Instead of staying in the area for Thanksgiving this year, we decided to brave the traffic, and the incoming snow storm, to visit my husband’s grandpa who lives 3 hours away. I hauled all of the groceries over in our camping cooler and prepared everything on Thanksgiving Day. Since I’ve cooked for Thanksgiving the last few years, my timing for the turkey and all the side dishes was perfect! It was delicious, albeit a bit stressful. I hope I don’t have to cook a huge menu in someone else’s kitchen for a long time…

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can finally concentrate on Christmas! I always tend to pick up little things here and there throughout the year, to reduce the stress of Christmas shopping, with the purchases of the bigger or larger items around Black Friday (online only) and Cyber Monday. Luckily, I’ve been on top of shopping this year and didn’t have to shop during Black Friday or Cyber Monday!

I do have a little bit of shopping left to do though. Specifically, stocking stuffers. Here are some of my ideas so far.

Children - Toddlers and Preschoolers

1. Play-doh - This is a favorite with my daughter, and it especially helps her imagination and hand-eye coordination skills. I pick up the smaller ones from the dollar store or the $1 aisle at Target.

2. Crayola Bath Dropz - This is also a favorite with my daughter! She enjoys choosing 1-2 colors and we figure out what color the drops will blend into before she throws them in the bath.

3. Race cars - These promote motor skills and imaginative play. Not to mention, they can be played with over and over again, even after Christmas is over!

4. Legos - We can never have too many building blocks! This keeps my daughter entertained for a while as she builds and rebuilds!

5. Stickers - Unfortunately, stickers are a one time use item, but the possibilities are endless!

Children - Pre-teen and Teens

1. Legos - Legos are for all ages! My 12 year old probably enjoys legos just as much as my 4.5 year old.

2. Playing cards - We always buy a board game for Christmas for the whole family, but a deck of cards is priceless. A good deck can last you for years and think of all the magic card tricks!

3. A prank gift - One year, we bought him a pair of pink socks and the following year, we bought him some handbands! It’s a fun tradition we have and the gift never goes to waste, since it ends up being gifted to his sister.

4. Art supplies - One can never have too many markers, color pencils, paints, and etc. to use as a creative outlet!

5. Mad-Libs - Because who doesn’t enjoy making up funny stories?

Adults

1. Self care items - For both men or women, a good lip balm or hand lotion will always go to good use. For something a little extra, go for an exfoliant or a face mask.

2. Cord organizer - With so many electronics around, one can keep organized with some cute cord organizers.

3. A bottle opener - This can be used for opening beer, wine, or even fancy corked alcohol!

4. Hot sauce to go - Portable and cute! Perfect accessory for the keychain!

5. A love letter - At this day and age, no one ever really leaves hand written notes or written love letters anymore! Before making an excuse by not knowing what to write about, even a simple “I love you!” will suffice!

Do you shop during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday? Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? Leave a comment with your favorite stocking stuffer below!