruit snacks (my kids only get the 100% fruit boring shaped ones usually- so this is WAY exciting...especially if they are Transformer or Scooby-doo)

toy trains

matchbox cars

Lego cars

giant pens (Michael's)

bubbles

watercolor paints

new crayons/markers

Anything they use A LOT of - for mine its paper and scotch tape

puzzles

monkeys in a barrel

balls

silly putty

play dough

coloring book

a cape - all boys like cape

headbands (girls)

sunglasses

mini cereal boxes

p.s. I don't have girls yet --well I have a 5 month old girl so I really don't know what people with girls use...I tried to put some in there but this is probably a boy heavy list. Sorry.

I DO put some goodies in but I try to make them classic things that they will ONLY get at Christmas like candy canes, candy sticks, ribbon candy, chocolate Santa's etc. I try to have their stockings be about them and what they need, love and then something exciting (wrapped).

If you have already got all your presents, sent out your Christmas cards (I haven't) its time to think about stocking stuffers. I hope this gives you some new ideas.

What is the best thing you have found in your stocking? What is your favorite thing to use as stocking stuffers?

Stocking re-fab for KK

Hi it's Sizzle Thursday and I am still hooked on stockings. Today I am going to show you a way to turn a cheap pre-made stocking into something unique and pretty. There are so many great stocking ideas out there that maybe your not willing to commit to a certain style (raising hand) or you just need something that is no-sew, quick and easy but still with a homemade touch....and cheap. Here is my solution.

KK has come to our place for Christmas for that last few years so I decided I would make her a stocking of her own for when she is with us for Christmas. I hope you like it Karie!




This is what I started out with:

I picked up a few of these last year from Joann's when they were on 50% off clearance--you can get most Christmas stuff cheap right now esp fabric (s0%off at fabric.com or aboveallfabric.com)--because I put all that time into the one stocking and the rest of us didn't have any. They are only a couple of dollars regular price. They are felt.

The first thing I did it cut a piece of fabric the size of the cuff- all the way around.

I used no-sew hem tape to hem the edges of the fabric (you just iron). It looks like this:

I used this to adhere the fabric to the cuff too. You could also use my friend fusible web - I used it too later

Then I added trim with tacky glue. I love this trim. I need to stock up when it is on sale!

The next step is to make templates for the heel and toe.

I used a piece of scratch paper and traced the shape of the stocking then just free handed a heel and toe piece.

I also made a template for the letter.

Then I cut the shapes out of fabric:

Then I cut them out of fusible web (remember trace on paper side with right side down).

Then I ironed the heel, toe and letter in place.

You can trim if your piece is slightly bigger like mine was in this picture. I sewed around the pieces but you don't have to. I just need to sew something...

What a big difference huh?

I think I will add some more trim and embroider the letter but I think I will leave that for the final reveal - Christmas.

Happy Stocking Creating