Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers & Giveaway

I bought some clearance candy from Halloween to use, that wasn’t halloween colors.

Lisa B says:

When I was a kid my mother put apples, oranges and mixed nuts (in shells) in our stockings. I think that was a holdover from her childhood (1940s), when oranges in the middle of winter were a treat, especially during WWII. I guess kids these days wouldn’t appreciate the fruit because it’s so readily available, but maybe shortbread cookies with royal icing, wrapped in pretty cellophane? That would help fill the stocking and wouldn’t be expensive.

Cindy3springs says:

I fill with things I get at Rite-Aid and CVS throughout the year

Wethedeans says:

I love to yard sale and throughout the summer I find all kinds of things for super cheap and keep them in a basket in my gift closet to stuff the stockings with. It beats spending 100 dollars at the last minute!

Fnettie_2000 says:

I use the “free” gift cards I collect all year long as stocking stuffers. They work great! I also add a little candy. On Christmas morning the family thinks no one “stuffed the stockings,” but then they are so surprised at the loot they get from the gift cards!

Jhi says:

12/11/2011 at 5:35 pm

I buy from the clearance bins throughout the year and also check out the dollar bins. I also check out Southern Savers to get some awesome deals on little things like chapstick and nail polish!

amckenz says:

12/11/2011 at 5:35 pm

I hit the $1 aisle when I first go into Target. Since my girls are young, they love the little cheap toys, stickers, and coloring books I find.

Apuckett524 says:

12/11/2011 at 5:36 pm

I stock up throughout the year on coupon deals from cvs. We Put necessities in stockings.

Caviardreamz says:

12/11/2011 at 5:37 pm

I also find that pencils with Christmas theme or pens are great for stocking stuffers…a useful tool at home and in classrooms:)

Caviardreamz says:

12/11/2011 at 5:39 pm

Great job on the video Jenny

Laurie S says:

12/11/2011 at 5:38 pm

I collect things I got really cheap or free at CVS that are good stocking stuffers. I also pick up some inexpensive clearance items at Kohl’s.

Kelly C says:

12/11/2011 at 5:39 pm

My kids are still young, but we give them one small toy and stuff they will use/need (toothbrush, comb/brush, socks/undies) and a little bit of candy.

Angie says:

12/11/2011 at 5:39 pm

I do stockings a little differently every year, especially since my kids are older. Sometimes the BIG present is in the stocking (phone, mp3). We’re on a tight budget this year, so stocking stuffers may truly be socks and underwear (I do like finding cute boxers for the boys, even though they are 13 and 20) and any gift cards I have stored up through the year that I haven’t already used (Amazon, Target, etc) get added to the stash. I’d love to tuck some fun things in, too, though – maybe a trip to Dollar General is in order!

Denise says:

12/11/2011 at 5:41 pm

I like to buy small stuffed animals and toys on clearance after Christmas and save them in the gift closet for next year’s stockings!

Ginger says:

12/11/2011 at 5:42 pm

Dollar store candy, lip balms, little flavored coffee packets from Target 1$ section, and I still put oranges. I get them on sale, and they take up a lot of space.

Melcrutch says:

12/11/2011 at 5:42 pm

I have pick up items on clearance for the past couple of months at Dollar General for the childrens’ stockings. I have spent about 40.00 for 8 children. I do love clearance items.

Ajeaton04 says:

12/11/2011 at 5:42 pm

Clearance, clearance, clearance!!

b j says:

12/11/2011 at 5:43 pm

I plan to use all the “goodies” I have bought with Q’s, RR, and ECB during the year at Walgreens and CVS. Thanks for all your help and this giveaway!

guest says:

12/11/2011 at 5:43 pm

I stock up all year long on sale and clearance items and also coupon deals,, cvs and Dollar General are my favorite—love D.G. $1.00 items and Christmas pencils!

Grnacrz says:

12/11/2011 at 5:44 pm

I get things at Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Usually a Christmas Pez, some candy and maybe a small gift card. I can definitely do both of my children’s stockings for less than $25. And I have a lot of ECB’s left for CVS which I will probably use on stockings or Christmas presents this year!!

A. Sue says:

12/11/2011 at 5:44 pm

I only have one child, so I usually get some small toys in the dollar section at Target or dollar stores like Dollar Tree!

Amy Lauren says:

12/11/2011 at 5:45 pm

I could definitely stuff a stocking on that… and will for my husband :). Between CVS extra bucks and coupons you can get tons of great deals, also at stores like Dollar General and Dollar Tree which are great!

Amy Lauren
proudpatriot2007(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ginger says:

12/11/2011 at 5:46 pm

In the past I have used the free things from couponing: gum, toothbrushes, razors, candy, etc. We moved mid year this year to FL (no double coupons) so I’m a little slow getting into the coupon swing here. Thanks for the ideas.

Crozetcouponlady says:

I try to get all my stocking stuffers after Christmas when items are marked WAY down! I put them away for the following year. Things like holiday lip gloss, pencils, socks, coloring books, etc. are so cheap after the holidays!

Rerdmann2 says:

I get stocking stuffers the day after Christmas to have for the following Christmas. I usually find some really cute things.

Silverfox says:

I grab the dollar goodies at Target.

Kelley Collins says:

I get a lot of my kids stocking stuffers at the dollar spot at target. Also have found neat stuff at the dollar store.

Krystal says:

12/11/2011 at 5:48 pm

My top money-saving tip for stockings is candy in bulk!! Dollar store bags of candy are cheap and come with lots of candy that way when you have a large family you can split the bags up into each stocking!!! :)

Tamara says:

12/11/2011 at 5:49 pm

Here is what I try to do. I make sure there is some type of music in the stockings, either a cheap but new to them CD, or I download some itunes onto a SD card for them, or even back when I had little cassettes. But there are always candy you can get during Halloween that is favorites that dates work for, like those little candy coins, where you get a bag for .10 from like DG. Also there is always a pair of socks that you can get on clearance throughout the years, and now that everyone is older, I try to put one everyday item all wrapped in colorful wrapping like their favor soap or shampoo.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 5:49 pm

I stock up all year on sales so I am never in the rush to buy anything last min :)

Tlayman1 says:

12/11/2011 at 5:49 pm

I shop all year round for deals to fill stockings. And then I use RRs and ECBs from the black Friday deals to get holiday candy to top it off.

KatieK says:

I love to hit up the clearance racks throughout the fall to stock up on super cheap fun items! Oh yeah….and my freebies from couping, score!

Denise C says:

Go to Dollar General web site coupons and print this coupon ($5 OFF $25 or more at DG on Saturday, 12/17/11). Wait to shop for stocking stuffers on 12/17/11 and save $5 off $25!!!!

Tapotts says:

I always shop at dollar stores or the Target dollar bins for stocking items. I also look for movies or books in the clearance bins. Of course, I hit the stores for clearance items after Christmas for some items for the next year. The stockings are filled with movies, books, and a few small toy and candy items for a fraction of the regular cost.

Danielle T says:

i stuff stockings for some young adults so i keep freebies hidden that i collect through the year, such as travel size shave gels, razors, holiday candy (got a great deal on peeps) and fun samples i get in the mail, that helps cut costs and is still fun!

Mary Beth says:

12/11/2011 at 5:51 pm

In my family, stockings are filled with candy, probably 75%. The other 25% are little gifts. So I’m always watching for great candy deals. Like the one at Walgreens where I got 6 snickers nutcrackers for 9 cents each! Also, throughout the year I watch for awesome deals on little things like chapstick, lotions, etc. And of course, I check out the clearance area everywhere I go!

KerBear says:

The thing I found at D.G. that was a great buy, is the 4pk of Ring Pops. I have 4 kids (ages 2, 3, 11, & 12). It was a great find to find all 4 of my kids a stocking stuffer for $1. Kids of all ages love Ring Pops!

KerBear says:

12/11/2011 at 7:41 pm

I also bought at D.G. a pk of festive pencils & split the pk between my 2 older children’s stocking. I also bought a pk of 3 Santa Crisp Kringles for $1 & split them into the stockings. Another things I bought was a pk of gold chocolate coins for $1 & split those between the stockings. Dollar General has many great stocking stuffers! Stickers, erasers, pencil shrperns…all for $1.

Lori says:

i usually get candy and small dollar or less items to fill stockings and always do so for less than $25

Bethany M says:

I save some leftover Halloween candy (that doesn’t look too orange and black) in the freezer and then add it to the stockings.

Janet says:

One of our favorite stocking stuffers is candy! To save money, I buy some of our favorite chocolate candies after Halloween on clearance, then I put a few pieces of each candy in a zip-lock bag and drop one zip-lock bag in each stocking!!! (I buy the candy that’s in it’s original wrappers…not the orange, black, and purple!) lol :)

Theaikenparrs says:

I purchase small stocking stuffers throughout the year when they are are clearance–especially immediately after the holidays….for the NEXT year.

Lindsey Harding says:

Start shopping early…like the day after Christmas for the next year!

Tracye says:

For an added bonus in the guys’ stockings, I found a cologne gift set that had five differnt small colognes for under $20. They will all be smelling good and different from each other!

Canaan says:

Pick up clearance items from different stores all year long and save them for stockings!

Katina says:

12/11/2011 at 5:54 pm

Get stocking stuffers for free by applying for the many free full size product giveaways throughout the year!

Celeste Parker says:

12/11/2011 at 5:55 pm

I keep a small reusable shopping bag hanging in my closet all year. Every time I get a good deal on chap-stick, gum, candy or small toys I just put them in the bag. My son loves these expensive mechanical pencils so when I get a paper-mate Q I ALWAYS put some pencils in the stocking bag. By Christmas time the bag is OVERFLOWING with goodies. I have one child so sometimes I just put all of the extra goodies in a box and wrap them. He loves it even at 11yrs old :D

Caviardreamz says:

12/11/2011 at 5:55 pm

I know this is a bad thought but I even purchased coal…yes, CANDY coal from the DOLLAR TREE…it came in a cute lil bag with cute sayings;)

April H says:

12/11/2011 at 5:56 pm

growing up we always got daily needed items – razors, toothpaste & toothbrush, chapstick… i am conitinuing that tradition and buying an extra of each when they are on sale… still need a few small toys for my sons stocking and somethingn fun for my husbands

Sami Stevens says:

12/11/2011 at 5:56 pm

I shop at Dollar Tree or Dollar General. Got awesome priced gifts this year at Dollar General from baby dolls for my daughter to toy guns for my son. Also got lots of candy. I typically don’t buy candy unless it is $1 so found awesome deals at Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Big Lots this year! I also do the after Christmas deals for the next year! Thanks! Sami Stevens

Deb says:

12/11/2011 at 5:57 pm

My biggest tip is to buy multi-packs of items, then open the packages and split the contents between the stockings. This works great with all kinds of candy, gum, hair bows, books, etc. Even fun party favor toys come in multi-packs! For the older kids, this works well with items like golf balls, picture frames, crafts, etc.

Ciji says:

Whenever I see something that looks fun for a dollar I grab it! Target has these type of items Michael’s and the of course the Dollar General!

Maryanne5610 says:

Last year, I filled all of my families stockings for around $15.00 each. I put all of the CVS items i had gotten throughout the year with my recycled ECB’S. My children are all teenagers or early 20’s, so they were very happy to get razors, dental floss, toobrushes, gift cards, makeup, candy, etc..

Rachelsant says:

I stock up on clearance toys all year long. It comes in handy when my son forgets to tell me about a birthday party until the night before. Whatever is left at Christmastime fills the stockings and the bargain hunting starts again on Jan 1st.

Freestuff4cb says:

I got the candy bars that were free after ECB at CVS at the Thanksgiving sale.

Dana R says:

Mine like mechanical pencils, candy money and gum. We do lots and lots of gum and tic tacs. Some cute little toys and various items too.

Rebekah says:

I buy clearance items after Christmas and save them for the next year

Agh092362 says:

I have two college age kids, so all the coupon deals I get all year long on razors, shampoo, deoderant, etc. work perfect for them! they love it and I know it’s stuff they need and use

CJ_Mom says:

12/11/2011 at 6:00 pm

I find that items like pencils, erasers, etc are wonderful as kids tend to have lost their back to school stuff by now are used them up already. Also, you can find some wonderful deals on coloring/activity books (usually .99 or less) or travel games (usually 2.99 or less).

Sabrina says:

12/11/2011 at 6:00 pm

Two daughters–hair clips/scrunchies, nail polish, brushes, combs…..The list is endless. Thanks

Taclark97 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:00 pm

I collect sale items throughout the year and when Christmas gets here, I already have plenty!

Carpenter2451 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:01 pm

I love to get things for my purse in my stocking. Like funky pens and pads, little deodorants, lint rollers, and flavored chapsticks.

Peggy says:

12/11/2011 at 6:02 pm

Yes, I could get our 4 kids stockings stuffed fro $25. I actually spent about this much last year and I didn’t use that many coupons. So far this year, I have three things to put into their stockings and I spent $0 oop.

Deb says:

12/11/2011 at 6:02 pm

I like to put fun, inexpensive things in stockings, like candy, fruit, puzzle books, etc. The more, the merrier!

Keisha S says:

12/11/2011 at 6:03 pm

Always think outside the box and you can save but be creative at the same time :-)

Kendra says:

12/11/2011 at 6:04 pm

I look at the dollar section at Target, as well as look for little deals through the year. I also save up the freebies I get from Bath and Body Works through the year.

Shari C says:

12/11/2011 at 6:05 pm

I go to the Dollar General and the Dollar Tree to fill my girls Stockings. I buy 12 gifts each (all a $1.00 or less) and 12 days before Christmas they each get to pick a gift out of the stocking. It’s so much fun!!!!

Melissa says:

12/11/2011 at 6:05 pm

I’ve been collecting small items that I’ve found on clearance throughout the year. My sister and stepfather loooove the deals I get on razors….so I’ll put razors and shaving cream in their stockings :)

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 6:05 pm

We stock up throughout the year with deals on hair accessories and nail polish and things like that. Usually have most of the items needed long before Christmas.

Christyhnj says:

12/11/2011 at 6:06 pm

Like many others, I hit the dollar or less sections of stores. But my kids love the little chinese erasers, so I go to our local owned toy store and get them from her. We try to support our town owned shops. Plus they have cute things many department chains don’t carry.

Lovemygoldens84 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:08 pm

Since my daughter likes to be creative a lot I put school and art supplies that I got back when supplies where on sale and I had coupons for so most of the things are free or very inexpensive we have our own pecan trees so I don’t have to buy nuts :)

Jennifer says:

12/11/2011 at 6:09 pm

I use the freebies I get throughout the year as stocking stuffers, though they are usually for girls. When Bath and Body Works does the free preview lotion, stocking stuffer! Freebies I get in the mail get set aside as well. Shampoo, granola bars, chap stick, etc. I do stockings for adults as well.

MichelleOU says:

We do inexpensive items that the girls love, such as holiday pencils, mini lip balms and nail polishes, and candy.

Jvkesslerrn says:

i always use coupons for makeup, pony holders, facial products etc to fill my daughters stockings. now that i know dollar general will honor coupons?!!? even better!! 3 girls equals lots of money spent just for stocking stuffers!! unless you are smart!

Mel327 says:

an orange or tangerine in the toe!

rita says:

I just look for freebies or inexpensive items throughout the year.

Lksoni23 says:

I save the candy/chocolate from the halloween sales.

Mhattri says:

I shop the week after Christmas for next year and add to it through out the year

Jmboshart2 says:

Favorite stocking stuffers for adults too: lip balm, travel size hand cream, fuzzy socks, ornaments (matched to this year’s interest) and always gift cards.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Andrea says:

I buy extra crayons and markers while shopping for school supplies and fill stockings with those items. I also stock up on candy that is on clearance.

Sillysnicks says:

12/11/2011 at 6:11 pm

I buy from the after Christmas sales and then save for the the next Christmas. I also look throughout the year for anything I find at a super low price. That way I am not spending money right now when funds are really tight!

Sara says:

12/11/2011 at 6:12 pm

I’m going to make homemade rainbow crayons this year to put in my girls’ stockings. I’ve been saving pieces for a year now (!) and need to put them to good use! Plus, it’s hard to beat free. :)

Chaney81 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:12 pm

Watch the clearance racks all year round and when Christmas comes around you’ve already got everything you need.

Joel says:

12/11/2011 at 6:13 pm

Learning from my girlfriend, coupons for stocking stuffers just like coupons for almost everything :)

Laura S. says:

12/11/2011 at 6:13 pm

I stock up all year long! I shop clearance, sales, and use samples.

Lesliestocks says:

12/11/2011 at 6:13 pm

I usually shop the dollar stores for stocking stuffers, but I also raid my own stockpile from deals on candy, toys, and other goodies I bought when the price was right at the drugstore. I save so much money by thinking ahead, and I am so thankful that Southern Savers has taught me how to shop this way

Melynn says:

12/11/2011 at 6:14 pm

Fruit!

Kelly says:

12/11/2011 at 6:15 pm

Coupons, Dollar Store, clearance, and Target dollar bin.

gina says:

12/11/2011 at 6:15 pm

For items that are not perishable I will buy them on clearance after Xmas for the next year

Moomoo177 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:15 pm

Coupons for items such as chap stick and candy etc. and you make out pretty cheap.

Mrsrobinson1214 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:16 pm

My kids wouldn’t know what to do if there wasn’t a toothbrush in their stocking! I used to put an orange to weigh the stocking down so it would hang nice and then stuff with little things here and there BUT THEY WOULD ALWAYS LOOK FOR THAT TOOTHBRUSH! :-)

Ronamy3k says:

12/11/2011 at 6:16 pm

I have honestly been able to fill all my kids stockings (they are in their teens) with my freebies, ECB deals and other random bargains from CVS. I’ll have to check out Dollar General but thanks to Southernsavers and CVS I’m just about set!! Very little out of pocket expense…. my budget thanks you tremendously!!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 6:17 pm

Coupons for items such as chap stick and candy etc. and you make out pretty cheap.

Amy Delaney says:

12/11/2011 at 6:17 pm

Dollar tree stores and Walgreens sale candy!!

Drswallace says:

12/11/2011 at 6:17 pm

I started couponing in the summer, looking for free toiletries, makeup, bath and body free items, and labeled one box for each child. I am happy to say that six months later the boxes are overflowing and I only need to add candy,

Jenn says:

I love the target dollar bin as well as free items (via coupons) that I have collected during the year. Thanks for the giveaway!

CatBlue says:

Dollar General has a great deal on Franklin-style 2012 calendars for $2-$2.50, perfect for adult stocking stuffers at 10% of the refill price! I try to stuff my friends’ and family’s stockings all year long with the freebies I get at Dollar General and other great places. That helps reduce the materialism that Christmas has become.

CatBlue says:

Dollar General has a great deal on Franklin-style 2012 calendars for $2-$2.50, perfect for adult stocking stuffers at 10% of the refill price! I try to stuff my friends’ and family’s stockings all year long with the freebies I get at Dollar General and other great places. That helps reduce the materialism that Christmas has become.

Brendac313 says:

Shop the after Christmas sales, pack the stockings with the nonparashables and then pack them away with the lights until next year…you pull everything out and your all ready to go.

Micelleyoung117 says:

Lots of times its just the dollar store for our stockings.

Robinsonsharonm says:

usually items they need anyway — just cuter wrapped up in a stocking! socks, undies, makeup and definitely candy in there too.

Trisha says:

This year is our first Christmas as a married couple (and money is tight), so I took put heart-shaped cutouts of important places on maps in small frames for his stocking. (Where we met, where we were married, and where we live now.) Outdated maps were on clearance at CVS for 30 cents each, and I used 40% off coupons at Michaels for the frames. Throw in the freebie candies and toothbrushes I got today, and the mini calogne I got as samples in the mail, and I paid a total of $10 for his stocking!

Mrsrobinson1214 says:

Also, I’m stuffing a stocking for our son who is deployed…I sent him a few little gag gifts to make him laugh (army men in case he needs help, glow sticks for those dark nights, etc.) so I’ll be sending him more. I’ll have to hit dollar general. He needs a “new car” and would love some of those cars! Anything to put a smile on his face. Also…candy canes that you turn into reindeer! Because the guys and gals say to save their big gifts for home, this is a perfect way to send them a box that will make them laugh without spending too much. Save that for their R&R time with family! Love our troops!

jamie_bje says:

This year my kids are getting Spinbrush toothbrushes in their stockings! They will need it after they devour their candy canes and Chocolate oranges. We also stock up throughout the year on jewelry, hair accessories,cute pencils and erasers for our little girl.My son spends alot of time outdoors; so into his stocking we put items such as hunting gloves,handwarmers, flashlight, compass. I also love to go to Dollar General for Football and Baseball cards for my son and husband. For our stockings, my husband and I look for great deals on razors and we each get a movie.

Anonymous says:

That is so funny about the nuts, because Santa always put whole walnuts in our stocking when I was growing up. Plus, an orange or two. I need to ask my mother about that tradition because I never thought about why they were in there. Maybe I should consider doing that with my 3 kids. Thanks for reminding me about that. I hope your family has a very blessed Christmas!!

Katebres says:

love dollar general

Monika says:

12/11/2011 at 6:22 pm

In our family we make up fun coupons for each other like coupon for a bounce house playdate or baking with mom coupon etc. they are fun with adults as well. I like my husbands coupon for doing the dishes or vaccuming. Fun, useful and cheap.

Jan says:

12/11/2011 at 6:23 pm

Many of the great freebies, or almost freebies that I find at Southern Savers each week I store and save…at least the smaller (sized) things for the stockings! My kids LOVE it…..and they are grown now!

Michele says:

12/11/2011 at 6:23 pm

pick up things on sale for several months before Christmas – don’t wait until the last minute

sunny says:

12/11/2011 at 6:24 pm

I just go to the dollar section at Target and call it a day.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 6:25 pm

I love shopping at Dollar General. I would purchase need it now items to start the next semester of school.

Binker269 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:25 pm

I like to watch the $1 deals at Target, especially when they go on clearance. I can always find little activities for my son to do on a rainy/snowy day. He is really into writing and drawing right now

Greercaldwell says:

12/11/2011 at 6:25 pm

Get little things throughout the year, especially at the target dollar spot, dollar stores, or the party sections of grocery stores!

Gard3376 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:26 pm

We usually find little stocking stuffers in the dollar section of Target and my daughter loves the 5 for $5 anti-bac soaps at bath and body!

Jody says:

I usually get my stocking stuffer items @ CVS, that way I use my ECB’s!!!! And I get things from the Dollar Tree as well…

Amanda C says:

we like to shop at the dollar tree and dollar general/family dollar for our stocking stuffers.

Neverrestranch says:

Just like the Operation Christmas boxes, I like to be on the lookout all year long for clearance & sale items

Anonymous says:

What do you mean? SANTA fills our stockings! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 6:28 pm

Whenever drug stores have small things like free chapstick, get them and start a collection. They make great stuffers.

Photomaniac says:

12/11/2011 at 6:28 pm

I hit the dollar bins at Target. Also, I love Pier 1 Imports, but can’t afford retail. I hit the clearance bins and find chapstick and bath gels and other goodies for under $1 each.

Carolyn says:

12/11/2011 at 6:29 pm

As others have mentioned, any of the “free” after ECBs/RRs items I find throughout the year make perfect stocking stuffers!

beme2004 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:30 pm

I take out he toys from the kids Hapy Meals and save em for stocking stuffers. I also put in fruit, juice, cereal bars and anything I would normally have around the house for a snack. Makes a great filler and “breakfast” while we open gifts.

Okellyatl says:

12/11/2011 at 6:30 pm

CVS for great deals on candy and gift cards for stockings!!

pcolalblue says:

12/11/2011 at 6:31 pm

how funny that this is posted today. we went to Dollar General yesterday, with coupons, and got some toys for our grand children.
and, the small bags of candy and mints make great stocking stuffers.

Pcolablue says:

12/11/2011 at 6:32 pm

sorry my email is typed wrong.

Michelle says:

12/11/2011 at 6:31 pm

I love the dollar aisles at Target and Wal-Mart!

Tara0872 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:32 pm

Oh yes you bet it can be done for $25 and under. Since mine is a teen and has to use the computer for classes so much I look for USB Drives that are on sale, pens, pencils, his favorite candies, and use coupons too!! :-D

MIchelle says:

12/11/2011 at 6:33 pm

You can easily save money, by buying candy for the stockings in bulk, and also by buying toys from the party section. You can usually grab several small toys in bulk in the party section

Jen says:

12/11/2011 at 6:33 pm

Parents fill the kids stockings??!!! I thought Santa did that!

Christina0525 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:34 pm

i stock up on lip glosses and trinkets throughout the year when i can get them for free or change =)

Asnodderly says:

I love LOVE Dollar General…and we have a Dollar General Maret here! I just buy all dollar things for their stockings! They love it!

heather says:

I save money by buying stocking stuffers all year long when I see good deals.

Anonymous says:

I fill them with all the free candy, gum, etc. we get at the drug stores.

Jpandnic says:

Look for small gifts like lip glosses and kids nail polish for my little girl

JBrock says:

I always hit the Dollar Tree for coloring book and candy! Gotta love knowing everything’s a dollar when you go in!

Jessica says:

I look through the $1 bins at the front of Target stores!

XiaoDie says:

12/11/2011 at 6:36 pm

I like to stock up on gum when it goes on sale at CVS and Wallgreens

rebecca M says:

12/11/2011 at 6:36 pm

I try and get deals on free stocking stuffers throughout the year.

Kristy says:

12/11/2011 at 6:37 pm

I hit Target after Halloween and scored mini lego sets for .49. I shop clearance all year for stockings!

Valerie Parris says:

My tip is to pick up small clearance items through out the year. I got small monster trucks on clearance at Kroger in June, I got Lightening McQueen and Mator cars on clearance at Publix in August. I always look at the clearence section and stock up on small toys!

frances says:

Deals on nail polish are always a hit with the gals , and I also claim some of my Swagbucks for small gift cards for teenagers’ stockings.

Anonymous says:

I usually try to buy stocking items all year long as I find them on clearence. I usually end up with more than will fit in the stockings and I try to set myself of a budget of no more than $10 per stocking. I have spent less and still had to hang small things on the tree for the kids to search for.

Allison says:

I get several from the dollar bin at Target. I start looking at the Walgreens ads at the beginning of December for the rest of them.

Randi Poole says:

I grab clearance items especially from the Target dollar spot!

Kennedypaulam says:

I try to use a lot of my freebies from through out the year. My 4 daughters are all grown but still do stocking stuffers. A new 8 week old granddaughter to do for this year.

Meshell says:

I don’t mean to throw a negative note in here, lol. This completely kills my chance of getting a gift card :)…. But…… I used to LOVE to go to Dollar General. The only time I like to go to them now is if I don’t use coupons. They are the most unfriendly coupon store I have ever saw in my life. Just last Sunday, there was a newspaper coupon for $3 off any two Nivea lip products. DG had them on sale for 50 cents off. Which made them $2 for a pack of two. With my coupon, I could have gotten them for 50 cents a pack. I went to two DG in my town. Neither store could get their hand or regular scanner to scan it. When they tried to enter it in manually, it kept trying to take off $2 instead of $3. Their response? They just throw up their hands and say that they can’t do anything about it. If it won’t take it, it won’t take it. That is just one of many instances that I have ran into with them. Sometimes prices say one thing on the shelf, but ring up another. I know this is probably going to get me blasted by all you folks that love DG out there. I used to be one of them, but not anymore.

