Believe it or not, you can find stocking stuffers almost anywhere, so don’t fret if you still need a few things. Even if you don’t want to brave the department stores, you can still find lots of stuff.
Dollar stores and discount centers are always great places for finding stocking stuffers. Look for things like day planners, journals, jumbo packs of gum, trial size after-shave and body spray, travel size games, dominoes, yoyos, small balls, stuffed animals, and small puzzles. There are lots of other choices as well from earphones for that new CD player, CD travel cases, and inexpensive cameras, to hair accessories, make up brushes, or even some costume jewelry for your favorite dress up princess. You can also find pocket calculators or calendars, pen sets, lip gloss, ChapStick, a change purse, golf balls, chocolates, a deck of cards, scented soaps, or shower gel.
What about the drug store or the grocery store? Both usually offer some small gift items or stocking stuffers, such as miniature bottles of perfume or cologne, gourmet treats, fun art supplies like scented markers, tiny toys, and paperback books. The gift aisle might also have things like trademark character toothbrushes, a dresser valet, umbrellas, stress balls, massaging tools, slipper socks, novelty pads of paper, holiday recipe cards, and desktop flip calendars or joke books.
Convenience stores tend to have a few novelty items or sundries as well, but they tend to charge premium prices, unless something is on special. You might pick up a few postcards, tie a ribbon around them, and add a book of stamps. This would make a good gift for a guest, if you plan to fill a stocking for him or her.
Even the gas station may have some little items that you can use, such as key chains, funky pens, specialty candy (or maybe some scratch off lottery tickets if you or your family and friends aren’t against them). I already mentioned a gas card as a last minute gift, but it will work for stuffing a stocking too and so will a certificate for a free car wash.