I love filling the xmas stockings for my husband and daughter. I remember some pretty disappointing stockings in my past, so I'm breaking the cycle of bad-stockings and making the ones that I'm responsible for MOST EXCELLENT! I have always loved the idea of a multi-layered, surprising and delightful stocking -- not just one stuffed with nuts and socks and an orange at the toe. I mean, really? An orange? Maybe the pioneers would have thrown a party over an orange, but let's get real here. An orange is just a bummer.
So now I always put a CHOCOLATE ORANGE in the toe as a way of thumbing my nose at the old real oranges (no offense, oranges) that used to make my stocking so disappointingly heavy on xmas morning. Ha! (not very christmas-y, I admit, but what are you gonna' do.)
Along with a chocolate orange I like to add inexpensive but special items like a rolled up pair of pj's, or a beautiful smooth tank (40% off today only!), or perhaps a really cute tee. Next layer perhaps add a piece of jewelry. Note: I always wrap jewelry when I put it in stockings, it makes the process slow down and be even more enjoyable with the unwrapping and anticipation, and jewelry is never disappointing to unwrap.
Next perhaps I'll add a skin care item, or some make-up, for the daughter of course, for the husband maybe a great bottle of xmas beer! That'll add a tantalizing lump in the stocking! Also for him I sometimes add a bottle of great hot sauce since he loves that as much as i love chocolate. I also like to include little gift cards in the stockings, just ten dollar ones for starbucks or the pizza place near Cora's school.
Earbuds are another great item for both of them. And then of course xmas chocolate, hopefully not the generic crap but some good chocolate. When in doubt always round out a stocking with chocolate. Don't mess around with mints or nuts unless they specifically like those items. I can't tell you how sick mint makes me at the holidays, it was the ONLY candy my mother would put in my stocking, year after year. I would get sick on it and still do. :(
I love to add a piece of original artwork to a stocking too! Even just a simple drawing or print you make yourself or perhaps your child makes. A simple family portait is fun, and it doesn't matter how unskilled an artist you are, even painting simple text on a tiny canvas (available in all art stores) will be a treasured keepsake, however clumsily rendered. And such a fun find in a stocking! Or you can make your artwork or photos into special ornaments which you can wrap and add to the stocking.
So have fun topping off your lists and remember we can get it there by christmas! Free shipping and the most ADORABLE free gift wrap! Happy Holidays!!! xxoxo DR
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