MbASSETT73 says:

Ours this year will have shaving gel,lipbalm,nail polish,candy and a few other things that I got really cheap or free during different trips to CVS,Walgreens,Target and Dollar General.

Sheila says:

12/11/2011 at 6:42 pm

I shop dollar general, dollar tree, cvs, wags, bilo, and harris teeter. My husband and son love the emerald nuts and craisins (almost free) always on sale close to christmas make up (cheap or free) for the girls, doggie and kitty treats (free) for the pets. Now trying to find sales for the horses not stockings just treats.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 6:43 pm

I stash away all the free or almost free candy deals at the drugstores for the last 2 months, and save them up for the stockings.

Chester49 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:44 pm

I save up some of freebies all year

Mrsstags says:

12/11/2011 at 6:44 pm

Picking up stuff year round when you see a great deal, have a coupon match and have WAG or CVS bonus dollars. Love collecting it year round and pulling it out close to Christmas. It is like Christmas for me.

Sslindseymorgan says:

12/11/2011 at 6:44 pm

I break open bags of individually wrapped candy to share among multiple stockings…they round out the jagged edges nicely, and breaking up a bag makes it go farther. I also always top each stocking with an orange and a candy cane…kind of a throw back look. I try to apply a coupon/sale overage to the purchase of the fruit.

Wendicuster says:

12/11/2011 at 6:45 pm

stocking stuffers should be bought throughout the year….not 2 weeks before Christmas!!!! All those random freebies at CVS, Target, Walmart….those usually make perfect stocking stuffers and you should NEVER have to spend $25….and I have 4 kids to fill stockings for! Cheap is okay, free is much better!

mariafish says:

12/11/2011 at 6:45 pm

I like to get lots of art supplies and notepads.

Jaxtanners says:

12/11/2011 at 6:46 pm

Maybe I can’t win with this, but I’ve spent close to zero by getting a bunch of freebies at CVS. Sure the kids are getting nail clippers in their stockings, but they’re also getting candy and gum! Fortunately they’re also getting $10 gift cards!

Lexyesaves says:

12/11/2011 at 6:46 pm

I am fairly new to couponing, but I have been able to score free stocking stuffers at CVS & Walgreens and also used my 50% coupons for Hobby Lobby to get small items that were around $3-5 for half off (had 4 coupons and did 4 transactions- spent less than $10 for both of my boys)

Ririkj99 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:46 pm

I used several coupons to Bath and Body Works to get stocking stuffers for my 12 year old daughter. I saved a lot by doing so.

Shebella30 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:47 pm

I love getting five dollar gift cards from different places and using them as stocking stuffers.

Sprophett says:

12/11/2011 at 6:48 pm

My children LOVE gum, so I stock up at Rite Aid and the grocery store when they’re onsale with coupons! Also, Target’s dollar section will go on clearance at the end of a season–a great place to get hairbows and Hello Kitty items which my little one loves!

VictoriaW says:

12/11/2011 at 6:48 pm

My mom does the “whole nuts”thing too- we never eat them- she does!

Deschad98 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:49 pm

Lottery tickets make great stocking stuffers and the single holiday candy they sell at walgreens that you can get for free using store and manufactor coupons

katec says:

12/11/2011 at 6:49 pm

Pick up items on clearance throughout the year.

Wendy says:

12/11/2011 at 6:49 pm

Free candy, gum, and batteries are great stocking stuffers.

Seadoo2000 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:50 pm

I shop all year long and save the little stuff, this keeps most of it practical as well as fun. I have 4 kids and I use a bag for each one, then fill on Christmas eve fast :)

Creechk says:

Shop the sale papers and use plenty of coupons!! You can fill a stocking for next to nothing!

Santana153 says:

year round target dollar spot clearance

Lwatts17 says:

I have filled my family’s stockings with things from CVS and clearence items.

Sabrina_webb28 says:

Stockin Stuffer should be fun and not expensive. I start grabbing my items around aug/sept. I get a lot of free things from Walgreens and CVS.

kim says:

12/11/2011 at 6:52 pm

Clearance. Clearance. Clearance throughout the year and put back. Awesome stockings for next to nothing.

Erin G. says:

12/11/2011 at 6:52 pm

My husband and I have gotten most of our stocking stuffers from CVS and Walgreens using the ECB and RRs! Its a great way to get lots of free candy and small items!

Jamyepie says:

12/11/2011 at 6:53 pm

I shop clearance sections year round, but am amazed when candy gets marked down after Halloween when the items are in the regular wrapping. SCORE! The kids have no clue and I save a good bit of money. In the end, everyone is happy!

Jamyepie says:

12/11/2011 at 6:53 pm

I shop clearance sections year round, but am amazed when candy gets marked down after Halloween when the items are in the regular wrapping. SCORE! The kids have no clue and I save a good bit of money. In the end, everyone is happy!

leeannc says:

12/11/2011 at 6:55 pm

I shop all year and make sure I have things for young and old…..Halls cough drops, tissues and warm socks work well for the older crowd!

Noblinfamily says:

12/11/2011 at 6:55 pm

I too shop clearance year round and have things saved up!

Smames003 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:55 pm

I’ve filled our stockings with all the sample size and free items I’ve been collecting for the past year. I also make gift baskets for my family.

Cloud9 says:

12/11/2011 at 6:56 pm

Buy all year round, especially right AFTER Christmas.

Blancacinta says:

12/11/2011 at 6:58 pm

throughout the year, i’ll stock up on small clearance items and gifts on sale so when christmas roll around im:
A. already done shopping and dont have to fight the crowds
and B. NOT BROKE! :)

heather says:

12/11/2011 at 6:59 pm

I have shopped all year for random clearrance items to load up stockings with, band-aids, shower gel, lotions and of course candy. I am even making gift baskets with these!

Ashley says:

12/11/2011 at 7:00 pm

Look year around for great sales.

Connieb03 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:00 pm

Pick things up after Christmas for the next year.

Mhudnall says:

12/11/2011 at 7:01 pm

somore fixings take up lots of space and are a welcome treat.

Momma 2...5 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:01 pm

Clearance items as well as the dollar bin @ Target!!! :)

Mickey says:

12/11/2011 at 7:02 pm

I went to $ Tree and got alot of stocking stuffers for the grandchildren and the grown adults. Brushes, Lip Balm, Baby socks, Small sewing kits for their purses, Makeup brushes.

Heidi W says:

12/11/2011 at 7:02 pm

We just keep it simple and stock up on things we find on sale throughout the year.

heather van buskirk says:

12/11/2011 at 7:03 pm

I like to use some of the extra cookies we have for Santa and put them in a nice decorative bag. My daughter loves it since she is not usually allowed to have too many sweets.

Pamelasue1977 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:03 pm

I collect things the last half of the year, gum, candy, little gifts, from shopping drug stores mainly and hide it for stockings! now the main thing is finding it all now`!

Ketch322 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:04 pm

I fill the stockings with free samples that I get throughout the year. I also put in clearance items that I find throughout the year especially after christmas clearance items. I have so much left over everyone gets a stocking stuffer box behind their stocking.

Bjayferrell says:

12/11/2011 at 7:05 pm

You can find great things brand new the Goodwill!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:05 pm

All year I save the free samples that I get. They make great stocking stuffers or mini gifts.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:05 pm

I like to put in some of my family members favorite snacks in their stockings.

Ronda says:

12/11/2011 at 7:06 pm

I save things I get with my ECBs to put in stockings. Also watch for items in dollar stores to grab when I see them.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:06 pm

My mom always put whole nuts and oranges in our stockings to make them crazy heavy. I like to get some of the sticker sets and some of the small photo albums or frames and decorate them with some of the stickers. I also like to buy a pack of pens and a bouquet of artificial flowers for a dollar a piece or less if the flowers are on a twofer, then pick up some floral tape from Walmart (.66) and make flower pens by separating the flowers and stems in the bouquet and taping them onto the pens with the floral tape, covering the pen with the tape (stretching it as you go or it won’t adhere). I actually made some flower pen holders to go with them from little flower pots, some colored glass gem/beads you would use in a vase or aquarium for a pretty inexpensive stocking stuffer one year.

Jfetty says:

I can get carried away with the stockings, so I look for multiple item packs for $1.

Marcymjones says:

This year I’m planning on using the drawer full of samples I’ve been saving all year.

Dana DeMarco says:

I love filling them with things from the dollar store plus something
I made myself.

Anonymous says:

We use crayons and baseball cards

Amanda Leach says:

12/11/2011 at 7:08 pm

I buy from the dollar store or dollar general. We are debating on not doing stockings this year since they also get one at my husband’s grandmother’s house…don’t need all that candy!

Tracey says:

12/11/2011 at 7:08 pm

I, too, shop at dollar stores and look for packages of multiples. My children get so much candy from other sources that I refuse to put any in their stockings, but I do buy multi-packs of gum and add that to their stockings. The Target Dollar Spot is another great place to find stocking stuffers.

Swall says:

12/11/2011 at 7:09 pm

Can always find great stuff at the Dollar Tree!

Scl2163 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:11 pm

I always shop the day after Christmas for Christmas clearance items for stockings. This year I also used the promotion at CVS to get a free gift card when I got gift cards as stocking stuffers. On top of that I used the candy coupons at Walgreens last week to get three candy items for a total of $0.17. Three down….four stockings to go…

guest says:

12/11/2011 at 7:11 pm

Dollar General and use their coupons!!!!

Terri in Wilmington says:

12/11/2011 at 7:11 pm

I usually get most of my stocking stuffer’s from CVS. Gum, candy, fingernail polish, Christmas ornament for next year, gift cards, etc. All using my Extrabucks and gift cards from the gift card promotion!

Elizabethconner says:

12/11/2011 at 7:12 pm

I try to buy stocking stuffer stuff when they mark it down after Christmas, then save it for the next year.

Jen S. says:

12/11/2011 at 7:13 pm

I use things I have purchased with extra care bucks from CVS

Jessicawingard says:

12/11/2011 at 7:13 pm

i try to find deals through out the year: clearance items and also the dollar section at target

Melissa says:

12/11/2011 at 7:13 pm

i love dollar general! they just reopened a few inmy area! yeah!!!

Debbie says:

12/11/2011 at 7:14 pm

I wait until after Christmas for Target’s stocking stuffers (1$ spot) to go on clearance and stock up for the next Christmas.

ajy says:

12/11/2011 at 7:14 pm

i like to buy clearance items throughout the year and save them for stocking stuffers or little prizes for my son whenever needed. Love when Target marks down their dollar bin at 75%!

Sarah M. says:

12/11/2011 at 7:14 pm

My top money-saving tip for filling my little girl’s stocking is buying small items on sale throughout the year. Most items in her stocking were either free or very cheap!

Linda says:

12/11/2011 at 7:15 pm

I try to buy things all year that will go in the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and stockings so that I don’t have to buy too much for stockings in December.

Katie Weaver85 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:16 pm

I shop at big lots for my stocking stuffers. I work there so I get 20% off. They don’t accept coupons but have such good deals that you don’t even need coupons.

Becky S says:

12/11/2011 at 7:16 pm

I grab small toys at Walgreens to use as filler items throughout the year.

Jenny says:

12/11/2011 at 7:17 pm

Try not to focus too much on Christmas only items. Kids appreciate a whole candy bar just as much! I find little clearance toys over time too!

Rachel says:

12/11/2011 at 7:17 pm

I love to put together a great stocking. I’ll put in their favorite candy (m&m and peanut butter snickers) and don’t feel too bad about it because they really don’t get that much throughout the year. I’ll usually hit the dollar store for the candy and some other great $1 or less items to fill it us ! Maybe even some sparkly filler paper if I run across it.

Kathyneff says:

12/11/2011 at 7:17 pm

splitting up bags of individually wrapped candy, that I get almost free with coupons!

Nan says:

12/11/2011 at 7:18 pm

Money saving tip? I put things in my daughter’s stocking–she’s 10– that I would be buying her anyways…nice pens, pencils, sticky notes, markers, chaptstick, lip gloss, nail polish, etc and you can find ALL of this stuff at Dollar General!

Lindsbrac says:

12/11/2011 at 7:18 pm

I just went to Dollar General yesterday and spent $25 (after my $5 coupon) on stocking stuffers for my 3 girls! How fun we had the same idea.

Joanna21 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:18 pm

I shop the dollar section at Target and the Dollar Tree. I also put freebies/amazing deals in there! For example, the little lotions from Bath & Body Works facebook page. Those make great stocking stuffers and they didn’t cost me a penny!

Pamelaqpon says:

12/11/2011 at 7:19 pm

I have college aged boys, and this year I am using the $10 gift cards I have got FREE with $30 purchases at CVS as one of their stocking stuffers. I also am doing gum, candy, etc. that I have gotten free and / or VERY cheap over the last few months. And, of course, whole nuts and fruit … no Christmas stocking is complete without that.

Coupnmelsa says:

12/11/2011 at 7:19 pm

Planning :) shop sales all year

Ana says:

12/11/2011 at 7:19 pm

I stuff my stockings with the drugstore stuff from my stockpile. Usually I stuffed my stockings for under a buck :).

scubatown says:

12/11/2011 at 7:20 pm

I purchase sale, great priced & clearance items ALL year long so it’s not too overwhelming in december!! Ho, Ho, Ho!

Jodi says:

12/11/2011 at 7:21 pm

I try to collect candy and gum over the past few months (with coupons for free or close to free :) Then, I try to take scrap material and make things for my children’s favorite toys. Example: This year, my son said his big G.I. Joes need sleeping bags for when they go to war, soooo……His stocking will have a few sleeping bags, and maybe some tiny pillows too! (all made from scrap fabric I already have :) Love to put a few small toys in them as well :)

Jhardy23 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:22 pm

clearance items from throughout the year. And, socks and underwear too.

Ekmiller28 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:22 pm

OH you can easily get stocking stuffers for $25. I have three small children and I fill with pens, bubble bath, toothbrushes and toothpaste, lip gloss, mini notebooks and individual packets of fruit snacks.

Jllam 2223 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:25 pm

Lots of small individual items, some toys and some treats. All inexpensive items.

Saraarwen says:

12/11/2011 at 7:26 pm

I accumulate little things all year long when I find good deals and fun things. That takes a lot of the cost burden off in December when you already have so many demands on your wallet!

Babs617 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:26 pm

all those freebees you get at drugstores end up being great stocking stuffers. especially for teens!

Jhardy23 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:26 pm

I try not to spend more than $5 on each stocking. I use clearance items and stickers, socks, and/or underwear with their favorite characters.

Esther says:

Inexpensive items in BIG packages!!!

Couponzrgreat says:

I stooped by Dollar General yesterday and bought alot of stocking stuffers for less than $25.00. I bought boxes of gummies, goldfish, etc. and can be split between multiply stockings.

EWags says:

Lots and lots and lots of candy.

Rebecca says:

I gather clearence stuff all year long.

Sdilda says:

12/11/2011 at 7:28 pm

Since I started couponing and have so much free toothpaste and toothbrushes, my kids will get one of each in their stockings. Plus I buy a big bag of jingles candy and fill each kid a cute .50 cent jar with them. Looks better in the christmas jar than in the bag and saved by buying in bulk.

Carmanm says:

12/11/2011 at 7:28 pm

I like to get the clearanced bags of individually wrapped candies and split them up between my three boys (Halloween candies, for example).

Melissa says:

12/11/2011 at 7:28 pm

I stock up on various small items throughout the year that I pick up on sale. That makes it SO much easier when Christmas time comes around!

Almsw119 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:29 pm

Fruit! My daughter LOVES apples, and that can take up space in the foot of the stocking. I also watch for small things on clearance all year around!

Jean says:

12/11/2011 at 7:30 pm

I use the coupons Hallmark always puts out to get little books and nice candy

Aquinton72 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:31 pm

i buy from the target dollar bins and when i find things on clearance.

Aquinton72 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:31 pm

i buy from the target dollar bins and when i find things on clearance.

Jakeanddieselivie says:

Most of my stocking stuffers are after Halloween clearance items…candy, stickers, tattoos, etc…my boys LOVE spiders, & skulls so it is right up their alley!!

Jakeanddieselivie says:

Most of my stocking stuffers are after Halloween clearance items…candy, stickers, tattoos, etc…my boys LOVE spiders, & skulls so it is right up their alley!!

Mydeere5 says:

My kids LOVE to eat clementines…so I fill the bottom of stockings with those and then toothbrushes, soap,toiletries and Christmas candies. Usually a small toy or two also.

Lisa says:

My kids won’t have stockings this Christmas. Looks like Santa’s going to have forgotten since he was running behind schedule. With both of us out of work, there was no money to spare. An angel gave me $25, and I have to come up with two decent presents for them out of that. That’s gonna be it.

Kacey says:

Just little small inexpensive things that are on sale. Also all those GREAT free items from drug stores!

Lauren says:

12/11/2011 at 7:33 pm

I fill my daughter’s stocking with play necklaces, Dora accessories, candy, and some other cute little things. What I do is just pay attention at Dollar general and other stores for these little things. I actually found Dora rings, hair clips/bows, and a necklace and bracelet set at a shoe store-of all places-for 1.99 or less.

Bjessa says:

12/11/2011 at 7:34 pm

Home made items!

Elf716 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:34 pm

Couponing throughout the year. I buy and stock up all year for my kids. I love to get things at dollar stores and my kids are just as happy as with more expensive items.

wendyc33 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:35 pm

We definitely hit up the dollar stores for christmas stockings. and the drugstores for clearanced cheap makeup are good buys too. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

chrystal bachmann says:

12/11/2011 at 7:36 pm

I love to shop at the $1 bin at Micheaels and use the % off your entire purchase coupons that aways comes around the holidays! :)

Coopsmom says:

12/11/2011 at 7:36 pm

I start shopping as soon as Christmas ends :) Ther are always great clearance deals right after Christmas

Donna says:

I get stocking stuffers all year long, whenever I get cheap or free or something unique that I have save extra for.

She Coupons says:

I always shop for clearance and dollar items as well.

Allinole says:

We don’t celebrate Christmas but for big savings we know our prices and stock up on a good sale. For example, matchbox cars are usually $1 each. when they go on sale for 50% off, we buy a bunch at one time.

Lianne says:

Arts and crafts supplies!

Machilds121104 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:40 pm

I bought the Cinderella oral b power toothbrush at CVS FOR 1.99! I also got the Spiderman spinbrush for my son for $3.99 at Walgreens. Both should have been around $8.00 each! I also got some cute things in the “dollar section” at Target.

Vern6791 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:40 pm

I put things that i get inexpensively through couponing, For instance the my husband gets deodorant, razors, shave cream, etc. The kids get toothpaste toothbrushes, and band aids. I also hit the $ area at Target they always have great stuff for the kids. And of curse candy, everyone gets their favorite kinds.

Amy says:

I love puzzle books and playing cards!

Carebearandrea says:

I get candy from halloween clearance and use that as candy in their stockings. And this year, they will each get free peeps and snickers in there too. I also at Dollar tree for little toys.

Carebearandrea says:

I get candy from halloween clearance and use that as candy in their stockings. And this year, they will each get free peeps and snickers in there too. I also at Dollar tree for little toys.

Amanda says:

I look for deals on sale candy and pair with coupons

Thepierces says:

Freebies stashed away throughout the year!

Anonymous says:

I do 14 stockings each year (right now). I have a shoe box for each person’s stocking and they are lined up on shelves in a closet. I buy stocking stuffers all year long and add them to the boxes. By the time Dec rolls around some of the boxes are already filled up!

Jess says:

My family has a tradition of putting an orange in the bottom of your stocking and mixing in whole nuts with chocolates and a few hygiene items. (The tradition of the stocking became popular in the 1800s. But a poor child’s stocking would only have an apple,
orange and a few nuts.) Compared to most of the world, we here in the USA are VERY rich. It’s inexpensive to fill a stocking this way, and it’s also a good reminder that there are MANY others who would be very fortunate to receive only this. God Bless You, and have a Merry Christmas!!

Heather says:

12/11/2011 at 7:42 pm

I keep an eye out all year long for great deals or clearance items that would good for stockings.

Pradaily2000-coupon says:

12/11/2011 at 7:42 pm

My daughter has an itunes account thru us. She only purchases when we give permission or she earns some money. So, I created our own itunes gift card granting her $10 in purchases thru their site. I’ve also created other gift cards for her to use at home. It’s fun to come up with your own gift cards!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:43 pm

Through the year I save clearance & freebie items and leftovers from multi-item bags of things. I also buy value packs with multiple items and split them up among kids.

Albaclaire says:

12/11/2011 at 7:44 pm

I always check the dollar spot at target throughout the year for markdown clearance.

M&MsMommy says:

I always shop the clearance sale after Christmas for the next year :)

Linda Shifflett says:

I get stocking stuffers from the dollar stores, watch for sales all year long and sometimes my freebies get added to the mix.

Lilkt384 says:

I check out the clearance at Target & Bed, Bath Beyond

jso9961 says:

dollar store and since I am new to couponing (as of late this year), it will be freebies next year

amy says:

12/11/2011 at 7:47 pm

I load up on travel size bathroom/hygiene products. These are great for lockers, lunch boxes, and traveling. And they are small enough to put in a stocking:)

amy says:

12/11/2011 at 7:47 pm

I load up on travel size bathroom/hygiene products. These are great for lockers, lunch boxes, and traveling. And they are small enough to put in a stocking:)

Sevendaytrial says:

For stockings I usually shop the dollar stores or try to find really good deals on small toys, cosmetics, razors and candy through the holiday season. Dollar General has long been a favorite in this house!

LisaB says:

toothbrush, coupon cheap gum, small toys, and hershey kisses! :)

Marion and Kim says:

I use inexpensive coloring books and crayons (that I purchased when school started for .25) , costume jewelry for the girls and cars or trucks for the boys,
and candy of course

Momof EE&I says:

I save a lot of my freebies through the year to add as fillers for stockings or misc. gifts. I also look for great deals on merchandise immediately after Christmas in addition to spring/summer/fall clearance sales to build up my gift bins through the year.

Cblankwriter says:

12/11/2011 at 7:50 pm

I get the best stocking stuffers at Dollar General and other dollar stores, as well as the $1 section at Target. Walgreens’ and CVS’ coupons also make things like makeup and perfume affordable!

Melissa says:

12/11/2011 at 7:52 pm

Thanks to Southern Savers I shop CVS to get free items for my stockings. I have shopped Dollar General, also after seeing deals on Southern Savers.

Inflower says:

12/11/2011 at 7:52 pm

I apparantly needed this video because I go overboard and get cute and unique toys and candy from the cracker barrel. I am broke this year so I will give the dollar general tips a try. I have three kids to fill. I am so excited for Christmas.

Couprint says:

12/11/2011 at 7:52 pm

Definitely post-Halloween clearance pllus coupons. And any other great sale I get throughout the year.

Amandah says:

12/11/2011 at 7:54 pm

I will be in the stores early on Dec. 26th. I use a gallon size ziploc bag for each person, it is exactly the right size to know when the stocking is full. Hygiene items are a must and couponing is now a must!!

Cjmathews06 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:54 pm

I always check out the dollar store but after starting to coupon this year I will be using that to my advantage

Brenda says:

12/11/2011 at 7:54 pm

I like to put little items from the Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or CVS.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:55 pm

clearanace at michaels

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:55 pm

Shop for stocking stuffers all year long! Fun toothbrushes, chapstick, lotions, etc. are good stocking stuffers and you don’t have to buy them at Christmas time, necessarily.

Fdroberson says:

12/11/2011 at 7:55 pm

I “kill two birds with one stone” and put school supplies (pencils, pens, etc.) in stockings. The kids usually need more of these come January anyway!

Amysdeals76 says:

12/11/2011 at 7:56 pm

clearance items and coupon freebies!

Carrie_C says:

12/11/2011 at 7:57 pm

I have a little “stockpile” of stocking stuffers I set aside throughout the year. I’ll see something great on clearance and save it for the following year. It’s usually so cheap and easy that we all get something in our stocking!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 7:57 pm

I’ve found some great stocking stuffers over the year on the clearance rack at the Publix!

Patti says:

12/11/2011 at 7:59 pm

Thanks to CVS and Southern Savers, I have filled 3 stockings free – using my coupons and combining them with store coupons and sales, I paid only the sales tax!

msivory20 says:

I must confess that I have some Halloween candy I got for 75% off at our grocery store that I specifically bought to save for Christmas. The kids couldn’t care less and I spent hardly anything :)

Rosa_107 says:

Dollar tree items are wonderful!

Ginger says:

I typically load up at the Dollar Tree, where you can find great deals on candy and sometimes even name brand items like Betty Crocker kitchen utensils for the ladies.

rebecca fitzgerald says:

I buy from clearance rack, and whenever candy is on sale, and use coupons.

Hildawins says:

12/11/2011 at 8:01 pm

When my boys were first born I made them GIANT stockings! Now that I can’t fill them with stuffed animals I usually fill them with toothpaste, toothbrushes, regularr sized shampoo, deodorant, kleenex, you get the idea! I also include a bag of coal, nuts, and oranges!

Dollar General is just the place to shop for all the fun things to put in their stockings!

Sherry says:

12/11/2011 at 8:01 pm

I just keep it simple. The kids know they will get socks, toothpaste, and some other little things.

Tracey says:

12/11/2011 at 8:02 pm

I pick up inexpensive treats at CVS and extra crayons and markers when school supplies are on sale

Jennifer G. says:

12/11/2011 at 8:02 pm

I would say to use coupons (of course!) and shop clearance. I recently found a shirt at Target for $0.08!!!

kim says:

12/11/2011 at 8:03 pm

getting free or almost free things at cvs and walgreens. i just got 4 free packages of peeps this morning for their stockings. i also look for little things when i am out somewhere under 1.00.

Chall says:

12/11/2011 at 8:04 pm

Coupons deals and freebies, thanks SouthernSavers

Mark says:

12/11/2011 at 8:04 pm

This week alone after receiving a $5 rewards a CVS I was able to get close to $40 worth of name brand items by buying items that I found coupons for that offered more $ rewards, which I used for the next item. All together I was out of less than $7 out of pocket buying the following items which I will use as stocking stuffers: Arm & Hammer Spinbrush toothbrush, Pledge surface spray, Glade Lasting Impression Fragrancer, 2 twin pack Glade refills, and 2 bottles of Listerine. They are useful and cost me almost nothing. So, take your time and look for coupons for sale items that can be used for gifts that people will use. In this economy people love gifts that save them money now.

Lynne says:

12/11/2011 at 8:05 pm

I keep a running collection of items all year long.

Cthom618 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:05 pm

The dollar area at Target has great stocking stuffers!

Nnikkib1 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:05 pm

I usually buy things from the clearance and I use as much coupons as I can.

