In "Letting Go", David Sedaris says that when he started smoking, his mother happily exclaimed, "Now I’ll know what to put in your Christmas stocking!". Teenage stockings are hard to fill, and although filling them with cigarettes seems misguided and possibly illegal, parents are always happy to find some good ideas to give Santa a helping hand on Christmas Eve.
In order to personalize a stocking theme, parents should consider their teenager's personal interests. Someone who likes the outdoors might likes a Great Outdoors stocking to take on winter hikes or just exploring outside. Younger teens might enjoy a Sleepover Stocking. A reader will like a Book Lover stocking. Some environmentally-aware teens may want a "Green" Stocking.
"Great Outdoors" Stocking Stuffers
- chapstick
- disposible waterproof cameras (for pictures in the snow)
- mittens and gloves
- granola bars
- compass
- self-heating hot chocolate or coffee (such as the Hillside or Wolfgang Puck brand)
"Sleepover" Stocking Stuffers
- movie rental coupons
- packages of microwave popcorn
- mini flashlights
- iTunes gift cards
- coupon to order pizza (this could be homemade and then parents order it)
"Book Lover" Stocking Stuffers
- New paperback
- gift card for Starbucks or a similar coffee shop
- bookmark
- attachable book light
- notebook and pen
"Green Earth" Stocking
- organic, fair trade candy
- corn-based mug
- recycled notebook and pen
- bumper stickers promoting environmental awareness
- "adoption papers" for an animal from the National Wildlife Federation
Some generic teenage stocking ideas might work for any teen, such as "Spa Girl" Stockings for girls, "License to Drive" for a new driver or a teen with a car, "Lucky Teen" money stockings, and "Get Organized for the New Year" stockings.
"Spa Girl" Stocking
- nailpolish
- manicure kits (cuticle remover, file, etc)
- lotion
- cute wash cloth and cute soaps
- hair brush
- spritz
"License to Drive" Stocking
- keychain
- coins for tolls
- visor organizer
- car coasters (such as Thirsty Stone carsters)
- tire pressure gauge
- log book for gas milage
- gas station gift card
"Lucky Teen" Stockings
- lottery tickets (parents will have to redeem them for under 18 teens)
- money soap (Glycerin soap with money inside)
- lucky charms (such as a new penny or a four-leaf clover charm)
- Little Miss Lucky by Roger Hargreaves
- list of reasons parents feel "lucky" to have that teenager
- fortune cookie
"Get Organized for the New Year" Stocking
- pocket notebook and small pen
- pocket calendar for the upcoming year
- small organizers such as paperclips
- small stapler, ruler, erasers
Filling a stocking does not need to be expensive. Anything that would normally be lost, worn out, or "gets used up" throughout the year is a perfect addition to a stocking, Candy is always a good filler, although some teens tend to be more health conscious. Traditional stocking stuffers include fruits and nuts, which might be interesting to some teens. Parents can include a variety of useful, inexpensive, and fun objects that will make Christmas morning special and happy.
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
