Stockings? … But, they’re for kids. Right?
Pfft, wrong my friends!
Anyone who is a person can have a stocking.
Actually scratch that, last year my mum got stockings for our pets (and yes, just in case you’re wondering, they were ever so grateful) Rather than split this into ‘Men’ and ‘Women’ or ‘Mum, Dad, Sister, Brother, Friends’ we’re splitting these into categories.
The contenders are: Beauty & Fashion; Books; Confectionary & Food; Cosy; DVDs; Misc.
Now, the point of stockings is that they’re not main presents. They’re additions, little treats. I mean.. ahem.. they’re gifts from Santa, kids!
Beauty and Fashion
I’m not going to lie to any of you, I know very little about these topics. The great thing about stockings is that you don’t need to know anything! Stockings aren’t about what’s the latest trend, so don’t put pressure on yourself. But, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas:
Bath Bombs.
If you’re thinking of getting a lot of bath bombs, that won’t work. (Genuinely, they’re not that cheap) however, one in a stocking isn’t going to hurt much. The idea behind a bath bomb is to relax after a long hard day, or perhaps to incorporate it into an at home pamper weekend. A bath bomb says
“You work hard and you deserve a break every once in a while”
Personally, my favourite place to get bath bombs is Lush. Admittedly, the first time a store came to my hometown all I knew about it was that it was very pink and made me want to sneeze every time I walked past the store. Now, I’ve come to terms with my love for these products.
My absolute favourite would have to be The Comforter. The scent is divine and really helps to destress and unwind.
Body Butter
I always forget about the existence of Body Butter and then I walk past a store or I see it online and I remember how much I like them. They make your skin feel so soft and, depending on the scent, if you put it on right before bed the comforting scent will help you to drift off into a much needed slumber. It’s a great stocking gift idea because it’s something that people either forget about, or it isn’t something they’d buy for themselves. To receive this in a stocking would be a real treat.
Eyeshadow
When I say I shadow I do not mean the latest Too Faced, Naked or Kat Von D palette. I’m talking about just a nice cheap, cheerful , one pot, duo or three tone palette of colours you know they will love and use. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’ll put a smile on someone’s face.
Lip Balm
This sounds strange, I know. You could get a standard Nivea or Hydro Nivea one, that’s fine. You could also get a variety Burts Bees ones, which personally I love.
There’s only one I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, that’s a Vaseline Tinted one. My one was red, which is my favourite colour. However, I found that when I used the product it really dried my lips, cracked them and made them sore. Of course I would use some more, because you use lip balm in those situations. I remember reading that it contained alcohol on the back, I’m not sure if that’s standard however, I’d say be wary. Just because it looks nice doesn’t mean it feels nice.
Lip balm is a great choice for a stocking, especially if you live in the cold weather. In and out from the warmth to the freezing temperatures of the outdoors. Plus lip balm is definitely one of those things where, whenever you want to use it, there’s never any around. So many occasions that’s happened.
Hairspray
Again, for this time of year Hairspray is perfect. Sure we’ve missed all the Christmas parties by the day itself however, chances are you’re still meeting family, going on nights out and, of course, we’ve got the New Years Eve party itself. It’s got an added bonus that it’ll still come in handy afterwards as well, again the current weather conditions don’t allow for stay-perfect hair.
Fashion Books
I don’t know anything about fashion. I am willing to put that out there, my fashion is PJs and casual clothing if I’m forced to leave my house. I have no business getting anyone anything to do with fashion.
The problem is my sister may as well be a fashionista, and expects me to know what she knows when attempting to buy her gifts. The poor girl.
Last year I ended up getting her these books.
Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon
New York: A Guide to the Fashion Cities of the World
Now, I can’t tell you she’s ever actually read them however, I do know she seemed genuinely pleased when she opened them on Christmas Day and they look great as a centrepiece on her shelf. Who knows maybe this year I’ll get her the Paris one, or is that overkill?
Books
I love books. I have a YouTube channel dedicated to books. There is a page on my blog dedicated to book reviews and I can tell you 100% that will expand over the coming year.
Here are a selection of books that I read this year and absolutely adored. I’ve tried to put something in for every genre so there’s something for everyone.
The Book Thief – Book Review
“HERE’S A SMALL FACT
YOU ARE GOING TO DIE1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.
Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION
THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH”
“‘Are you happy in your life?’
Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious.
Before he awakes to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits.
Before the man he’s never met smirks down and says ‘Welcome back’
In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not like he one he knows.
His wife is not his wife. Hi son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor.
Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? The answer lies in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything Jason could’ve imagined”
“How much is your life worth?
In the territory of Ixia the government maintains control through the Code of Behaviour, forbidding the practice of magic, but danger lurks in mysterious places…
Imprisoned for murder Yelena Zaltana’s punishment is death, until she is reprieved – for a price.
As the Commander of Ixia’s food taster she will risk assassination from poison daily, a position she would be a fool to refuse… In a world where magic equals death and freedom is for the lucky few, survival is all Yelena has and the battle for her life has just begun.”
The Music Shop – Book Review
“1988. Frank owns a music shop. It is jam-packed with records of every speed, size and genre. Classical, jazz, punk – as long as it’s vinyl he sells it. Day after day Frank finds his customers the music they need.
