Stocking stuffers under $10

The simple stocking formula

1. One item to eat, such as chocolate or a small snack.
2. One item to use, like lip balm or a pen.
3. One item to play with, such as a small puzzle or a card deck.
4. One item that is a surprise.
5. Optional: one item to wear, such as warm socks.

How to set a total

A stocking of five items at $5 to $10 each costs $25 to $50. Decide the total first, then divide. If a stocking is part of a bigger gift exchange, check that it fits the group limit. Some families use stockings as the whole gift and keep them under $25.

Think of size too. A stocking holds about six small items. If everything is tall or heavy, the stocking will tip or tear.

What to avoid

• Items with small parts for children under 3.
• Messy items such as slime or glitter.
• Perishable food that will not last until the morning.
• Duplicates. Ask a sibling or the other parent what each stocking already holds.

If you are buying for a toddler, check the age label and avoid choking hazards.

Where to shop and when

Small items are easy to find in grocery, drug and dollar stores, so you can fill a stocking in one trip. Buy early if you want a specific item, since stock varies and shipping times are never certain. Keep a bag of backups in case a gift turns out to be bigger than a stocking can hold.

Lay everything out on a table before you fill the stocking. If it looks like a pile of random things, swap one item for something that fits a theme: movie night, tea time or a favorite hobby.

Using stockings in a Secret Santa

Stockings also work as a mini exchange: each person fills one stocking for a drawn name, with a $10 to $15 total. Hollyhush handles the draw, the budget and the swap date. See Secret Santa for family and gifts under $10. For adults, see stocking stuffers for adults.

Draw names for a stocking exchange in a few seconds. Create your group, free

Small items that fit a stocking.

Check age labels and small parts.

Small things to unwrap.