The Christmas enthusiasts on the Strategist team gathered to discuss the oversize socks they drape on their couches and what they put inside them.
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What’s the secret to a delightful Christmas stocking?
Liza Corsillo, senior writer: My father has always been our family’s stocking filler. His philosophy, which I agree with, is there should be one bigger thing that costs up to $30 and a bunch of little things that fit into its story. The bigger item is wrapped, and the other things are not.
Jen Trolio, senior editor: I do the stockings for all of us, including myself. My feeling is that stocking stuffers are supposed to be cutesy add-ons that are largely quirky and sometimes practical. And you want brand-name items—Lip Smackers, not the off-brand lip gloss from the corner store. It’s a real bummer when there’s a good concept but a crappy execution.
Amelia Jerden, sleep writer: I like the tradition in my partner’s family. He and his sister, as “the kids,” shop for their parents’ stockings. They usually go to Fresh Market and get fun snacks and candies.
Does a good stocking require edible treats?
L.C.: There should be at least one food item because you get hungry opening presents and you want to have something you can eat right away.
J.T.: I like to include fruit that my kids haven’t tried before. If it’s too big, it’ll sit on the mantle. We’ve done star fruit. Somebody got a pomelo one year.
Lauren Ro, writer: I once went to World Market around Christmas. They have international candies that are great for stocking stuffers.
Sam Daly, deals editor: My mom loves to shop at World Market for stocking stuffers. Personally, I’m very intrigued by the Kelp Pickles from Barnacle Foods, which I think my dad would like.
J.T.: Last year, I gave my kids these great gummies that looked like LEGOs—the Amos 4D Gummy Blocks Candy Bricks. This year, I have my eye on a similar weird candy from the same brand. They’re called Peelerz, and you’re supposed to be able to peel a little banana or peel a mango skin. Also this is everyone’s annual reminder that Nutella makes mini-jars. And don’t forget about Pocket Coffee—chocolate pieces filled with liquid espresso.
L.C.: It would be nice to receive pistachios. Or any fancy nuts.
Jeremy Rellosa, writer: My mom always gives me and my brother fancy beef jerky. He’s a protein fiend, and he usually takes mine.
Bella Druckman, junior writer: My brother is a frat bro, so I put a Smirnoff Ice in his stocking a couple years back.
What’s your best advice for the procrastinators shopping on Christmas Eve?
Tembe Denton-Hurst, writer: Little Vaselines.
J.T.: A fresh box of crayons for kids so they can take them back to school in January.
Alexis Swerdloff, deputy editor: I would say don’t be afraid of things that seem basic but are good quality, like Uniqlo socks, which come in a rainbow of colors. And do gift cards for teens.
S.D.: Yes, a Steam gift card for video games. You can do $10, so it’s pretty cheap.
J.R.: Chipotle is also nice. You got them a burrito and a soda.
L.C.: I don’t want to see a Dunkin’ Donuts or a Starbucks gift card ever again in my entire life. I’ve seen so many of them over the years.
J.R.: One thing my mom gives every year is a Lotto scratcher. It’s a fun little ritual to scratch it while we open stockings.
Any final suggestions for a truly standout stocking stuffer?
L.C.: I gave my husband fitness gloves that have padding for doing pull-ups or whatever he does. Those were a hit.
Ashley Wolfgang, newsletter editor: The ornaments from John Derian are beautiful and whimsical.
L.C.: I put the Hooga Book Light in my husband’s stocking last year. When he misplaced it a few months later, he was like, “You have to get another book light.” Also I went to the American Girl doll store recently. They have miniature versions of the historical dolls. They’re 6.5 inches tall, and they come with a tiny book. That’s a great gift.
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