The Best Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas

My mother took stocking stuffers to entirely new heights. Although it didn't hurt I was an only child, she frequently reminded me that when she was young, her depression era parents gave her two pieces of fruit in an old sock. So I reaped the benefits of her Spartan Christmas memories with a gargantuan, embroidered stocking stuffed to the gills every 25th of December.

Maybe that was somewhat indulgent, not that I minded as a giddy 8-year-old. But don't ditch the tradition as a whole for some lame excuse of cheapness--opening a stocking of personalized goodies makes beautiful, sepia-colored memories and expresses your thoughtfulness.

Warm fuzzies aside, you still need to save money on the holiday budget, so your creativity needs to come from your brain rather than toy store marketers. Put the following items on the naughty list for stocking stuffers. They either have a huge markup or just add meaningless fluff to occupy space.

• Candy: Kids don't need it. It rots teeth, makes them chubby, and won't they have enough sweets during the holidays without a stocking full of future diabetes?
• Dollar Store Junk: Your children know the difference between Made-in-China plastic toys that bust after a week and the real deal. It may add quite a bit to occupy space, but they won't play with it.
• Socks and Underwear: Gee, thanks Mom. Unless they're funny or colorful, skip the basics. If they are in desperate need, get them before or after Christmas.

Instead of these last-minute busts, starting collecting goodies now for a memorable, personal stocking. If you can camouflage much-needed household items--toiletries, tools, cooking supplies--into gifts, by all means, go for it. The key is to make it seem like a present.

Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Kids:

• Christmas Rubber Duck
• Fun Toothbrush Cover
• Silicone Cupcake Liners--Let the little baker in your family get creative with these ultra fun cupcake liners.
• Gift Certificate for Home Depot Kids Workshop--The best part is these workshops are free! Check the store nearest you for local class times.
• Date with Dad/Mom--Print a restaurant coupon book and include 3 restaurant choices and specific days from which to choose.
• Crayons
• Homemade Bubbles

Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Teens:

• Free Chore Coupons
• Charity Money--Give them a set amount to donate to a charity of their choice.
• Coal--Go for a gag with a hearty lump 'o coal in the stocking. Include a naughty list for added drama.
• Miniature Bath Products--Stock up when they're on sale at dollar stores, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and grocery stores. Wrap several in cellophane with a bow to make it look like a gift bag.
• Colorful Band-Aids--Get fun shaped and themed Band-Aids for your teen. No, they aren't too old for them.
• Phone Cover--Keep her cell phone protected with a trendy phone cover.
• Novelty Pens--It's fun to write with a unique, funky pen. Kids will also keep up with them better.
• Personalized Stationary
• Magnetic Fridge Frames

Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Men:

• CFC Light Bulbs--He might not want to make the switch to fluorescent lighting, but let him try it out with a couple of bulbs. Buy two or three different kinds to test them out.
• Stress Reliever Ball--Make your own with these simple instructions.
• Sudoku Puzzle Book
• Golf Balls
• Pocket Knife--The kids have probably lost his favorite one by now. Splurge on a replacement.
• Home Cooked Romantic Dinner--Type a fancy menu on colored cardstock with his favorite meal. Plan a night (without kids) to serve your tastiest fare by candlelight.
• Restaurant.com Gift Certificate--Most offer $25 gift certificates for just $10.

Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Mom:

• Kids Photo Album--Dads, help the kids compile and print a roll of the best pics from 2009. Put them in a small album for mom (she'll appreciate someone else doing that for her once.)
• Cooking Spices--Get several small packets of unique spices to add to the kitchen.
• Sticky Note Pads--The kind that stick on the fridge are the best. Buy the good magnets though; cheaply made ones just slide off the door.
• Coupon Booklet for Chores
• Moisture Socks
• Mini Lotions and Scrubs--She probably won't buy them for herself. Gather several different types and especially look for free gift with purchase offers.
• Paperback Bestseller--Pick up a copy of her favorite author's latest yarn.