Once all the gifts are purchased and wrapped, then you must turn around and stuff stockings for your children. This can be costly, and you may not have a lot of money to work with. There are frugal options, and many of them fall in line with teaching children to be thankful for what they have – a very important skill that is best learned from an early age.
Those living in the Bangor, Maine area will be wise to begin collecting the stocking stuffers right after Christmas, looking for items being offered at low prices throughout the year. This way, you will be able to take advantage of after Christmas sales as well as yard sales. Thrift shops are also treasure troves. Look for clearance items throughout the year.
When beginning to collect these items this late in the game, dollar stores come in handy. Purchase bigger items that will fill a stocking more quickly, rather than tiny items that do not take up as much space.
Infants: A bottle, fork and spoon, as well as a bowl. Add a small piggy bank and a rattle, along with a box of baby treats and you are good to go.
Toddlers/Preschoolers: A coloring book and crayons are a good start. A small holiday themed book makes a nice addition. A small orange or banana will make a great snack later in the day, and a few cookie cutters will mean that they can make cookies with you later.
Young Girls: A big bottle of bath bubbles, a bath pouf and a hair brush will help your little girl to pamper herself. Hair ties are also an option. A diary with a pen will allow them to write about the events in their life, and a $1.00 DVD of old cartoons.
Young Boys: Small trucks and cars, a book and Dominoes start off a boys stocking, then other items can be added. Consider a book of word games and a pen to fill out the stocking.
Teenage Girls: Teenage girls are easy to purchase for at a dollar store. Find out there favorite scent, and purchase full bottles of body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Add to this body spray, bath gloves, and a couple of other toiletries.
Teenage Boys: With varied interests, there are many options. Some boys enjoy watching old movies, and these are often found at dollar stores. A Family Dollar offers other types of movies for a few dollars each. Guy geared shampoos, body wash and deodorant can also be found at these stores. Get the full size versions.
Look around for other options. Stocking stuffing is highly dependent on each child. It is wise to think about each of them in turn. It is also fine to add homemade items, such as an ornament or baked goods, as well as a fresh piece of fruit.
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