Stocking Stuffers

With 90 degree temperatures in recent weeks, it seems unbelievable that Christmas is about ten weeks away!  Although my children have only begun to imagine what they will be putting on their wish lists, I can begin to pick up those little items that making unloading the stocking so much fun.  Below are some ideas for you:

• Start with what you have.  If you regularly select items from clearance idles, you may already have a box or bin in your attic.  "Shop" here first.
• Pick up cute school supplies at 75% to 90% off (pencils, pens, erasers & more)
• Combine sale prices with store coupons, manufacturer's coupons and/or drug store offers for nearly free nail color, make-up & matching shampoos & conditioners (a real treat at my house!) for teenage daughters
• Grab Free after ECB (or RR or SCR) toothbrushes and toothpastes & hide before your kids see them!
• For college kids, watch for coupons without size limits.  These can be used for free trial-sized detergent, soap, razors, medicines or other items sometimes.
• Little ones love balls, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes and bubbles year-round, so watch for clearance (75% - 90%) discounts on these items.
• Beginning November 1st, grab clearance candy.  Pull out the silver & gold wrapped chocolates & stash before filling the candy dish with the remaining items.  Remove Halloween wrappers from Skittles, Starburst & other kid-friendly candy, then grab a package of 20 - 25 Christmas Goody Bags at the Dollar Tree.  Load one with candy before slipping into a stocking.
• Pop popcorn (microwave or on the stove), then melt a few of those chocolates you purchased on clearance.  Coat the popcorn with the melted chocolate.  Spread onto waxed paper and allow to harden before breaking apart and using to fill another of the Dollar Tree Goody Bags. 
• Watch the Target One Spot for at least one more 75% off sale prior to Christmas.  Search for small toys, craft supplies, lotion, cute socks or other items for only $.25 each.
• Check HERE regularly for freebies.  Save the best for stocking stuffers.
• If Santa's arrival is eminent and your fillers are far too few, recall what Ma did when a blizzard blew into town leaving her to doubt Mr. Edwards would soon be arriving with the needed goods....BAKE SOMETHING!  What kid wouldn't love a giant sugar cookie, gingerbread man or other tasty treat.
• Finally, don't forget it's OK to put stuff you want your children to have into their stockings.  Each year my mother placed a shoebox under the tree and was delighted to receive nuts, oranges, raisins and other treats she rarely got.  Of course you'll pick up sale-priced items just before the big day & you'll hide them carefully in the back of the fruit drawer.