I don’t know about you, but sometimes the little goodies you get (in your stocking, perhaps?) during the holiday season can be the most fun and enjoyable. I’ve always gotten get a kick out of little eBay, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or other cool gift cards that I’ve gotten over the years.
I haven’t done a whole lot of shopping out and about in the holiday mayhem, but here are a few things that have caught my eye recently:
Target’s Wondershop has a wealth of cute things that are perfect for stuffing stockings, gifting office mates, or just having an extra present or two at the ready. A few goodies I saw there this year were little tree-hanger boxes of four truffles, in various flavors. And those cute chocolate and confection dipped spoons, blocks and stirrer sticks that you dip into hot milk for instant hot chocolate, add to your coffee, or just nibble on.
Two favorite goodies from years past that I still love: Snowflake marshmallows (to float prettily in a cup of your favorite hot chocolate), which are available in a package of two at Target ($1.49). And snowflake pretzels covered in non-pariels ($28 for a 16-ounce decorative tin, divided into two bags inside), from Neiman Marcus.
More budget-friendly options for those also can be found at Target: Rold Gold White Fudge Peppermint Dipped Pretzels ($3.99 for an 8.5-ounce bag), as well as Snack Factory’s White Chocolate Pretzel Crisps ($2.99 for a 4-ounce bag).
The marshmallows would make good little emergency gifts, so you won’t be emptyhanded when, for example, your neighbors come calling unexpectedly with presents. And the pretzels could be divvied up into cute little gift bags if you don’t want to keep them all to yourself.
And of course, small bags of coffee that make a pot, or little boxes or containers of tea, also make nice gifts that won’t break the bank. What about you? What are your favorite cute and affordable goodies to give?
I gave little gift bags with these marshmallows (we got the snowman faces), spiced pretzels, and a mini of Philosophy Cinnamon Bun or Senorita Margarita (my fave!) in each to my friends/beloved coworkers and my kids’ teachers/music instructors.
Hand dreams are a go-to quick gift for stocking stuffer for me, or fancy soaps.
I have bought candied ginger and wills chop it up, add to dark chocolate and pour into tiny foil candy cups. I don’t intend to give away, but to share with family and friends.
I have some bar soaps waiting to be given away and some CDs (yes I know most young people have ditched their CDs).
To co-workers I wanted to give small bags of samples, but that will have to wait until January I think, these last few days before Christmas are ever so busy.
This year for the first time I’m making a food gift and giving it to family and a few folks. It’s a dry Swiss Mocha mix of coffee, cocoa, vanilla & creamer. I’m packaging it in canning jars with a Christmas-y label and stickers. The mix is easy to make from grocery store items and turns out delicious. Here’s the recipe: https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/swiss-mocha-coffee-mix-153340
I’m in the UK. M&S have had a half price sale. I have bought a few of the minature bath creams from their floral range. One each of the different scents, in a package. They do the matching talc sets as well. Now only £3. Bargain.. Great for stocking fillers.
The Royal Jelly range was also half price.I got a couple of gift sets for £5.
Hey Ann,
This year candles, body wash and mugs are the order of the day. Everyone is getting these. It’s too hot to think here in Sydney.
Portia xx
I’m the weirdo who MAKES HER OWN MARSHMALLOWS! Haven’t done it in awhile – but I think the idea of cutting out cute snowflakes is intriguing…xoxo
Love those snowflake marshmallows! My personal favourite is the Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares, as well as The Republic of Tea Peppermint Bark tea.