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Christmas is creeping up on us and if you are anything like myself then you will have already got the major items on your Christmas shopping list crossed off. Yet, it is the Christmas stocking gifts that I always have a last minute panic about!
Stockings are a tradition I love as it gives you the opportunity to get something a little unusual or sentimental without spending a lot. These small gifts often turn out to be the ones that instantly plaster a smile on everyone’s face to kick start the day of festive fun. So, this year to make Embracing the Wonderful Disorder of the Festive Season a little easier, I have been planning my thoughts a little better for these.
For Him:
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Ah yes, him. The husband, boyfriend or brother….they are all the same when it comes to getting a Christmas gift for, difficult. As I mentioned before they often want James Bond-esque accessories or the latest computer console, so finding budget friendly items to make them smile can be very tricky.
Last year, I managed to stumble upon some whiskey flavour chocolates, which resulted in a boozy start to Christmas day. But this year I am going to try to get the perfect gift that will be both fun and sentimental. With the latest Star Wars film due for release soon, there is sure to be a him or fan in the family that would enjoy a mini Chewbacca to provide that perfect playful/sentiment balance without having to break the bank.
For Her:
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Trying to limit myself to just one or two stocking fillers for the ladies in my life is more of an issue than knowing what to get them. There are so many great options, such as the traditional smellies or special bath products. I am also a fan of putting a book in a stocking, as it is a present that is normally enjoyed for a little while after Christmas day.
However, this year, I am staying on a slight sentimental but fun theme and going to be getting some Prosecco flavoured bon bons. They are a throwback to the days of visiting the local sweet shop, but with a delightful adult slant with the lovely taste of Prosecco.
For Parents:
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Parents, while pretending they never want to receive anything, tend to be very happy with any effort made. You can go the funny route, by getting some comedic rubber ducks to get some early Christmas day laughs or maybe going with the practical gift of replacing their sock supply.
Or you could flip the whole stocking concept on its head this year and repay your parents for your first stocking with personalised hessian Christmas sacks. These sacks seem to be everywhere this Christmas, which is not unsurprising as they are a lovely way of stockpiling all their presents.
For Kids:
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Each year getting presents for kids is surprisingly more difficult for than you bargain for. Usually it is difficult to gauge which presents would be age appropriate for the little ones in your life. The fall-back has always been to get a chocolate selection box or some form of sweets, they’re going to be eating sugar by the spade from Christmas morning onward so why not get on board now.
In addition to sweets, keep it fun and to guarantee that there will be some form of white Christmas this year, consider gifting fake snow. I love that the kids will have to use their practical skills to mix the ingredients to make their own snow before they have fun throwing it at sleeping relatives.
Top Tip – Tiger is the place to go for quirky stocking fillers at low prices!
For Four Legged Friends:
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Last but not least is the extended members of the family that we have, pets. These little critters bring so much joy to our lives throughout the year that it is only right that we reward them with their own little stocking at Christmas.
It is hard to go wrong with either treats or toys for any pet, but my personal suggestion for a gift this year would be to combine the two. Something like a slow feeding treat toy is sure to keep their tail wagging long after Christmas is over.
