Quick Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Everyone on your List

The holiday gift giving season is upon us once again. It’s hard to believe that nearly an entire year has passed since we gathered with our family and friends to raise our glasses, share wonderful meals, indulge in our favorite cookies and pies, huddle around toasty fireplaces, sing our favorite seasonal music, and of course, exchange gifts!

Many of us begin the season with the earnest intention of getting all our shopping done early. While it’s easy to get the big ticket items for our closest friends and family members, there’s always the issue of coworkers, acquaintances, school mates and the like. In theory, they should be relatively quick and simple to take care of with a small token of holiday cheer. But even those who are on the very top of their gift giving game inevitably end up scrambling to find last minute stocking stuffers for those potential recipients who may have slipped their minds. If the organized among us are subject to this last minute whirlwind, shudder to think what the rest of us are in for! But never fear, there are a variety of fun, unique and affordable stocking stuffers that are ideal for last minute gift giving. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Thoughtful Ways to Give Cash

One of the most simple and convenient gifts of all time is cold, hard cash. But we can all agree that it leaves a little something to be desired when it comes to thoughtfulness, personalization and creativity. Luckily, there are a few ways to give cash that aren’t entirely devoid of personality. Consider, for example, a money maze puzzle bank. Rather than taking the bills right from a card or envelope and stuffing it in their wallet, your recipient will have to do a little logical problem solving first. You can also fit sports or concert tickets in the inner compartment. This can be great fun for your entire family.

Or consider money soap, a somewhat snarky gift for the practical jokesters on your gift list. The recipient will have to use up all the soap before reaping his or her reward of a $5, $10, $20 or even $50 bill!

For another creative way to give money, have a look at the clever cash shirt. Nearly everyone receives at least one shirt that they wouldn’t dream of wearing in public for the holidays. But you can be confident that this shirt will be put to good use right away. Just insert six bills of any amount into the preformed shirt mold. It’s quick and simple to assemble and it’s sure to bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

Creative Gifts

Most stocking stuffers are often cheap or generic. These expected trinkets end up at the bottom of our closets, or collecting dust on a shelf. For a fun stocking stuffing twist, take a look at the write on mug. This all in one kit includes two ceramic mugs and six markers that dry quickly for a permanent finish. Your recipient can commemorate the special holiday season, or personalize the mugs however he or she sees fit. This is an ideal option for anyone with an artistic flair. It’s a fun, affordable and unique stocking stuffer that’s sure to please.

If those whose stockings you seek to stuff have a great sense of humor, why not choose a throw pillow with a funny phrase? This is a great way to show your friends and family that you completely get their unique personalities. For the footwear fashionista in your life, pick up an adorable pillow that reads, “Forget the candy . . . give me shoes.” And the animal lover on your gift list will love the “No outfit is complete without cat hair” pillow, which features a darling snoozing kitten sprawled over a shirt. These pillows don’t skimp on sentiment, making them ideal stocking stuffers.

As you can see, last minute stocking stuffers don’t have to lack personality or creativity. Look for unique stocking stuffers just like this, and you’ll be kicking back, sipping eggnog, savoring delicious cookies and listening to your favorite seasonal tunes while the rest of the last minute holiday shoppers are fighting for parking spaces and waiting in endless long lines at the local mall.