Stocking Stuffers That Will Steal the Show

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erinjames

Story by Erin Boyle

Published on Nov 28, 2012 in Shop

Erin Boyle is a blogger and writer based in Brooklyn, New York. She shares a tiny apartment with her husband and an antique bottle collection, and she writes about all of those things on her blog, Reading My Tea Leaves.

According to my exceedingly un-scientific calculations, there are two camps when it comes to stockings: those who open their stockings first thing in the morning and then dive into the rest of their gifts, and those who save the best for last. Regardless of your particular habit, here’s a little roundup of stocking-sized gifts to consider for your nearest and dearest.

[UNDER $10. Clockwise from top left: Jotter Pocket Notebook by Wit and Whistle; Golden Ombre Twig Pencil by Ink Kit; Reusable Organic Tea Bags by Natural Linens; I Love My Family Sticker by Beau Champing; Bamboo Charcoal Soap Samples by Morning Calm; Wooden Needle Case by The Small Object.]

[UNDER $25. Clockwise from top left: Striped Feather Carved Stamp by extase; Pink Himalayan Bath Salts by Herbivore Botanicals; Mini Arrow Embroidery Kit in Turquoise by Miniature Rhino; Tiny Tin Collection from Every Eskimo; Leather Keychain by gildem; Set of Four Navy "Etoile" Coasters by Knife in the Water; Travel Tissue Cozy in Camel by Handmaiden BC; Nature Bookmark Set by Miles of Light; Flat Pack iPhone Stand by Tokyo Craft Studios.]

In my ideal stocking, there’d be a mixture of gifts that are useful and gifts that are totally luxurious. Key chains, coasters, and card cases would be welcomed as useful loot, while miniature vases, wooden games, and vintage harmonicas would be adored for their pure enjoyment value. Other stuffers, like a new pair of cozy mittens or a jar of bath salts, would happily cover both bases.

 [UNDER $50. Clockwise from top left: Leather Pencil Case by Present and Correct; Magic Pen Cube Magnetic Pen Holder by Less & More; Tea Light Holder by Tokyo Craft Studios; Stacrobots by Board Games; Miniature Hand-Blown Glass Bottle by Kiva Ford; Leather Wallet in Natural by Ada Blackjack.]

[Clockwise from top left: Antique Opera Glasses from Bird in Hand VTG; Personalized Luggage Tag Set by HarLex; Barn Owl Medal by Handy Maiden; Mittens by Sarah McNeil; Vintage Hohner Harmonica from NachoKitty; Amethyst Crystal With Air Plant Garden by Earth Sea Warrior; Vintage Magnifying Glass Charm from True Vintage Charms.]

My favorite kinds of stocking stuffers tend to be sweet and simple, but I’m warming to the idea of slipping something extra-special in among the chocolates and honey sticks. A tiny pair of antique opera glasses or a pair of custom leather luggage tags are special enough to wrap up and put under the tree, but small enough to tuck into a stocking. A foil-wrapped chocolate Santa will disappear almost immediately, but a vintage harmonica will stick around forever.

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