As parents, we get to decide what our child knows from a very young age. What to believe, what traditions we cherish, what is good, what is bad, what is wrong, and what is right. Eventually, the grow up and start to set their own beliefs and knows. But when they’re very tiny, like Stormy, we set the stage, along with the village that surrounds us.

I am especially excited to take on the role of Santa Claus. As a child who got a lot of great things from Santa, I didn’t realize until I was older that my parents were Santa — the Toys R Us return of the whimsical play set of my dreams (that I can still picture, but have no idea what IP it was) that arrived broken and was no longer in stock when I was about 6 or 7 started my path of disbelief. My mom’s handwriting on the empty plate of cookies was the straw that broke the camel, though. So I know a few of the tricks to keeping the magic alive.

We also think it’s super important to balance Santa with everyone else who gives gifts. I’ll never forget the little girls who lived in the apartment below us who, when we asked if Santa brought them gifts, told us very bluntly that Santa doesn’t bring presents, Mom and Dad do. It made my heart sad that they didn’t believe in Santa. I understand that Santa isn’t for everyone. And not everyone celebrates Christmas, whether it’s religious or secular. So Santa will be filling stockings. For everyone. Stormy, the dog, Dad, and yes, MOM. And I’ve made a list of our stocking stuffers to show you just how fabulous Santa is. And give you some ideas if you’re still looking for last-minute stuffers. You can also find some of these and other stocking ideas in my Stocking Stuffers List on my Amazon Store Front. 

Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers

We’re not doing a ton of candy here because toddler. He has had a few suckers, but they give my anxiety that they’ll get stuck in his hair…so little toys and snacks it is!

Stocking Up on Toddler Essentials

Thrifted and Secondhand Treasures as Stocking Stuffers

Fun Stocking Stuffers for Toddlers

Stocking Stuffers for the Dog

This is easy. Honestly, I just saved a bunch of her Bark Box toys and treats from the last few months to wrap and put in her stocking because I can’t quit Bark Box, and I have yet to find toys and treats I like better with the exception of these No-Hide long-term chews, which I also put in her stocking. I’m probably even wrapping some old toys that we’d swapped into the basement (we regularly swap her toys). Until very recently, the dog had more toys than the toddler so she really doesn’t need more.

Stocking Stuffers for Dad

I love getting Brian fun little things that I know he’s going to love, and these are all on the list!

Candy and Gum Stocking Stuffers

Brian is a candy guy through and through. He loves old school fruity sugar-full gum and sour candies and some chocolate, so this is what I snagged for him from: (some of them had bonus coupons from iBotta if you shop at Walmart, so if you’re the coupon-y type, 10/10 recommend signing up for iBotta).

Bath/Body Gifts for Men

Brian isn’t super fancy and he’s pretty easy/chill with his hair and body products, but when I saw some of these things, I thought he absolutely needed them.

Other Random Stocking Gifts for Men

Stocking Stuffers for Mom

Now that we have a toddler, he’s eventually going to start noticing the gift situation, and since Santa is in charge of stockings, all stockings should be created somewhat equally. And so I present to you: Fill your own dang stocking. Love, Santa.

Snacks and Treats

Craft Supplies

Hair/Bath/Beauty/Body Gifts for Women

Other Random Stocking Stuffers for Women