Low Cost Stocking Stuffers

Whether you are forced to frugal means by the economy or if you simply want to conserve the amount of money you spend, you could probably use some help in finding low cost stocking stuffers for the people in your life.  Most people are not expecting an expensive or large present stuffed in the stocking or at a work related gift exchange, so you have the ability to be a bit creative for those people and spend less than $5 on each stocking stuffer you choose to give.  There are many different people with different tastes, so be sure you know as much about the person and their personality when you are shopping for low cost stocking stuffers.  Here are some ideas that might be of use while you are looking for economical holiday gifts.

Work

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people in their work lives.  Many employers throw holiday parties or at least have some sort of gift exchange program.  Finding things that will be appreciated and used by your co-workers can be a daunting task.  However, if you look for things that can apply and fit the personality of the recipient, you will have a great deal of success.  Try something like a coffee cup with a message that fits the person.  If they already have such a cup or mug, you can buy an electric coffee warmer for them to use to keep the coffee in their mug warm.  Decorations for their cubicle could be given as a gift.  Things like calendars, picture frames, tiny basketball hoops, or a whiteboard for messages can be a great idea.  You could also give those famous ‘stress relief’ items, like squeeze balls or magnets could be another possibility.  You should be able to find all of these items for under $5 if you take the time to do a bit of research before going out to make your purchases.

Kiddos

Candy is always a great stocking stuffer for kids.  Make sure you know if the child you are gifting has any food allergies or if their parents have certain restrictions before choosing these low cost and highly appreciated options for the kiddos.  Other options for kids will depend upon their age.  You could gift rubber bracelets, play make-up (or the real deal if age appropriate), slinky type toys, collectible figures, actions heroes, and other similar items can be a great buy as well.

Stay at Home Moms (Dads)

Every stay-at-home parent loves to get things that will either help them out during their normal day or that will help them unwind a bit when the day’s work is done (or at least during a pause in the madness).  For these people, think about what their day is like and buy appropriately.  It could be nothing more than a gourmet single-serve cookie or coffee that can help relieve some of the stress and give them a moment’s respite.  If she is a green-thumb, you might consider giving seeds, peat pots, and other low cost garden related gifts.  You could give them something with which to treat themselves.  Dry soup mixes are easy and thoughtful.    Bath salts, body wash, lotion and bubble bath are always options as well.

The Foodie in your Life

Foodies are a new demographic in the past decade or so, these people have discerning tastes and enjoy the process of cooking and eating well.  While you cannot really afford to buy them caviar as a stocking stuffer, you might be able to give them something equally valuable but at a much lower cost.  Candies, chocolates, nuts, mixes, and the like are great treats for the foodie in your life.  A great low cost idea would be to contact family and friends of the foodie, get family and favorite recipes from them, and then compile them all into a customized recipe book.  You could also go to the local bookstore and see what kinds of cookbooks you can find on the used or clearance shelf.

Bookworms

If you buy it, chances are they will love it.  While you are at the bookstore looking for that low cost cookbook for your foodie, keep an eye peeled for low cost older books.  When it doubt, go with the classics.  You might be surprised to find works by Twain, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, and other famous authors at very low prices.  If you cannot find these, then look for anything you think they might like. 

The Sportsman

The hunter or angler in your life will appreciate almost anything you buy them that will help them pursue their hobby.  A simple reel of fishing line or a duck or buck call are inexpensive, but will be appreciated and used.  Little things they might not think of can be a great thing as well.  Small fold up ‘emergency’ blankets or rain ponchos are a great idea.

Whatever you decide, you can find items for almost anyone in or around the $5 range.  This type of economical stocking stuffing is something that will make both you and the gift recipients happy.

Tagged as: christmas, dads, gifts, kids, moms, stocking stuffers