A stocking stuffer item is something that you can put in the Christmas stocking to help make the stocking look full.

Items that are well suited for this purpose, but won’t cost a whole lot, include:

• A non-breakable Christmas tree ornament. (Hint: start a family tradition of special ornaments every year so that the children have a box of pretties to for their Christmas tree when they move out)
• The really big candy bars that sell for about $1 to $1.25 each at the grocery and drugstores.
• The really big stick candy canes that sell for 50 cents to $1 this time of year. (Hint: put those candy canes in a plastic baggie, smash them down with a hammer. You now have candy cane “dust” for coffee, cocoa or cookie toppings.)
• Oranges. If the kids give you strange looks, tell them oranges are an “old school” Christmas stocking stuffer. (They are.)
• Wrapped popcorn balls.
• Individually wrapped snack cakes. You can find holiday versions of brownies and other inexpensive treats in the supermarket this time of year.
• Pair of mittens, gloves or holiday socks.
• Hair barrettes or bows for the girls.
• Holiday costume jewelry such as snowman earrings.
• Holiday pens, pencils or small stationery items.
• Golf balls for those who like to putt.
• Small bottles of hand lotion.
• Book of stamps (nice for those such as college students who are away from friends and family).
• Lipstick or nail polish in holiday colors.
• Hot Wheels or Matchbox style toy cars. (Adults might like these too if you find a vehicle they once drove or admire.)
• Stickers (popular kid designs for the younger set, crafty ones for the scrapbookers.)
• A new set of paint brushes for the crafty bunch.
• Deck of cards (for those who play euchre, poker, etc.)
• Pretty candles (in non-breakable votives.)
• Batteries for any toys that will be under the tree.
• Barbie doll outfits for the doll collectors of any age.
• Cookie cutters, spatulas and kitchen utensils for the foodies.
• Instant lottery tickets for those who like to play the lottery. There usually is a selection of inexpensive lottery tickets during the holiday season that are meant for gift-giving with lower prize amounts but higher percentage of winners.

If you are on a budget, check out the collection of tips and tricks I have at my Help! I can’t afford Christmas sidebar.