Thanksgiving’s ended and so has Black Friday, but are you prepared for the new holiday season? It seems that once the previous holidays end, it’s time to be bombarded with endless Christmas carols and peppermint flavored everything. And when Saint Nicholas Day comes rolling around, finding healthy alternatives to the holiday classics is not an easy job. No sir, not at all. This list of stocking stuffers is sure to give you a few ideas and maybe spark new ones.
If you’re curious on how to stuff a stocking, here is a list of key points to remember when filling a stocking:
1) Add novelties such as an action figure or doll.
2) Add the candies
3) Put an orange or pomegranate in the toe of the stocking
4) Hang a candy cane or two over the edge of the stocking.
Here is a brief list that I created of fun things to fill your child’s stockings with.
1) Chapstick
As the temperature drops and the heaters go on, the air tends to dry out, along with our lips. Chapstick makes a great stuffer for everyone because everyone gets chapped lips. To make your own chapstick, follow the instructions here. To purchase chapstick containers, go here.
2) Larabars
Larabars are healthy granola bars that aren’t very expensive and absolutely delicious. They come in all kinds of flavors including Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Blueberry Muffin, Cappuccino, Peanut Butter Cookie, and so many more. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Coconut Chew (as seen in photo above). Here is the official Larabar website.
3) Organic Candy Canes
A healthy alternative to the Christmastime classic is a must. So buying organic candy canes seems to be the only way to go.
4) Fruit
An orange, a pomegranate, an apple or two; you need something to fill the toe of the stocking. All three are great choices for a healthy treat during Christmastime.
5) Mixed Nuts
Shelled mixed nuts can be great fun to crack open and eat together on a chilly, winter morning. Their also delicious and super healthy for you.
6) Popcorn
Homemade popcorn is a fun treat and everyone loves popcorn. All you have to do is oil in a saucepan until it’s the height of a kernel. Throw about 10 kernels into the pan and heat on medium-high heat until they pop, and put the rest of the kernels in. 1/4 cup kernels for 3 servings. 1/2 cup kernels for 6 servings. Divide evenly among Ziploc snack bags and place in stockings.
7) Tea Samplers
Tea samplers are a great way to introduce your child or loved one to different teas. Tea is great for you and you only need to put one of each in each stocking to make someone’s morning special. You can buy some here.
8) Winter Gloves
Great for the winter season. Keep your family warm with some colorful gloves. You could get a great deal by buying them at The Dollar Tree or Dollar General.
9) Lotion
Relief for dry itchy skin. When winter come rolling around, lotion makes a great gift for people who have sensitive skin or dry skin due to the season. This is a great gift (featured above) although it may be a little more expensive than, say, Jergens or Cetaphil at Walmart.
10) Chia Shots
Chia seeds are extremely healthy for you. Chia shots are a great stuffer for adults or teens trying new things.
11) iTunes or Amazon Gift Card
Doesn’t even have to be much. $10 can make a 8 year old very, very happy. You can pick them up at your local Walmart, Bi-Lo, Kroger, K-mart, or any other supermarket in the check-out line (cashier must activate them upon your payment).
12) A new toothbrush
A cool toothbrush might be one of the things in the stocking that your children need. Did you know that you’re suppose to replace your toothbrush every month? Bacteria and germs can build up and after about a month, the bristles cleaning power is weakened by overuse. So a new toothbrush, a cool one at that, can be a great stocking stuffer.
So you see, filling your families stockings with healthy items can be interesting, inexpensive, and fun. I’d sure love to see a even a $10 Amazon Gift Card in my stocking.
Happy Holidays!
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