22 Themed Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

My alarm was set to 5:30am but I didn’t need it. I lay awake, snug in my covers, eagerly awaiting. Finally, I heard the noise. The door to my bedroom creaked open. There was soft tip-toeing. And then, I felt a heaviness near my feet as it was set on the end of my bed.

As soon as the door latched closed and the footsteps faded away, I quietly pulled the item next to me so I could reach in. My heart thumped as I silently felt around in the dark. I wrapped my small hands around a little cardboard box. I could hear pieces inside as I delicately shook. Definitely a puzzle.

A plastic package that squished. Underwear. At least they were in my room and not under the tree – I could hide them in the morning before my brothers saw.

Small plastic bottles – I knew those were travel soaps and shampoos. Then the box of storybook life savers. Yum! A few things I couldn’t identify in the dark. And finally, the familiar feeling of the orange in the toe.

Satisfied, I gently laid my stocking at the foot of my bed and tucked myself back in. I closed my eyes, lids heavy, and the whole world faded out as sleep finally came.

Perhaps the reason I love stockings so much is because of the memories attached. Stockings were once lovingly filled for me. And now, I find great joy in filling my children’s and husbands stockings each year!

What I quickly learned that I don’t love however is when those fun stocking stuffers clutter up the house after Christmas.

So I came up with the idea of having themed, and mostly frugal, stockings – I’ve used this idea for several years now and my family loves it so much that this year I want to share some themed ideas with you!

Themed Stocking Stuffers That Won’t Clutter Up Your House:

{Bonus Tip: Any of these themed ideas would be great for gift baskets or gift bags as well! You can also probably get several of the items cheaper at your local grocery or dollar store, so definitely shop around!}

For Babies

1) Bedtime. PJ’s, a blanket, a new bedtime story.

2) Teething. Orajel, teething rings, teething books, teething biscuits, and bibs (to catch the drool).

For Toddlers

3) Bath time fun. Both of my girls have received a bath time stocking when they were about three years old. Bubble bath, bath crayons, colored bath fizz, animal-shaped sponges… they were thrilled and wanted to take baths right away!

4) Art project. Coloring books (rolled up), construction paper, glue sticks, scissors, crayons, stickers, and yarn would be fun items to put in an art project themed stocking!

For Kids/Tweens/Teens

5) Spa. My daughter still talks about her spa stocking that she received a couple of years ago! It had an American Girl Spa book (get the updated version here), pretty nail polish, scented lotion, an eye mask, bubble bath, and a little bit of fancy chocolate.

6) Sewing. My pre-teen also really loved her sewing stocking! It was filled with pretty thread and fabric, ribbon, elastic, embellishments, and cute buttons that she could use to be really creative.

7) Baking. Cupcake holders, sprinkles, food coloring, an oven mitt or pretty apron, a few cookie cutters, a can of icing, and a box of cake or sugar cookie mix would be well received by anyone who loves to bake!

8) Drawing. A small sketch pad, graphite pencils, an eraser, and a drawing book would make great stocking stuffers for the child who loves to draw.

9) Painting. Paints, paintbrushes, nice paper, and a painting smock would be fun for the kid who loves to paint!

10) Sports. For the sports lover, fill a stocking with things like a ball pump, Gatorade or a water bottle, and sports gear such as sport socks, shin guards, or a baseball.

For Men

11) Chef. If you’re filling a stocking for a man who likes to cook, then encourage his inner culinary creativity by filling his stocking with various meat rubs, BBQ sauces, grill tongs, silicone oven mitts, and his favorite soda to drink while he’s cooking!

12) Romance. Consider filling your husband’s stocking with romantic items. Something new to wear, a coupon book, some fancy chocolate or sparkling cider… you get the idea. Think of things he’d like that you don’t always purchase.

13) Game Day. Fill a stocking with his favorite snack and drink, napkins in his favorite team colors, and socks or a drink cozy with his favorite team’s logo.

14) Hunting. Hand warmers, toe warmers, wool socks, snacks (beef jerky and trail mix), Scent Away detergent, a Scent Away shower kit, and a hunting knife would make excellent stocking stuffers for the hunter.

For Any Age/Gender

15) Nature theme. If you have a science lover in your house, consider a stocking stuffer that has a little magnifying glass, nature book (I LOVE this one for kids), field journal, pencil, and trail mix or fun water bottle.

16) Organic sweets. I told my family that if they want to fill my stocking with all-natural sweets this year, I’ll be very happy! A jar of Justin’s hazelnut spread, a bag of lollipops, some Izze soda, and a few organic peanut butter cups would be amazing!

17) Fun food. Other than just organic sweets, food themed stockings are especially fun for the person who has food sensitivities or allergies!  Consider themes like Dairy-Free, peanut free, gluten-free, chocolate (YUM!), or a cookie theme. Think of snacks you don’t usually buy or make for the recipient to make this feel fun and really special!

18) Bookworm. Have a bookworm? Buy a headlamp – these are AWESOME for nighttime reading – plus a book or two, a fun snack (like gummy worms!) for the bookworm to eat while reading, a bookmark, and a gift card so the recipient can also choose their own new book.

19) Writing. A few friends have given me writing-themed gifts. I LOVED them! The packages had things like pretty notebooks, fun post-it notes, memo pads, beautiful stationary, pretty pens, hot chocolate mix, and nice mugs (for sipping hot cocoa while writing!).

20) Winter. Fill a stocking with gloves, a hat, a scarf, new socks, hot chocolate mix, a travel mug (I love this one!), and chap stick.

21) Movie. DVD, popcorn, soda, and a box of candy would be a fun present for the movie lover!

22) Exercise. If you’re filling a stocking for someone who loves to exercise, you could fill their stocking with things like workout socks, a nice water bottle, power bars, and a workout shirt.

{Image credit Mister GC / FreeDigitalPhotos.net}

I hope this list helps get your creative wheels spinning! Just remember to keep the recipient (and your budget) in mind, and that sometimes it really is the thought that counts.

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