Patricia Bratcher says:

I use all the tips from SouthernSavers! :) That way I find freebies and inexpensive items. Thanks Jenny! :)

Anonymous says:

This weekend alot of items went on clearence at CVS for 75% off. I used coupons from the RIB magazine for big scores. Saturday a qp for $3 off any Cristopherson plus the $2./2 (RIB) was a hit for a full size shampoo and conditioner on clearance for $3.49ea. I divided these up into reclosable bottels, printed personalized labels for the bottles and have plenty to use for refill. Packs of pocket Kleenex $1./3 Dollar General and Maybeline Baby lips free from Target.

Wcushelley says:

Coupons, of course :)

Carolyn says:

I start early and collect small necessities and annything fun there are coupons for. Small snacks are always a big hit to top it off at the last minute.

Brandi says:

shopping all year, finding things on clearance.

Disp6 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:07 pm

We fill stockings with everyday items that we get for free or less than 0.50 cents. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, cascade detergent packs, gain dish detergent, gum, candy, anything small that will fit but is usable at the same time. For younger ones they get the left over school supplies to help finish the school year.

Karingjones says:

12/11/2011 at 8:08 pm

I shop all year for Christmas…clearance sales happen all year long!!

Lyswhite8 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:10 pm

I use all the special tips on clearance items with coupons to find those great stocking stuffers. My family has never been disappointed.

Xiggie2 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:10 pm

I pick up clearanced items throughout the year and then use the dollar tree for candy – usually I add some big bottle of bubble bath and 1 other big item they can use thru the year to take up space but also be useful. The boxed $1.00 candy travels well and is a good filler.

Mbennett3 says:

we like to go thru the special front lane areas with unique items @ a price plus a little candy & music

Couponing_Rocks! says:

This year, my money saving trick was to stock up on candy, gum, & mints when they were cheap or free. It’s amazing how much that stuff adds up. I could easily go to Wal-mart & spend 30+ on just these little fillers. Today, I picked up 4 Snickers nutcrackers for free at CVS!

Sunshine says:

Never wait until Christmas to find small items for stockings. Also all the free samples of colonges or perfumes are great in stockings. What about all the cheap and free cover girl we got a few months back. Plan ahead and stocking can be done for very little and still be great.

SJHM says:

My parents have always put 1 apple and 1 orange in the bottom of our stockings — it’s a healthy snack to make up for all the sweets at the holidays, and it takes up the whole bottom of the stocking for a very low price!

Audrey says:

12/11/2011 at 8:14 pm

I so understand your husband adding the whole nuts to stockings! We always did the same and even included the largest navel orange we could find along with a huge apple! As our kids got older they’d groan when they saw the fruit and nuts but today that’s the one thing they always remember! :-) Happy Holidays to You All!

Jenscrystallilne says:

12/11/2011 at 8:15 pm

SO glad that Dollar General is now on SS and that they take coupons. What a deal!

Bersingerj says:

12/11/2011 at 8:15 pm

I have 3 kids under the age of 6 . I do my stocking stuffer shopping after Christmas the year before. I went to Target after Christmas last year and stocked up when the $1/$2.50 section was 75% off!! I got SO much for for very little out of pocket. I plan on doing it again this year :)

Mosthighrock says:

12/11/2011 at 8:17 pm

Shop for stockings all year long and pick up things on clearance or buy in bulk.

My2bamagirls says:

12/11/2011 at 8:18 pm

BOGO’s, candy and makeup!

Chandra says:

12/11/2011 at 8:18 pm

Read Southern Savers for the best savings, take the time to coupon!

Joy says:

12/11/2011 at 8:20 pm

I always stock up on stocking stuffers & gifts after each holiday through out the year @ Doller general. By the time christmas & birthdays roll around i have a huge stock of stuff to choose from! Dollar General is so afforadable!

Ecagle7 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:20 pm

target dollar section clearance!!!

Amyb says:

My MIL always sends boxes of goodies throughout the year filled with little toys and candy. I’ve started putting things back before my kids see it to use for things like stockings and rewards during the year.

Amberapodaca says:

I like to buy a few bags of different candy and mix them together and put it in sandwich bags for each stocking so that everyone gets some of every kind!

Amberapodaca says:

I like to buy a few bags of different candy and mix them together and put it in sandwich bags for each stocking so that everyone gets some of every kind!

Katiemusic says:

My best money saving stocking tip is that I buy all year to fill stockings! By shopping over such a long time I can really wait until I find the BEST deals to buy for stuffing! (And it’s really fun for me!)

Katiemusic says:

My best money saving stocking tip is that I buy all year to fill stockings! By shopping over such a long time I can really wait until I find the BEST deals to buy for stuffing! (And it’s really fun for me!)

Jamie says:

I like to shop at the Dollar Tree for the kids stockings. They always get a battery operated spinbrush, chapstick, deodorant, and so on.

Jordan says:

12/11/2011 at 8:23 pm

I collect items on super sale like Hershey’s chocolates, candy canes, etc, when drugstores offer freebies through reward bucks. It’s great to have these on hand!

Georgia Mom says:

12/11/2011 at 8:23 pm

Target dollar section is fab:)

Candyo0217 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:23 pm

Arts and craft items from Dollar Tree

Languagegirl4ever says:

12/11/2011 at 8:24 pm

I search all the weekly ads for the best prices several months before Christmas…..and coupons of course:D

KG says:

12/11/2011 at 8:24 pm

Just hit Michael’s today and got lots of stocking items for $.49 each!

KG says:

12/11/2011 at 8:24 pm

Just hit Michael’s today and got lots of stocking items for $.49 each!

Jen says:

12/11/2011 at 8:25 pm

I score big at the drug stores when they run random sales and I stock up all year!

Jen says:

12/11/2011 at 8:25 pm

I score big at the drug stores when they run random sales and I stock up all year!

Tsdixon says:

12/11/2011 at 8:25 pm

buy cards, puzzles in dollar section.

Coupongal18 says:

I’m using a lot of the stuff that I got at CVS on Black Friday for stocking stuffers…..my mom and grandmother LOVE finger nail polish and other odds and ends so I have had my stocking stuffers for a while – my tip is to stock up all year long on the great sales from CVS!!!!!!And other places like Walgreen’s Dollar General, etc….

Cassandra says:

I try to fill stocking with art work, stickers and candy…..I love DG’s clearance

Erica says:

SNOW POOP!! Mixed with other sale, clearance, or dollar store items.

Christina Babbino says:

Throughout the year pick up things that are on sale! My children are 1 and 3, so my 3 year old is even excited about a cool new tooth brush. This makes it easy to find and stock up on free/cheap surprises all year long!

Gina cole says:

12/11/2011 at 8:29 pm

We always have socks in our stocking. The money to buy them comes from our clothing budget, but the really take up a ton of room!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 8:29 pm

Love the Target $1 section, Dollar Tree, and of course, free after ECB items at CVS. OK, I know you said top tip, but there are so many ways to save on gifts.

rose says:

12/11/2011 at 8:30 pm

I try to find BIG things to fill with little around it…makes it much easier!!!

2gatorgrads says:

12/11/2011 at 8:30 pm

Amazing how the kids get excited over the “practical” items I feel necessary to include in their stockings- toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, school supplies, hand sanitizer, hair accessories (4 girls!) & candy/gum- all of which I’m now finding for next to nothing thanks to Southern Savers! I’ll be sure to check out Dollar General for a few last minute items!

Abbey says:

12/11/2011 at 8:31 pm

I search garage sales. Last weekend I found great Christmas and Mickey Mouse stickers (4 different packages) $0.10 each. Love great deals!!

cindy says:

12/11/2011 at 8:32 pm

Free candy and a ton of it! Always can use your coupons to pay nothing at all for that yummy chocolate that no child can resist!!

Anonymous says:

The recent Toblerone coupon coupled with sales will be a hit with my family as stocking stuffers! We will be traveling again this year so ALL gifts will be ‘stocking stuffer’ sizes!

Sandi169 says:

Best place to buy all your decorations and wrapping supplies are Dollar Stores!

Peggy says:

We shop at Dollar General, too! Love to find those clearance bargains there. My cat, Sassy, loves it when we shop there. They carry her favorite food, Fancy Feast, Appetizers! I would love to win a gift card on behalf of Sassy’s stocking! :)

Anonymous says:

I buy things all year in clearance sections, and by the time Novemebr comes I’ve got all my stocking stuffers done.

Julie says:

12/11/2011 at 8:34 pm

I can’t say enough about the clearance section. Take 5 minutes to check it every shopping trip. You never know what treasures may be found!

Sharstevens says:

12/11/2011 at 8:34 pm

The biggest tip is what Jenny suggested..buy multiple item packs and split it among the stockings. Very affordable at DG.

Sindyt63 says:

Take something from all the wonderful previous posts: coupon, shop clearances, use Southern Savers and when you find something that could be useful, share. I use these posts that these people have taken the time to share… Thank you for making it that much easier to save money and provide for my family… Thank you all and God Bless!

Tvcob says:

I shop all year. Clearance items and coupons help me save. I also buy packaged items and split them.

Adhanna says:

I like shopping DG for small things. Buying items in a muti-pack (like gum & candy) then splitting them up in the kids stockings helps save $. I’m with your hubby on the whole nuts. I like to put a clementine or 2 in also.

Brenda says:

The flea market is a great place to find unwanted “NEW” items for a cheap price. I do my Christmas shopping all year long!!!

LeahP says:

12/11/2011 at 8:36 pm

I shop the target $1 section.

diane says:

12/11/2011 at 8:36 pm

We love the Target dollar section, as well as the dollar store. We also have used stacked coupons at Target the past few weeks to get free lip gloss and nail polish for our girls. They will be so excited!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 8:37 pm

In our house, Santa usually fills the stockings with socks and underwear. Thanks to couponing they’ll be a lot more exciting this year. The girls (19 and 29) will get tons of covergirl, nail files, nail polish, lip balm, etc. The boys (15 and 28) will be smelling great with all that Axe!

Sara says:

Small things are always fun in stockings– pencils, soaps, little wind-up toys.

Laura says:

I always fill stockings with needed items (razors, etc) and favorite candy. I shop for these with coupons and get great buys!

Robin says:

I also love Dollar General for stocking stuffers! When my children were little, I always got inexpensive crayons and coloring books. Now that they are older I buy them colorful gel pens and journals.

Leah says:

I start shopping for stocking stuffers just after Halloween, which gives me plenty of time to find the deals. I like to use my ECBs or RRs from CVS or Walgreens to buy stocking stuffers, or I throw in those little individual candies as my “filler” item at Walgreens, when needed. By Christmas, I’ve got everything I need for 18 stockings!

Anonymous says:

i always check out the clerance rack and $1 in stores

Crstevens05 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:39 pm

I try to stock up through the year

Krystalcook says:

12/11/2011 at 8:39 pm

This year- I have been focusing on anything that I can get for FREE that will fit into the stockings….

For example:
-The Maybaline Baby Lips 2.99 (-3 in Coupons)
-Christmas Peeps free @ Walgreens after coupons this week
-Bath & Body Works kids hand sanitizer & holder for backpack (bought holder for .52 and got the sanitizer for free)

Wendi says:

12/11/2011 at 8:39 pm

I have been collecting cute stocking stuffers from the dollar tree. Also, I have gotten some really great FREE and even money making deals from CVS and Walgreens like softlips, venus razors, toothbrushes, and other goodies. I am trying to get away from filling stockings with candy. I always wanted “stuff” in my stocking that wasn’t edible.

Lisa Davis0571 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:41 pm

I buy small items on sale with coupons…. Finger nail polish, lip balm, makeup, candy early and save for stockings.

amanda says:

Travel items, flashlights, batteries, all are available at DG. You can even use manufacturer’s coupons!

Mel says:

Fill them with large things–a huge apple or orange usually goes at the bottom of ours–fills up the whole toe and the kids think they’re awesome just because they’re so big. Then stock up on clearance stuff and freebies from drugstores, etc. throughout the year for the rest.

Michelle says:

I don’t put alot in our stockings just maybe one big gift but my daughter will be older next year and maybe, hopefully more into it so I’ll need to start picking up trinkets for next year :)

Stereomom says:

One of my best money saving tips for stocking stuffing is to save up many of my free samples that I collect over the year, and give them to my age appropriate children. :-)

Funsavingsgal says:

12/11/2011 at 8:43 pm

Dollar General is the place to shop for stocking stuffers. I like to think of it as a one stop shop for this purpose. Prepare a list of must haves and plan to look for the fun items everyone likes to find in their stocking. Like Jenny mentioned hit the clearance isle first, shop for multiple packs and look for in store deals. Stocking stuffing has always been one of my favorite holiday shopping trips and DG makes it easy. They have all your stocking stuffing needs in one quick stop, no matter how many stocking you have to fill or who the stocks are for, a fun time shopping.

Moore5169 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:43 pm

small electronics, gift cards, gum, jewelry, hair accessories!
last year we forgot the stocking until later in the day ! we got
to have christmas all over again!

Jim and Maria Hart says:

Sales and coupons, of course! I grab little things throughout the year and have more than enough to fill stockings :)

Traleighm says:

5 for $5 gel packs from bath and body works, $1 socks from target, $5 gift card frm Starbucks, trial size items from Ulta , buy bundle of the Itune cards and give them away candy bars and packs of gum

Tanya says:

I usually shop at the Dollar Tree or Dollar General. I try to find multipack items and split. Clearance sales and drug store deals help!

RC says:

Collect free or almost free things throughout the year. Growing up, our Christmas shopping started the day after Christmas and we had a spot in the house to store gifts that were found throughout the year at a good price.

Laura says:

12/11/2011 at 8:45 pm

Love the dollar section at Target and clearance racks!

Jennifer West says:

12/11/2011 at 8:45 pm

Choose items that are bulky to take up more room so you can buy less!

amyr says:

12/11/2011 at 8:45 pm

toothpaste & toothbrushes on sale or free

Coupons4a says:

12/11/2011 at 8:46 pm

Ha! My husband says Christmas stocking aren’t complete without a bag of pistachios! Glad to know he’s not the only one. :)

Mickosuave says:

12/11/2011 at 8:46 pm

This year I plan to make candy choo choo trains out of life saver rolls and other candy. Most of the items needed to make them I have already acquired using coupons and come from multiple item packages. They should be a big hit!

Nchoneybee says:

12/11/2011 at 8:47 pm

oranges work great in the toes and take up lots of room!

Rebevil says:

12/11/2011 at 8:47 pm

we have to have pistachios as well! and of course, my in laws always have to have an orange

Ginny says:

12/11/2011 at 8:48 pm

I took advantage of all the candy coupons this season and got lots of candy for next to nothing. I also used high value coupons for other goodies. I will fill in the rest with $5 fast food coupons. (We are all adults.)

Subru says:

12/11/2011 at 8:49 pm

Definately wouldn’t spend more than $25 on stocking stuffers- I save all the CVS & Walgreens freebies throughout the year and not wait until December to shop.

Cl3v3rgirl33 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:49 pm

It doesn’t matter how old my kids get they still love a new box of crayons and a coloring book. I have boxes of crayons left over from the back to school shopping that were a quarter! DG has the coloring books. Then I fill them with battery operated toothbrushes and toothpaste to go with the candy I got at CVS and Walgreens.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 8:50 pm

I save small items during the year for stocking stuffers. Could def shop for less than $25

Barbie1032 says:

I put candy in the stocking I can get free or cheap.

trudi says:

Different freebies through out the year

Shannonwells says:

Ours is simple…character toothbrushes are tradition, stickers, lip gloss for kids, little sprays and so forth….

cmorgano1 says:

Dollar items, and split 1 bag of candy between 5 stockings!

$saver says:

12/11/2011 at 8:52 pm

we always put at least 1 piece of fruit and a handful of candy. it adds a lot of fullness to the stocking for not much $

sweetlee says:

12/11/2011 at 8:52 pm

I like to use some of the free samples that I get during the year.

Chuchubi says:

12/11/2011 at 8:52 pm

things like hand made potholders, toiletries, fruit, candy

Mrswhit728 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:53 pm

My favorite stocking stuffer is batteries for the endless toys and gadgets that need them. Super excited to check out some of the great deals on batteries you listed!

Jnelson280 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:54 pm

toothbrushes on clearance, coloring books, stickers, socks :-)

Nursewoody81 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:54 pm

This year, CVS has been having free things with your ECB, such as candy canes this week. Grabbed those, grabbed the free lip balm on Thanksgiving, and a few other things. Also, JCPenny keeps sending me 10$ off your 10$ purchase, with those, I’ve been hitting the clearance racks and such, and getting a ton of stuff for free… Free stocking stuffers all around!

mel says:

12/11/2011 at 8:54 pm

Always check aisle caps for clearance items

Debra says:

12/11/2011 at 8:55 pm

candy, barrettes, toothbrushes

Mcleodsc says:

12/11/2011 at 8:55 pm

This year I made up a “nail kit” for my pre-teen granddaughter. I included Revlon and Sally Hansen items that I got free/almost free this past year! I always give each grandchild a stocking filled with candy that I purchase from Dollar General and split between the stockings, along with a couple dollar items, like card, small cars…

LPM says:

12/11/2011 at 8:55 pm

If there is a Scholastic Books warehouse close by, it’s clearance time and most books and activity sets are 50%. There is typically a section of the warehouse that has mini travel games, robot kits, etc. for $1.00, those are always fun stuffers not to mention that books and MadLibs are fun stuffers too. Books for the classroom make for great teacher gifts. These warehouse sales usually occur around the 10th of December and again toward mid-May (great stock up for summer reading and workbooks).

CouponPeg says:

12/11/2011 at 8:56 pm

I try to fill my family’s stockings with the same things Santa put in my own as a child during the 1960’s….tangerines & apples, whole nuts, butterscotch, chocolate covered cherries, different flavored candy canes, rock candy, a harmonica or recorder, a deck of cards, Tootsie Roll Pops, non-pareils, and Walkers shortbread cookies. The old fashioned items have become a family tradition.

Flavina67 says:

12/11/2011 at 8:57 pm

i usually hit the after valentine day and easter at target 75 and 90 percent off for glitter and make up and lipgloss, heart socks

K. Susan says:

12/11/2011 at 8:58 pm

I like a nice packaged hollow santa — kids think it is fun, it isn’t as much chocolate for the volume, and it takes up space. Also … keep those stocking sizes reasonable.

Hilary says:

12/11/2011 at 8:59 pm

Absolutely!

Ruralmail83 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:00 pm

I’ll admit, we still do stockings for our “elderly” children as well as grandchildren. I go on one day to DG and buy tons of small items (gum, chap stick, cotton balls, wd40) whatever will fit. always look for sales and clearance first, lots of fun.

Dean'na Smiley says:

I hit the dollar store or dollar sections to find good little stuffers. :)

Rchis185 says:

I try to find candy deals from Halloween until Christmas but I also add ann nail polish or make-up deals for my girls. Even though my sons are older now I add a fun toy to play with, this year I am thinking about giving them those remote control ‘bugs”. I am sure they will have fun pestering the girls with them!

Plaidjenn says:

definitely start stocking up on free and cheap stuff during the year. LIttle matchbox cars and free nail polish are going in stockings this year!

Ashley says:

When I was younger I always got fruit, candy, and personal items in my stocking… deodorant, new brushes, makeup, shampoo, and body lotions! I loved getting all of that in my stocking and I think it is a great money saver because it is stuff that you can use no matter what

Lfiltness says:

12/11/2011 at 9:03 pm

I shop.all year and stock up on stocking stuffers. That way I am ready and can rel the week of xmas

Spanishtulip says:

12/11/2011 at 9:03 pm

In my family we use stockings as sort of mailboxes for the season. we leave each other notes and tiny chocolate bars as fun surprises.

Phillis says:

12/11/2011 at 9:04 pm

I save a lot of the freebies from couponing throughout the year and use them as stocking stuffers..ex. toothbrushes,candy, scissors, batteries.etc.

Gbbrowneyes5 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:04 pm

throughout the year I pick up things that I have coupons for like this year there was that coupon for $1 off hot wheels which I had 4 of that is something I used and candy, coloring books, crayons and other kid fun type things. For the most part I pick up fun inexpensive things that I get coupons for throughout the year for their stockings.

Chrisena96706 says:

I buy get freebies thru out the year and use it as stocking stuffers.

Ana Maria S. says:

I pick up things on clearance throughout the year plus random freebies of candy, gum, etc for my kids stockings :)

Pam Baird says:

I save my kids freebies for stockings, nailpolish, candy etc

mebrr says:

kids get things they need for stocking stuffers so it’s just that they might be pretty socks not their normal ones

noteworthymom says:

I like to hit the $1 section of Target throughout the year when things go on clearance

Danielle says:

Fun new battery operated toothbrushes with new toothpaste!!! Merry Christmas and thanks for all you do!!!

Jgenlee01 says:

I start picking up little items several months before Christmas. On December 1, I start placing little “elf” treats outside my kids door in the morning if they have been good the previous day. This is usually a small gift or candy item. It leads up to the excitement of Christmas.

ME says:

Jenny, I love filling our stockings at Christmas! I start early by trying to find everyone a favorite candy on sale with coupons or totally FREE!! However, it can be a little difficult on me knowing that candy is in the house…especially the chocolate! I balance out the sweet treats in the stockings by giving everyone a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste that I got completely free with coupons. There are always FREE toothbrushes and toothpaste to be found. I sure don’t want to be paying the dentist to fill cavities with my coupon savings! Merry Christmas and Blessings to Everyone!

Anonymous says:

I always look at Dollar Tree for little things like bath sponges to go with body wash that I already got with my coupons… different types of hair bows..

Kingcrunch says:

12/11/2011 at 9:08 pm

I stock up when things are on sale. Throughout the year, I look for the items my family loves! I also love shopping after Christmas!

Melissa McMurray says:

12/11/2011 at 9:08 pm

For my kids (a class of 1st graders, I don’t have any of my own yet), I look through the Target dollar bins when they mark them 50% or 70% off for small toys. Since I’m usually buying for 20 kids I look for packages that have multiple items in them. I love to find packs of Christmas pencils/erasers/notebooks on clearance right after the holiday and then just save them up for the next year.

Sarahmjohnson says:

12/11/2011 at 9:09 pm

I look at dollar sections all yr long

Chiefsangeleyes says:

12/11/2011 at 9:09 pm

I get things all year long from Target’s $1 aisle when it goes 75% off and store it high in a closet!

Jenny says:

12/11/2011 at 9:09 pm

We put apples and oranges and pears in the stocking. A little fruit to combat all the Christmas goodies and fill up the stocking.

karen says:

12/11/2011 at 9:10 pm

my kids are teenagers, so its a bit more challenging – other than there favorite candies, i’ll put in hair accessories, chapsticks, travel size toiletries (kids keep in their purses, lockers, cars..) and this year, i scored some deals on gift card, that the kids will get in their stockings!

da says:

12/11/2011 at 9:11 pm

my tip is we do stockings for.50 to 1.00 for every member of my family. we have 6 seperate familys. if each buy a gift our total 22 gifts to buy for. that way each person gets 6 gifts each, love it. have done this for over 15 years. its the best of part of christmas . to see everyones faces as they open the gifts some are so funny to get ………….

cammy says:

12/11/2011 at 9:11 pm

We have 4 kids and I try to find things on sale but even like that it is a challenge sometimes to fill up for 4 little ones well they are in between 5 and 11 :) Love to get $1 things for it !

guest says:

12/11/2011 at 9:12 pm

Like everyone else we shop all year for clearance items…but the stocking is when some things get get a perk that the kids wouold not usually get…the battery Spiderman toothbrush…etc…but my kids get a lot of things we get on summer clearnace that perfectly slide into stockings…goggles, sand shovels, fun water bottles, Of course, we live in the south so these items can often be used within weeks of Christmas…We also put whole nuts in our stockings…along with oranges and apples since that is what our parents and grandparents did

Annette Drew says:

12/11/2011 at 9:13 pm

This year I am putting several of the GC I got from CVS (american express) in my 17 yr old sons stocking. He will love having an “amex” card and 10.00 is the perfect amount for a stocking stuffer for older kids. Also did you take advantage of the 5.00/25.00 DG Q for your 25.00 DG challenge

Michelle C says:

12/11/2011 at 9:13 pm

For the boys, I found video games on ebay. They have older gameboy systems, so the games are cheap. If you buy several from one vendor, they combine shipping, and the games can be had for a couple of dollars a piece.

Sarah Cook says:

12/11/2011 at 9:14 pm

I shop throughout the year for little things and put them up. Hair ties on clearance, stickers, etc
soluckyducky at gmail dot com

Missy says:

12/11/2011 at 9:14 pm

I like to buy stuff after Christmas and put it up for next year. You get more for less!! I really try not to buy dollar gen. toys cuz they are so cheap!

Kelly says:

12/11/2011 at 9:14 pm

I’m terrible with stocking stuffers, I’m going to take your advice going forward!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 9:15 pm

We buy lots of batteries and chapsticks and individually wrap each one… takes them longer to open all the wrapped things… and they have to open them all to tell which is AA’s and which is lip stuff… get the big packs with coupons cheap… and the big packs of lip stuff on clearance… save thru the year… and then fruit and candy and clearance goodies again…picked up thru the year…

Lauryann says:

12/11/2011 at 9:15 pm

I buy the after holiday 50% to 75% off items and keep them for stockings or for the times when I’m caught off guard. It always pays to have a backup supply for quick gifts!

Ari21 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:15 pm

We look for presents and stocking stuffers all year long, but especially during the after Christmas markdowns.

Vondaeverhart says:

12/11/2011 at 9:16 pm

The way to get the most for your stocking without breaking the bank – GO TO DOLLAR GENERAL!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 9:16 pm

oh, and big packs of socks…and roll them up and wrap each sock individually too…takes up room and makes for more things to open… cheap…

KL says:

12/11/2011 at 9:16 pm

Buying throughout the year and after Christmas can allow you to save the most money.

Jules says:

12/11/2011 at 9:18 pm

With two teenage girls, I go with the girly things, like hair ties and make up, cosmetic bags, and the like

Nicole P says:

12/11/2011 at 9:18 pm

I keep a small box on a top shelf in my laundry to hide stocking stuffers I find year-round on clearance.

Carol says:

12/11/2011 at 9:18 pm

I save some of the free samples I get through the year, and keep back great deals on candy and gum.

Amanda Voss says:

12/11/2011 at 9:19 pm

Use coupons to get travel sized items for free……they make AWESOME stocking stuffers :)

LilKim says:

12/11/2011 at 9:20 pm

I save up the free candy from CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid that I get towards the end of the year, and those end up being the candy treats in our stockings :)

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 9:21 pm

i gather up freebies throughout the year and use them as stocking stuffers. works well since all the people i give them too are older (21 is the youngest).

Apex, NC says:

12/11/2011 at 9:22 pm

I gather the clearance items from the target dollar spot throughout the year

Kellie says:

12/11/2011 at 9:22 pm

With two teenage boys, you can’t go wrong with chocolate and candy. Also i can always find deodorant and body wash, socks, and toothbrushes priced right at the DG Store too!

