How to Fill a Stocking for a Woman Who Likes to Cook

Each year, I fill a stocking for the ladies in my family … my mother, sister, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. And actually, these gifts are my favorites to put together. I love to fill a stocking or Chinese take-out box (in the dollar section at Target) or some other neat little piece of packaging with nifty gadgets!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. First check out your local dollar store. In the south, there’s a Dollar General located on every corner. You can always find little treasures in these places, and I’ve noticed that some of the decorative items are very similar to pricey little gift shops right down the road. You might find some silicone holiday-themed spatulas, a cute set of Christmas tree salt and pepper shakers, or little shot-glass measuring cup for the stocking.
2. While you’re in the local large discount store shopping for other things, run through the kitchen department. Wal-Mart carries some old-fashioned kitchen tools & gadgets like nesting biscuit cutters. K-Mart features Martha Stewart’s kitchen line; look for silicone mats and oven mitts while you’re there. Target has great plain white bar towels and rags.
3. Make a special trip to home specialty store like Bed, Bath, & Beyond and browse the aisles for small inexpensive items. Palm Peelers & Palm Scrubbers, little tools that fit in the palm of your hand, make neat gifts. Be sure to check out the displays around the cash registers for other ideas.
4. Pick up scented anti-bacterial hand soap from Bath & Body Works. Nothing works better to disguise onion-scented hands!
5. Finally, hit the Internet. Check out stocking stuffers at sites like www.containerstore.com and www.surlatable.com for cool finds. Everyone can use a clip that fits on the side of pots to hold spoons or a jar popper to break the seal on jars that are impossible to open.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun and don’t stress over filling a stocking. Look for things that you think are neat, and if you have unfilled space, add candy!