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Photo by Addy Mae on Unsplash

The Stockings Were Hung: Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on Your List

December 2023

by morgan williams

Christmas traditions vary widely around the world. In Poland, families set out an extra place setting should someone show up uninvited - a thoughtful nod to hospitality. In Japan, people wait hours in line for Kentucky Fried Chicken - a nod to a wildly successful marketing campaign from the ‘70s. In the United States, well, we love it all. We hang lights, decorate cookies, sing carols, plan decadent dinner spreads, and use the season to bestow generosity on those around us. The timeless tradition of hanging stockings by the mantle and waking to find them filled with trinkets, candies, and toys comes from a folkloric tale rooted in joyful giving, and every year, the custom continues to fill homes with expectation and delight on Christmas morning. Take a look at this list of fun and practical stocking stuffers we’ve curated for you.  

Kids 

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Rainbow Stacker Toy | Bumps N Bundles 

A classic Montessori toy - and it’s aesthetic, too.

Kids personalized sunglasses | Etsy

Personalized sunglasses from Etsy are a must for the little girl in your life. 

Wooden Spinning Tops | Lanz Co Woodworking 

Hardwood, handmade beautiful spinning tops to bring wide-eyed wonder to any kid on your list.  @lanzcowoodworking  

Mochi Squishy Dinosaur Toys | Amazon

Not sure what makes these guys special, but kids love ‘em, and they don’t require batteries.  

Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems | This House of Books 

The perfect addition to your Christmas book bin.  

Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toy | Amazon

We apologize in advance for not being able to get your toddler out of the bath. These cute jellyfish suction toys just took bath time to a new level. 

ARTISTRO Paint Pens for Rock Painting | Amazon

So versatile - we love these for a rainy day craft or a fun outside day at the river.

Nature Bound Magnifier 3-Piece Set for Kids | Cabela’s 

Grab these magnifying glasses to naturally nurture curiosity.   

Glow in the Dark Stars | Amazon

If you have kids who dread bedtime, give them something to look forward to! Now, they can count stars instead of sheep. 

Tweens

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Bluetooth Shower Speaker | Amazon

Great for the shower, but also easy to take to the pool or on a boat in the summer! 

Temporary Tattoo Markers | Amazon

Hours of fun for the artist in your home. 

Kanoodle | Barnes & Noble

Brain teaser puzzle, can be played at home, but also an excellent screen-free alternative for the car. 

Salt Water Sweets | Candy Town

Salt water taffy from Candy Town in a variety of flavors will satisfy their sweet tooth.  

Furry Foot Pal Slipper | The Banyan Tree  

Cozy and adorable, these slippers will surely delight. Your animal options are dog, cat, goat, pig, sloth, & llama.  

Teens

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Poppy & Pout Lip Balm | Frae Every Day Goods

@fraeeverydaygoods  - Luxurious balm moisturizes and revitalizes your lips!  

Cozy Claw Clips | Grown Cozy 

Keep it casual - but chic - with these yarn-covered claw clips.  @growncozy  

RSVP Silicone Straws | Zest 

These reusable straws are appealing and eco-friendly.  

Straw Cover Caps | Amazon

For the Stanley lovers. 

Snowflake Stud Earrings | Fyfe Created

@fyfecreated - Winter is long in Montana. You might as well embrace it with festive earrings. It would be darling peeking out from under a beanie on the slopes. 

Untangle & Glide Comb | Ulta

A comb, but make it pretty. 

The Satin Pillowcase | Scheel’s  

The soft satin fabric helps protect hair so you can wake up frizz-free.  

Enamel Pins | Art's Paper & Paint

An assortment of famous paintings on enamel pins as well as a working color wheel pin for the artists in your life at Art's Paper & Paint. 

AirPod Cleaning Kit | Amazon

Waxy AirPods be gone. This kit will help keep your teen’s most loved tech tools in tip-top shape.  

Dude Wipes for Face & Body | Amazon

Let’s be honest - every teen boy you know could spend more time thinking about personal hygiene. Consider this a gentle nudge in the right direction. 

Glow in the Dark Golf Balls | Amazon

We know your teen doesn’t need any encouragement to stay up later, but the novelty of golfing in the dark can’t be overstated.  

Massage Ice Roller Ball | Amazon

Exactly what every athlete needs to aid recovery.  

SPORTBIT Ball Pump with 5 Needles 

This $14 ball pump is worth every penny. Easy to pack in a gym bag or to the park - guaranteed to keep the game going.  

Adults

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Coffee beans | Big Sky Coffee Roasters 

(@bigskycoffeeroasters) - The beans you need to make quality coffee right at home.  

Crumbl Cookie Cutter | Crumbl

Cuts Crumbl cookies into four even pieces so that you can easily share. 

Award winning BBQ Rubs | Montana Outlaw BBQ

Perfect for the griller in your family. @montanaoutlawbbq    

Energizing Shower Steamer | Rock Creek Soaps

@rockcreeksoaps - Feel fresh and ready to tackle the day ahead when you drop one of these in your morning shower.  

Pickleball Balls | Scheels

Like golf balls - you can never have too many.   

Kernel’s Popcorn Seasonings | Amazon

Elevate your popcorn experience with these seasonings. Pour a Coke, and settle in for movie night at home. 

Swimming Under the Eyes Gel Pads | Ulta

Because this is what I’ve learned about having kids: no sleep, no sleep, no sleep. 

Originally printed in the December 2023 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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