Whether you call them stocking stuffer ideas or stocking fillers matterslittle. What matters is that these are little gifts and surpriseslurking deep in the recesses of your loved one's Christmas stocking,designed to bring a little extra joy to the festivities.
So, what makes a good stocking filler?
There's no need for it to be expensive, but it should entertain, bring pleasure to the senses or be of use to the recipient. For ladies,stocking stuffer ideas could include a finely crafted compact, charmingor unusual jewelry, miniature scents, a notebook in an unusual cover, ascarf, gloves or top-quality miniature chocolates. For gentlemen,the market for innovative gadgets such as tiny toolsets, flashlights,mobile phone covers or add-ons has extended beyond measure.
Books, music or films always make good stocking stuffers. Other goodstocking stuffer ideas include spices, herbs or unusual kitchen toolsfor those who make their home in the kitchen. Vouchers for days outnever go amiss. And for children, the scope is simply endless with Mechano, toy cars, dolls, puzzles or games all very much in vogue.
Below are some of my current favourites based on a history/foodie theme and family tradition. Don't forget that traditionally children would get small gifts along with fruits and nuts.
Before Idive in to a top ten stocking stuffer ideas list you will first need to have astocking. As a family we did not own special Christmas stockings, but each ofus used one of my granddads long socks and left it at the end of our bed forFather Christmas to fill. Now there seem to be hundreds of different Christmasstockings and I would imagine it hard to decide on which one to buy. So, if you’rein this dilemma take a peek at our Essentially England Christmas stocking pages.
Felt Christmas Stockings
© lentus | Getty Images canva.com
Knitted Christmas Stockings
© leekris | Getty Images canva.com
Whimsical Christmas Stockings
Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas Top Ten List
No. 10: Cadbury's Chocolate Selection in a Stocking
As a child therewas always a small chocolate in our Christmas stocking, and I also rememberreceiving a chocolate selection box during Christmas Day. This Cadbury chocolateselection stuffed stocking is an interesting combination and may save youbuying a separate stocking. And I’m sure you’ll be able to squeeze in a coupleof other small gifts into the stocking if required.
No. 9: English Heritage Roman Helmet Keyring
We all endup carrying keys around with us and this highly detailed Roman Helmet keyringwould make a lovely gift for a Roman history lover. And its small size makes itan easy fit into any stocking, or old sock!
No. 8: English Heritage Jet and Sterling Silver Teardrop Ear Rings
Theseelegant handmade sterling silver and jet ear rings would please even the most sophisticatedladies. Jet is one of England’s oldest gemstones having been formed from 150-200million years old fossilised wood. Whitby jet is known for its quality and isfound in the Jurassic geological layer along the North Yorkshire coast.
No. 7: Terry's Chocolate Orange - 2 Pack
I’mcombining two ideas into one again. Earlier I mentioned chocolate was alwaysone of the small treats in my Christmas stocking. Well, another small gift wasalways a satsuma or tangerine. So, you can see where I’m coming from with aTerry’s chocolate orange only it’s not quite so healthy!
No. 6: Mens Union Jack Socks
What is itwith men getting socks for Christmas? Year upon year men get new socks. Are wethat boring to buy gifts for?
Well, I’msure any England or Britain lover will cherish these fantastic looking UnionJack socks. These will be saved for all National sports and royal events andwill be proudly displayed whilst singing the National Anthem!
No. 5: Understanding the British Paperback Book
Sorry, whenI saw this book, I had to add it to the list even though it may be a bit of asqueeze to fit into a Christmas stocking. Just make sure your stocking is astretchy one!
I just lovethe cover and can relate to most of the small images on the front. I’m sure itwill cause a few chuckles at our expense over the holiday period.
No. 4: English Heritage Stonehenge Puzzle
Stonehengeis probably England’s most famous historical landmark. This beautiful 100-piecejigsaw builds into a very unusual view of the Stonehenge stone circle. I betkids would love the challenge of this puzzle and have it completed before theadults are up and awake on Christmas Day.
No. 3: English Heritage Castle Top Trumps
Top Trumpsis a lovely family card game that is easy to play anywhere. This specialedition pack of Top Trump cards display historical and fun facts about England’scastles managed by English Heritage. It’s a great way to get young ones keen onEnglish history and will make days out visiting the sites even more exciting.
No. 2: British Telephone Box Money Box
We’regetting towards the number one best stocking stuffer idea, but before we get there,I thought this British telephone money box was a lovely gift for a young child.This really does look like the one that has survived opposite our house!
Again, itmay need to be a stretchy stocking, but I’m sure at 6cm x 6cm area it shouldfit. Surely this quintessential British icon would be loved by the recipient andhelp young ones to have fun learning to save their pocket money.
No. 1: England Travel Guide by Rick Steves
This years ultimatenumber one stocking stuffer idea is an England Travel Guide by Rick Steves. Again, I hope your stockings are of a stretchy nature, but this great guide will help any traveller make the most of the time when they visit England. This is a must for any England fan who's planning a trip around our wonderful country.
I'll be adding more stocking fillers as I find them, so please keep checking back for more ideas.
For more Christmas, recipes, ideas and traditions, please check out our Christmas in England page.
