Stuff those socks: Cheap gifts that rock
Posted
Dec 17 2007, 12:53 PM
by
Donna Freedman
Rating:
How much should a stocking stuffer cost? Not $25, I hope.
Recently MSN ran an article touting "small treasures for under $25." It freaked out a Smart Spending message board reader named "surfacing."
Surfacing, who has three kids, leans toward practical stuffers like new toothbrushes and cartoon character bandages. (Come on, who doesn't want a Dora the Explorer Band-Aid covering up his latest owie?) The reader wanted more ideas -- frugal ones.
I'd be willing to bet plenty of us don't spend $25 total on stuffers for the whole family. Readers seemed to agree, and jumped in with suggestions.
After the orange, what?
First, make sure the stockings aren't too big. Avoid those knitted stockings, since they stretch and are hard to fill.
Next, go for immediate bulk. Reader "Cronewitch" advises starting with an apple or orange, some nuts and a candy cane. "Then it only takes an ink pen, toothbrush, and one or two small toys or jewelry to fill the stocking."
Concentrate on small items, either practical or fun. Or both. "Whiskers92" puts in Avon lip balm -- under a dollar each, and it comes in different holiday designs so the kids know whose is whose. Reader "APC4WM" says children are fascinated by "those bath fizzies that change the water color." (Anything to get them in the tub, right?)
"Traceek" recommends colorful shoelaces, bubble-blowing solution, SuperBalls, animal crackers, combs or brushes, stickers, soap crayons, or barrettes, ponytail holders or headbands. Miniature flashlights were "a big hit" one year.
Kids love tiny notebooks or drawing pads, according to "CLP73," especially when paired with character pens (more Dora, anyone?). Hot Wheels are hot commodities "Daisybasket" found character gel ice packs intended for lunch boxes, but says they soothe injuries, too. "What little boy doesn't want a Spider-Man ice pack for his bumped head?"
Lots of these items are available in the dollar section of stores like Target and Walgreens, on clearance tables, and at dollar stores. At my local dollar store I've seen great potential stuffers like make-a-necklace kits, superhero playing cards, sticker sets, dress-up clothes, jacks, magnifying glasses and modeling clay. Also be sure to check the dollar store's "party" aisle for sets of party favors such as card games and kazoos; they come in packs of six or eight, so you'd have some left over for the next birthday party.
Other reader suggestions: markers, bubble bath, character underwear, marbles, little plastic animals, yo-yos, dominos, little picture frames and Silly Putty. Daisybasket suggests buying the eight-ounce size of a child’s favorite candy bar, or a 10-pack of the miniature versions. The bigger one will probably be a bigger hit, though.
Don’t forget the tall 'kids'
Teens and adults may not be thrilled by jacks or a Slinky, but they probably won't turn down a giant Hershey bar. Or bath fizzies, for that matter; some of us are easily amused.
There's always deferred gratification, e.g., gift certificates to the skating rink, bowling alley or movie theater. (Hint for next year: You can earn free movie tickets through MyCokeRewards.)
"Seekeress" suggests replacements or enhancements for "stuff people already have," like cell phone minutes, replacement school supplies (new pencils for a new year), doll clothes, batteries for toys (or those little flashlights), accessories for favorite games (new Magic: The Gathering cards, maybe?) and cool office supplies for those who work at home. (If you have an inkjet printer, several office-supply stores will let you trade in empty cartridges for $3-off coupons. These stores sell things for kids, too, like gel pens and art supplies. This time of the year, you might even score 99-cent-a-pound coffee.)
Consider a themed stocking based on the recipient's interests, says "Jakesmomtoo." Her son is a budding outdoorsman, "so last year I filled his stocking with supplies for his outdoor pack." This was actually pretty simple: travel-size items like hand sanitizer and toilet paper plus some energy bars.
And for grownups, there's always the scratch-off lottery ticket. But admit it: Wouldn't you be really irritated if the ticket turned out to be a $10,000 winner?