Samanthadare says:

12/11/2011 at 9:22 pm

I love Dollar General! I like to go easy on the candy but rather fill the stocking with things that need to be replaced and a few toys. Things like a new toothbrush, bath pouf, chapstick, favorite snack for that person, a gourmet hot cocoa packet.. lots of little goodies! The bath pouf fills up the toe of the stocking quite nicely. ;) Merry Christmas!

Angela says:

12/11/2011 at 9:26 pm

I use gum,candy, and travel sized items that I got free throughout the year to fill 5 stockings! :-)

Chris G. says:

12/11/2011 at 9:26 pm

It may sound crazy…but we always buy fruit (tangerines) when they go on sale and add them to our stockings. We also have a pecan tree and add the pecans to the stocking and share them with our friends.

Pamela says:

12/11/2011 at 9:27 pm

Use manufacturer coupons and match them up with things on sale. Then use the $5 off $25 on top of that.

Sewhartsc says:

12/11/2011 at 9:27 pm

I just like to pick up little items all throughout the year when I find clearance or good coupon deals. I ususally get most of the things at 75% off by doing this. I love dollar general stores.

Linda says:

12/11/2011 at 9:27 pm

You can get a lot of gift cards in a stocking!

Maghanpep says:

12/11/2011 at 9:28 pm

I shop Dollar General on Saturday when they usually have a $5 off $25 purchase!! A couple of bigger, inexpensive items (gloves, boggan) help to fill it up quickly!!

Jaggreer says:

12/11/2011 at 9:29 pm

Start early in the summer and use your drugstore freebies to fill your stockings. My kids will Love me this year!

Janicedavenport1 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:29 pm

DG has some cool stuff for stocking stuffers.

I Cooki says:

12/11/2011 at 9:30 pm

I’m planning to give my friends random things I bought with coupons throughout the year. There was a deal on Opensky for a sampler of sugar for $4. I bought that and now I’m planning to give it to my friend for Christmas and maybe fill it with the Mentos I got from Rite Aid last week.

Tonya says:

12/11/2011 at 9:30 pm

About a month ago, my Target put the “Dollar Spot” items on for 70% off, so I got a bunch of stuff for the stockings and/or Easter baskets for 30 cents each! I also like to do homemade coupons for things such as “pizza night” or “you get to pick the movie night”.

Quilhil says:

12/11/2011 at 9:32 pm

I use all the items I get for free from the drugstores and dollar general, then add some homemade candy and cookies and we are all set.

Couponlindy says:

12/11/2011 at 9:32 pm

I plan on using items I got really cheap with coupons – mostly thanks to SS!

Brittle878 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:34 pm

I buy out of season stuff (water toys, bathing suits, etc) fun to think about the spring and summer ahead and on clearance from last summer…..

Dustytrip555 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:34 pm

Dollar general stores have fantastic clearance buys, sometimes ene ten cents on the dollar. I always check clearance first and save for next year’s stockings and gifts.

NikkiF314 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:35 pm

Drugstore freebies and throw in some candy!

Dwf4868 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:35 pm

for stocking filling I love to get some fresh fruit instead of candy…it fills faster and is way more healthier…

Jerrylavonda says:

12/11/2011 at 9:36 pm

My hubby swears We should have stock in the dollar general as much as i shop there…at my store i now know all the workers by first names bc i am there at least once a day LOL

Lynn says:

12/11/2011 at 9:36 pm

Freebies and gift cards make great stocking stuffers!

Sduehring says:

12/11/2011 at 9:38 pm

avon christmas items :)

Brandy says:

12/11/2011 at 9:38 pm

Always shop clearence, look for great deals posted online, and use those drugstore freebies!

angela says:

12/11/2011 at 9:39 pm

Since I started couponing, I’ve been able to use lots of freebies to make them seem even more full than year’s past! Chapstick, lipstick, polish, lotions… all great fillers along with our traditional toothbrushes, socks and a movie.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 9:39 pm

We shop clearance and candy is always inexpensive yet fun for the kids.

Jennicolerob says:

12/11/2011 at 9:41 pm

I always hit $1 items for stocking stuffers! I don’t need it to be anything that last my kids have plenty already so the General is always on my list plus targets $1 section is awesome too!

Aday837 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:44 pm

When ever we are out if we find a good deal on something we pick it up and put it away. We usally put small things in stocking. If I have rr that are about to exspire but don’t need anything at the time I will use it for random things and put them away also. Like I got a bunch of toys for free over the last few months I put them away and they hdto been used to brithdays and now for xmas.

Crystal says:

12/11/2011 at 9:46 pm

CANDY !! Toothbrushes and Toothpaste oh my!

Courtney says:

12/11/2011 at 9:50 pm

I always try to get a as much variety in my stockings as I can so I try to load up on $1 items!!!

sandra says:

12/11/2011 at 9:50 pm

I saved stuff back from my year of freebies. I got free electic toothbrushes, free gum, makeup for .88 cents, and free fingernail polish last week at Walgreens. With the help of Southern Savers I got my stockings full for almost nothing!!!Thank you!!!!

Julie says:

12/11/2011 at 9:50 pm

dollar sections!!

Territtr says:

12/11/2011 at 9:51 pm

I buy small items thru out the year that are on sale.

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 9:52 pm

I try to fill the stockings with drug store freebies, other freebies with coupons and other small items I find on clearance at other stores. I also use my coke rewards and Swagbucks for gift cards.

Sinisterdaze says:

12/11/2011 at 9:52 pm

I have four kids so I buy multi pack of toothbrushes, chapstick/lip gloss, and cars, then split them up. Then add a pair of gloves and beanie : )

Darla says:

12/11/2011 at 9:52 pm

My kids are grown but everyone enjoys receiving home baked fudge and cookies at our house.

Mday3 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:53 pm

I use coupons starting around July and store my free to next to nothing items my daughter would like, I.put them in abox

AJ says:

12/11/2011 at 9:53 pm

I like to add fruit to the stockings as well as items that I’ve stocked up on from garage sales.

susan says:

12/11/2011 at 9:53 pm

I try to pick up things for stockings all year long, when I have coupons or 70% to 90% off clearence. Also free Drugstore things. But seeing your video, how inexpensive some toys are at DG, would make a great donation for Toys for Tots. Will have to check it out tomorrow. Thanks!

lynn says:

i add a cheap or free magazine subscription. i hold on to rebate check as long as i can to purchase larger items that i pair with coupons and sales like pajama bottoms, gift cards, model sets and other hobby interests. i usually can fill a stocking up quickly for cheap and it is fun for me too knowing how much i saves!

lynn says:

12/11/2011 at 9:55 pm

that is saved!

Spiritwolf964 says:

Freeebies, Samples and multipacks of anything!!! :-)

Nikkipel says:

dollar areas in all stores and clearance items

Kim Mccutcheon says:

shop the drugstores and use the rewards (we have some earphones and a hdmi cable for video games that I plan to put in the kids stockings). Also, I have a ton of free chapstick that I’ve gotten that can be used.

AnointedSaver says:

We always purchase multi-packs of toys (like a pack with three different decks of cards) and split them up. That way the kids can also swap and play later.

Mary Beth says:

Our children’s ages range from 21-9. We started filling there stockings with common sense items like .50 combs/small brushes/listerine tabs/travel size q-tips.

cuevas7778 says:

12/11/2011 at 9:57 pm

The money saving stocking stuffer tip I use is I buy candy after Christmas (actually after EVERY holiday!) and put in my freezer, take out about a week before needed and let it thaw at room temperature. You can’t tell that it’s been in the freezer for a year and you pay half the price!!

Ms Capps says:

12/11/2011 at 9:57 pm

Big Lots and Dollar Tree Items, free items I get with coupons or almost free anyways =))

Mickey says:

12/11/2011 at 9:57 pm

I save a lot of the freebie I get during the year. My girls are in their 20’s but still can’t wait to see what is the stockings Christmas morning. Thank you Jenny for all your hard work in helping others save money.

Blueeyedgirl says:

12/11/2011 at 9:58 pm

I like to put the free toothpaste, toothbrushes and other cosmetics in the stockings for my sisters.

Bcmattern says:

12/11/2011 at 9:59 pm

With three girls (14-20-25), I concentrate on simple treats and HABA items and have always been able to create great stockings for less then $25. DG is a staple in our life, more convienent then the big box stores. Always in stock, big selections! I would love to win a gift card!

Helena Zappolino-Feser says:

12/11/2011 at 10:01 pm

Buying art supplies during back-to-school shopping sprees and put the items away for stocking.

5higgins says:

12/11/2011 at 10:03 pm

I’ve been buying candy and gum with my coupons! My kids love candy and gum and it fills up some of the space!

Redracer114 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:05 pm

I start shopping the clearance sections after school starts & I get alot of back to school items, cute pens, pencils & stickers, notebooks & save them for the stockings, I saved alot of money this time around…Thanks Jenny

Kalliopielock says:

12/11/2011 at 10:06 pm

Agreed with all of those that pick up specials and freebies throughout the year. Being of a slightly older (ahem) generation I have designated 1 drawer in the spare room for the items. I am quite famous for finding deals throughout the years and then forgetting where I hid them!

Rachel says:

12/11/2011 at 10:07 pm

I have bought lots of art supplies during the back to school sales that will be excellent stocking stuffers

Nicole in NC says:

12/11/2011 at 10:07 pm

Dollar store and target dollar aisle is a MUST! I can load up all stocking regardless of age or gender!

Toribaby_02 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:07 pm

i dont forget to add the 5.00 off 25.00 saturday purchase, that plus clearnce plus coupons, can grab some great deals

Lisa says:

12/11/2011 at 10:09 pm

Most of my stockings are for female relatives who like body lotion and beauty items.

Elizabeth says:

12/11/2011 at 10:10 pm

I pick up free cany bars & gum at the drug stores during the months leading up to Christmas & stash them away so I don’t open them. Then I use these as fillers in our stockings & they didn’t cost me anything :)

MamaZim says:

12/11/2011 at 10:10 pm

I buy clearance Halloween little toys and candies for stockings

Bethany McD says:

12/11/2011 at 10:10 pm

Clearance or $1 items.

Shirley says:

12/11/2011 at 10:11 pm

Throughout the year I put aside some items that I got free using coupons and use them to fill the stockings.

Katiesoutherngal608 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:11 pm

love going to the dollar store to get stocking stuffers!!!

Carol says:

12/11/2011 at 10:13 pm

Magazines are fun for stocking stuffers

christina says:

12/11/2011 at 10:14 pm

my mother in law always does stocking for usall. I am sure she does all of ours for under 25. Whatever free or close to free items she gets a few moths before she saves to fill our stockings they are always filled with razors, chapstick,hand sanitizer, free first aid kits ect. She also puts apples and oranges

Pepperlady says:

12/11/2011 at 10:15 pm

Like most people, I use a lot of my freebies from the drug stores to help fill out my stockings. Clearance Halloween candy usually goes in there too! And a wrapped surprise or two :) I’d love to see what I could fill them with if I actually had a gift card for just that purpose!!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 10:16 pm

I have three boys, 20, 15 and 11. I just started couponing in October! They ALWAYS get a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in their stockings. (Santa usu. brings me one, too). This year I have coupons for them!!! I am so excited!!

Txngal76 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:17 pm

I shop clearance through the year. I also trade in our credit card points and get gift cards (for my husband).. last year I got him 1 for our date night.. lol. And 1 for me to Target to buy household items :)

Crystal K. says:

12/11/2011 at 10:17 pm

Shopping clearance aisles and using coupons!

Dcountess says:

12/11/2011 at 10:17 pm

i look for stuff all year long and grab them up at great prices

Teresa says:

using cheap and free items that we got using coupons

Audley79 says:

of course use couponing through out the year for free items and set them aside for chirstmas. Dollar Tree. Found great stuff on clearance at the target dollar section.

Audley79 says:

of course use couponing through out the year for free items and set them aside for chirstmas. Dollar Tree. Found great stuff on clearance at the target dollar section.

Corwinsc says:

Stocking up on clearance items throughout the year.

Gomice says:

12/11/2011 at 10:22 pm

Freebies from drug stores and free samples that I receive in the mail. They can be great stocking stuffers.

4gladkids says:

12/11/2011 at 10:23 pm

I save the free items i get through out the year, chap stick, everyone always gets scotch tape (they love it) , tooth brush, candy, candy, etc.

Valerie_close says:

12/11/2011 at 10:23 pm

I buy halloween candy after halloween for stockings.

Jenniferj477 says:

Stock up on good buys throughout the year

Tmoas says:

I aslo grab things throughout the year on clearance. Another thing I love to do for my son, who is 24 yrs – I also buy a game we used to play when he was little – this year it will be connect four. He looks forward to this each year – playing games and bring back great memories.

Katiebug says:

Use coupons and buy throughout the year for things that are non perishable.

PamAlabam says:

I love my Dollar General. With always-hungry teen boys, I get theater box candies and assorted types of gum. We always seem to need socks and DG those as well.They also have hats, playing cards, and other small items with my sons’ favorite college team on them.

Jaylene Petersen Scott says:

12/11/2011 at 10:27 pm

A lot of my CVS “Black Friday” freebies are going into the stockings

Donna says:

I put items I get through the year on leanace and freebies, chapsticks, small hand lotion, body ash,deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and candy canes.

Donna says:

I put items I get through the year on leanace and freebies, chapsticks, small hand lotion, body ash,deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and candy canes.

Donna says:

I put items I get through the year on leanace and freebies, chapsticks, small hand lotion, body ash,deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and candy canes.

chrystalm says:

My fav is the clearance isle. I always shop after the holidays and put things up in our addict. I love their Christmas candy

chrystalm says:

My fav is the clearance isle. I always shop after the holidays and put things up in our addict. I love their Christmas candy

Megan says:

I love using my ECB’s on things on sale for stocking stuffers.

Jaime M. says:

We always throw in a few apples, oranges or bananas :-)

Kwaters70s says:

12/11/2011 at 10:29 pm

Having 4 little kids, I shop in the party supply department of Dollar General. They have a little bah full of the same items such as whistles, plastic animals and other things for $1. I then divide them up among the 4 kids and it saves me a bundle and they don’t get jealous when one gets something “better” than the others.

Kwaters70s says:

12/11/2011 at 10:30 pm

bag not bah…lol

Emilytwinmom says:

12/11/2011 at 10:29 pm

I fill our stockings with things I find on clearance/sale throughout the year – toys found in January’s sales, free chapsticks and such :)

destiny says:

12/11/2011 at 10:30 pm

I love the dollar section at Target!

RB says:

12/11/2011 at 10:33 pm

I am big on Dollar stores for stocking stuffers. Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree where everything is $1! I bought crayons (Cars and Princess) three packs and split them for stockings and also two pack snack cups for the babies in my church and split them up too! Both were things from Dollar Tree. Fifteen stocking stuffers for $6.oo!

Christina nc says:

12/11/2011 at 10:34 pm

I get things year round and save them for December from DG

Shelia Bowman says:

12/11/2011 at 10:35 pm

My favorite things to put in are little cosmetic items like nail polish or nail trimmers, toothbrushes, hair items, rolled up pairs of new socks, etc. which are usually things I can get with my Extrabucks or Register Rewards.

Tina says:

12/11/2011 at 10:35 pm

using black friday cvs freebies,and eight pk candies from dollar general

Urs Lewis says:

12/11/2011 at 10:35 pm

I do all kinds of this and that’s and focus on the dollar store of the dollar bins at the stores. My girls love anything that has to do with their hair or lipgloss and my little guy LOVES toy ANYTHING! We also do coupons and other family ‘gimme’s’…add to that a nice, big ‘ole peppermint candy cane stick and their stockings are complete :)

Brhoff06 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:36 pm

I love to shop at the Dollar Tree and can usually find items my 2 year old can have a blast with, even if they are odd items like kitchen utensils:)

Atarget says:

12/11/2011 at 10:36 pm

I fill up the stockings with the free candy and goodies I get throughout the year.

Shaunayj says:

12/11/2011 at 10:36 pm

Candy and school supplies would definitely fill my stockings and come in under budget

Amcalister says:

12/11/2011 at 10:37 pm

I got a lot of great stocking stuffers Thanksgiving day at CVS!

Tamioutoftime says:

12/11/2011 at 10:39 pm

Power toothbrushes I get free during the year, cany that I get free through year nd sample size lotions, ect

Pollard1184 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:39 pm

I always fill our stockings with great free toiletry items I have found recently.

Cheryl says:

12/11/2011 at 10:39 pm

I shope for stocking stuffers all year long, I grab this or that as I see them and put them away, I am usually surprised at how much I have when I get to putting the items in their stockings. I always give them one lollipop bouquet and some chocolate.

TAA says:

12/11/2011 at 10:42 pm

Target’s dollar section when a color dot goes 70% off – making things 30 cents each!!

Anonymous says:

12/11/2011 at 10:42 pm

I def could get mine done for under $25. My daughter gets all the little things i get on clearance or at the different drugs stores through out the year. Also, have to have a piece of fruit. As a kid we always got fruit in our stockings and only a couple pieces of candy.

Surfergirl8989 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:43 pm

I use my filler items i get from walgreens…like pencils and candy too.

Aklholl says:

12/11/2011 at 10:43 pm

We watch for your acorns all year and that helps fill stockings, Easter baskets and even an emergency gift drawer. Thanks!

G8torgrl44 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:44 pm

I always fill our stockings with the free toiletry items I get throughout the year…I also always add scratch off lottery tickets and hopefully win back any money that I do spend on small gifts here and there.

Erikajfoster says:

12/11/2011 at 10:45 pm

I love the dollar section at Target – I find things throughout the year and save them up!

Tan121503 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:49 pm

Shop the Dollar Tree for Christmas candy for the stockings.

Jen says:

12/11/2011 at 10:50 pm

Gum! Buy some crazy flavors so people can try them out (but not on their dime).

Marie Shackelford says:

I can definatly could do 3 stockings for that amount. I use the personal deo’s and toothpaste,stickers and cheap candy. Among other things, I love to coupon shop and always match up. I get the little lip glosses chapstick you name it.

Erin- says:

Def under $25.00 I buy throughout the year and put vitamins, bandaids, candy, stickers, bubble bath and all sorts of goodness in them!

Tjdeer47 says:

I love the dollar stores in filling stockings with inexpensive items like snacks however the quick shop where I fill up with gas also carries the best variety of snack items. Target dollar isle is the best all year long.

Rhondaa31 says:

I stock up on good deals throughout the year to fill out stockings! Thanks for all the help Jenny!

Shelbyson520 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:52 pm

Stock up on some items after Christmas such as walmart clearance toys.

Jmgwvu says:

12/11/2011 at 10:54 pm

I pick up little things throughout the year that I think they can use and usually the things are on sale or better yet clearance!

Becky Dancy says:

12/11/2011 at 10:54 pm

I use my coupons and try to get trial size shampoo and bodywash. I got a lot
of cvs extra bucks stuff after thanksgiving, floss pick, etc. Hope to win.

Denise says:

12/11/2011 at 10:55 pm

I fill up on all the free nail polishes I can get for my girls. You can never have too much nail polish :)

Donnaa says:

12/11/2011 at 10:57 pm

We get packages of Hershey’s miniatures for stockings, this is enough for a family of 8 stockings!

Sandy565 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:57 pm

Stock up by using coupons!

Pdms3 says:

12/11/2011 at 10:58 pm

I shop the dollar area at Target

Monicawoodroof says:

12/11/2011 at 10:58 pm

I also use Target’s dollar section for the same reason!

Cheryl W. says:

12/11/2011 at 10:58 pm

I got alot of my stocking stuffers from the drugstores this year like the ipod earbuds, razors and target with the maybeline lip balm last week coupon stack and most of it was free with the coupons and or ECB, RR bucks. Even got few feebies from Bath & Body, Victoria Secret, Khols & JC Penney etc. Thanks to your site!

Brandyg says:

12/11/2011 at 11:02 pm

I use Target and Walmart’s dollar sections for my little one, but I have nieces that are teenagers and I always do them a health and beauty stocking in addition to their gifts and I always fill it with the free stuff that I pick up at CVS and Walgreens. They love it because it’s usually a lot of the fancier shampoo’s and face soap that their mom might not buy them at regular price (and I can’t get her to coupon). I still have to pick up a few more things for my little one’s stocking for this year and next year I will have to fill for two little stockings as we just found out that we are expecting in August! Can’t wait! Merry Christmas Everyone!

Basssaver says:

12/11/2011 at 11:03 pm

I look for things on clearance during the year. I also use deals from CVS, and Dollar General always has goodies, I get snacks, toiletries, and fruit.

Momstepmom75 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:03 pm

My tip would be to always check clearance items (not food) that can be saved for the following year. I love to have lots of items like this around to reward my 6 year old daughter for good behavior, pulling a tooth, when she is sick, etc.

Sandra says:

12/11/2011 at 11:04 pm

Keep an eye out year round for closeouts.

LP says:

12/11/2011 at 11:06 pm

I love to shop at the Target Dollar spot, when it is 50-75% off. Great things for 25 cents!

Myjah9 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:09 pm

Buy all year round when the sales prices are at their lowest!

Andrea Hoover says:

12/11/2011 at 11:09 pm

craft items at michaels with 40% off coupon

Franlitchfield says:

12/11/2011 at 11:09 pm

I like to shop at Dollar General for cheap candy and crackers, then check out clearance items. I can always find a deal.

Jmholley says:

12/11/2011 at 11:10 pm

my top dollar saving tip would be…….logging onto southern savers, because you let us know what and where and when to buy the stuff with what coupons~~~~Thank You!

Scharpers says:

12/11/2011 at 11:10 pm

So many items I can use in my classroom.

Elizabeth says:

12/11/2011 at 11:10 pm

We shop round-year for clearance deals!

beth mills says:

12/11/2011 at 11:11 pm

My BEST money saving tip is to START EARLY! I “try” not to wait till the last minutes when all the fun stocking stuffers are NOT on sale. At my house, we try to be practical plus the delicious unnecessary candy. :) So we give things like toothbrushes, socks, gloves, hats, chap stick, and their Favorite deodorants, body sprays, PLUS, hotwheels, Christmas candy, oranges in the toe of course per tradition.

Amanda A Abell says:

12/11/2011 at 11:11 pm

I get the holiday candy on sale that I have coupons for…got to have chocolate in the stockings…even if that means they eat it Christmas morning!

Sheree00 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:12 pm

I go to the local Dollar Store, and use silly putty, magic cards, GI Joe men, etc. My kids LOVE them!

Tropicsungirl says:

12/11/2011 at 11:13 pm

Watch for stores that are closing or moving locations. I hit Toy R Us when everything in store was 50%-75% off because they were moving right down the street!

Limayriz says:

12/11/2011 at 11:13 pm

My top money saving tip is to use coupons when there is a B1G1. Thanks!!

Lisaandcarl says:

12/11/2011 at 11:14 pm

I use coupons to get items like chapstick, lipstick, and nail polish for 50 cents or less. I also sign up for freebies and samples to use.

Suzie Saver says:

12/11/2011 at 11:14 pm

Dollar General usually has a great clearance aisle. Be patient and wait until it it goes on sale. You may be able to get what you want for up to 70% off.

Ree says:

12/11/2011 at 11:14 pm

Sales and coupons! I also like to shop the after-Christmas sales for little plush toys, etc (nothing edible of course) and save them til next year!

Pam says:

12/11/2011 at 11:15 pm

I always look for early morning doorbusters, especially those that I can get with the gift cards that I get from filling out surveys online.

Ehlendtj says:

12/11/2011 at 11:16 pm

By starting our shopping well in advance when we hit a great bargain!

Ashlee Taylor says:

12/11/2011 at 11:17 pm

I usually go to Dollar Tree or Deals for Stocking stuffers. They have multiple packs of candy for $1 and lots of other cute little things like costume jewelry, make up etc. :) My mom used to put underwear in our stockings!!

Lscheer6 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:17 pm

Dollar General is a Great place to shop for almost anything…..You can always get a great deal there, Especially this time of year!

Gavymama says:

12/11/2011 at 11:18 pm

Why are you guys buying stocking stuffers? Doesn’t Santa fill yours? :)

I buy from the Target dollar section, and I also found a lot of neat things at Michaels this year, already marked down.

Vickitucker28 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:18 pm

brandname makeup ,nail and hair accessories for my teenage daughters stockings and college logo goodies for my sons stocking

Cjabdelnour says:

12/11/2011 at 11:19 pm

I like putting soaps and shampoo in the stockings that I have gotten for free or less an one dollar.

Rachel says:

12/11/2011 at 11:19 pm

Buy all year round with good sales and keep an eye out for clearance items.

jenniferdube1975 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:20 pm

My daughter is a hair school student and works at a salon. She is very personal care conscious. My best money saver for stocking stuffers is to save all of those fragrance, skin care, and hair care samples I get throughout the year (thanks Southern Savers!) to put in her stocking. That makes her stocking absolutely FREE, saving precious funds for the other 3 (4 including mine).

Amy Walker says:

12/11/2011 at 11:21 pm

For the kids, I usually hit up the dollar store, walmart and target clearance section through the year and especially after the holidays. I always score on packs of mini nail polishes, lip gloss, lotions, and dress up stuff! For adults I always have the kids make a little ornament with thier picture or handprint on it and the year and stuff the rest with candy and scratcher lottery tickets.

All4yeshua2 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:26 pm

I usually get my stocking stuffers from The Dollar Tree or Dallar General.

Jennifer says:

12/11/2011 at 11:26 pm

I always get the sale items at CVS and Walgreens each week and they add up quick!! I have five daughters and a granddaughter so there is always alot to buy.

Lennette Daniels says:

12/11/2011 at 11:27 pm

I have a teenager daughter so I watch the drugstores for things I know she will use like razors, shaving cream. chapstick, etc. I buy them when they are on sale and when I have coupons. I splurge on one candy item for her, not because I don’t believe in candy, but because that is the only one she will eat. I usually buy this at CVS when I have extrabucks because I find it is the best price.

Mrowland1315 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:28 pm

I love to go to the Dollar Tree and fill my baskets with goodies.

MK says:

12/11/2011 at 11:28 pm

I buy year round and hunt for clearance items. Target’s annual toy clearance is awesome! My favorite is the big bath & body works 75% off sales in January and June. I stock up at those every year : )

Terri says:

12/11/2011 at 11:29 pm

I have been stocking up with sales and coupons for stocking stuffer’s. I always put body wash, deodorant, body spray,etc. My kids love their stockings as much as their gifts.

Edljoy says:

12/11/2011 at 11:31 pm

Stockings have always been my favorite part of the present giving/receiving side of Christmas. I’ve already gotten some good things from the dollar general summer clearance stuff but I’d love a gift card to finish up :)

Goofy2001 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:31 pm

I grab the freebies and super cheap clearance items and save them for stocking stuffers, it averages out to fifty cents per item.

Pan_102 says:

12/11/2011 at 11:32 pm

Keep an eye out for freebies/great deals throughout the year and keep them in a separate stash.

Courtney says:

I stock up on small items on clearance during the year, I always get the next years stockings on the after Christamas sales…and then I slowly get the items for all ages. Hubby even gets one iwth some goodies too!!!! Hey after all the hard work, you better believe I get one too!

