Tips On Becoming A Good Christmas Stocking Stuffer By Melanie Smith At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Way back in 1967, I was officially appointed as the family’s Christmas Stocking Stuffer. Since my dad died, I’ m concerned that Santa would stop visiting my two little brothers.

When my dad passed away, I learned that sorrow can be overcome by doing something secret and exciting for someone else. Whenever, I see the stunned looks on my brothers’ faces, I then concluded that the best job there is, is becoming a Christmas Stocking Stuffer.

Over the years, I have gained a few insights about it and so I am offering little tips and ideas you could use for the job.

1) Finding the Right Stocking: Most families by now have their stockings and you'll just have to do something with what you got. On the other hand, if you're just starting out or have the chance to set up a new custom, here are a small number of things remember when you select a stocking for stuffing:

• The Right Size: I have noticed that a medium size stocking that's 20-24 inches from cuff to toe, is the right size. Bear in mind- you have to fill a stocking and a large one could spoil your Christmas budget.

• The Right Material: It is important to make sure that the stocking is made from the right material and durable. Knit stockings stretch out in both directions. Once again, consider your finances.

• If your family hangs their stockings, make sure the loop is durable enough to hold a large amount of pounds without breaking.

2) Places to shop for items to be stuffed inside the Christmas stocking. Your ultimate goal when shopping for items to be used for the Christmas stocking is to save money, to shop for items on sale, to use store coupons, and to go to thrift stores. Here are a few ideas proven to bring out smiles on a Christmas morning:

• Office Supplies Store: memo pads, pen markers, pencil or ballpen erasers, pencils and ballpens, index cards, paper and binder clips, colored pens, plastic rulers, scrap booking items, crayolas, post-it notes, staplers, pencil sharpeners.

• Drug Store: candies, nuts of all kinds, photo film, disposable camera, inexpensive but nice toys, activity books, a nice scented cologne, a non-greasy lotion, manicure set, liquid bath soap, batteries, costume jewelry, a hypoallergenic cosmetic, hairpins, hair clips, shaving cream, hair brush

• Book Store: inexpensive books, wholesome magazines, bookmarks, book lamps, diaries, coffee mugs, cd case, dvds, small stuffed animals, jigsaw puzzles

• Hardware Store: hammers, a variety of screw drivers, various pliers, spray paint, working gloves, padlocks, key labels, flashlight, construction gadgets, paint brushes, vegetable and flower seeds

• Craft Store: beads of several colors and designs, dental floss, sewing kit, scissors with shapes, watercolor, art papers, ink stamps with nice designs, paper stickers, buttons, decors, charcoal pencils, glitter dusts, how-to kits, golden cross stitch thread, linen cloth.

• Grocery Store: chocolates, fruits of any kind, cooking tools, cookies in boxes or in foil packs, small boxes of cereal, bags of snacks, beer in cans, small bottle of olive oil, vinegars in small bottles, snack cakes in foil packs

• Baking and Cooking Supplies Store: wooden spoons used for baking, oven thermometer, baster, kitchen tongs, strainer, cork openers, spatulas, garlic crusher, vegetable peeler.

• Sporting Goods Store: tennis balls set, golf balls set, wrist bands, baseball caps, baseball bats, jump ropes, sport socks.

3) The Choice whether to Wrap the Gift Items or Not: This is an individual choice. Since I love to wrap up gift items as much as I love being a Christmas stocking stuffer, it's not a difficult option. Every item becomes a little gift - even if it's a single piece of candy. Furthermore, unwrapping gifts will slow a child down making the magic of Christmas morning last a bit longer.

6) Qualifications of a Christmas Stocking Stuffer: The traits that Christmas Stocking Stuffer should possess, is someone who is: a fine listener, watchful and considers love is in the details. He or she is well-prepared and creative.

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