A Brief History:
The legends of St. Nicholas are varied but one tells us how the Christmas stocking came to be. The story tells that there was a poor man with three daughters with no dowry which meant they were not likely to marry.
One night after the three daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. St. Nicholas knew the despair of the father and stopped by the man’s house after the family had gone to bed. He saw the daughter’s stockings hanging by the fireplace and was inspired to place three small bags of gold in each one. When the daughters awoke, they found enough gold in their stockings for them to get married.
This began the tradition of the Christmas stocking which started in Europe with children using everyday socks. Eventually, stockings were made just for this purpose. Today Christmas stockings can be found in many different styles and colors and are made from a variety of fabrics. Designs range from plain to opulent with prices varying from one to hundreds of dollars. They are stuffed with small treats and gifts of all kinds and have brought pure delight to generations of children all over the world.
Where to find stocking stuffers
Local retailers: flower shops, boutiques, specialty stores, grocery stores, jewelry stores, bakeries and hardware stores
Natural Product Retailers: Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Trader Joe’s
Drug Stores: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
Warehouse Clubs: Costco, Sam’s, BJ’s
Super Stores: Target, Walmart, Meijer, Sears
Electronics Stores: Best Buy, Fry’s
Other Great Sources: Museum gift shops, hospital gift shops, outlet stores, bath and body shops, craft and art fairs, holiday bazaars and online specialty retailers.
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Female
Organic treats
Nail Polish
Lotion
Natural cleaners
Mini picture frame
Personalized ornament
Nail file
Face wash
Fashionable readers
Household tools
barrette/hair pins/ponytail holder
Shower/night cap
Designer product samples
Natural/organic household products
Bath products
Scented candle
Paper soap/leaves
Hand cream
Chap stick
Natural toothpaste
Cool note pad and pen
Annual ornament
Movie pass
$5-$10 gift certificate
Hat/Scarf
Socks
Good chocolate
Spices
Calendar
1 year magazine subscription
CDs
DVDs
Cooking tools
Shampoo/conditioner
Favorite candies
Mini book
Book marker
A heartfelt note
Wine opener/bottle stopper
Family/friend/pet framed photo
A memory book or CD
Jewelry
Fruit/nuts
Change purse/key chain/wristlet
Coffee/tea
On the go mug
Smartphone accessories
Fancy tissue
Cosmetic mirror
Umbrella
Small collectibles
Sunglasses
Male
Organic treats
Shaving products
Face cleanser/balm
Chap stick
Fashionable readers
Sunglasses/repair kit
Brush
Comb
Nail clipper/file
Socks
CDs
DVDs
Books
Men’s magazine subscription
Personalized ornament
$5-$10 gift certificate
Small tools
A memory book or CD
Jewelry
Cap/scarf/gloves
Spices
Wine opener/bottle stopper
Cookbook
Umbrella
Grilling tools
Framed photo of family,pet, friends
Designer soap
Fruit/nuts
Coffee/tea
On the go mug
Designer briefs
Smartphone accessories
Money clip
A heartfelt note
A good ink pen
Key chain
Sport Watch
Tees
Nail clippers/file
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_stocking
