DIY Stocking Stuffers

No matter what you intend to give, make sure it will fit inside the stocking and be light enough not to pull it from the hook.

Stocking stuffers are traditionally small, fairly inexpensive gifts hidden inside stockings before Christmas. Some families may exchange stocking gifts before Christmas itself. In either case, as an alternative to store-bought gifts, there are plenty of stocking stuffer ideas that anyone can fashion at home in a short amount of time and on a tight budget.

S'mores Kits

Many families will put candy in stockings; a quick way to take that traditional gift to a new level would be to make a s'mores kit. Simply gather a candy bar or two, a few squares of graham cracker, and some marshmallows (a handful the smaller variety may work best) and wrap them in clear or tinted cellophane with a ribbon. Using premium chocolate or handmade marshmallows is an easy way to bring this gift up a notch. This is a great gift if you and your family light a fire in the fireplace on Christmas.

Handmade Jewelry

If you've got any skill with beads, ribbon or sewing, you may wish to fashion handmade jewelry to put into stockings. Craft beads, jewelry-making supplies and jewelry kits are available at hobby and craft retailers nationwide, and may also be found offered by online retailers, sometimes at discounted prices. If fashioning jewelry, remember to size it for the intended recipient, and try to purchase items that wouldn't aggravate any metal allergies.

Homemade Ornaments

Blank ornaments to be decorated can be bought very cheaply at dollar stores or big box retailers; for a cheap, easy homemade gift that keeps the holiday season in mind, try giving an ornament. You can decorate them with glitter, sharpies, or paint -- or, if you desire, you could even make your own! To protect any ornament you give, find a small but sturdy box that will hold it and also fit in the stocking.

Photos

Another easy DIY stocking stuffer is photos. If you have any photos of the intended recipient -- especially of the two of you together, or a picture from a memorable moment -- crop them to fit a small frame and give the framed picture. For an added touch, you may wish to pick up a decorate-your-own frame kit at a local hobby or craft retailer.

References

• Stocking Stuffer A Day: Do It Yourself Stocking Stuffers, Part the First
• Tip Junkie: Christmas Gifts To Make -- Stocking Stuffer Ideas
• Montreal Gazette: DIY Stocking Stuffers