One thing to know about the Bunges is that we are stocking people. We love them. They’re almost as important as the “real” presents and opening them is equally as much of a production – one by one, oldest to youngest. And no, they aren’t filled with expensive treasures but they are thoughtfully curated with things we’d really like and use. Years ago I spent Christmas with my ex-boyfriend’s family and they did stockings a little differently. It was more uniform and the same every year (or so I was told). Everyone got a toothbrush, gum, an ornament, and a few other things I can’t remember (of course so grateful they included me). That said, both ways are wonderful and totally a family preference. In both instances, I love the idea of filling a stocking with things the receiver will actually use. But in the spirit of “The Bunge Way” here is a varied list of useful, fun gift ideas perfect for a Christmas stocking (especially if you’re running a little behind:)) PS. Candy and gum are always included because it’s the law!
Left Center Right™ Dice Game | Rubik’s Cube
Does anyone “need” a fun game to bring everyone together in a joyful competition? No. But LCR is SUCH a fun game for a family or any group to play together. It’s extremely easy and the winner gets money:) Our family likes to play with single dollars. Then a Rubik’s cube is just a classic that will be fun nostalgia for the older bunch and a retro (nonscreen) challenge for the younger ones. Can’t miss with either of these.
Jay’s Mech Battle Pack Adventure Toy Set | Izzie’s Narwhal Hot-Air Balloon Deep-Sea Animal Toy
I’m not a monster and think that toys aren’t useful so shouldn’t be included in a stocking. Having a fun activity on Christmas day is kinda essential. And if you have a LEGO lover in your life one of these smaller and less expensive ones are so great.
Screen Cleaner | 10 ft Apple MFi Certified Lightning Cable Charging Cord (Pack of 3)
You really can’t go wrong with a small and useful tech gift. Let’s start with a screen cleaner. It’s one of those things that I always mean to get but never do…making it an ideal stocking stuffer. I love how sleek this one is! Then who doesn’t have a need for a lighting charging cord? Most of us. I prefer the extra long ones since an outlet isn’t always close, especially when traveling.
Disposable 35mm Camera | Cell Phone Selfie Light
Another gift most people would love is a disposable camera. The younger kids are obsessed with “the retro-ness” of them and for those of us who grew up with them would love to go back in time a little. Then if you have an aspiring content creator (or someone who likes good light 100% of the time) in your life then a little iPhone light would be such a great gift.
Gel Car Cleaning Putty Kit | The Original Toilet Bowl Night Light
Anyone who has a car has those impossible-to-clean nooks and crannies. I know I would be SO down to get this gel cleaning putty. You get to feel like a kid (playing with putty) while actually making your grown-up car look so much better. The other gift idea is for the nighttime bathroom user in your life – this toilet bowl night light. My dad raves about his because he uses the bathroom at least a couple of times a night but doesn’t want to turn on the big bathroom lights to fully wake him up. Game changer.
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes (Variety Pack) | Professional Massage Ball
For the health-conscious (and/or big partiers) in your life, I’m a big fan of LMNT. All the flavors in this pack are great (I use half a pack per my 30oz water bottle because they are strong) and it isn’t packed with sugar which is my biggest issue with other brands like Liquid IV. Of course, if someone needs to keep their sodium low these might not be great for them. Then this little spiky ball was recommended to me by a massage therapist for my back pain! There are a bunch of ways to it but I was told to simply roll my foot under it. 10/10
Fidget Spinners (Pack of 5) | Peppermint and Eucalyptus Shower Steamer
While I’m not of the fidget spinner generation, the kids love them. This does lean more into the “useless” category for me but will likely be a hit! Another way to calm the nerves (in a more adult way – no not wine) is an aromatherapy shower steamer. Perfect for the person who isn’t a big bath person (me – don’t tell my bath-obsessed boss). You get all the fun aromas of what a bath usually provides without have to sit in a hot tub of water…bored (I said it!)
Pimple patches are a killer stocking stuffer! For the younger cool kids (I sound 100, awesome) these star patch ones are a favorite. But if you have people that are more in the millennial+ group. I really love these plain round ones 🙂 And since we are on the topic of skin, if you have someone in your life who loves skincare and doesn’t have a gua sha, I am here to tell you it works. I once did a little experiment and only did one side of my face, and that side was noticeable lifted. This was the tutorial I used. Of course you have to keep it up but if you do it’s pretty awesome.
Press-On Fake Nails | O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream for Extremely Dry; Cracked Hands
Now onto the hands. First up are press-on nails. I know these Olive and June nails are good ones since a friend of mine uses and loves them. And in case you haven’t been up on your nail trends, short nails are very back (I will be on my long nail game until further notice though). My 8 and almost 11-year-old cousins love them too. A great option for a wide range of ages. Then for the people in your life that are really hard on their hands (like my dad who promises to start wearing gloves when he works which I’ll believe when I see it), a great and intense hand cream like this one would be awesome.
I’m pretty close to ordering this for myself! I’ve used socks in the past which worked pretty well, but a set like this would be ideal. What I also love about this for stockings is that you can take it out of the box and wrap the roller and scrunchies separately. More bang for your stocking buck!
Bow with Pearls Hair Twister (Set of 3) | Medium Hair Clips
But maybe just some hair accessories are better for your loved one/s. These scrunchies are a little extra special which I love and perfect for the younger ones. Then for the teenagers plus, I have and love this clip. Probably not great if they have super thick hair and want to put it all up. But aside from that, these are simple, cool, and really affordable.
Lightweight Ribbed Striped Crew Socks (Pack of 3) | Vintage Style Crew Socks (Pack of 4)
A great sock is another stocking standard! Personally, I’m not a big lover of holiday socks. They’re too specific and just take up space in my sock basket until I might wear them the following year. Call me Scrooge, I don’t care! But a sock I would love to receive is a cool vintage inspired sock that I could wear year-round. Emily always makes her striped crew socks look so cool and these Target women’s ones are awesome. But these plain vintage style socks are awesome. As you might have heard no-show socks are out (not with me though!) so the trendy people in your family will especially appreciate these:)
Field Notes: Original Kraft (Pack of 3) | Smiley Notepad with Pen Set
I have loved this Field Notes notebooks forever. They are small to throw in a bag and just look cool. Perfect for any kind of note taking or thoughts you want to get down immediately. But for a more fun and playful notepad, I love this one from Target. The matching pen is also so sweet.
Maldon Salt | Luxardo The Original Maraschino Cherries
Finally, a couple consumables that aren’t candy or gum:) Maldon salt for any cook is home run. It’s the best for a reason and they will love you for it. Another “luxury” food gift is a jar of Maraschino Cherries. They are also THE BEST! Perfect for the cocktail maker in your life or anyone who loves delicious things, ha.
I hope this was helpful as I’m sure so many of you are scrambling to get everything together for the big day! While I made sure that all of these would arrive before Christmas (or at least that’s what they said), you can also just take these as ideas and head to your Target, the mall, or the local shops in your area. This is the official last gift guide, we promise, and see you tomorrow for a personal and relatable Emily post.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The OFFICIAL First Farmhouse Christmas! (+ A Great Ribbon Hack And My Dream Color Palette)
