How about Christmas stockings? No matter how old or young you are, waking up to stubby stockings on Christmas morning is a bit of a surprise. That in itself brings special joy. This healthy stocking stuffer idea is the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
It’s always fun to pull out hidden items and reveal the little gifts inside. Even if it’s something as small as a pack of gum or as practical as a pair of fluffy new socks! Having all of these ideas in one big list will make holiday season shopping easier (even if you missed the Black Friday sales).
Christmas Stocking Traditions
Thanks to the famous poem “The Night Before Christmas,” we know that Christmas stockings have been “carefully hung in the chimney” for over 200 years. However, it is not known exactly when this tradition started and why it became so popular.
Most people agree that the Christmas stocking tradition honors St. Nicholas. He is an ancient Christian saint known for his generosity and giving gifts to those in need. He is the real man behind the Santa tradition today.
According to legend, Saint Nicholas heard the story of a widower who could not pay the dowry for his three daughters. It was a desperate situation at the time. Saint Nicholas dropped a gold coin down the widower’s chimney at night. One of the coins landed in one of the stockings that had been hung by the fire to dry. The widower and his daughters found the coin the next morning and were so happy that their worries disappeared.
The example of St. Nicholas continues to shape our ideas about the true spirit of Christmas today! Our children also enjoy “St. We are participating in the St. Nicholas Day tradition of saving our boots for “Nicholas Day.” Nick’ provides snacks every year on December 6th.
The best stocking stuffer ideas for the whole family
Here are some stocking stuffer ideas on the healthier side: I’ve either come up with this over the years or heard others recommend it. And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best holiday gifts for 2024. We have lots of last minute ideas for your entire Christmas list!
I have several individual gift guides. One gift guide for children, one for women, and one for men. It includes great stocking stuffer ideas separated by gender and age. The list below is sorted by category and includes perfect stocking stuffer ideas for a variety of ages and people. Many of them also make great stocking stuffers for kids.
You can purchase some of these gifts on Amazon, which also includes many other high-quality brands I like. The best gifts are not always trendy ones, but ones that are heartfelt.
On the list…
Edible Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas
For the foodie on your list.
DIY and Beauty Christmas Gift Ideas
DIY skincare makes a great gift for anyone who loves self-care. Or, if DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of natural products you can gift your loved ones. Skincare gift sets from stores like Walmart and Target often contain ingredients that I’m not a huge fan of. You can easily make your own healthy beauty stocking stuffers using the ideas below!
Healthy Nuts Stocking Stuffers
These supplements and health products are great additions to your list of healthy foods. From immune boosting to brain support, there are many options. We’ve even included some kid-friendly ones.
experiential / sentimental
Give your time and attention to your loved ones as a precious gift. It’s also a great gift to give to your children, spouse, or grandparents.
- ‘Date’ coupon with Mom and Dad
- Carousel or Game Token
- Movie night with coupons for your favorite desserts
- Coupon to stay up one hour late (Mom and Dad’s special time!)
- Coupons to choose your meals for the day
- mini photo book With family memories and inspirational quotes.
- Bookmarks for people who love reading (and books to match!)
- Keepsake letter or love letter
- Movie tickets or gift certificates
- flip photo book with photos of the year
A perfectly practical stocking stuffer
Who said socks couldn’t make good Christmas gifts? Even if you’re not a sock person, here are some fun and practical gifts they’ll love.
games and fun
I love giving games to my kids’ stockings as gifts. It encourages learning, brain development and creativity, and kids will have tons of fun doing it. It’s also great for family game nights. And fun-loving adults appreciate it too!
Crafty stocking stuffer ideas
Is there a crafter on your list? Here are some arts and crafts gifts that are perfect for your stocking. I love sitting at the table and doing art activities with my kids. And this gives us more supplies for our family art sessions.
themed stocking stuffer ideas
Instead of a bunch of random gifts, you can create a stocking stuffer theme! This is great for both children and adults.
- Camping “adventure” kit: compass, mini flashlight, beef jerky, trail mix, binoculars, fanny pack – or Buy something already made
- Letter Writing Kit: stationery, sticker, penAddress book, fun stamps
- Crafting Kit: Yarn and crochet hookmini cross stitch set, button, sticker, ribbon
- Art supplies: watercolor, brush, glue, sequinssticker, paper punch or stamp
- Wallet themes (for mom or older child): mint, tissue pack, pen, natural hand sanitizer, hand lotion
Just by giving a bunch of stockings as a gift
Some other fun ideas that don’t really fit into the above categories include:
This is a fun twist on the stocking stuffer tradition. Instead of gifting everything in one day, try putting one new gift in the stocking every 12 days of the Christmas season. It traditionally runs from December 25th to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Your kids will love the anticipation of new surprises. And it will help you stay focused throughout the Christmas season!
What are your favorite healthy stocking stuffer ideas? Let us know in the comments!
