Save Our Stockings
IT can be easy to spend too much money on tat when looking for stocking fillers, so try to knock up a rough shopping list before you start your shopping.
The magical joy of opening a stocking on Christmas morning is as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids, and even teenagers might crack a smile if the stocking stuffers are just right.
HERE’S THE INSPIRATION YOU NEED TO MAKE CHRISTMAS MAGICAL…
SANTA DOESN’T HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE
The magic of Christmas isn’t about the amount of money spent; it’s about the time spent with your loved ones and thoughts that go into a gift. Charity shops are full of cute knick-knacks, and something as simple as a framed photograph of a shared memory can make a huge impact. You also can’t go wrong with wrapping up some home-made cookies or brownies. Yum.
SANTA CAN BE SURPRISINGLY PRACTICAL
There’s something about a gift being “from Santa” that makes even the most everyday items seem exciting. A new toothbrush? It has to be used right away! A fluffy hot water bottle (right)? Let’s fill it up immediately! Even a simple mug will make the day feel extra-special as your loved one sips their Christmas tea in their new gift from St Nick.
SANTA CAN GO A BIT OTT SOMETIMES
Christmas is about the magic and also a sense of the ridiculous – and there are few things that look more ridiculous than a giant gift sticking out of a reasonable-sized stocking.
Giant doesn’t have to mean spenny, though – think books, selection boxes, giant chocolate bars and calendars. The sillier the size, the more fun on Christmas morning.
SANTA LOVES YOUR PETS
It’s not just the humans who get special treats at Christmas. Santa never forgets a loved family pet, and they can even receive their own special Christmas stockings. If you have children, this is another opportunity for some more magic as the child can “help” open the stocking for the pet, and experience the golden feeling of gift giving for themselves.
SANTA IS ALL ABOUT VARIETY
For a full Christmas experience, think about a 360 approach: give someone something to wear (a hat, scarf, gloves, socks or pyjamas), something to eat or drink, something to read or play with, and something to experience (a film, fragrance, music, photo album). A stocking stuffed with sensory overload!