Then into his life walks Ilse Brauchmann.
Ilse asks Frank to teach her about music. His instinct is to turn and run. And yet he is drawn to this strangely still, mysterious woman with her pea-green coat and her eyes as black as vinyl. But Ilse is not what she seems. And Frank has old wounds that threaten to re-open and a past he will never leave behind …”
One of Us is Lying – Book Review
“Five students go to detention. Only four leave alive.
Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly broken a rule.
Sports star Cooper only knows what he’s doing in the baseball diamond.
Bad body Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime.
Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life.
And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High, won’t ever talk about any of them again.
He dies 24 hours before he could post their deepest secrets online. Investigators conclude it’s no accident. All of them are suspects.
Everyone has secrets, right?
What really matters is how far you’ll go to protect them.”
American Gods – Book Review
“Days before his release from prison, Shadow’s wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refugee from a distant war, a former god and king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break.
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling AMERICAN GODS takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You’ll be surprised by what – and who – it finds there…”
Confectionary
Who doesn’t love some sweets and chocolate?
Actually probably a lot of people, but this is for those who do!
I’m just going to list a few ideas here:
Selection Box
Selection boxes are a classic Christmas gift. I remember my Grandma and Grandad would get me and my sister one every year, or if they didn’t we’d get one from our parents. Christmas is a day you can’t be judged for the amount of chocolate you eat and these just sprinkle that extra bit of joy, no matter your age.
Chocolate Coins
So, these are mainly things me and my sister had in one of our advent calendars on the lead up to Christmas however, I see no reason not to include them in a stocking. They’re cute, simple and festive to the season. What’s not to love?
Lindor
Some might think this is more on the expensive side however, I’m talking about one of those miniature treat boxes and adds a touch of elegance to the stocking.
Ferrero Roche
I love Ferrero Roche however, I would never expect to find a box in my stocking. However, if you have the budget and you’re buying for a partner, mother, father, Grandparents (not necessarily in a stocking) then why not? Everyone appreciates a little something sweet.
Speaking of sweet..
Sweets
If the person you’re buying for doesn’t like chocolate (I’m sorry, I can’t relate) get them some sweets. You can get a bumper pack and one of those classic paper sweet bags and put a few in there. I’m sure they’ll appreciate their own sweet treat while the rest of the family are having their After Eights after dinner.
Cozy
Perhaps you want to do a themed stocking this year? I personally haven’t however, the idea sounds pretty good to be honest! One theme that would be great for this time of year is a Cozy themed stocking. So everything they need to cozy up throughout the winter months.
Socks
Specifically, warm fuzzy socks.
Is there anything better around this time of year? Your feet are more likely to get cold and we all know that the washing machine eats all our socks throughout the year, so by the time winter comes along there’s none to be seen!
.. Oh, it’s just my sister who nicks them from me? … Awkward.
Either way, they’re gone!
Plus I love a warm fuzzy sock (preferably two, I can already feel the cramp trying to get both into one).
A festive mug, some hot chocolate, marshmallows and maybe a candy cane…
OK that’s a pretty long title, I got carried away.
Sadly I’m not sure whipped cream would make it through the night, that would really give the perfect finish to that creation. Hot Chocolate is standard for this time of year. You can put gingerbread syrup in there to make it that extra special!
Book
I’ve listed a lot of books already but perhaps an edition of ones they loved growing up, such as Harry Potter or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (both perfect for this time of year). Get them a book that will really warm their heart, or just something you know they’ll really enjoy on a night in.
Candle / Fairy Lights
What’s more cozy than a scented candle or dim lighting to really set the mood. Candles are probably my favourite however, I’ve got fairy lights up at the moment for Christmas and I can honestly say I’m warming to them. Let’s face it, fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas anymore.
Chocolate
This is where Lindor could really work in a stocking. To set someone up for a really relaxing evening, perhaps get them a small treat box or one of those small treat bars. It isn’t over-indulgent but just adds a nice touch. The smoothness of the chocolate will really go down well if they decide to wait for that evening as well.
DVD
Some people don’t like to read, and that’s fine. Perhaps you want to get them a DVD or BluRay instead. Ideas include:
The Avengers
Mamma Mia
The Martian (FYI the book is fantastic however, I read it last year so couldn’t include it in my list)
The Hangover
Alice in Wonderland
Bride Wars
These are all old movies however, I haven’t seen many new ones this year. Perhaps that’s something I’ll work on for next year, get back into seeing movies. However, hopefully it provides you with some inspiration.
Further Thoughts
I had an entire list dedicated to YouTubers however, it got slightly exhaustive. Tomorrow I’m thinking I might upload a YouTube Gift Guide. It sounds fun and honestly there’s a lot!
I hope you enjoyed this list and it gave you some inspiration! Treating your loved ones is always a good thing.
What kinds of things would you like to see in your stocking this year?
I totally agree – stockings are for adults too! When I was a child, we always had chocolate coins in ours. My boyfriend brought me some home the other day and that definitely made me happy! You’ve got a good selection there and plenty of things to make people smile, whatever their taste. Burt’s Bees lip balms are great – my favourite is the mango one!
Ooh I haven’t tried the Mango one yet, sounds good!
Ahh, nice boyfriend! Chocolate coins are essential!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it ☺️