I’m stuck on Stockings this year, because every year, I always forget until the last minute, and I usually go out and purchase the same traditional stocking stuffers that I always get for my kiddos!

Stocking StuffersHere’s a photo from 1987 or 1988 that I found, not too long ago, of my stocking when I was younger!  I vividly remember this Christmas, because it’s the year I got my first REAL bike!  It was a bright red Huffy boy’s bike!  I absolutely LOVED it!

Things haven’t changed much, because I see myself falling into the same trap every year of tons of chocolate, a small toy, and even chap stick!  (Some of that stuff in the picture is even from Avon!  Timeless!)

Here is a list of stocking stuffers you may not have thought about!

Colgate Wisps – These are neat little mini-toothbrushes that are great for Holiday travel, kiddos in school or sports, after lunch at work, and whatever else you can think of!  I received some Colgate Wisps when I attended Brandcation, and Braxton and Hawk thought I’d come home with new toothbrushes, just for them!

Bandages – My kids love bandages of all shapes, sizes, and colors.  We’ve actually done this before either for a birthday or Christmas gift, and it was a hit! Trying finding a package of bandages just for him/her!

Straws – The boys fight over straws in this house.  If one gets a red straw, the other one wanted it.  If Brax gets the last white straw, Hawk goes nuts.  This year, we plan on buying three packages of different straws and put them in their stockings!  If Santa gave them their very own straws, there’s no way they can argue about it, right?  (the bendier, the better!)

Get out of Chores Free Pass – As if Santa isn’t hero enough, just think of how happy your kiddos will be if they get a few get out of chorse free passes in their stockings!

Fruit – In the photo above, the one thing that is missing is fruit!  Mom and dad used to put apples and oranges in our stockings along with the nuts.  Try throwing in some fresh fruit this Christmas, even if your child doesn’t normally eat it!  You might be surprised as their reaction to fruit when they think Santa gave it to them!

Magazine Subscription – A great way to get your child interested in reading is to give them the gift of an age appropriate, educational magazine subscription.  Magazines such as Weekly Reader and Highlights are the perfect stocking stuffers.

Think outside of the box this Christmas, and fill stockings with some unconventional surprises!  Let your creative juices flow and break the monotony of stocking stuffers this year!