What's In Your Stocking?

Christmas morning wouldn't be the same without that most classic of images: a line of stockings hung by the chimney (with care). Throw in a live Christmas tree, a mug of hot cocoa, and some cheery family members in their Christmas matching pajamas, and you've got yourself a Christmas morning for the ages, by golly. What could possibly be better? Moreover, how do you know what to include in your loved ones' stockings to make their day the absolute best it can be?

It Starts With the Stocking

Before you even consider what to put in a stocking, you need to make sure you have just the right stocking for each person. Personalized Christmas stockings are a great way to add an individual touch to the mantel and to make Christmas morning feel even more magical for everyone involved.

Get one for every member of the family that matches their holiday energy—yourself included —and you can even get your loved ones' names embroidered on their stockings for an extra personalized touch. While you're at it, make sure you get a stocking for the family dog. We're guessing that your pup makes the "nice" list every single year, so opt for a stocking that's perfectly dog-sized and fill it with treats, a few new toys, and maybe even a dog Christmas jacket if you want to go all out.

Christmas Morning Magic

While it starts with the stockings, imbuing your living room with other thoughtful touches and classic holiday decorations can transform the space into a winter wonderland, perfect for kicking the morning off with stocking stuffers.

Let's also consider what goes around the stockings with that in mind. Decorating your holiday mantel is a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit, as well as framing all those lovely stockings. Add some Christmas decorations like miniature Christmas trees or spruce-scented candles to the mantel, and maybe string up a fresh garland while you're at it. A touch of greenery can be really refreshing in the winter, and your mantel will feel full of life with the addition of some fresh evergreen garland.

Stocking Stuffers They'll Love

Now that we've set the scene, what to include in your loved ones' stockings? Of course, you can include some of the classics, like his favorite candy or small toys for the little ones. While these are great stocking stuffers, why not elevate the experience with some surprises?

For the Little Ones

For example, we love the idea of a stocking stuffer that leads to a bigger gift. For your kiddos, opt for a pair of new knit mittens that match with a knit scarf and a complementary girls' parka that she can unwrap from under the tree. Not only are girls' mittens a great stocking stuffer on their own, but she'll also get oh-so-excited as she discovers each component of this themed gift.

Or, go a similar route with a snowball fight or sledding hill-ready boy's hat that fits perfectly in his stocking and can go with a new sled or pair of snow boots that you've wrapped for him under the tree. Add some hot cocoa mix to the mix to really tie a bow on this gift idea!

For the Big Ones

And you can't forget the other adults in your home. For him, add some snazzy new dress socks to his stocking. Or, get personalized socks with your pup's face on them. This stocking stuffer idea is great if you're thinking of getting him some new dress shoes for work or a fresh pair of kicks that he'll use for those early morning walks with the family doggo. And for her, opt for a new knit scarf or some seriously cozy women's fleece gloves, or perhaps a new tea steeper or wine stopper that you can connect with some specialty tea or a nice bottle of wine that you've wrapped and placed under the tree.

Or, if you're giving them a super practical gift, like that new set of bath towels they've been eyeing or dinnerware set to replace the mix-matched plates you've been using for ages, use the stocking as a way to give them a little hint of their gift. For example, include a hand towel that matches the towel set or some cloth napkins that complement the new dinnerware. You can still make these stocking stuffers feel fun and festive by including some peppermint bark or their other favorite holiday treats with the more practical items.

For older kids, like high schoolers, or other adults in your home, try including some comfy slipper socks in their stockings. Opt for seasonal plaid or Fair Isle with faux shearling lining. Trust us, they'll quickly abandon whatever socks or slippers they already have on once they pull these out of their stocking. Slipper socks aren't just cute stocking stuffers, they're also a guaranteed way to make their Christmas morning even cozier. And there's nothing quite like giving the gift of that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling.

Now that you've got stocking stuffers covered for the whole family (including your pup, of course!), you can focus on enjoying the holiday with your family and friends. If there's one thing we love about Christmas, it's the togetherness. And, when it comes to togetherness, kicking off the morning by taking the stockings from the mantel and watching as they pull out each item is a great way to start feeling that Christmas morning magic. And with their personalized stockings surrounded by garlands or other in-theme decorations, they'll feel a bit of that magic every time they pass by the mantel.