Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up! (Image Courtesy of Dawnzy58)

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but if they’re empty this post should help. Christmas is rapidly approaching and chances are you’ve got a lot on your to-do list, including picking up some stocking stuffers. Need some inspiration? Here are some tips and ideas on how to stuff that stocking in time for Christmas.

Candy

Candy always makes a good stocking stuffer. Jelly Belly offers a great selection of unique candy in over 50 flavors. This is a great way to start a tradition, too. Pick a treat and put it in the stocking year after year. May we suggest Fruit Gems?

Coal

As the old story goes, anyone who’s been more naughty than nice can expect coal in their stocking. Play a Christmas morning joke on your loved ones by filling their stocking with coal. Of course this coal is actually blackberry bubble gum and comes packaged with cute quotes like “because you’ve been very bad” and “It’s all you get.”

Activity Books

Stuff your stockings with activity books that will be perfect during that relaxing time after Christmas dinner. Choose small books like Sudoku, word finds or crossword puzzles. These are good fillers for just about every stocking hanging on your fireplace.While you’re at it, throw in a pack of playing cards to keep everyone occupied before dinner, too.

Socks

Throw a little irony into Christmas morning and stuff socks into your stockings. These Christmas Tree Pom Slipper Socks from Sears are the perfect blend of festive and tacky.

Funny Trinkets

Give everybody something to laugh at when they unpack their stocking Christmas morning. How about stashing in some astronaut ice cream, a mic sponge for singing in the shower, or a hot dog coin purse. Chances are these funny little stocking stuffers will be what your loved ones remember most about Christmas morning.

The Complete Ripley Novels (Hardcover)

Looking for a gift for someone who always has their nose in a book?  Here are some gift ideas for the avid reader.

Boxed Sets

If you know what type of novels, series or favorite author a person reads, then a boxed set is the perfect present.  You can give an entire collection of works which can be added to a person’s personal library, or start one,  if they just gotten into reading books.  For instance, crime fiction lovers would be pleasantly surprised with the Complete Ripley Novels boxed set, which includes the well known The Talented Mr. Ripley novel for which a movie was made.  For lovers of the classics, Barnes & Noble Classics Great Novels Set comes with six timeless works for one affordable price.

Bookends

If you know someone who already has an extensive library, then bookends would make a great gift. Barnes and Noble has a great collection of bookends to choose from to match any decor.  From Playful Puppies Bookends to Homer and Aristotle Cast Marble Bookends, you would be sure to find the ones which would match any person’s personal taste.

 Reading Aids

Of course, the bookworm is not complete without the use of their reading aids.   A bookmark is nice, but a bookmark which is also a dictionary is even better.  The Franklin Compact Oxford Dictionary is a bookmark and compact dictionary in one, for serious readers who don’t want to get stuck with literary terminology.  If you want to give something more on the practical side, then the Old School Wooden Lap Desk is what you are looking for.  The wooden top of the lap desk has a pencil ledge and has brass hinges which opens to storage underneath.  The bottom is cushioned, which makes it great not only for reading, but also for writing notes in bed.