Dollydagger46 says:

I use coupons to get small items year round for free! And as always…the dollar bin at Target is a fun place for small items!

Janelle says:

I shop the clearance section all year for cheap stocking stuffers :-)

Stickrn3 says:

always watch the sales and register rewards for things for the stockings!

Jennie says:

I fill my kids’ stockings with food treats that I don’t normally buy. One child gets pistachios every year.

Summerbee says:

12/11/2011 at 11:34 pm

I absolutely love stocking stuffers; my best tip is to use coupons that will give you the most for least,I take my rewards for example and buy not one item but things I can bring up into 3 stockings, like christmas candy bars, or boxed ornaments,a set of coffee cups, buy sets of lotions, or fingernail polish, any clearance type things, and break them up; that goes a long way. And always have a coupon.

Jeanna says:

12/11/2011 at 11:35 pm

Well I have adult stocking stuffer that came from DG. Its great Razors,shaving cream, plugins for rooms, poket calenders, clear photo frames for fridge, lots of great things. The adults like Santa too!

Lindsey says:

12/11/2011 at 11:36 pm

We get a ton from the dollar section at the front of Target!

Danielle Forlaw says:

12/11/2011 at 11:37 pm

Stock up on stocking stuffers throughout the year – whenever you find the inexpensive smaller items. Keep them in shoeboxes.

Kim says:

12/11/2011 at 11:39 pm

I split up packages of multiple items, combined with coupons and sales/clearance items which makes stuffing stockings inexpensive fun and easy. Usually i am buying for husband and nephews but this is the 1st year that we get to buy for our daughter. It just isn’t christmas without stockings stuffed full of fun things to my husband, its kind of rubbed off on me. A gift certificate to Dollar General would be a fun treat in finishing my holiday shopping.

KDMM says:

12/11/2011 at 11:41 pm

Coupons of course!! Before couponing I would get travel sized everything… but now I’ve realized full size stuff for free will go great in the stocking!

Carla Maire says:

12/11/2011 at 11:42 pm

I usually grab a couple small things when I come across them through out the year. Then wait until close to CHRISTmas and get some candy. And they always have oranges in there. A tradition from Mom when she was a little girl. :-)

jackie says:

12/11/2011 at 11:44 pm

i love to combine clearance deals with coupons to get the best deals on small items for stockings

Mel says:

12/11/2011 at 11:46 pm

Just stock up with freebies over the year.

savinmavin says:

12/11/2011 at 11:47 pm

I love to shop throughout the year for the clearance items at the end of each season. After Easter I bought bags of candy and froze them, the end of summer offers items on clearance such as sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes things like that and holloween I picked up glow sticks, gooey body parts (I have a boy so he will love these. Can’t wait until after Christmas to see what I will find for next year.

Jen W says:

12/11/2011 at 11:51 pm

Try looking at clearance shelves and dollar stores.

Kelly says:

12/11/2011 at 11:52 pm

My boys get lots of useful things like socks, fun toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc in their stocking. I usually try to get these items though out the year and just put away until Christmas. However, my “putting away” until Christmas doesn’t always work since I just found my Son’s Baby’s First Christmas rattle that I bought him and put away for safe keeping….he will be 5 in January!! opps! :-)

CyndiB says:

12/11/2011 at 11:52 pm

I have learned to shop for stocking stuffers all year long! he best items are the random ones you find on clearance!

Mandy says:

12/11/2011 at 11:53 pm

i love the dollar tree and the $1 bins at target

Blairford says:

12/11/2011 at 11:53 pm

Get candy for stockings by getting items that are free with store rewards or coupons (then hide the candy from yourself so you don’t eat it before Christmas).

OTmom says:

12/11/2011 at 11:54 pm

I love shopping at Dollar General! They have great buys on everything for the house and stockings! Sweetarts are a favorite at my house and difficult to find in stores. Dollar General is always well stocked with this particular movie candy! I love shopping on the weekends where they give me $5.00 off when I spend $25 or more in their store! Thanks Dollar General!

Meachummom says:

12/11/2011 at 11:56 pm

My kids expect new socks in their stockings! Along with candy and other small goodies as well!

JamesB says:

12/11/2011 at 11:58 pm

I love DG. I am saving tons on stockings and office gifts from the Easter Clearance sale in May. Yes, the EASTER Clearance in MAY! DG had Easter candy on clearance to 90% off, so my wife and I bought 15 Dove solid chocolate bunnies for pennies on the dollar ($0.30 EACH!) and put them in the freezer for Christmas. This week, we are melting down the bunnies with our daughters to use the chocolate to make chocolate-covered pretzels for stocking stuffers, teachers and office treats!

Cheapomom says:

12/11/2011 at 11:58 pm

I heart DG too! I love their $5.00 off coupons and took time to actually read the fine print last weekend. I scored 25 dollarsworth of merchandise for 15!!I love there 4 10-15cent candy section..if we need lastmintue indivually wrapped packets of candy or just for a random treat we can score those lick n dip sticks for less than 15 cent..so Mommy doesn’t break the bank and the kids get candy..will probably hit that section to fill stockings again!

kari says:

12/11/2011 at 11:59 pm

Dollar tree….. I just get the girls a few things and they are happy.

Melanie says:

12/12/2011 at 12:01 am

throughout the year, I grab the deals I see with clearance items and coupons. I also follow several blogs to get the best deals. Last year I was able to stuff our entire families stockings for free!

Melanie says:

12/12/2011 at 12:01 am

throughout the year, I grab the deals I see with clearance items and coupons. I also follow several blogs to get the best deals. Last year I was able to stuff our entire families stockings for free!

LindseyS says:

12/12/2011 at 12:01 am

My strategy is to buy most of the candy on sale with coupons so that it is nearly free. Then, as previously stated by others, clearance deals are awesome for other stocking stuffers. DOLLAR STORES ARE THE BEST!! And sometimes (as I’m sure most of you already know), you can find inexpensive deals on magazine subscriptions, movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, etc. that work great for stocking stuffers as well.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 12:03 am

I love to buy clearance items throughout the year and candy using coupons.

coupons4kids says:

12/12/2011 at 12:03 am

I love Dollar General for stocking stuffers. I typically hit up their $1 items. I grab random things that go on clearance after all the other holidays but that really don’t look holiday specific. For example I have a ton of Snoopy items from Target that I got after Halloween for .25 cents each and none of it looks like halloween stuff! Paper, pins, etc.

Sherilturner says:

12/12/2011 at 12:03 am

Every Sunday after church, we stop at DG for candy bars. If they carried the Sunday paper, I would totally love them! For Christmas, I get small toys, socks, candy, etc for my teen son’s stocking.

miranda says:

12/12/2011 at 12:05 am

i start shopping for stocking stuffers on black friday. All the little odds and ends that i can get a huge discount or free after Register Rewards are perfect. This year it is toothbrushes, flossers and hair accessories.

Becky says:

12/12/2011 at 12:05 am

Multi-packs are perfect for my large family with four children. Juicy Fruit or other gum that comes four to a pack for only a $1, bags of Charms Blowpops, the $5 earbuds for MP3 player, all things Dollar General!

Jen says:

12/12/2011 at 12:06 am

I usually get chapstick and body paint soap from Avon. The kids love it!!

Lisa says:

12/12/2011 at 12:08 am

I also buy throughout the year for stockings and check clearance racks and sales. Last year I filled over 15 stockings with his family and mine…and we’re not talking little stockings either! I pick up many of the same things that others mentioned, but always make sure to find toys for the stockings as well. The guys will get matchbox or hot wheels cars and other “boy” toys (even the adults), while the girls get small dolls, etc. I also look for card games, puzzles, and other things which are gender neutral. A brother-in-law always loves the new yoyo I put in his stocking each year. Everyone is a kid at Christmas, in my opinion…and, of course, there’s always a child around somewhere that can play with them later on.

L Sherrill says:

12/12/2011 at 12:09 am

use register rewards or ecb;s combined with coupons or i buy stuff all year long in the target clearance bins for 30 cents they are great stocking stuffers too i also use full size products we get free each week cvs and walgreens
i love dollar general you should start posting deals each week for DG with coupons matchups ! :)

Danaldrman says:

12/12/2011 at 12:09 am

I put toothpaste and toothbrushes in there (which we got for near free throughout the year at the drugstores with qs and ebs)

work4mals says:

12/12/2011 at 12:11 am

I always look for great clearance items throughout the year. There’s always little special things that you can get as “filler” items at the drug stores when doing our deals…so I save a lot of those for things like stocking stuffers.

Camiele says:

12/12/2011 at 12:12 am

I use stuff that have stocked up on throughout the year.

Sheri Homestead says:

12/12/2011 at 12:12 am

Oh how I could use that to stuff 6 stockings!!!

Sedthespidr says:

12/12/2011 at 12:13 am

Always load up on Avon’s lip balms off season… they are usually $.69 and the kids could care less if they have easter eggs on the outside… they are just concerned with the flavors.

Natasha King says:

12/12/2011 at 12:13 am

I started

LoriMReed says:

12/12/2011 at 12:13 am

All through the year when I send for “freebies” I look for things that might be great stocking stuffers and put them in a special place until Christmas. Usually by that time, I have a bunch of great things to stuff in there and only have to grab some candy and gum which I usually have CVS Reward Bucks or Walgreens Register Rewards to spend on that. Relatively free.

Matthew says:

12/12/2011 at 12:14 am

I get things on clearance and things form cvs that I used my extra care bucks on

Marcia says:

12/12/2011 at 12:14 am

My best tip for saving money on stocking items is to follow Southern Savers and stock up when items are on sale!

coupondad72 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:15 am

i use coupons

rachel says:

12/12/2011 at 12:17 am

I love stockings. Especially my own since I’m the one who stuffs it! :)

Like many other posters, I collect things throughout the year. And our tradition is that an orange goes in the toe. Big plus, bonus! it must be peeled and eaten before the kids wake mom and dad! :)

Kris10wingert says:

12/12/2011 at 12:22 am

I make homemade treats like cookies and candies and wrap them in cute holiday wrappers.

pamela says:

12/12/2011 at 12:22 am

Actually I used Dollar General & dollar stores to do stocking stuffers!!! can’t go wrong for $1 items!

Sara Knowlton says:

12/12/2011 at 12:22 am

I like to frame small personal photos and put them in the stocking. It’s thoughtful and super cheap!

D_durham says:

12/12/2011 at 12:24 am

I stuff my stocking with the good deals I gathered all year.

Azanon5 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:24 am

Our family’s favorite part of present opening is the stockings! I collect little items throughout the year for our kids’ stockings, although now they are all in their 20’s. They love getting little drug store items like razors, emery boards, nail polish removers,vitamins, candy, etc. but Santa always puts in one very special gift for each child. Throughout the year I watch for that special gift to be on sale or clearance and they are always surprised. Most times it is something cheap but always something that makes the kids feel special!

Michellenicolemills says:

12/12/2011 at 12:26 am

This sounds super cheap…but why set high expectations??? I just put a little candy and a new toothbrush in my kids’ stockings.

michelle says:

12/12/2011 at 12:26 am

I always get my stocking stuffed for$25 or less

Adele says:

12/12/2011 at 12:27 am

I always stock up on things to fill stockings with when things go on clearance so I have a bag full of things for the following year. (not candy of course).

Talktokelli says:

12/12/2011 at 12:28 am

Santa fills the stockings at our house with snacks the kids love. Dollar General is a great place for this. I just picked up some combos, little Debbie snacks, peanuts, little bags of chips, etc. at my local Dollar General. This is great two times over as 1) Dollar General has great prices on snack items 2) I will not have to buy “snacks” for the kids to take to school for a few weeks after Christmas. A win-win…kids love the snacks (some of which I only buy around Christmas as a treat) and I love the great prices at Dollar General and “killing two birds with one stone” as the stocking stuffer snacks will serve as my kid’s school snacks for weeks to come!!

Sasekate says:

12/12/2011 at 12:28 am

I like to gather stuff all year such as clearance items to fill stockings without wrecking the budget!!!

Stephanie says:

12/12/2011 at 12:28 am

I bought every thing for stockings this year at Dollar Tree. There are a few things that are included in them every year, such as calendars, Pez dispensers, and mechanical pencils. You can beat the $1 price tag on those items!

Dena says:

12/12/2011 at 12:29 am

I started gathering stuff in June and filled 9 stockings for $40.00.

Kris says:

12/12/2011 at 12:29 am

I get little things all through the year when I can find things that I know everyone will like.

Candicami says:

12/12/2011 at 12:31 am

I start getting items in November and watch all the sales while keeping Christmas stockings in mind.

Mec1 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:31 am

Dollar store items and freebies from the drug stores…thats the way to go!

Justinsmommu says:

12/12/2011 at 12:33 am

I hit the stores after Christmas and buy items for the next Christmas. I also, buy items throughout the year.

Ravenwildharber says:

12/12/2011 at 12:34 am

My top tip…fruit. The kids love getting fruit in their stockings. It sounds odd, but they look forward to it.

Amy says:

12/12/2011 at 12:34 am

couponing…. the little free stuff you get through out the year.

Zenaid says:

12/12/2011 at 12:35 am

I stock up for the stockings all year round, mostly at clearance sales.

With_love_from_mom says:

12/12/2011 at 12:37 am

penclils, journals, and anything electronic that can keep the kids busy.

Amcherries says:

12/12/2011 at 12:40 am

I shop at Dollar General for my stocking stuffers, I find great things on clearance. I can get get things for $25 for my child stocking.

Clbemrich says:

12/12/2011 at 12:41 am

I love the $1 section at target. They have the cutest stocking staffers.

Paulginalane says:

12/12/2011 at 12:42 am

I use the candy, chapstick, nail polish, ear buds, and other stuff
you get for “free” from CVS at the Thanksgiving Sale!!

Cassandra Parks says:

12/12/2011 at 12:43 am

Candy..oranges and always a toothbrush (That is what my mom always did) and then tons of little stuff cars for the boys jewlery for the girls and movies for me and he hub!!

Middlecasongirl2 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:44 am

We have a Dollar General close to us and I would love to have agift card to add to my son’s stocking.

Rfarmer says:

12/12/2011 at 12:44 am

I like to go to the dollar tree, everything is $1, I usually get head bands, hair clips, puzzles, games and school items for stockings.

Msquire80 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:44 am

I get stocking stuffers all year when there are deals and clearance items. I have a bin I keep presents and stocking stuffers in and go to it throughout the year for gifts.

Candace says:

12/12/2011 at 12:45 am

i like to use the free trial size stuff that i get throughout the year :)

Michelle says:

12/12/2011 at 12:46 am

Throughout the year I get items on sale or clearance and stock up for Christmas. No more mad dash Christmas Shopping from Black Friday thru Christmas Eve. I save tons of money and able to stuff stockings and buy gifts for everyone without breaking the bank.

Threeshine says:

12/12/2011 at 12:46 am

I love to look in the clearance section of stores throughout the year!

Mel82362 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:46 am

i get thing though the year and i find alot on the dollar stores for my grandkids i fill up they stocking with a lot of book the teach them there numbers letters they love sticker and marker and paints

CTaylor says:

12/12/2011 at 12:47 am

Stock up on anything you can get for free throughout the year and save them for Christmas!

Nataliamae says:

12/12/2011 at 12:47 am

Is it $25 Per stocking, or $25 all together? I think my family would be easy to get 25 all together, we only have 3 and one of us is a baby

Lisa says:

12/12/2011 at 12:48 am

I’ve been stocking up on deals with my coupons for my husband and I but I could use some ideas for my daughter who is almost 2. I don’t want to do candy and many of the cheaper $1 toys are usually for older kids.

Amy J. says:

12/12/2011 at 12:52 am

some of the things at Target are age appropriate….maybe a little board book, hair band, character socks, a little notebook/journal and a small pack of crayons so she can scribble? those are just some ideas off the top of my head.
Smore93 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 am

play dough!!!

Vandahms says:

12/12/2011 at 12:48 am

Don’t buy stuffers that won’t be used, just for the sake of having “stuff” in it. Fill the stockings with items the kids will actually use.

KT says:

12/12/2011 at 12:48 am

I love Dollar General! I could look for hours in there with all the fun stuff :) Thanks for doing this – a quite easy little thing to save on!

Marissalmc says:

12/12/2011 at 12:49 am

I pick up small things all year long when i can get cheap or free things

Amy J. says:

12/12/2011 at 12:49 am

I shop throughout the year for stocking stuffers and Christmas presents…..mostly sales/CVS freebies/clearance items: cd’s, dvd’s, lip balm, jewelry, little toys, candy canes, gum, fuzzy socks, etc.

Tinahock says:

12/12/2011 at 12:52 am

i love getting little fleece blankets, lufas, and nail polish as stocking stuffers!! bonus* Dollar General takes coupons!!!

Stevennjul says:

12/12/2011 at 12:53 am

I hit up the trial size section, they make great stocking stuffers

Twirlly says:

12/12/2011 at 12:55 am

An easy one is to make the stocking a moderate size, not the seeming more festive larger ones. This will automatically make stuffing them easier and they will look amazing filled up to or past the brim on Christmas morn.

C. Indy says:

12/12/2011 at 12:56 am

I usually wait until the calendar/game store in the mall is closing down and then clear out the pens, small games, decks of cards and other things that they have so much of, at 70% off.

Brannum_marsha says:

12/12/2011 at 12:56 am

What else besides coupons….my Dollar General prints $5 off of $25 coupons on your receipt good for Saturdays….thats a gr8 coupon! Buy packs of things & split them up is also a good way. Clearence items as well. Wow you could load up witha $25 gift card.

Lstewart002 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:56 am

I collect for 5 stockings all year long. I collect some really nice things from free sites, great things with coupons and beauty and makeup samples and makeup bags and wonderful totes….most of it FREE! Their stockings are full and then there are usually 2 more bags for each one, filled with more items. My bunch loves their stockings as much as they do their presents. And I have a lot of fun finding and collecting all those things for them.

Megan Davis says:

12/12/2011 at 12:58 am

The $1 section at Target!!

Dix says:

12/12/2011 at 12:58 am

Definitely freebies like revlon tools and candy–free for me but appreciated by those that don’t coupon! And those matchbox cars at CVS a few weeks ago were awesome!

Betty says:

12/12/2011 at 12:59 am

I am a packrat, and so many things I got for free all year long end up in the stockings. I enter contests, coupon, and use daily deals. This year, thanks to daily deal sites, I’ll be adding Big Macs, Fries, (vouchers, not the real food, lol) candy, razors and an assortment of goodies. All pretty much free. don’t think you need that item? It will help fill a stocking, or maybe donate to make someone less fortunate’s life a little nicer this Christmas. I bought mini shower gel sets, for just a couple of bucks each, and I have gift cards that I won in contests too! My ‘kids’ are all grown up now, but they still love getting their stockings!

Jennifer says:

12/12/2011 at 12:59 am

Everyone in my family gets- toothpaste, shampoo, make-up etc…all the little freebies I get thru the year. All those tubes of bengay work great for my parents stockings! :)

Flmoehle says:

12/12/2011 at 12:59 am

My daughter is a little older, but still gets a stocking. Now it is makeup and nail polish, plus chocolates. I spend as little as possible, got 5 things today at Ulta for 10. At least halfway there.

Jess says:

12/12/2011 at 1:00 am

Stock up on stocking stuffers throughout the year. It saves time and money at Christmas time!

Beth says:

12/12/2011 at 1:00 am

I keep a stash of stocking stuffers going all year long as I find great makeup deals, free lip balm, etc.

shelly says:

12/12/2011 at 1:02 am

Buy things throughout the year on clearance and save up. I have a box in my closet.

jessica says:

12/12/2011 at 1:05 am

freebies from CVS and RiteAid and Dollar tree and Dollar General

Styndall11 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:05 am

I go to lifeway christian stores during sales where books for kids are $.99 and save them for Christmas. Also I look for cds/dvds on sale or clearance :)

Uncgal says:

12/12/2011 at 1:05 am

Fruit from the fridge.

Kimgraham says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 am

We always put baseball cards in our boys stocking. It has been a tradition since my husband was small. We also fill them with necessities such as toothbrushes, chapstick, and soap.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 am

I shop all year for stocking stuffers. I use coupons for games when they come out and get the travel size. They fit perfect in stockings!

Crystal says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 am

Our local Dollar Tree has the best stocking stuffers.

Kristen says:

12/12/2011 at 1:07 am

Target, Dollar General and Dollar Tree all have great $1 ideas.

Bdyer says:

12/12/2011 at 1:08 am

I always fill them with candy, gum and little gifts I have gotten for free throughout the year. The one thing I put in there every year that the kids expect to have to the M&M candycane.

Htaylor32 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:08 am

I stock up with the discounted chocolate candies after Halloween to put in my kids’ stockings! They love it! Snickers, 3 Musketeers and M&Ms are always the same delicious candy no matter what colored wrapper they are in!

Jamieandkatie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:09 am

I check out the local dollar stores and go to the dollar bins at Target. If I can’t afford it, I just ask my mom to put it in their stockings instead!=)

Melissa says:

12/12/2011 at 1:09 am

“Small” gift cards to Wal-Mart and even McDonalds make great little stocking stuffers. My kids love just shopping with their “own” money!

Scorpiolcp says:

12/12/2011 at 1:12 am

Stocking stuffers are a neat part of our Christmas…our stockings seem to grow the older we get. I like to put items I have found on sale that each person uses a lot through out the year. Everyone gets fruits and nut. This year my 2yo is getting a new brush and comb.

Nora says:

12/12/2011 at 1:12 am

This year I shopped Avon for lots of stocking stuffers, 49 cent holiday chap sticks, even 14 different items for 8 dollars. (Lotions, body wash, chap sticks and such). I know that I didn’t go over $25 for both of my picky girls.

SLPLaurie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:12 am

looking for good deals on little things throughout the year, especially clearance items.

cindharb says:

12/12/2011 at 1:13 am

Oranges. A classic, colorful, fill lots of space, healthy.

jgardner says:

12/12/2011 at 1:14 am

I look for little things that I know people like throughout the year when it’s on sale at CVS, Walgreens, or even at the Dollar Store. I keep it in a certain place in my closet and when the time comes, I have enough to go around! It’s a no pressure, win-win situation.

Stephanie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:15 am

I love the dollar bins at Target and the bargain bins at Joann’s Fabrics!!!!

Jessica S says:

12/12/2011 at 1:15 am

i’m using clearance halloween candy, free toothbrushes from a health fair i attended, and a couple sale items from cracker barrel.

Lisa D says:

12/12/2011 at 1:15 am

When my mom was a little girl, they got fresh fruit and nuts in their stockings. The smell of oranges still remind her of Christmas.

Joyce says:

12/12/2011 at 1:16 am

I shop the 75% to 90% clearance after Christmas. I also grab every freebie I can. This year I have make-up, chapstick, lotion and candy to name a few. I also snag any cheap clearanced items through the year. I have a box on the top shelf of my closet I keep it all in. Once the box is full the stockings are full:) Everyone also always gets a toothbrush….and we know we can get those free through the year! This year they are getting Spinbrushes thanks to the deal at Wal-greens this year.

Mjr35055 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:16 am

I visit dollar tree or dollar general

Kami says:

12/12/2011 at 1:16 am

Candy is a great option to fill out the extra room. Plus, it is great to have candy canes sticking out the top for festive effect!

Bookbeth1011 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:17 am

Dollar Tree! Cheap and easy!

Lmhall51 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:17 am

I love shopping for stocking stuffers. You can get card games for almost nothing with coupons. Little coloring books, small cars, trucks, dolls costume jewely. I have so much fun with these.

ddsaver01 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:18 am

COUPONS!!! It’s a lot of work but worth it.

Lindsey Norris says:

12/12/2011 at 1:19 am

My mom used to insist on putting oranges in the bottom (toe) of the stocking. That takes up some space. :)

toma says:

12/12/2011 at 1:19 am

Now that 2 of my children are older, most of their ‘toys’ are small enough to fit in stockings! I love to LOAD the stockings with everything I can find. It is fun to watch them check out all the goodies under the tree and just when they think they are done, they notice the stockings! My 6 year old and I just hung the stockings today; he insists that is his favorite part of decorating—of course he has said that about everything we have decorated so far!

Momofthree says:

12/12/2011 at 1:20 am

Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas morning! I love to find neat fuzzy pens, some holiday spray fragrances, usually some kind of cards or jacks, and of course some yummy candy.

Lisa Breeding says:

12/12/2011 at 1:21 am

I shop all the dollars stores – Dollar General, Dollar Tree, etc. Also watch for things on clearance all year!

Susan says:

12/12/2011 at 1:22 am

Filling them with the freebies (or nearly free freebies) that you’ve been posting for months, and keeping an eye out for little things at the front registers at CVS, Walgreen’s and other stores. Thanks – Merry Christmas!

Karen says:

Purchase them all year long…when I find a sale, I stock up. That way, I am not buying full-priced items.

Bsandcs says:

I always start shopping for Christmas stockings soon after Christmas for the following year. As long as it isn’t candy, I try to find clearance items throughout the year and stock up on them so that I have saved money and time when Christmas rolls around again.

Sclottoman says:

Always buy when it’s on sale & use coupons!

happy says:

I buy Halloween candy after Halloween and it is very reduced. I just put it in the freezer and then take it out a few days before Christmas. A great way to have a stocking full of chocolates.

4GreatKids says:

12/12/2011 at 1:25 am

It always amuses me to see commercials from jewelry & electronic stores touting their options for “stocking stuffers” – diamonds and i-pods? Are you kidding me? Stockings are for gum and tangerines and all kinds of little things that you get at great bargains. Nail polish and lip balm for the girls, chap stick and playing cards for the boys. I think they love emptying their stockings as much or more than opening the other gifts!

Caroline says:

Target’s dollar spot on 75% clearance all year long!

Peedeeindianlady says:

I us stocking to give personal items that people use but won’t have to buy….toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, then add fruit to fill most of the items are free items I got through out the year.

Wendylane85 says:

I always use my coupons!!!!

Jthornton says:

Find clearance deals at Target!

Stacey says:

Coloring book from dollar area at Taget, CVS had bogo camera’s couple weeks ago for $8 for 2.

Bbclemmer says:

candy and bulky dollar store items. Usually a book or 2 also.:)

jeanie says:

I try to pair up coupons with sale items!

Anonymous says:

The adults in our house get stockings too. The kids are easy with little dollar store toys. The adults can get pricey though. I have a basket that I keep sitting in the corner of my office and I shop all year long for stocking stuffers. I toss everything in the basket and peiodically go through it to see how well I am doing. Coupons really help the cause too.

Lacey says:

We always put some type of small perfume spray in our girls stockings, along worth lip gloss or make up and nail polish of course. Then we throw in some inexpensive jewelry & of course chocolate! Now that we have twin babies as well as our three teens we will have to come up with stuff for them too!

Sharon says:

12/12/2011 at 1:30 am

I use candy (chocolate) leftover from Halloween (glad this year because I haven’t seen too many Christmas candy deals) and then wrap Christmas paper – or a clip art print out of St. Nicholas – mini Hershey bars work great for this.

oneplustwins says:

12/12/2011 at 1:30 am

The dollar bin at any store! Joann’s, Michael’s, Target, etc!

