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I became my family’s official Christmas Stocking Stuffer in 1967. My dad had passed away and my biggest fear was that Santa would forget to come for my two little brothers.
I learned sadness may be counterbalanced by the excitement of doing something mystery (and fun) for someone else. The amazed looks on my brothers’ faces convinced me that being the Christmas Stocking Stuffer is the best occupation ever.
Here are a great deal of tips and ideas for those of you who are new to the occupation of Christmas Stocking Stuffer and also for you veterans in need of inspiration.
1) The Right Stocking: Some families already have their stockings and you’ll just have to work with what you got. However, if you’re just starting out or have the chance to start out a new tradition, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a stocking for stuffing:
- Size: I have found that a medium size stocking that’s 20-24 inches from cuff to toe, is the perfective size. Remember- you have to STUFF a stocking and a big one could demolish your Christmas budget.
- Material: Make sure the stocking is well constructed and made of firm fabric. Knit stockings stretch in both directions. Again, think of your finances.
- If your family hangs their stockings, make sure the loop is strong sufficient to hold assorted pounds without breaking.
2) Where to Shop for a Christmas Stocking Stuffer: To save money, shop sale items all year round and use store coupons. Many stores have their own coupons available inside the store or on their websites. Here are 101 plus stuffer ideas proven to fetch smiles on Christmas morning:
- Office Supply Store: memo notebooks, markers, erasers, pencils, note cards, binder clips, paper clips, pens, push pins, rulers, scrap booking supplies, crayons, sticky notes, mini stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener
- Drug Store: candy, nuts, film, single use camera, inexpensive toys, coloring books, cologne, lotion, nail polish, bath beads, toothbrushes, batteries, costume jewelry, chapstick, barrettes, comb, razor, hair brush
- Book Store: books, magazines, bookmarks, book lights, journals, coffee mug, cds, dvds, stuffed animals, puzzles, coffee, tea, gourmet candy
- Hardware Store: hammers, screw drivers, pliers, paint may opener, work gloves, padlock, spare keys, tape measure, flashlight, gadgets, paint brushes, sanding sponges, vegetable and flower seeds
- Craft Store: beads, floss, sewing notions, scissors, paint sets, art paper, stamps, stickers, fabric, buttons, ornaments, drawing pencils, glitter, how-to kits, imagination sewing thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks
- Grocery Store: candy, fruit, cooking gadgets, cookies, little boxes of cereal, little bags of snacks, wine or beer, olive oil, imagination vinegars, snack cakes, pudding, jerky
- Restaurant Supply Store: wooden spoons, candy thermometer, turkey baster, hotpads, tongs, Chinese strainer, bottle pourers, spurtles, spoonulas, garlic press, vegetable peeler
- Auto Supply Store: oil spout, magnetic parts dish, telescoping magnet, air freshener, touch up paint, tire gauge, car wax, car wash, shammy cloth
- Sporting Goods Store: tennis balls, golf balls, tees, wrist bands, bobbers, fishing line, hooks, lead weights, pedometers, compasses, jump ropes, sports nutrition bars, socks
- Craft shows: ornaments, jewelry, stuffed animals and dolls, art, wooden toys, aprons
Other winning ideas: brain teaser puzzles, card games, deck of cards, car games, picture frames, harmonica, initial help kit, emergency blanket, little photo album,
3) To Wrap or Not to Wrap: This is a personal preference. Since I love to wrap presents as much as I love being a Christmas stocking stuffer, it’s a “no brainer.” Each Christmas stocking stuffer becomes a little gift – even if it’s a pack of gum. Also, unwrapping gifts will slow a child down and make the magic of Christmas morning last a little longer.
4) The Art of a Christmas Stocker Stuffer:
- The Foot: Put something round in the toe; an orange, a ball or even a cellophane wrapped popcorn ball. Toss in a heap of nuts that are still in their shells. Add a great deal of wrapped candy.
- The Body: The body of the stocking holds most of the merchandise. Survey your stuffers and choose trinkets and treasures that may be layered. The body of the stocking is perfective for a long Christmas stocking stuffer like a box of dominos, a cribbage board or a rolled up magazine. Don’t forget that even adults like toys. Take your time and be prepared to pack and repack.
- The Eye Catcher: You need to have something actually great UNWRAPPED tucked into the top of the stocking, with regards to 30% visible. This is what the recipient sees while making his or her 15th trip to the bathroom.
5) As Your Family’s Official Christmas Stocking Stuffer Start a Tradition: Our family has put oranges in the toe of a Christmas stocking along with walnuts for at least 50 years. If you give each child a special ornamentation each year, think regarding putting it in the stocking.
Cater to their hobbies. My brothers still get packs of sports card. I have a girl friend whose stocking always includes a ludicrous magic trick from her dad. I recognise a husband who always hides the huge ticket item (diamond earrings, pearl necklace, tennis bracelet) in his wife’s stocking.
6) Who Can Be a Christmas Stocking Stuffer? The successful Christmas Stocking Stuffer is an individual who is: a good listener, observant and thinks love is in the details. He or she is coordinated and may think outside the box.
And don’t forget the three stages of life:
- During stage one – you believe in Santa Claus.
- During stage two – you don’t believe in Santa Claus.
- During state three – you ARE Santa Claus!
ReviewThe bright colors and whimsical postures of Animal House utensils turn any kitchen into a zoo. Kids exceptionally receive pleasure from helping out when they get to use a parakeet garlic press, toucan may opener, or this bright orange vegetable peeler in the shape of a grinning monkey hanging from a branch. Its upraised arms hold the stainless-steel peeling blade, which swivels to adeptly peel curved surfaces, and the textured body forms a non-slip handle. There’s even a potato-eye remover at one end of the blade. Designed by Christopher Raia Studio, the monkey peeler brings a smile for the duration of a harried day and makes a outstanding gift along with other fun utensils from the Animal House menagerie. After use, the six-inch-long peeler slips into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. –Ann Bieri
Animal House Monkey Peeler Pic
Animal House Monkey Peeler Image
Animal House Monkey Peeler Image
Animal House Monkey Peeler Picture
Most helpful client reviews
15 of 15 persons found the following review helpful.
 Please Help
By Owen P. Cramer
I tried to use this product to peel my monkey, but i couldn’t get it to sit still. Do I need to wait until the monkey is sleeping first? Please Help!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.
Best damn peeler on the planet
By P. J. Lewis
Not only is the Orange Monkey Peeler the coolest looking peeler I’ve ever seen, it is likewise the BEST vegetable peeler I have ever used. I cook a LOT, and I have thrown away my other imagination peelers. I purchased one of these for all my friends who cook. It’s a outstanding gift!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Cute and functional
By M. Hammon
The peeler is whimsical yet fuctional. Seems very sturdy and peels like a dream. I’m off to buy more productions from this line – they have a cute veggie brush I want to add to the collection.
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