What's that for a Christmas stocking? Old or young, waking up Christmas morning a stocking with few surprises has its own special joy. These healthy stocking stuffer ideas have the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
It's always fun to pull out the hidden items to discover the little gifts inside. Even if it's something as small as a pack of gum or as practical as a new pair of fuzzy socks! Having all these ideas in one big list makes shopping for the holiday season even easier (even if you missed it Black Friday Deals).
The tradition of Christmas stockings
Thanks to the famous poem “The Night Before Christmas” we know that Christmas stockings have been “hung on the chimney with care” for more than 200 years. But exactly how long ago the tradition began and why it became so popular is unknown.
Most agree that the Christmas stocking tradition pays off tribute to Saint Nicholas. He is the Christian saint of ancient times known for his generosity and giving gifts to those in need. He is the real man behind today's Santa traditions.
Legend has it that Saint Nicholas heard of a widower who could not pay a dowry for his three daughters. This was a desperate situation in those days. Saint Nicholas dropped gold coins into the widow's chimney at night. One of the coins fell into one of the socks hanging by the fire to dry. The widower and his daughters were overjoyed to find the coins the next morning, much to their dismay.
The example of Saint Nicholas continues to shape our idea of the true spirit of Christmas today! My children also attend Saint Nicholas Day the tradition of leaving a boot outside for “St. Nick” to be filled with treats every December 6th.
The best stocking stuffer ideas for the whole family
Here are some stocking ideas on the healthier side. I've come up with these over the years or heard others recommend them. And don't forget to check out mine The ultimate holiday gift guide 2024. There are tons of last minute ideas for your entire Christmas list!
I have several individual gift guides, one for the childrenA for himand another gift guide for men. They include some great stocking stuffer ideas broken down by gender and age. The lists below are divided by category and include perfect stocking stuffer ideas for different ages and people. Many of these also make good baby socks.
You can get some of these gifts on Amazon, and I've included many other high-quality brands that I love. The best gifts are not always the trendy ones, but the heartfelt ones.
In the list…
Food Socks Gift Ideas
Something about the food on your list.
DIY Christmas gift ideas and beauty
DIY skincare makes great gifts for anyone who loves a little self-care. Or if DIY isn't your thing, there are plenty of natural versions to get your loved ones. Many of the skincare gift sets at stores like Walmart or Target have ingredients that I'm not a fan of. You can easily create your own healthy beauty socks with the following ideas!
Socks with health nuts
These health supplements and products are great for the health nut on your list. From boosting immunity to supporting the brain, there are many options. I've even included kid-friendly ones.
Experience / Sentimental
Give your loved one the precious gift of your time and attention. These are great to give to kids, spouse or even grandparents.
- Voucher for “date” with mom or dad
- Carousel or game tokens
- Movie night with favorite dessert coupon
- A coupon for staying up an hour late (mom and dad special time!)
- A voucher to choose meals for a day
- Mini photo book with family memories and inspirational quotes
- A bookmark for your reading enthusiast (and a book to go with it!)
- A memory letter or love note
- Movie tickets or gift certificates
- A flip photo book with photos from the year
Perfect practical socks
Who says socks can't make a good Christmas gift? Even if they're not a sock person, here are some fun yet practical gifts they'll love.
Games & Entertainment
I like to give games as gifts in children's stockings. It encourages learning, brain development and creativity, and they have a lot of fun with it. They are also great for family game nights. And fun-loving adults appreciate them too!
Crafty sock ideas
Have a master on your list? Here are some arts and crafts gifts that are perfect for their stocking stuffers. I love sitting at the table and making art with the kids. And it gives them more supplies for our family art sessions.
Fuzzy Socks Theme Ideas
Instead of a bunch of random gifts, you can make a stocking stuffer theme! These are great for both kids and adults.
- Adventure Camping Kit: Compass, Mini Flashlight, Calf, Trail Mix, Binoculars, Fanny Pack – or buy one already made
- Letter writing set: stationery, DISEASES, penaddress book, fun stamps
- Craft kit: thread and crochet hookmini cross stitch set, bUTTONS, DISEASES, ribbon
- Art supplies: watercolor paints, brushes, sticky, sequinssticky, paper punch or stamps
- Bag theme (for mom or older child): menthol, tissue pack, pen, natural hand sanitizer, hand lotion
Only because of Stocking Stuffer Gifts
Here are some more fun ideas that didn't really fit into the categories above.
A fun twist on the stocking stuffer tradition. Instead of giving away everything in one day, put a new gift in the stocking on each of the twelve days of the Christmas season. This traditionally runs from December 25th to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. Your children will love to look forward to a new surprise. And this will help you keep their focus throughout the Christmas season!
What are some of your favorite healthy stocking ideas? Let me know in the comments!