Fullofjoy725 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:31 am

we have so much fun shopping for stockings! Through out the year, I shop for fun things for the kids, and my husband, well he’s a bit harder to do! The last few years, I have bought him various gift cards in $5-10 increments to his favorite stores and restaurants……Then I wrap all the stocking presents, which is what they love the most! And every year, they each have an “overflow” bag of stuff that I couldn’t fit in their stockings….One thing we all agree on, stockings are the best part of presents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barb says:

12/12/2011 at 1:31 am

I always hit Dollar General (and the Dollar Store) for stocking stuffers. I like to get fun litttle things. The expensive stuff is coming in the presents. Stockings are suppose to be qucik and fun!

Michelle W says:

12/12/2011 at 1:31 am

I have teenage girls, so I loaded up on the Revlon nail polish on sale at Walgreens last week for $3.99 with the $1.00 store coupon and $3.00 RR, I was able to snag several colors for each of them through the week.

Bambi says:

12/12/2011 at 1:32 am

I shop all year long with sales, clearance and coupons.

BrandyU says:

12/12/2011 at 1:32 am

I always pick up small toys and games in the $1 section of Target and Michael’s and look at the clearance during the after Christmas sales.

Jenniealonzo says:

12/12/2011 at 1:33 am

Underwear or socks, plus some candy

Pam says:

12/12/2011 at 1:33 am

Online sales with free shipping…just got a couple kid watches for $1 each including shipping.

Bellajade34 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:34 am

Razors, shaving cream, body lotion are all great stocking stuffers esp. on sale.

Pyducote says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 am

I buy stuff at garage sales and use them as stocking stuffers

Dustbuny says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 am

I’m always sure to pick up and/or request fragrance and cosmetic samples – my teenage nieces live in a small town and they don’t have access to the big stores, so they LOVE getting these.

Metaz36274 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 am

I work on stocking stuffers all year long….picking up small items here and there and wait until after thanksgiving to hit a dollar store for cheap candy.

Kay U. says:

12/12/2011 at 1:36 am

I pick up clearance or freebies all during the year and save them to use as stocking stuffers or “extras” for my gift recipients.

Erinknga says:

12/12/2011 at 1:36 am

I ALWAYS give toothbrushs that u get for FREE thru the year in our stockings. They go great with all that candy! LOL. I also start planning for next years christmas as soon as the current years christmas is over. I buy anything that is not edible. its amazing how a store can mark it down 90%. LOVE IT!

TerryO says:

12/12/2011 at 1:37 am

I keep a container in my closet and add to it throughout the year with freebies, clearance items, etc.

JRaper77 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:37 am

I keep a big bin in the top of a closet and throw things in all year long (as I get them for free at CVS, clearance at Target etc). Even I can’t see what’s in there until December when I take it down and usually have enough toiletries, toys and prizes to fill the kids, hubby’s, brothers, parents & nephews stockings. Adopted a family for Christmas this year though, so could definitely use a DG gift card to finish theirs off!

Gambo says:

12/12/2011 at 1:38 am

Here is a fun one: switch up the contents of Xmas stockings after Santa goes to bed. It is always fun when Granny gets men’s shaving cream, or to see Dad’s face when he opens women’s deodorant or underwear.

Linda B says:

12/12/2011 at 1:38 am

I buy items for Christmas stockings all year long. Whenever I catch a good sale or clearance I stock up & put in my Christmas box. When the time comes I ready.

T Otts says:

12/12/2011 at 1:38 am

I buy dollar items, coupon items that I end up getting for free ie. nail polish, toothpaste, toothbrushes, I usually end up filling my daughter’s and husbands stocking for around $10 for both of them.

Hillary says:

12/12/2011 at 1:39 am

Dollar bins for my little one.

Kelly says:

12/12/2011 at 1:39 am

I just picked up some Crayola items at Toys R Us (crayon twistables, colored pencil twistables) for under 50 cents a piece! $25 would be a challenge but definitely doable!

Diana says:

12/12/2011 at 1:41 am

I try to collect things all year from Drug store deals.

Suz Glo says:

12/12/2011 at 1:41 am

I look for candy deals continuously from mid-November up to Christmas. Plus, the dollar section at Target often has cute, silly things that make fun stuffers.

Arienjw3 says:

Dollar stores and my drug store dells,, right now i have a 7 year old and a 3 year old so its not to hard to find stuff the love

Jennifersanchezobama says:

I always keep up with giveaways. I have gotten tons of things for free that make great gifts!

Heykaterina1 says:

I buy ALOT of extra craft/school supplies (crayons, markers, glues, scissors, paper) in August when all of the supplies are out. I save a bunch of it for my daughters stocking in December when she has gone through alot of her craft supplies.

Shannon says:

Buy candy that does not have halloween prints on it on clearance after halloween.

KendallmCorbett says:

12/12/2011 at 1:45 am

Love the video! We love art supplies too!

MJack says:

12/12/2011 at 1:46 am

I love the Dollar General. They have great deals on everything from cleaning supplies to baby booties. The Dollar General is the closest store so my family shops there often….last minute things like milk. I would love $25 to stuff the kids stocking.

DSTPUNKY says:

12/12/2011 at 1:46 am

I buy things that come with more than one in a a pack and I look at the Target section with all the little knick knacks.

Audry says:

12/12/2011 at 1:47 am

i stock up on candy the days after halloween to use as stocking stuffers.

Rwhite3 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:47 am

I like the Target dollar sales too and I try to pick up a piece of novelty candy a week using Walgreens in ad coupons.

Sandy says:

12/12/2011 at 1:48 am

Party City has the best stocking stuffers, I discovered this last year. Stuff is $1 or less in their toy/party favor aisle, and it’s different than the usual “Dollar Tree” fare. They also have candy too. And, you can usually find a coupon for Party City.

Lejane84 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:50 am

I love Dollar General. I really took advantage of the great sale on vegetables a few weeks ago.

Vee says:

12/12/2011 at 1:50 am

Toothbrushes on sale + coupons at Kroger = stocking stuffer. Gotta counteract all those candy canes.

Studyalldaypartyallnight says:

12/12/2011 at 1:50 am

starting after thanksgiving sales i look for money making and free candy at CVS and Walgreens that is the major filling item

Tntdean says:

12/12/2011 at 1:51 am

those individual M&M’s candy characters w/ the tiny bag of candy or the pretty little Hershey kiss with only 3 kisses are cute but soooooo over priced!! I’m catching all these holiday bags of candy deals, like 2 for $5, using my coupons and getting 2 regular size bags of kisses for what you may buy that cute little tinkle can that’s never gonna satisfy ANYBODY’S chocolate cravings!

Abrileysaving says:

12/12/2011 at 1:51 am

I look for deals all year and save them for rewards for homeschool and stocking stuffers. kmart often has half-off their clearance toys and i’ve gotten some great things there.

StephanieG says:

12/12/2011 at 1:52 am

anything i can use coupons on candy is the best to get they love it and can get it free most of the time

Bcvanhoy says:

I usually buy up seasonal things when they are on clearance for stocking stuffers or gifts. When dollar general marks things down and you pair with a coupon it’s amazing how far you can stretch a dollar.

cameron says:

Buy things that they actually need but are fun…fun toothbrushes/paste, bows, socks along with a few things bought at the right time like school supplies (crayons, etc.) and pez after halloween!…all with coupons of course!!!

Nashtine says:

Buy candy during the fall using coupons.

Gcbrundage says:

I wait for fee items like the peeps that I got free today! Yeah!

Susan H. says:

12/12/2011 at 1:54 am

I also hit the clearance items. Plus I fill stockings from my stockpiles from all the drug store deals during the year. My kids are grown now so it is a little harder.

Beth says:

12/12/2011 at 1:54 am

All ways looking for candy deals continuously from October till up to Christmas so we can do stocking for Veterans at the Domiciliary where my Dad lives. Dollar General is great if I need something when I there it is around the corner.

Shavercc says:

12/12/2011 at 1:55 am

I use coupons and get the free candy at CVS a month or 2 before Christmas.

Lproemsey says:

12/12/2011 at 1:55 am

i try to buy as many things on freebies from drugstores to stuff stockings.

Kellyrejoyce says:

12/12/2011 at 1:56 am

I have a large family and normally we dont do stockings. however the last two years we have had small stockings, which I surprised the kids with chocolates and a candy cane in them on Christmas morning. They do not get chocolate, or alot of candy, very often.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:56 am

I buy trial size of toiletries/cosmetics with coupons without size restrictions.

Kimmie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:56 am

I pick up extra school supplies in aug. Bc they usually need them by then.

Marsha says:

I get freebies at the drugstores & clearance items.

Jacqueline says:

Definitely fresh candy… and I like to shop online with free shipping and use coupon codes to score smaller items at a great savings; example, card games that can fit in stockings @Kohls online this weekend.

Denise says:

I filled my daughters stocking with free panties from vs, free bath and bodyworks offers, costume jewelry bought received for free from your great posts, free earbuds, free chapstick, and perfume samples. She loves all the goodies

Amy says:

I always shop at Dollar General Store. I like it better than the large retail stores. I use coupons and clearance items.

Cheri Etheridge says:

I stock up on little items throughout the year. My kids get excited about the toothbrushes, bandaids, vitamins, etc that I have gotten deals on with coupons throughout the year so many of those items fill up much of their stockings along with a few inexpensive fun things.

Charlene says:

12/12/2011 at 1:59 am

I also look for clearance items throughout the year that I know my boys will love. Dollar General has an awesome selection.

speaks says:

12/12/2011 at 2:00 am

Its always a good idea to stock up throughout the year.

Nicole S. says:

12/12/2011 at 2:00 am

Shop the drug store deals for stocking items.

Braggbeth says:

12/12/2011 at 2:00 am

I do clearance candy from halloween!! Added with coupons the stuff is usually free!

Schrodtfamily says:

12/12/2011 at 2:01 am

I love thr freebies we get from cvs to fill up my kids’ stockings!! :)

Janice Bills says:

12/12/2011 at 2:01 am

I start early and pick up things on sale and by the time it’s stocking stuffer time, I have way more than I need. I shop at Target in the front area, just as you go in the store and use coupons for candy and other goodies.

Mark267 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:02 am

growing up we always gto a new toothbrush in our stocking and I pass that tradition on to my 2 boys free toothbrush,free dental floos, free toothpaste and then of course we have to put candy in there !!

Tammy says:

12/12/2011 at 2:02 am

I like to go to the Dollar Tree :)

CHER says:

12/12/2011 at 2:03 am

IF REALLY STRAPPED FOR MONEY, WRAP EACH SMALL ITEM WITH TISSUE OR COMIC PAPER – STOCKING SEEMS FULLER AND EXCITING TO OPEN THE SMALL THINGS. ALWAYS THE FREE TOOTHBRUSHES AND TRAVEL SIZE FREE STUFF.

Laurindakk says:

12/12/2011 at 2:05 am

I send for free samples all year long and put them away, I stuff stocking for my adult children and parents so a lot of the items are perfect!

Lauren13 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:06 am

I always put an apple or orange in the bottom of the stocking to fill up a little space then wrap health and beauty items.

Georgia Peach says:

12/12/2011 at 2:06 am

I try to look for items on clearance after Christmas is over and use them for Christmas gifts the following year. I also agree with many of the previous posts such as getting free candy and other items at the drug stores, and shopping dollar and clearance sections for deals throughout the year.

Mwagoner6 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:07 am

shop clearance all year long to accumulate stocking stuffers

Tiffany says:

12/12/2011 at 2:07 am

I have two girls who inevitably always want what the other one has anyway. So when I can, I buy multi-packs of inexpensive little items and then divide them up between the stockings.

Deniseflanders says:

12/12/2011 at 2:07 am

Harris teeter has clearance bins by the register that usually have lotions, soaps, razors, etc. And this is what I use for stockings. I recently got aveeno overnight cream for 50 cents from one of these bins!

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 2:09 am

Reuse any Halloween candy that hasn’t been eaten yet!

Bshrum says:

12/12/2011 at 2:09 am

I got lots of stocking stuffers and gifts at the dollar general 10 cent clearance!

Barrieob says:

12/12/2011 at 2:09 am

I save up all my freebies from Bath and Body works all year long and put them in my teenage daughter’s stocking.

NCcouponer says:

12/12/2011 at 2:10 am

be going in the stockings.

St. Pete Shopper says:

12/12/2011 at 2:11 am

This Christmas I am making each kid in my Grandson’s class (1st grade) a Christmas bag filled with goodies. I have 18 to make. I would concider these stockings of sorts. I have been getting most stuff from Walgreens..these are my filler items. Christmas bags, with the window..8 for $1, x-mas pencils 8 for $1, Chocolate Santas 0.39 each, Erasers from Dollar General, but I still need some smaller toys. I’ll go to Dollar General and buy a couple bags of things I can break up. Great idea Jen…Thanks!

Wendy says:

12/12/2011 at 2:11 am

I like to buy little things that I know my boys can use. Examples: toothbrushes, toothpaste, pens, pencils, erasers, books, pencil sharpeners, etc. (Some items gotten free from using coupons :) ! )

Kbowe746 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:12 am

I buy kohls coupons off Ebay and use them to buy stocking stuffers

Jennifer Jones says:

12/12/2011 at 2:12 am

Always shop sales and clearance first! :)

Gentryac says:

12/12/2011 at 2:13 am

after season sales from previous years

vickie says:

12/12/2011 at 2:14 am

shop for stocking stuffers after Christmas when the stores clearance out the holiday merchandise then save them for the next Christmas.

Awagoner says:

12/12/2011 at 2:15 am

Pens, pencils, and glue sticks make great stocking stuffers and replenishes the supplies at school that most kids need by Christmas.

Allisonking77 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:15 am

Buy things on after christmas clearance last year to put away for this year and bought halloween clearance candy for stocking.

Rhonda says:

Shop sales or clearance. Also, use samples sent by mail. Any drugstore freebie on makeup, nail files, etc. fit nicely. You just have to keep your eyes open all year long.

keilah says:

I do a mix of fun stuff with practical stuff. Like razor refills for my husband and cool new sippy cups for my son. Stuff they need anyway, but are still nice to get.

Memaw says:

Go to the Dollar General and get things to create an IOU book. Parents can create them for their children, siblings for each other, children to parents. Examples: Parents can owe a child an hour of one on one reading time (depending on age), or anything their children enjoy. Siblings can do IOU’s to each other such as make the other’s bed or do their chores for a day etc. Older children could do one to clean out parents vehicles etc. Also we always created our own gift card holder and put a $5 McDonalds gift card in it.Or just put a heart in the stockings. Enjoy each other!

Babygirlpampers says:

I always shop clearance first & I save all of my freebies from couponing such as make up & toys. This is my 1st year couponing & thanks to your site I have saved tremendously & got a head start on next year lol

Sassymomma22boys says:

12/12/2011 at 2:17 am

My mom always added fruit to our stockings. Oranges and apples take up a lot of space and they can be eaten later. ;-)

LBailey888 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:18 am

Shop throughout the year!

Debbie says:

12/12/2011 at 2:19 am

I check out Southern Savers to see where the sales are

Sheri says:

12/12/2011 at 2:20 am

My girls’ stockings are full of the bath and body products I get free all year, along with the gum and candy that, so far, has also been free with my coupons. Also, always, always top it off with a Life Saver Storybook!

Robin Skelton says:

12/12/2011 at 2:21 am

One of our favorite thing to add to stockings is lottery tickets! Not only are they cheap, but they could actually make the recipient money!!!

Sdlajmack says:

12/12/2011 at 2:21 am

Nuts and fruit and candy and then some little dollar item treats or specials I get using coupons throughout the year.

Guest says:

12/12/2011 at 2:21 am

I use the stuff I have accumulated for free from couponing (razors, nuts, candy, etc.). You can also buy multi-packs and open them and divide the contents among different stockings. :-)

Kelly says:

12/12/2011 at 2:23 am

I buy things throughout the year, shop dollar stores or dollar bins at target, and also don’t feel the need to pack it all the way full, that is what presents are for!

Marissa says:

12/12/2011 at 2:23 am

My husband is Hungarian and they celebrate something similar to Christmas that is around New Years. You put your shoe outside your door and the next morning there is a present there. We had his grandmother over one year and they mentioned it. I went out to DG really quick and just like that, tradition was kept on the cheap. You have to know your audience. They have such an array of stuff that you can find something for anyone.

Susie says:

12/12/2011 at 2:24 am

I have always used the stocking for inexpensive items such as gum, candy, socks, small toy, toothbrushes, and gift cards such as fast foods. I would always set a monetary limit.

jsam says:

12/12/2011 at 2:25 am

I use thing that I get with coupons through out the year. Like free candy, gum, toothbrushes, nail polish, hair ties, lotions and so on.

michelle says:

12/12/2011 at 2:26 am

I save things i’ve gotten for Free or very close to free throughout the year and then use filler items if needed – candy, chapstick, nail polish, etc. This year both kids get the slap watches that I got and only spent $20 for 4 of them! :)

Susan M. says:

My mother-in-law always put in a new toothbrush and tooth paste. I think this is a great idea–especially with all the candy that your kids are eating that time of year!

Celie says:

My best snag this year has to be small bag Lego sets at Target for .39!

Gina says:

Razors, gum, candy and chocolate are great items and you can get them cheap with coupons! Also getting stuff from Bath & Body works when they have the big clearence sales makes for great stocking stuffers.

Mitzimckay says:

Candy coupons!!

Samara_334 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:28 am

through out the year i am always picking out little things here and there to fill stockings

Jessbs31 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:28 am

The dollar section at Target always has a few good things for stocking stuffers for kids. Of course, through out the year I always keep an eye out for little toys that go on clearance.

Cherylm2372 says:

i buy small gift items as my filler items or to use expiring +up rewards bucks each week . this also works great for buying for the ladies at the office.

Olivia says:

Shopping all year, the $1 items at Target, and other random finds!

AnnieG says:

My best money saving tip for stockings? Just purchase small things throughout the year when they’re on clearance. Even better if they match up with a coupon!!

Gardnerh says:

I tend to check out Thrift stores and yard sales to get little toys and such. Many times you can find nice toys and stuff for cheap there that isn’t too shabby. With a little wiping down it’s good as new :D

mamacita says:

12/12/2011 at 2:30 am

we hit the dollar bins at target for little things like pns, socks, stickers, rubber balls, etc….

Sarah says:

12/12/2011 at 2:30 am

I grab items here and there that are on super discount at the Target $1 section. This year I have some character socks and coloring pads and crayons that were under $1 altogether!!

Pandabear says:

12/12/2011 at 2:31 am

I save things that I get free through out the year and use that.

michelle says:

12/12/2011 at 2:31 am

I know it sounds boring but my kids always get new socks in their stocking and they take up a lot of room.

Tracey reed says:

12/12/2011 at 2:31 am

Thats sounds like fun and i bet i could do it

Pam says:

I buy items all year long that on sale or with my coupons and put the items in the stocking.

Misty Treptau says:

I use the stuff for a dollar at Target. I am new to couponing, since September 25, 2011, but I plan on using some of the candy and gum saved up from all the great coupon match ups from Jenny I’ve collected. Thanks so much.

Judmorga says:

Definitely chapstick, soft lips or carmex using a coupon.

A Baldwin says:

Coupon shopping freebies saved throughout the yr

phong says:

12/12/2011 at 2:33 am

I shop throughout the year, at the dollar store, and at the dollar section at Target. I stuff stockings with stickers, candy, toys, plastic jewelry, nail polish, smelly lotions, and any little nick knacks.

Akirkse says:

12/12/2011 at 2:34 am

My stocking growing up always had a large Orange in the bottom. Great memory and it took up space!

Jennifer says:

12/12/2011 at 2:35 am

I buy throughout the year (sales, coupons, clearance, etc…) and use some of those items for stocking stuffers. I also like to put necessity items like socks and underwear in the kids’ stockings. I like to look at those items as more of a “stocking stuffer” and not an actual Christmas present wrapped and all.

Lmlogan1 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:36 am

For stocking I put in lots of make up, oral B/ Crest items I got for cheap during the year through CVS and harris teeter! Who doesn’t want a nice electric toothbrush, covergirl , revlon make up?? My family loves that stuff!

Missykrea100 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:37 am

I like to buy something funny to put in my daughter’s stocking, like noise putty, rotten teeth, whoopie cushion, pooping reindeer, magic set, etc.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 2:39 am

I save all of my CVS freebies throughout the year and put them in stockings for my sister-in-laws and parents. The only thing I might spend money on for them is candy!

Roland says:

12/12/2011 at 2:40 am

I watch for things throughout the year and purchase discounted or discontinued items. I generally keep a list of things that are of interest to my family members and watch for those or similar items.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 2:40 am

I buy little things all year, picking up clearance finds or drugstore freebies like lip balm, hairbows, and even a little chocolate.

Ahwilliams says:

12/12/2011 at 2:44 am

Gloves and cold weather gear I got the previous year at after Christmas sales work great as stocking stuffers!

Melissa says:

12/12/2011 at 2:46 am

I purchase small items after each holiday (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, etc.) when the store has discounted them to 50% or greater. I have purchased such things as pencils, socks and small stuffed animals which fit perfectly into stockings!

Sthomas8105 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:48 am

I put fresh fruit like apples, oranges, pears into the stocking! If Santa says eat more fruit, then we will!

LW says:

12/12/2011 at 2:48 am

I’m new to couponing so I wish I could have saved all my freebies and been on the lookout for cheap stuff…but now I will! I love the dollar section in target and my parents always had a lifesavers storybook in our stockings that I now do with my children.

Candice Mathews says:

12/12/2011 at 2:48 am

I love shopping at the Dollar Tree and the $1 section at Target for stocking stuffers!

Katie says:

12/12/2011 at 2:49 am

I buy small things that I find on clearance all throughout the year.

Kara G. says:

12/12/2011 at 2:51 am

I love the idea of splitting up packages!!

Beth says:

12/12/2011 at 2:52 am

I get great stocking stuffers at Claire’s when they have 10 for $10 in their clearance section!

Sue says:

12/12/2011 at 2:52 am

I collect small items and freebies throughout the entire year. My children love candy in their stockings.

Mandicorbitt says:

12/12/2011 at 2:53 am

I find things at Thrift shops, dollar tree, and target. They also get a new tooth brush.

Miranda says:

12/12/2011 at 2:53 am

i try to use free stuff like chap stick and always shop after season sales for things for next years goodie sock

Sdavisva says:

12/12/2011 at 2:55 am

Top stocking stuffer trip – collect things year round when they are free or super inexpensive. I have a bag full of lip stuff, gum, breath strips, etc. My girls all love that kind of stuff.

Eske859997 says:

all the clearance items, and the dollar section at Target!

Anonymous says:

I like to give candy

Beth E. says:

I am so glad to see you include dollar general! They are so handy and I find coupons online for them frequently. My mom had made gigantic stockings for my kids one year and dollar general made it a little easier to fill them!

Maria says:

The Dollar Tree is a great place to shop for stocking stuffers! My sister and I are grown, but you can still find good stocking stuffers there for our age, like hand lotions, chapsticks, finger nail polish, batteries, travel stuff, and even cards!

Frosebud says:

purchase item previous year that are marked down and use them the next year as stocking stuffers. items like stamper erasers pencils socks and many other items

Mary C. says:

I shop at Dollar General, Dollar Tree and the Target Dollar Spot throughout the year and stockpile small stocking stuffers.

Heatherjeffcoat says:

I do love the Target dollar items!

amber says:

I use all the freebies I get from the drugstores. For my dad’s stocking I put the community coffee in there that I got for free with a coupon!

Bridget says:

I start shopping at the beginning of the year and squirrel away items all year round for stocking stuffers. By spreading it out over 12 months, I manage to keep within my budget for stocking stuffers.

Herrmdjlr says:

Shop year round looking for sales and clearance items and coupons to go with them!

cm0219 says:

One way I save money on filling stockings is by buying items when they are off season and cheap.

stacey says:

I start shopping early in the year and look for free stuff at the drug stores.

Kelley Waldroup says:

I always get the super cheap coupon deals on girly items such as nail polish and keep it for the stockings, they dont care what time of the year I bought it!

A Rog says:

12/12/2011 at 2:59 am

Definitely holiday candy

Liz says:

12/12/2011 at 3:01 am

Target $ bins, clearance items I come across, cheap novelty toys, Cracker Barrel has good things too.

Tammie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:01 am

I try to pick out small items throughout the year on clearance from cvs, walgreens, and walmart.

Lisabluedevil says:

12/12/2011 at 3:01 am

I bought penny school supplies (pens, notepads, etc.) during back to school that will be great in my sons’ stockings.

Marcie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:02 am

I give socks or practical things like toothbrushes

Donna says:

12/12/2011 at 3:04 am

I buy gum, tic tacs, etc. with coupons and save them for stockings. Also hit the dollar store for bubble bath, pop up washcloths, etc.

lynn says:

12/12/2011 at 3:05 am

I like to buy individual craft items at craft stores, or in Jenny’s case a pack of 3. They are usually $1-$3 each, and give the kids something fun to do after Christmas while school is out.

Sc_redsox says:

12/12/2011 at 3:05 am

I try to pick up little things on clearance for my daughter throughout the year – especially the months leading up to Christmas. Things such as chapstick, candy, small toys, school things, etc. make great stocking stuffers at our house!

Rachel says:

12/12/2011 at 3:06 am

I look through the year in the dollar spot at Target for little trinkets and things. My kids also love new toothbrushes and toothpaste (a great thing with coupons) and new socks.

Kay M says:

12/12/2011 at 3:06 am

I could fill stockings for all 11 of my grandkids with $25! I always put a small toy, a piece of fruit, some candy, and like your husband…a few nuts, in the stockings. I buy small cars or balls or plastic bugs for the boys, and hair clips, small dolls, or play makeup for the girls. I buy big bags of fruit and fruit snacks or candies too. The kids love them!

Nicole says:

12/12/2011 at 3:07 am

My new favorite $ saver for stockings it Factory Card Outlet. On my way to the Dollar Tree for stocking stuffers I saw a sign that said they had small gifts for 29 cents!! I racked up on small little things for my 2!! We got them mini tape, bracelets, whoopi cushions, air planes, dump trucks, glow bracelets, and lots of other stuff. And all together we only spent $9. That was including our family tree ornament that is a yearly tradition for us, it was only $3.50!!! We usually get them at the mall for no less that $15. I was SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

Anita says:

12/12/2011 at 3:08 am

I have four girls so lip gloss, hair ties/ clips, etc.

Maryosmith312 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:08 am

I usually do my stocking shopping at Dollar general but don’t think I have ever done it for only $25. That is definitely a challenge I may try this year since money is tight!

Maryosmith312 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:08 am

I usually do my stocking shopping at Dollar general but don’t think I have ever done it for only $25. That is definitely a challenge I may try this year since money is tight!

