Stockings are my favourite to shop for. And something I have a decade of experience with (I have been helping with 6 stockings every year for the past 10 years!). I like to include a variety of small, thoughtfully curated items that I think the recipient would both appreciate and make use of. A mix of frivolous and purposeful. Small things that will continue to put a smile on their face in the weeks and months to come! As with all gifts, I like to mix big/small brands and perishable/permanent items. Read some of my tips below and then shop some of my favourite things that I would like to personally receive!

Tips & Tricks

Spreadsheet & Plan
Create a spreadsheet for each person you are shopping for. This will help keep you on track, keep it equal between everyone and stay within a budget. If you just shop as you go, you might double up or overspend.
Balance
Make sure to have a variety in your stocking. Think of: tasty things that they can enjoy once, useful things that will last for a few months, and permanent things that will last forever. It’s also fun to throw in a trendy utilitarian thing (this year I’m going with Stasher bags, as I think every kitchen should have a collection).
1. Onetime Use
  A chocolate bar, tea, coffee beans. Things that they’ll enjoy for just a moment or two.
2. Sometimes Use
  A candle, bath salts, lipgloss, nail polish, face mask. Things that they’ll get a few months enjoyment from.
3. Forever Use
  Home decor, linens, book, apparel. Things that will last for as long as they love them.
Personalize
Someone that doesn’t have a bathtub won’t get any use out of bath salts. Someone who is lactose intolerant won't eat a milk chocolate bar. Someone that loves a local sports team might appreciate a team key chain. Someone that has a Christmas tree full of traditional wooden German ornaments would probably find a new addition very thoughtful. Think about things that your recipient gets a lot of joy out of and avoid things that would be wasted on them.