Stocking Stuffer Gift Guides

 

Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicolas, better known as Twas the Night Before Christmas, inspired the hanging of stockings on Christmas Eve. This tradition started out using normal socks, and over the years, has graduated to more elaborate designs. Whether hung on a mantle, or placed at the foot of a bed, one thing’s for certain, the delight of small surprises are sure to make a big impact come Christmas morning.

If team NFDI were a stocking, celebrates all the treasures we would love to see filling our own. We hope this gift guide offers ideas, and inspiration for the small wares, and tiny treats that help make stockings so special.

Happy gifting!

 

Nyla



Christmas at my grandparents home will always be a cherished memory for me, and stockings remain one of my favourite parts of the day. When I was young, I would consistently request novelty pencils and erasers, markers, and any stationary/ paper type products. I have always been a fan of the many small surprises inside a stocking, and the nostalgia it brought to the start of Christmas Day, including the quintessential mandarin orange at the toe. While my husband and I have now retired our stockings, I find great joy in seeing what thoughtful, and special treasures Santa has found for our girls. ;)

 

Ana



Stockings were not customary in Chile, or Ecuador, where my husband and I grew up. We started the tradition after moving to Canada, and having our own children. The notion of, “if you need a new toothbrush, wait for Christmas” rings true in our home :) as we take a practical approach to what goes inside, focusing mostly on items used on the day to day. We do however, include one special “surprise” item such as airpods, or a piece of jewelry.

 

Jackie



We don't go extreme on stockings, but I always love gifting, and receiving little teeny tiny goodies. I like mixing and matching one or two special items alongside the staples of new socks, candy, and of course a pack of gum! Stockings are also good for the dog because he can stick his needle nose inside to grab his treat. Good things come in small packages, and stockings are full of them!

 

Alex



Stockings have been a part of my family's Christmas celebrations ever since I can remember, and it continues to be a tradition my husband and I look forward to in our own household. They are a fun, and exciting way we spoil our loved ones with curated, and thoughtful items ranging from large and small. My husband and I always tease each other, as each year the contents seem to get more elaborate, sometimes valuing more than the wrapped gifts themselves! In my own stocking, I love a mix of fashion, beauty, and decor. I also love a gift with a more interactive component (such as games), providing something to do, and enjoy on Christmas day!

 

Brianna



Since I was little, stockings have always been something I looked forward to Christmas morning! Growing up they were the first stop on our busy day. CD’s, candles, fuzzy socks, and games, there was no shortage of goodies lining our stockings. I love finding a little bit of everything in my stocking. From fashion, beauty & decor to trendy pieces from local shops, I love the mix! While I’m all about fun and frivolous, I’ve learned my husband prefers a more practical approach to stockings. Admittedly, I was a little surprised to find windshield wipers in my stocking on our first Christmas together!!

 

Kerstin



The stocking has always been my favourite part of Christmas morning. As kids, our stockings were my Dad’s actual cream wool work socks. If you woke up in the middle of the night, you could feel the weight of it at the foot of your bed. Santa always put a lot of care and time into finding the cutest little objects. I remember erasers shaped like animals, and a candy cane shaped pen that wrote with peppermint scented ink. When I was in junior high I received a Flicker razor and Tickle deodorant. (70’s kids will know what I’m talking about!) It made me feel so sophisticated and grown up. My stocking always contained a chocolate marshmallow Santa, a mandarin orange, and a candy cane - the perfect ingredients for Christmas morning breakfast, served alongside a cup of tea and a shortbread cookie.

 

Jessie



Stockings were never the main focus for Christmas in our family. When I was young, Christmas was always a time to think about what someone else wanted, and put their wishes ahead of yours. We never made a list or spent a lot of money but we always seemed to get the gift that was just right. I would wake up on Christmas morning, and get everyone up. I made my grandpa his tea, my parents their coffee, and then we would open gifts. Christmas for me is full of family time playing games, relaxing around the fire, and spending time with the people I love.