Ashley says:

12/12/2011 at 3:09 am

I load up on little things throughout the year when they go on clearance. This year I have tons of halloween stickers and a lot of stuff that was clearanced from target’s dollar section. Those combined with fresh fruit (a stocking must have in our family) make for a great inexpensive stocking

Ashley says:

12/12/2011 at 3:09 am

I load up on little things throughout the year when they go on clearance. This year I have tons of halloween stickers and a lot of stuff that was clearanced from target’s dollar section. Those combined with fresh fruit (a stocking must have in our family) make for a great inexpensive stocking

sweetk3346 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:11 am

I shop all year for stocking stuffers. I keep a box of everything I get for free with coupons. It all adds up over 12 months.

Michelle says:

12/12/2011 at 3:11 am

We love getting our kids inexpensive but personal gifts like beef jerky for our son. Lip gloss for our girls, and socks. Always socks.

Rachael says:

12/12/2011 at 3:11 am

I love checking out the dollar section in any store for stocking stuffers.

connie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:12 am

Watch for sales and check clearance bins.

JenniferB says:

12/12/2011 at 3:12 am

i hit dollar general this year. they’ve got tons of stuff 25% or more off and they’ve had coupons for $5 off $25 for the last few Saturdays!

Allisonk_86 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:13 am

I like to get candy free at the drugstores. I also pick up a few inexpensive hotwheels for my boys and add in a Thomas electric toothbrush that I got for free at a drugstore.

Carolyndtimmons says:

12/12/2011 at 3:14 am

i wouls love to fill my very empty dstockins with this gift card. i love dollar general

Sing4him says:

12/12/2011 at 3:14 am

My kids love to find candy and itunes cards in their stockings!

Elkinscha says:

12/12/2011 at 3:14 am

I love clearance things like sunglasses for my little guys.

Uncw11 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:16 am

I stock up throughout the year and have a bin in my closet for these kind of items. I like to buy big items that can be taken apart and made into many gifts. That way, I can wrap a bunch of little gifts up and stuff them into a stocking. It makes a little go a long way, and doesn’t cost much money at all.

Haddis08 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:16 am

Walgreens had great deals on large candy bars last week so I stocked up for the stockings. I also add fruit and small toys like from Target’s dollar section along with lip gloss and costume jewelry for the girls and hot wheels for the boys. Stickers are always a hit too. Thanks for the opportunity.

Janell says:

12/12/2011 at 3:17 am

Clearance toys and free (with coupons) candy, fresh fruit, and other trinkets/crafts/toys from dollar spots at different stores.

Cross2stitch2003 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:17 am

I get things like shave gel and shower stuff for my oldest. I also like things like candy and little toys for the younger one. Dollar General has all this at a reasonable price..

Sbrown1137 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:18 am

Oh, to have the stockings of “Yester Year”! Fruits, Nuts, and Candies were the order of the day. Being 1 of 8 kids, we always got surprises too, according to our ages.Toothbrush, toothpaste, pens and pencils. Art paper, crayons, and coloring books. Such a memorable tradition, that I have carried it on myself. Shopping for freebies throughout the year fills most of the stockings by themselves. I like Dollar General to find some great smaller items to fill the stockings for my kids, and grandkids. Also, let us not forget to help fill some stockings for the children in families that are less fortunate than ourselves. . Happy Holidays !

Lauren Bayles says:

12/12/2011 at 3:18 am

Buy throughout the year! Pick things up when they’re on sale, and don’t wait till the last minute.

Mindy says:

12/12/2011 at 3:19 am

I like putting some cool healthy treats in there and it gives them something good to snack on while they are playing with their new toys. Anything to avoid a low blood sugar meltdown!

Tandkjackson says:

12/12/2011 at 3:20 am

We always add a coupon calendar from Chick Fil A or Krispy Kreme to every one’s stocking. My children have even caught the coupon bug and learned the value of saving money. They actually get excited when they see the calendars!

Tysaiahjoshan says:

12/12/2011 at 3:20 am

We ALWAYS got whole nuts in the bottom of our stockings!!!! That’s awesome. Thanks for the giveaway!

Amy says:

12/12/2011 at 3:22 am

I try to buy toys at the after Christmas mark downs and fill in with clearance items, culminating with candy bought with coupons (and extra bucks or register rewards!)

mammamia says:

12/12/2011 at 3:27 am

I love to look in the dollar bin at Target. They have some awesome stuff for $1.

Addie0416 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:28 am

Buy items on clearance all year long so when christmas is here stuckings are done.

Rlynn103 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:29 am

I save a lot of the “deals” I get all year! My daughters love the makeup, nail polish, earbuds, candy, etc. I usually fill their stockings for pennies!

Clark7371 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:29 am

Stocking stuffers are tough for teenagers, especially boys. Fast food gift cards are always a winner.

AshleyBlake says:

12/12/2011 at 3:29 am

I stash things like nail polish and BBW freebies all year but I make a last minute run for candy. And Santa brings her an ornament every year that pops out of the top – something to remember a special event during the year. When she leaves home, she’ll already have sentimental ornaments of her own.

CherylK says:

12/12/2011 at 3:30 am

Put a couple of big items that will fill stocking space, but yet please the young-uns.

Cheryl says:

12/12/2011 at 3:31 am

I buy many of my stocking stuffers on clearance and save for the next year. And I pick up other items free or very cheap throughout the year. And candy is bought with coupons. It’s amazing how much they love their stockings!

Heather says:

12/12/2011 at 3:35 am

I start putting things aside for stocking stuffers in January. I try to get things people appreciate even if its not a ‘fun’ item. like shampoo, razors, shower gel…basically anything i can coupon for, but I do like to get a few fun things in December:)

connie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:35 am

I fill my kids stockings with chapstick, candy, gum, mittens, anything I can find on clearence. All thanks to you and a few other sites I look at.

Alice says:

12/12/2011 at 3:36 am

We hit the clearance like you first thing!

Tamara says:

12/12/2011 at 3:38 am

I buy close out items through out the year, like fun notebooks and pens.

Jessica says:

12/12/2011 at 3:39 am

A bit of a hoarder I may be, but I shop all year long for my stocking stuffers (as well as my regular Christmas gifts). Stockings are typically filled with personal items such as chapstick, deoderant, and make-up, or small acessories like jewelry and hair ties. Favorite candies are a must, and then I top them off with random doo-dads I find anywhere and everywhere :)

Allison says:

12/12/2011 at 3:40 am

For my mom and dad I like to check out the local restore or goodwill for books from their favorite authors. The are generally $.25-.75 for paperbacks, that more often than not, look brand new. Plus they take up a good amount of room.

CJ says:

12/12/2011 at 3:41 am

I always shop throughout the year for these kinds of things. If there’s anything I need, I use my UP+ rewards that I always have some of to get whatever items I need to finish up. I’m fairly certain that this year we have spent less than $100 on Christmas, (excluding mine and my husband’s gift). But everyone is getting something very nice!

Jen says:

12/12/2011 at 3:41 am

Halloween candy in everyday packaging on clearance.

laura says:

12/12/2011 at 3:47 am

I don’t take things out of their packages – it takes more space

Sarah says:

12/12/2011 at 3:47 am

Buy clerance items in January and save them for next year!

Tara says:

12/12/2011 at 3:47 am

Pick up little things on clearance throughout the year, so you don’t have to buy it all at once when Christmas comes around!

Rob says:

12/12/2011 at 3:48 am

Let my wife do the shopping :)

Christy6789516 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:50 am

“End cap” clearance items at CVS and Target!

Bobbie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:50 am

shop clearance sections and for multiple stocking, look in the part favor ailse and score little things in bundles.

Crystal12303 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:50 am

I buy throughout the year for my kids gifts I find that I save money this way.. after Christmas there are so many big sales.

Queenofdrama21 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:51 am

I buy a lot of things after Christmas on clearance and save them for next year

Mrsswinehart says:

12/12/2011 at 3:52 am

I save up stuff all year long and fill it with things they use – toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, hair bows and bands, gum, candy, fruit snacks. Since they use it anyway, I’m saving the money throughout the rest of the year too!

Ann says:

12/12/2011 at 3:53 am

I love to get the 90% off items at Old Navy (usually at the back of the store). I also love when Target has their dollar bin items 50-75% off. I have collected stickers, socks, cute magnets, little pads of paper, a bicycle bell, jewelry dishes, boxers, books, change purses, etc. Also, party city has great sales sometimes on fun packaged items that can be split up. They also have bins with little fun items for .50 cents or less. Merry CHRISTmas!

Bdurr1010 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:55 am

buy summer clearance toys and shop all year for deals at walmart they always putting things a sale

Rachaelhaden says:

12/12/2011 at 3:57 am

buy a little at a time when items go on sale

Melissmmb14 says:

12/12/2011 at 3:57 am

I always get the kids toilety items like a new toothbrush, deoderant, lotion, batteries, head phones – a lot of these things I will have coupons for this year!!!

Kristie says:

12/12/2011 at 3:58 am

Absolutely! I love DG btw. I usually hit the Dollar Tree and DG for stocking stuffers like little games, socks, candy

Aimee says:

12/12/2011 at 3:58 am

I shop all year round for stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts. I was able to find 5 stocking stuffers/ small gifts on clearance for a total of $2.00 at Bilo last summer. 3 cars and 2 small Handy Manny sets. I just keep my eyes opened. I am aware of what colors are the clearance sticker colors at each store.

deb says:

12/12/2011 at 4:04 am

Collect freebies all year!

Brooke says:

12/12/2011 at 4:04 am

Shop all year for stocking stuffers! We include personal items in ours, toothbrushes, bodywashes, ect. that were free or nearly free throughout the year. I have stockings for my fiance, and parents of personal items plus some goodies that cost me less than 5.00 apiece and they are overflowing! For my nieces and nephew, Target frequently has 75% off the 1.00 isle items– have about 10-12 of those items, plus some freebies I got at CVS (hot wheel cars, little toys) FREE after ECB’s. Spent maybe 30 this year on 6 stockings. YES SIX!!

Sarah says:

12/12/2011 at 4:05 am

I buy things that are on clearance throughout the year and store them in a shoebox in my closet. no one finds them or knows its not shoes!

Bev says:

12/12/2011 at 4:06 am

I keep my eyes open for deals all year long. I shop after holiday and end of season sales. I know where the clearance items are in the stores I shop and check them out every time I go in. And I try to match up sales and coupons for candy other fun items!

Kim O says:

12/12/2011 at 4:07 am

coupons!!!

Amanda B. says:

12/12/2011 at 4:09 am

I collect freebies all year. Through out the year I also get little toys from clearance sections. i.e. a little 2in thomas train on clearance for $1. My son will love these little stocking stuffer toys. Then add the candy!

Julz_a_99 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:10 am

Love getting stuff for free at the drug stores or REgifting!

Andy Son says:

12/12/2011 at 4:12 am

My girls are older, but we always filled their stockings with shampoo, makeup, nail polish….hba things. They look forward to new things to try, but they know the brands of hair products they want. (much easier now that I learned couponing, sale cycles, ….

Amy says:

12/12/2011 at 4:12 am

I usually stock up throughout the year, especially on the After-Christmas sales. If I can just remember what I have when Christmas actually comes…that’s a different story. :)

Dawn says:

12/12/2011 at 4:12 am

I buy extra school supplies in August that they use to refresh their craft tubs. The clearance bins at Michael’s are great. They have all kinds of stuff!

Terry says:

12/12/2011 at 4:13 am

I look for things all year round and use coupons to get them for as little as possible.

Starsmoke13 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:13 am

During the year after most major holidays, the holiday related toys go on great clearance. I have small paddle balls, bubbles and lipgloss sets from Valentines. I even have small watercolor paint sets from Easter. I go for the ones people usually buy for school parties because I have three children. I usually do not pay more than .50 for each set.

Laydeekaya says:

12/12/2011 at 4:16 am

I shop at dollar general EVERY Saturday. Clearance items are a must for me. I buy toys and clothes from dollar general at unbelievably low prices and store them away for Christmas and birthdays. I also love when dollar general has the $5 off $25 purchase. Love Shopping there ;)

Writeapril says:

12/12/2011 at 4:17 am

my mom always put an orange in ours…a good healthy space filler. ;)

Icebears10_26 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:19 am

I usually watch DG for there clearance sales sometimes I get outfits for less than $2 and they always have a cheap isle with good toys for stocking stuffers. and candy with coupons I fill 4 grandbabies stockings. Thanks DG

Slocklair says:

12/12/2011 at 4:19 am

I try to pickup things thru the year but like another commented…Where did I stash those things?

Christine27 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:21 am

I buy clearance items after Christmas–many stores put their stocking stuffer items on sale for 75% off–and keep my eyes peeled for clearance items throughout the year.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 4:22 am

Our family does St. Nick day on Dec 6th and your shoes get filled with goodies. Nuts, candy, an apple, an orange, books, art supplies, etc. I always look for deals all year long on the same traditional shoe stuffers.

Eshanel21 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:22 am

put a couple of oranges in the bottom! My mom always did that.

Ldavis says:

12/12/2011 at 4:23 am

Looking all year long as you shop in different stores for great deals is definitely the BEST way to go!

llllll says:

12/12/2011 at 4:24 am

Buy things on clearance and buy items after the holidays and save back for the next year.

Traci says:

12/12/2011 at 4:26 am

Like others, watching for sales throughout the year to stock up.

cchitwood3 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:26 am

I stock up on freebies year long and I also hit the local Goodwill on 50% weekends. I get things like beanie babies, books, purses, etc. They always have a great selection and it helps out a good cause.

Guest says:

12/12/2011 at 4:26 am

Candy clearanced after Halloween and Easter, freebies throughout the year, a couple of dollar bills (always a hit!), free toothbrushes (odd, but somehow always expected)….

Melanie says:

12/12/2011 at 4:30 am

Split up packages of food items like Little Debbie Snack cakes, Slim Jims, popcorn packs, granola bars, etc. Anything that your children like that are individually wrapped and sold in packages.

Stephanie says:

12/12/2011 at 4:32 am

I buy clearances items after each previous holiday and put them away fro stocking stuffers. I have hit lots of goodies 90% off at both Dollar General and CVS.

Sara Lightsey says:

12/12/2011 at 4:33 am

I like to use the small 100 piece puzzles to take up stocking space. Usually the super hero ones or cute little animals.

Jennifer says:

12/12/2011 at 4:34 am

Love Dollar General. You usually can find some great things, especially on clearance. I like there dollar section also. Lots of cute stuff, especially teacher gifts.

Sarah says:

12/12/2011 at 4:37 am

i like getting their gardening supplies (hand shovels, kneeling pads, etc) they are usually on clearance this time of year and gives the recipient something to look forward to in the months to come.

Pamelaearps says:

12/12/2011 at 4:38 am

We have budgeted our stockings for $25 this year! That gift card really could come in handy since I was recently out of work! Merry Christmas everyone!

Feliciadesai says:

12/12/2011 at 4:39 am

I stock up throughout the year and wait for clearances at CVS, target and Dollar General.

Lowes91 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:40 am

I get the fuzzy socks my kids love them, also the hair bows and the play jewelry such as the bracelet sets, the little ones love those..Love the Dollar General..Thanks!

Conchita Perry says:

12/12/2011 at 4:44 am

i usually go to dollar general with my mother in-law and sister in-law. A place to find a quick snack and better prices than gas station. Health and beauty section is always my first area to see what’s new.

Rebecca says:

12/12/2011 at 4:45 am

I love Dollar General for the clearance aisle and other little goodies for stockings. Plus I look at clearance of other stores like Rite Aid and CVS plus using coupons. Then also getting like the cheap candy on sale and using it.

Wolveshouse4 says:

12/12/2011 at 4:47 am

When my girls were little I found that the larger items cost less at the dollar store or Dollar General and were more plentiful in variety so I made stocking about four times the size of store bought ones. Extra large bottles of bubble and bubbles makers, jewelry three piece sets all fit inside the stocking and filled it quickly. Now that my girls are older I shop after Christmas for the makeup and nail polish sets, tank tops and teeshirts on clearance and of course use my coupons for their special soaps and scrubs and candy. The stockings still fill up fast and cheaply.

Bj says:

12/12/2011 at 4:48 am

In August during back to school sales, I buy cute school supplies that I normally would not purchase. Then AFTER school starts and the stores are trying to get rid of their surplus of school supplies, I get some really great deals.

In January, it is nice to have some brand new things for second semester!

Kahinton says:

12/12/2011 at 4:49 am

I hit the clearance sales at the end of each season and stock up on goodies throughout the year.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 4:53 am

I put a lot of the freebie items that I score throughout the year (nail polish, chapstick, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc)… I can do my stocking way under $25 :)

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 4:53 am

I buy small Christmas clearance items (non food) at the end of the year then put them in a bag in my Christmas decoration box. It’s safe all year long in the crawl space and then when it comes out the following year, I’ve already shopped for those items! :D

Taylor says:

12/12/2011 at 4:53 am

I fill my stockings up cheaper by looking all year long… this includes yardsales in the summer. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve seen small toys etc. still in packaging or brand new condition for $1 or less.

Kidneystew says:

12/12/2011 at 4:54 am

I coupon for things the family needs like deodorant, shampoo, razors, etc. Dollar General is great for all those things and more, like pet items, cleaning supplies, groceries, baby items, etc.

marylee says:

12/12/2011 at 4:54 am

i hit the Dollar Tree for great stocking stuffers, also shop sales all year long.

1princess1princess says:

12/12/2011 at 4:58 am

Southern Savers is my top money-saving tip for filling stockings. Throughout the year I’m able to stock up on all kinds of fun things…nail polish, make-up, toys, razors, candy etc…all because of the wonderful savings Jenny provides!

Erollemodel says:

12/12/2011 at 4:59 am

Kids love to give gifts to their mom but most times they are dealing with a limited budget. So, the idea of creating a “spa” stocking, for Mom, with lots of goodies bought from Dollar General would be ideal! Items to include would be colorful polish, fingernail files, cotton balls, nail designs and don’t forget the candy canes to top it off. What a winning and meaningful stocking for Mom all for the right price, thanks to Dollar General!

lizadler says:

12/12/2011 at 5:01 am

I stock up on candy and other things through out the year. I also get lots of craft items from Dollar General and use those to make cute things for the stockings as well! Merry Christmas!

Ruthgarcia75 says:

12/12/2011 at 5:04 am

I never considered before going to Dollar General for stuffers or using my coupons there….You better believe I will be there in the morning!! Thx Jenny for the advice!!

Whiterebecca says:

12/12/2011 at 5:08 am

To save on stocking stuffers I like to buy packs that hold multiples. Such as a four pack of lipstick, purse size perfume decanters, multiple packs of headbands. You usually get a better price and can separate them for each of your stockings. I also like to look at Target and Walmart for sample size items.

Kristen Hailey says:

12/12/2011 at 5:12 am

I buy stuff all year long on clearance from Target & Walmart… collect my samples and freebies… I love the dollar bins @ Target too! :)

Kira says:

12/12/2011 at 5:13 am

I also love the party section for filling up on stocking stuffers. I have little boys, so the packs of army men and airplanes can easily be divided up and don’t cost more than a couple dollars. Since starting couponing a year ago, I have started to stock up on items all year round for their stockings. Such as the candy canes that were on sale at CVS last week… free after ECB. I have also found lots of great clearance toys at Dollar General – summer clearance, etc. I bought little packs of playdough after halloween that were 75% off and I can divide them up, as well. Thanks for the video and the chance to win!

Alissabeth says:

12/12/2011 at 5:13 am

Target dollar bin! Socks, toys, games, and so much more!

Changt1978 says:

12/12/2011 at 5:14 am

i always check deal sites before buying anything.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 5:14 am

use coupons and get trial sizes of things that person likes! ie: deodorant, lotion, cremes, etc.

Redcntry88 says:

12/12/2011 at 5:17 am

I always look for candy on sale & use a coupon.

Bessie says:

12/12/2011 at 5:20 am

I shop all year long for clearances!! I also shop for extra Halloween candy that has a long shelf life to fill the goody part.

Lmezell says:

12/12/2011 at 5:20 am

I like Target’s dollar section for stocking stuffers. I also like travel sizes of personal care items that people use and need (freebies that you get in the mail are great for this!).

Trung Nguyen says:

12/12/2011 at 5:22 am

I use coupons and follow deals.

Sharon says:

12/12/2011 at 5:24 am

Great tips! I will definitely go there and buy my stocking stuffers!

Amy says:

12/12/2011 at 5:34 am

I get a lot of little items like candy or hair clips free from CVS or Walgreens deals.

Laurele says:

12/12/2011 at 5:42 am

My mom always put fruit(like oranges and apples) and snacks in our stockings. I am following that tradition by putting oranges, granola bars, and fruit snacks in my kids stockings.

Srhtabor says:

12/12/2011 at 5:52 am

I always save all the cheap or free stuff I get at cvs.

Hannahdj7 says:

12/12/2011 at 5:58 am

I save little things that I find on sale throughout the year.

Just Me says:

12/12/2011 at 6:02 am

whatever is free anywhere!

Nathanuy says:

12/12/2011 at 6:08 am

I just look for the free and really cheap stuff.

Aredfroginaz says:

12/12/2011 at 6:11 am

Me, me, me!!

Muddy says:

12/12/2011 at 6:13 am

I look for things off and on all year as I see things on sale. I have also in the past bought special toothpaste/brushes/floss-splurging a bit on some of the special models since it is Christmas and all.

Thanks for offering the giveaway!

Katey says:

12/12/2011 at 6:13 am

Always check the clearance shelves!!

Jonna says:

12/12/2011 at 6:19 am

I shop throughout the year! Sometimes I find things that are just perfect for a stocking and put it away for Christmas. The problem is remembering where I put it!:)

Jerri says:

12/12/2011 at 6:22 am

I collect the coupons from various stores, like save $5 off $25 at dollar general. I spend $30, $25 on gifts or necessities and $5 on stocking stuffers. I have still spent the $25 I intended to spend and the stocking stuffers end up free.

Patriceborders says:

12/12/2011 at 6:23 am

shop throughout the year for bargains but always try to include practical useful items too! Toothbrush, travel items, socks etc.

JOHNSTONK5 says:

12/12/2011 at 6:26 am

With 3 grandsons stickers are a huge hit around here! Throw in some cartoon sox (spiderman, cars, etc) and a coloring book with new crayons with an orange and a candy like a Christmas inspired Pez or lollipop and our stockings are a huge hit! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

PMB says:

12/12/2011 at 6:26 am

Shop throughout the year for bargains but also try to include lots of useful items as stocking stuffers. (i.e. toothbrush, travel items, hair accesories, makeup, toiletries etc.)

Susan says:

12/12/2011 at 6:41 am

We look for travel size items , and also items you can split up. Stickers, chapstick, toothbrushes, cars, crayons, and hit the clearance.

Beachbumna@yahoo.com says:

12/12/2011 at 6:43 am

I like to make some hand made jewelry and make goodies for the kids.

Isabelle says:

12/12/2011 at 6:57 am

I love that Santa would always put candy & a new toothbrush in our stockings! In his honor, my tip is to check out DG’s candy aisle & combine MQs with a store coupon for $5 off $20.

tpulliam says:

12/12/2011 at 7:31 am

I like to put small toys and puzzles for children, do HBA items for the adults, and everyone gets candy and a soda.

MegynM says:

12/12/2011 at 7:36 am

I always go to the dollar toy section first. My kids are 2 and 5 so they are excited about anything they get in their stockings.

Nancy Campbell says:

12/12/2011 at 7:37 am

This year I bought a huge bag of candy after Halloween to help fill the 20 stockings for our family members. The wrappers aren’t red and green, but the candy tastes just as good!

Kcroxburycoupon says:

12/12/2011 at 7:39 am

Trial size items, candy (on sale & use coupons!)

Sue says:

12/12/2011 at 7:45 am

I shopped for my angel tree child at Dollar General. I purchaed 2 gifts all of which were on the child’s list for a total of $22. For stocking stuffers, last month when Dollar General had their BOGO free sale on shoes I combined this sale with a $5 of a $25 purchase and purchased slippers for the family. Within a few minutes and an OOP od $21.XX, I had a huge chunk of my stocking list complete!

Julieboyes says:

12/12/2011 at 7:46 am

I shop throughout the year for little things to add to stockings. Love the idea of splitting up bigger packages, too!

Barnesaubrey says:

12/12/2011 at 7:57 am

My parents started a tradition of putting a orange in the bottom. :) I also pick up clearance toys after holidays throughout the year. I sell avon as well and my girls love… to get the chapsticks and the body paint soaps!

Rita says:

12/12/2011 at 8:05 am

I like to shop through the year, getting sale items.

Serenityinhim says:

12/12/2011 at 8:19 am

Throughout the 2 months prior to Christmas while we are shopping I pay special attention to those “please mom its only a dollar ” items/candy and simply state ” sorry honey we can’t buy it right now”. Then go back alone and purchase them and thus begins my Christmas stocking stockpile. Then he gets those only a dollar items and its less of a thought process for me.

Sarah says:

12/12/2011 at 8:40 am

I used (4) $1/2 coupons to get 8 Christmas Peeps that were 2/$1 at Walgreens yesterday– it’s 6 dollars in candy that I got for free!

Lisabuchans says:

12/12/2011 at 8:45 am

I usually buy stuff like christmas notepads and pencils and little nicknacks after christmas for the previous year. Usually it is at Dollar General, cause that is the only store in my town!

Barre says:

12/12/2011 at 9:28 am

I tend to purchase through out the year, little things here or there that are on sale.

Velvettop says:

12/12/2011 at 9:37 am

One of the best ways I’ve saved money on stocking stuffers throughout the year is by stockpiling every beauty sample I receive through various promotions. Since many of us couponers are at stores early during special promotions, we often get samples of perfume (good ones too!), body wash, eyeliner etc. I hang a bag in my closet and add all these great free samples for the entire year. Then when Christmas roles around, I divvy them up based on personal preference. Good perfume for mom, and smoky eyeshadow for the teens, axe body spray for the men etc.

Meredith says:

12/12/2011 at 9:56 am

Love thinking about stocking stuffers etc throughout the year…in fact when we go to the big consignment sales every season, I ALWAYS have radar on for little things…little purse wallets/ kid’s watches, little stuff (even bigger unopened things I have bought cheap and used as birthday gifts!) – sometimes I will see whole stacks of Crayola Wonder pads for cheap, etc.

skullaria says:

12/12/2011 at 9:57 am

I often buy after Christmas for the next year’s Christmas gifts. Also, I do the drug store deals for make-up and little extras. My son has to have one of the Orange Chocolate balls in his stocking – they aren’t too much but he sees them as a big treat.

Ashley says:

12/12/2011 at 10:22 am

I rack up after Christmas every year.

thompsonmarine says:

12/12/2011 at 10:26 am

Fruit – I grew up always getting an orange in my stoking, and now my girls do too.

Courtney Ferrell says:

12/12/2011 at 10:39 am

Going through my stockpile.

karen21 says:

12/12/2011 at 10:48 am

Fruit, nuts too! Fun to grab clearance too. :)

danielle gooden says:

12/12/2011 at 11:00 am

Candy, chap stick, brushes

Dawnbakeringram says:

12/12/2011 at 11:03 am

I buy little things on clearance all year, and use those for the stockings. It’s easier to keep a bag running than try to do it in one fell swoop!

