What’s in a Christmas stocking? Old or young, wake up at Christmas in the morning, a lumpy bottom with little surprises has its own special joy. These healthy Christmas gift ideas have the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
It’s always fun to pull out the hidden objects to reveal the unique gifts inside. Even if it’s something as small as a pack of gum or as practical as a pair of new fuzzy socks! Having all of these ideas in one big list makes your Christmas shopping even easier (even if you missed the Cyber Monday Deals).
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The tradition of Christmas stockings
Thanks to the famous poem “The Night Before Christmas,” we know that Christmas stockings have been “hanging carefully by the chimney” for over 200 years. But it’s unclear exactly when this tradition began and why it became so popular.
Most agree that the tradition of stocking stuffers pays off homage to Saint Nicholas. He is the Christian saint of ancient times, known for his generosity and gifts to those in need. He is the real man behind today’s Santa traditions.
Legend has it that Saint Nicholas heard of a widower who could not pay the dowry for his three daughters. It was a desperate situation at that time. At night, Saint Nicholas dropped gold coins into the widower’s fireplace. One of the pieces fell into one of the stockings hanging by the fire to dry. The widower and his daughters were delighted to find the coins the next morning, their worries over.
St. Nicholas’ example continues to shape our idea of the true spirit of Christmas today! My children also participate in Saint Nicholas Day tradition of leaving a bunch aside for “St. Nick” to fill with treats every December 6th.
Best Christmas gift ideas for the whole family
Here are some ideas for healthier Christmas gifts. I have suggested them over the years or heard others recommend them. And don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to Christmas Gifts 2023. It has lots of last minute ideas for your entire Christmas list!
I have several individual gift guides, one for the childrenA for herand another gift guide for men. These include some great Christmas gift ideas, separated by gender and age. The lists below are divided by category and include gift ideas perfect for different ages and people.
You can buy some of these gifts on Amazon and I’ve included many other high quality brands that I love. The best gifts are those that come from the heart.
On the list…
Gift Ideas for Edible Stocking Stuffers
Something for the foodie on your list.
Health and beauty Christmas gift ideas
DIY skincare makes great gifts for anyone who loves self-care. Or if DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of natural versions to gift your loved ones. Many skincare gift sets at stores like Walmart contain ingredients that I’m not a fan of. You can easily create your own healthy beauty stocking stuffers with the ideas below!
Experiences / Sentimental
Give your loved ones the precious gift of your time and attention. It’s perfect to give to children, a spouse or even grandparents.
- Coupon for “date” with mom or dad
- Carousel or game tokens
- Cinema evening with favorite dessert coupon
- A coupon for staying up one hour late (special moment for Mom and Dad!)
- A coupon to choose meals for a day
- Mini photo book with family memories and inspirational quotes
- A bookmark for your reading enthusiast (and a book to go with !)
- A souvenir letter or a love note
- Movie tickets or gift certificates
- A flip photo book with photos of the year
Perfectly practical Christmas stockings
Who said socks can’t make a good Christmas gift? Even if they’re not a sock fan, here are some fun yet practical gifts they’ll love.
Games and entertainment
I love giving games as gifts in children’s stockings. It encourages learning, brain development and creativity, and they have lots of fun with them. They’re also perfect for family game nights. And fun-loving adults love them too!
Clever Christmas gift ideas
Do you have a craftsman on your list? Here are some arts and crafts gifts that are perfect for their stocking stuffers. I love sitting at the table and making art with the kids. And it gives them more supplies for our family art sessions.
Themed Christmas gift ideas
Instead of a bunch of random gifts, you can create a stocking stuffer theme! These are perfect for kids and adults.
- “Adventure” kit for camping: compass, mini flashlight, beef jerky, trail mix, binoculars, fanny pack – or buy one already made
- Letter Writing Kit: stationery store, stickers, penaddress book, fun stamps
- DIY kit: yarn and hooksmini cross stitch set, buttons, stickers, ribbon
- Art supplies: watercolor paintings, paint brushes, glue, glitterstickers, hole punch or stamps
- Handbag theme (for mom or older child): mints, Kleenex Pack, pens, natural hand sanitizer, hand lotion
Just because Christmas presents
Here are some other fun ideas that don’t really fit into the categories above.
A fun twist on the Christmas gift tradition. Instead of giving everything in one day, slip a new gift into stockings each of the twelve days of the Christmas season. This traditionally takes place from December 25 to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Your kids will love looking forward to a new surprise. And it will help them stay focused throughout the Christmas period!
What are some of your favorite ideas for healthy Christmas gifts? Let me know in the comments!