Djohnson272 says:

12/12/2011 at 11:03 am

Buy a little throughout the year when it’s free or cheap. Then you’ll have plenty to fill the stockings.

Kat says:

12/12/2011 at 11:06 am

We have tangerine trees so everyone gets a tangerine in their stocking. But I believe my best deal was after halloween at Walmart they had clearance party size play doh. Not red and green but my grandchildren loved the cool orange and bright green colors.

Karen says:

12/12/2011 at 11:10 am

Toothbrushes and shower puffs! My mother always put a big orange in the bottom of our stockings – to take up room!

ERamey says:

12/12/2011 at 11:16 am

When purchasing larger items on sites such as Amazon, Ebay, etc. take advantage of free shipping (such as Amazon’s Free Super Saver Shipping) on orders and add small stocking stuffers to your order. These are things you might not be able to find locally but can have shipped to your door for free! I always check the gas station candy aisles for tearpad coupons too! This year I paired a $1/2 Woka candy coupon with the Dollar General $5 off $25 deal to get really cheap candy for my son’s stocking!

neenah says:

12/12/2011 at 11:21 am

I buy stocking stuffers throughout the year…anytime I find a great deal on clearance toys, etc.

Marva says:

12/12/2011 at 11:22 am

I get Happy Meals or the equivalent at other FF places and save all of the toys that come with it, and put all of them in the stockings at Christmas. My grandchildren love it.

Ceej28 says:

12/12/2011 at 11:33 am

I just found my daughter’s favorite mascara at CVS yesterday with a big 50% off sticker on it. Just the day before she put the regular priced mascara back to buy a Christmas CD. I was excited to find it marked down to put in her stocking.

Doris says:

12/12/2011 at 11:34 am

We’re using those Webkinz that you had posted a promo on recently. My daughters still love them…

Muscproducer says:

12/12/2011 at 11:40 am

I fill stockings with all the free stuff I have gotten throughout the year that I keep in a big tub in my closet.

danielle says:

12/12/2011 at 11:44 am

I buy items throughout the year when they go on sale and store them till Christmas so it’s not a big hit to the wallet.

lisa says:

12/12/2011 at 11:45 am

cvs, walgreens, and rite aid deals

Alicia says:

12/12/2011 at 11:52 am

I buy different things throughout the year that are free or less than $1. Such as gum, kid’s toothbrushes, Halloween candy that doesn’t have a Halloween design on it, little clearance toys. I keep it in a tub in my closet, and each year I have more than enough for the foster children living in our home!

Carrie Smart says:

12/12/2011 at 11:53 am

I buy all throughout the year and store them in my closet until Christmas

csmart218(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jujudowns5 says:

12/12/2011 at 11:54 am

I always hit the store the day after halloween and get the candy for the kids stocking especially the chocolate!

Momto3boyz2000 says:

12/12/2011 at 11:54 am

Coupons, coupons, coupons…..use those coupons and stock up on freebies that can be used in the stockings like toothbrushes (a must have item in our stockings each year). Free candy, and don’t forget those free travel size items! For older girls, free makeup is always easy to find. Check clearance islesand markdowns for those little extras.

Megan D says:

12/12/2011 at 11:55 am

I save my CVS freebies throughout the year, it is a great start to getting the stocking filled.

Ladymoon0121 says:

12/12/2011 at 11:57 am

Yes, I could fill both of my kids stockings for less than $25. We only do simple things in their stockings. One to two small toys that don’t cost much and little olds n ends they are into. We do not do a lot of candy since they always have so much leftover from halloween.

Peepsqueek78 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:01 pm

I always use coupons of course but I also look for products that I can split with my 6 grandbabies. Like I will find something that has 3 items in it, I can split that with 3 of my grandbabies. This is such a money saver for me. They never know the difference and I save loads of money that way.

Frannycwc2002 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:02 pm

coupons and dollar tree and target dollar spot

colleen says:

12/12/2011 at 12:02 pm

I grab things all year that I find on clearance for stocking stuffers…so by December, I usually only need to get a few things of candy…usually at dollar general.

Dmq says:

12/12/2011 at 12:06 pm

I try to find items that come with individual items in a multi-pack packaging so that I can divide the items up into all the stockings. For example, I have 3 girls that LOVE lip gloss. If there is a 4-pack of lip gloss, I buy it and put 1 in each stocking. Great money saver!

Heather says:

12/12/2011 at 12:07 pm

I love doing trial size and lots of $1 movie candies..I help Santa stuff whatever we can into those stockings..lol

Katie B. says:

12/12/2011 at 12:20 pm

I could totally buy stocking stuffers for all 4 of my kids with $25!!! With 4 kids, i look for the best deals I can. Multi pack items are the best way to save lots! My boys love chapstick so those are always is in our stockings! Mini flashlights, mini body sprays, pencils & pens, gum, etc!

Melsmayhem says:

12/12/2011 at 12:22 pm

We fill stockings with lip balm, toothbrushes, and hand lotions for the girls. Most of which I stock up all year round with coupons. Nail polish is big for the girls too, while our son gets Hot Wheels or Matchbox but this year will have to be creative since now he wants Pokemon and I have no job.

Robin says:

12/12/2011 at 12:28 pm

I fill stockings with small things like lip balm, toothbrushes and small christmas candy. The one thing that has to go in it first is an orange. It fits in the toe and fills it out nicely!

Stephanie says:

12/12/2011 at 12:28 pm

Don’t think I could fill stockings for 7 children and my husband with $25! I’m not that good at couponing…yet. :-) It would help, though. My best tip is start early in the year and use coupons/sales. Also, like others have said, buy multipacks that can be divided up.

Sswhite30277 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:30 pm

My mom would put those lifesaver books in our stockings and now I do the same thing. I recently found a coupon for $1.50/2. My favorite flavor was the roll of all cherry!

Anna says:

12/12/2011 at 12:31 pm

My stocking stuffers are usually things they need anyway like new sippee cups to replace the old ones, underwear and socks, and stuff like that with a bit of candy thrown in too. So I feel like I am saving by putting things in there that I would have needed to buy at some point anyway.

Mrscouture07 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:33 pm

The Dollar Tree! And small items that were free/super inexpensive through out the year :)

Cherrycookin says:

12/12/2011 at 12:34 pm

I would buy things that are packaged in 2 or more so you can divide them amount the stockings…therefore saving some $ ! :)

HopeMomma says:

12/12/2011 at 12:35 pm

Santa usually leaves socks, and sometimes underwear in my kids stockings! I usually find “cool” socks or special undies on clearance at some point during the year and save them for the stockings. They actually get excited over it since they’re different from the boring econo-pack I usually buy. So, by gettthing them excited over some necessities, I’m saving in the long run.

Kristen-davis says:

12/12/2011 at 12:37 pm

i love multipacks that i can divide among my 4 kids! but i also browse the target dollar sections and other dollar stores to find the rest:)

MEW says:

12/12/2011 at 12:37 pm

We always had fruit and nuts in our stockings, along with candy. The older we got, the more expensive the items got, but I could do some major damage with $25!! Thanks Jenny!!

TK says:

12/12/2011 at 12:38 pm

Not difficult at all when you are a couponer–If you are new, just wait and see. Along with all the drugstore freebies during the year, like toothbrushes, floss, hair bands, deodorant, etc., I use coupons such as a recent JC Penney $10 off a $10 purchase–got manicure set and pair of socks! I also utilize rebate deals for free items, like the recent True Value outdoor thermometer. I have a family of 4 as I usually buy most of my stuff as well.

GAMommyof2 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:39 pm

I plan to use many of the suggestions here from your website. As a newer mom (girls age 3 and 1) I want this year to really start the traditions they can look forward to year to year. I have to start small (tight to no budget) but I have great ideas now from this site and your wonderful posters. Looks like I will try Dollar General, multipacks, trial sizes, etc. I love some of these ideas and will keep reading for more.

Joan 56 says:

12/12/2011 at 12:46 pm

Multi paks, divided among our 4 grandchildren. Dollar General is always my 1st stop for stocking stuffers!

Alison Arnold says:

12/12/2011 at 12:47 pm

I prep all year for the stockings. Last night I went to my “stash” to divide everything out and I won’t even need to make a special trip to the store!

johnstka says:

12/12/2011 at 12:49 pm

stock up on free/cheap things throughout the year (socks, toothpaste, sunglasses,etc)

amyh says:

12/12/2011 at 12:52 pm

I really like to get inexpensive magazine subscriptions to use as stocking stuffers…thanks Jenny!

JV says:

12/12/2011 at 12:55 pm

My little man is going to be turning 2 soon, so he’s still little to where he has no clue what is going on lol. But this would be GREAT to stock up on after xmas sale items for his stocking next year (I am sure by next xmas he will understand more).

Mary Smith says:

12/12/2011 at 12:56 pm

I print candy coupons and hold them for the after the holiday clearance sales then throw it in the freezer.When Christmas and Easter comes around I usually don’t have to buy much.I also save my free samples all year to make gift baskets for my niece and son.I also check the clearance aisles every time I’m in a store and have gotten some great deals that way especially at Dollar General which lets you stack coupons even on clearance items.

Kmf3y says:

12/12/2011 at 12:56 pm

I always buy multi-packs and divide them between 3 children. Dollar General is a great place for these items along with doggie treats & toys.

Leah_madsen says:

12/12/2011 at 12:57 pm

One way my mom always saved money was by leaving some of the items in their packaging (because it took up more room and we had HUGE stockings) and also adding two pieces of fruit to it too!

mandy says:

12/12/2011 at 12:58 pm

I buy groups of items in bags and then split them up to fill stockings.

Cjc11jan98 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:00 pm

We save $$ by filling stockings w/ things the kids would already need, i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, bandaids, snacks, etc

Nej34eva says:

12/12/2011 at 1:04 pm

I use coupons for candy, toothbrushes, etc. and shop the clearance aisle to fill up my girls stockings.

Kari says:

12/12/2011 at 1:05 pm

For little boys matchbox cars and for girls animal crackers and toy jewelry

annieg says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 pm

fruit is a stocking tradition and CHEAP!

Mary Smith says:

12/12/2011 at 1:06 pm

Just a side note about Dollar General sales,sign up for their emails so that you know about them before they start and to print DG coupons from their site.

SarahD says:

12/12/2011 at 1:11 pm

I try to look for small gifts throughout the year, that way if I spot a good deal, I can snag it and avoid paying full price around Christmas time!

Kcurtis says:

12/12/2011 at 1:11 pm

use coupons for candy and get little toys from $ Gen and the $ stores. glow sticks (necklaces, bracelets, etc) always are a good filler and cheap!

Mirandacooke86 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:11 pm

I am going to try to do this this year.

Ngsupermom says:

12/12/2011 at 1:12 pm

I would love to try this challenge

Jennifer T says:

12/12/2011 at 1:13 pm

Target’s Dollar section is great. We also include new toothbrushes (bought when free), undies, socks, etc.

Joanne says:

12/12/2011 at 1:13 pm

Love to find good deals in the clearance bins! Love it more when they are FREE with my coupons!

JMoore says:

12/12/2011 at 1:13 pm

I get items on clearance throughout the year to fill stockings for my two children. We always put small bags of chips, candy and socks, all of which you can get for a great price at DG!

Kimberly says:

12/12/2011 at 1:15 pm

Do it in advance!! :) Ive been using coupons since September to get little things for my kids stockings!!! I scored gum super cheap, body sprays and other various small things.

Denice says:

12/12/2011 at 1:19 pm

My tip is to grab stuff all during the year. I hope to win!

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:19 pm

During I buy little things along the way! I have been know to recycle someone’s Halloween candy – the non-halloween wrapped kind – in a pinch too. :)

Chandra says:

12/12/2011 at 1:20 pm

I stock up throughout the year. I also find rebates for little items that I can use as stocking stuffers.

Sherman says:

12/12/2011 at 1:20 pm

Plan ahead! I like to check out the clearance bins at Kroger, Walmart, Dollar General, etc AFTER Christmas, and save them until next Christmas. Combine these savings with coupons, and you will feel like you just stole from the store! I know that you have to keep it throughout the year, but if you have a great hiding place, it is well worth it.

Smoochy_one says:

12/12/2011 at 1:21 pm

I tend to go to the dollar store & just buy a few things….I try not to do too much candy since we always have Halloween candy left!

Antje_barthel says:

12/12/2011 at 1:23 pm

I get clearance items throughout the year. In addition, I save the free travel sizes from Bath & Body Works for my girls stockings. They love them!

jay says:

12/12/2011 at 1:25 pm

always check the clearance area… great deals

GAGirl03 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:28 pm

I check the clearance rack in every store I go to.

Tracy says:

12/12/2011 at 1:29 pm

I buy things on clearance throughout the year and hit the after christmas sales for the following year!!

Dixiez718 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:30 pm

My top money-saving tip: FOLLOW SOUTHERN SAVERS! Jenny is AMAZING!

Merrittdenise says:

12/12/2011 at 1:30 pm

I watch for small things to go on sale throughout the year.

nurseteri says:

12/12/2011 at 1:33 pm

And don’t forget if you shop during the week you usually get a $5.00 coupon to use on Sat.

jar says:

12/12/2011 at 2:15 pm

I will only shop on a sat. at DG with a 5.00 off 25.00. It’s allows you to save .20 on the dollar. You save 1.00 on a 5.00 item or 2.00 on a 10.00 item. I buy most of my cat/dog food there, or other regular staples. If you have coupons you do extra well. I had 25.00 worth of items in my buggy last sat. After handing over the 5/25 first and them my other coupons, my total was only 8.50.

ANGELA DRIGGERS says:

12/12/2011 at 1:33 pm

use all those free samples you get through the year. My parents always stuck a tootsie roll bank full of tootsie rolls in our stockings and of course the classic life saver “books”…always fun!

Aprilmh1628 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 pm

I use coupons of course! And follow this website! :-)

Sstclair3 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 pm

I buy clearance after the holidays and save it for next year with a savings of 75 to 90% off.

S.Croft says:

12/12/2011 at 1:35 pm

I buy packages of multiple small toys,open them and keep only 2 of each item.( I have 2 kids) I put the rest into my Operation Christmas Child boxes throughout the year. It saves on stocking stuffers and helps bring joy to other children. Merry Christmas!

ahill says:

12/12/2011 at 1:36 pm

I keep an eye out all year for cute little toys on clearance and store them away.

Cheriedutton76 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:37 pm

Our stockings are always filled with a small toy then the rest is personal care items. With my coupons I got tooth paste, deoderant, razors and shampoo for free or less than $1.50. I think I spent maybe $20 for 3 stockings.

Amy says:

12/12/2011 at 1:37 pm

I always get my stocking stuffers when stores mark down items 75% after Christmas!

Sarah J says:

12/12/2011 at 1:37 pm

Coupons!

carrie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:38 pm

A great free stocking stuffer is a library card wrapped up to your local library. Think like this with other free perk cards and they add up..for example your perk card for a free drink why not put in stockings for free items.. like cup of coffee or free cupcake or smoothie.. I have 3 cards that are full Smoothie King, Cupcake Store and Local Coffee Shop. I have saved all three for Christmas to place in my loved one stockings with homemade note saying enjoy !!

AJ says:

12/12/2011 at 1:39 pm

Since Nov. I’ve been saving all of the little free items from the drugstore deals for my stockings (so far I have candy, hair clips, nail polish, lip balms, etc.) and the free cat treats (b/c of coupons) for the pets. Thanks to Southern Savers, I’ve pulled off a great Christmas this year for 4 adults and 1 child plus small gifts for the office and neighbors for less than $250.

Momjenn10 says:

12/12/2011 at 1:39 pm

I like to get as many FREE things as possible to fill my stockings!!!

Carlye Rankin says:

Yesterday, I purchased the Centrum vitamins and candy at CVS for free using coupons! These will be great for my Papa and husbands stockings! Love free items!

CC says:

we love adding oranges and apples for healthy and cheap stocking stuffers

cher says:

i sho after Christmas to get all the stuff for the next year!

hstaplet says:

I usually hit the clearance items and instead of the holiday candy, I buy regular candy with coupons if available. I also collect things all year (such as makeup kits as free gifts) to add to the stockings.

Brandi says:

12/12/2011 at 1:41 pm

I get stuff on clearance all throughout the year! I also go to places like dollar general or family dollar and get cheap $1 items to fill it up with. It’s very easy to fill a stocking for under $25!!!!

Seymourcathy says:

12/12/2011 at 1:42 pm

you can get great deals, large selection

Talarico says:

12/12/2011 at 1:43 pm

I always go to Lifeway or Family Christian Book stores after Christmas.They have great sales.I can get everything I need at a fraction of the original price.Books,notepads,toys,and even Christmas DVD’s.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:43 pm

I tend to spread out my shopping for stockings and starting around October November. Just as I am shopping I ALWAYS check out the clearance sections and sometimes find little items that make great stuffers. By the time Christmas comes that aspect of my shopping is pretty much complete.

April says:

12/12/2011 at 1:43 pm

I enjoy shopping for clearance items all year and put them in a drawer at home. This is stickers, small toys, cars, make up for girls, small stuff animals, etc. Would love to win gift certificate.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:44 pm

Clearance items, coupons, dollar spot at Target and the Dollar Tree. Easy to fill stockings for cheap.

BunzRab says:

12/12/2011 at 1:44 pm

I always go put movie candy in, can find it pretty cheap and it takes up a lot of space!

Kassie Siple says:

12/12/2011 at 1:47 pm

clearance all the way….I actually pick them up all throughout the year

Shemaschool says:

12/12/2011 at 1:48 pm

We save a lot of money because we do not do stockings :)

MsBsCandles says:

12/12/2011 at 1:48 pm

I add a DVD to their stockings. I found a $3 coupon for Mr. Popper’s Penguins from Applebees (Kid’s paper menu). Also, I buy at Best Buy to add to my rewards card points and they match prices. Got this movie for $11.99.

Diane says:

12/12/2011 at 1:50 pm

I actually begin stockings on Dec 1st. One item each day until Christmas. I collect free and very inexpensive items throughout the year. That way it is not a burden and I have plenty of items for my kids and others.

Steph says:

12/12/2011 at 1:51 pm

Like everyone else, clearance items! I also like to get the $1 socks from Target (Who doesn’t love patterned socks?). :)

Stephanie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:51 pm

I use Jenny’s website to collect free mail samples and stash them away for my husband’s stocking- even free cologne samples from a store a magazine. Any clearance or inexpensive small items for the kids’ stockings also using Southern Savers. Jenny helps to make it all possible for much less!

Skaletkm says:

12/12/2011 at 1:51 pm

Christmas clearance and save for next year!!

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:52 pm

My “babies” are older now and the stuffers I look for are AA,AAA batteries, earrings,lip gloss, small colognes, coin rolls for coin collectors, small note pads, socks, knee hi hose, pencils, pens, usb sticks, etc. These are all things I pull from my stockpile or can usually get on clearance if i start early.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 1:52 pm

Big items such as socks, movie candy or ornaments

Carol A says:

12/12/2011 at 1:55 pm

I purchased clearanced Christmas gift items last year at Dollar General. Best part was that they were already wrapped.

Susancpike says:

12/12/2011 at 1:55 pm

Travel lotions, and through the year I like to pick up fragrance samples. My teens love these!

Katie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:59 pm

My grandfather always used to tell us when we were small how he would get fruit in his stocking at Christmas, and how oranges were such a treat. So I often put fruit in because of that memory!

Julie says:

12/12/2011 at 1:59 pm

I always like to include a few fun toiletry items that I need to would buy my kids anyway…like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. as well as fruit snacks, small individual packages of cookies, etc….and these are things I’ve usually found for free or very inexpensively deals Jenny tells me about. Then I “fill in” with a few little special Christmas trinkets and various candies from the dollar store or $1 items at Target. With my son who is 10 I like to include something extra special in the toe of the stocking…like a $5 Brusters ice cream gift card…or one year I put a gift card for an online game he likes.

Sandra says:

12/12/2011 at 2:00 pm

I love to shop at DG. I bet I was in that store 6 times last week. I always pick up a couple of $1 candy, lip gloss, or small items every time I go in so I have been building up my stocking stuffers for several months now. I have 6 grandchildren & still do stockings for my grown kids & their wives.

Jess says:

12/12/2011 at 2:02 pm

Stocking up on specials throughout the year, and taking advantage of your coupon help is how I fill stockings!

Melissa says:

12/12/2011 at 2:02 pm

I gather up things all through the year – the drug store freebies many times make great stocking stuffers. We also add things that the kids would get anyway, like new tooth brushes, fun bubble bath, etc and hair stuff for the girls. They always know too they wil get new socks and a can of olives in their stockings..long funny story there, but its tradition at our house!

Ksilvers04 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:03 pm

I have couponed this year for my 2 teenage daughters stockings for makeup and candy and. I purchased makeup for nearly nothing, and I’ve been working on the candy a little each week as party of the spend 30/$10 gift card at cvs.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 2:04 pm

My lil’ guy is only going to be 1 this year at Christmas so unfortunately he won’t have a clue what is going on. I still plan on getting him a stocking though and filling it with some small toys or wooden blocks. Maybe even some Gerber crunchies since he loves those!
I do plan on saving money by filling stockings in future years by collecting items throughout the year. There are a lot of great deals throughout the year and even by picking up 1 item a month you’d have enough for a full stocking.

eat, drink and save money says:

12/12/2011 at 2:04 pm

I always put razors and razor refills in stockings. They can be expensive, but I stock up at CVS and get extra care bucks. It’s a great way to give my family something they need while saving money.

Dana says:

12/12/2011 at 2:06 pm

Fruit and nuts are always included in our stockings….long time tradition in our family. I also start very early looking for cute clearance items to include in each person’s stocking.

Kacie says:

12/12/2011 at 2:07 pm

I like to stock up on CVS deals and put razors, body wash, candy, etc, in my husbands stocking!

Erinp500 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:08 pm

I got the lego gift card set from target so the free legos can go in the stocking.

Hrifkin says:

12/12/2011 at 2:08 pm

I shop for little stocking treats throughout the year and stash them in my special hiding place. If my kids are no longer interested in an item I picked up we use it in our operation christmas child boxes, they have no idea where I get the treasures.

cara says:

12/12/2011 at 2:09 pm

I buy little things I find on clearance throughout the year and save them for stocking stuffers.

Barb says:

12/12/2011 at 2:09 pm

I have been shopping all year for stocking stuffers and I surprised myself with all goodies that I have scored for free or cheap with your help! Drug stores are the best source for candy, hair accessories, razors, toothbrushes, chap stick, lip gloss, etc. Thanks Jenny, I couldnt do it without you!

Chelavon2004 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:10 pm

I stock up through the year at CVS for all personal items frpom razors and lip gloss (I have 2 teenage girls). My mom has a tradition of filling stockings with these items, candy and a little gift. My kids love this because they are usually are running out of these items by Christmas since we bought it at school time. FYI: high school age, they like $1 & $5 gift cards for fast food.

teddysmom says:

12/12/2011 at 2:10 pm

I started shopping just after christmas last year at dollar general and have some new photo christmas ornaments. My boys love getting their ornaments out each year to put on the tree!

Carebear77 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:11 pm

I find things for little or nothing at Walgreen’s & Dollar General every year. Then I add coupons on top and get many of the items free or better!

Piper says:

12/12/2011 at 2:11 pm

Our stockings are usually toiletry related items, so I’ve been putting my couponing skills to work all summer long stocking up on razors, toothbrushes, nail polish etc. This is the first year that I don’t have to buy a single thing to put in the stockings( I found your site, and starting couponing in May!) I have also been hitting up the $1 bins at Michaels:)

C_hakes says:

12/12/2011 at 2:12 pm

I stock up on things all year long. We have a 20 yr old son so each year it becomes harder and harder to fill his stocking. Candy and batteries are always included and with CVS gift card deals, I will add a $10 American Express Card. It would be great to have a Dollar General card too.

MappKidsSave says:

12/12/2011 at 2:13 pm

Since we don’t have a fireplace we use shoe boxes. Not only is this an awesome way to recycle it gives everyone a change to express their creativity! We wrap them in gift-wrap or paper bags and let the kids decorate them, so much fun!

Rawhorne says:

12/12/2011 at 2:16 pm

I buy cheap little clearance items all year long to put in the stockings. The stockings were always our favorite part growing up. We would ask for certain things for Christmas so we pretty much knew what would be under the tree but you never knew what would be in the stocking.

Dianek says:

12/12/2011 at 2:18 pm

I buy things at dollar general every year for the stockings. Thanks for the chance to win.

Ashley says:

12/12/2011 at 2:18 pm

I fill them up with large but inexpensive things- oranges in the toes, bath toys, socks or underwear. Then I put the big-ticket items at the top for a big visual bang.

Kdowell13 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:19 pm

I like to buy the multipacks of individually wrapped candy, 8-pack party favors, and $1 or less items and use them for stocking stuffers or for the special Santa mailbox that all of our niece and nephews use to write to Santa and recieve a special prize!

Kelly B says:

12/12/2011 at 2:20 pm

I fill up the stockings with inexpensive items that I’ve got like when bath and both had buy 3 get 3 free and by using coupons for candy items.

Kaysie10 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:20 pm

My Mom always put fruit in our stockings! and toothbrushes… I love doing that for my child now, I am always pre buying stuff so I can stuff the stockings!

Erin says:

12/12/2011 at 2:20 pm

I shop the dollar store, dollar spot at target and put larger filler items in like a kids movie or cd.

Diz says:

12/12/2011 at 2:21 pm

We all have 3 ft. tall homemade stockings to fill! We fill it mostly with stuff that you go thru doing the year–toothbrushes, batteries, hair accessories, candy, etc. All of these things can be found free or cheap during the year using coupons. Ok, I’ll admit everyone is an adult in my family, but it still should be pretty easy to make the kids happy that way too.

Calmond5 says:

12/12/2011 at 2:23 pm

I have a son leaving for the Army in January and I am packing his with items he will need that I have bought over this year, but still need more so it would be great to get this card to make his Christmas extra special before he leaves.

Anonymous says:

12/12/2011 at 2:25 pm

i like to buy toiletries too, new toothbrushes with characters on them, bubble bath, and of course candy! All things i normally won’t buy them during rest of the year

Eccls says:

12/12/2011 at 2:25 pm

My sister in law and I do the stocking shopping together on Christmas Eve, I try and buy u p sale items throughout the year and we finish it up that day. We do hair etc and bath and body items, sample size lotions and large hand soaps from bath and body, we do gum and candy and jewlery and the fuzzy house socks, men get Axe products and we buy the big holiday kits and split them up since there is 15 in our family. We also do the little mind puzzle games, note pads and pens, we love to find novel ideas!

April says:

I fill them with clearance items, $1 items from Target, and any other small items I can find online real cheap.

Justbargains says:

We always received oranges and nuts in our stockings as kids…I think I’ll make a stocking for my dad and fill it with those items! My kids (22, 16 and 4) get a variety of stuff in their stockings (toiletry items, candy, jewelry, etc.) – like most of you, I shop sales all year long (and, use coupons, too)!

Yolli says:

My top money-saving tip for filling stockings is to buy the gifts year-long. I catch things that are on sale throughout the year and use them to stuff the stockings

Yolli says: