December 11, 2012

Vintage Holiday Shopping Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Once long, long ago...okay, technically not that long ago, rather three years ago, in the equally chilly days of December 2009, I wrote my first two vintage holiday shopping guides. One was devoted to gifts for children, the other to gifts for home decor lovers. I had a blast putting both together and had hoped that they would be the first in an ongoing (annual) series of guides. Life had other plans however, in the two years that followed, and so this series went on a wee bit of an unintentional hiatus.

Today however, I'm pleased as punch (or should I say "pleased as wassail", given what time of the year it is) to announce that this delightful series is back and that this year's edition is devoted to one of my very favourite areas of holiday gift giving: stocking stuffers.

Perhaps it’s because I've always been drawn to collecting various small things (brooches, miniature toys, buttons, etc) or maybe it's that there have been Christmas when I felt the gifts I received in my stocking were my favourites of all, whatever the case, I've always truly loved shopping for, and also receiving, those fun, charming, sometimes silly, sometimes breath-takingly special presents that one pulls merrily from their stocking each Christmas morn.

Stocking stuffers (also known as stocking fillers in some parts of the world) are, by their very nature, generally small presents that are meant to supplement or accompany a larger gift or gifts, that is often to be found under the Christmas tree. Sometimes however - say, for example, if you were giving someone a gorgeous antique sapphire ring - one of the presents nestled into a stocking could certainly be the most important (and/or expensive) gift you're giving.

More often than not however (at least when I was growing up) stocking stuffers were not particularly costly presents at all. Toys, beauty products, small items of clothing (socks, ear muffs, mitts, belts, jewelry, etc), Christmas ornaments, candy, mandarin oranges (there was always an orange in the toe of our stocking when I was a child), pens or pencils, tiny handmade crafts, and practical day-to-day items were the most common, just as they still are for many folks to this day.

While it's not usual for people to keep the price of each stocking stuffer to less than $20 or even $10, as everyone has a different holiday budget that they're comfortable working with the items in today's post will all come in under $40.00, with some costing less than five dollars. (Please note that all prices are in US dollars unless otherwise specified and that they were accurate as of the time of writing.)

Each one of these Thirty gift ideas covers a broad range of individuals who may enjoy receiving them. They’re tied together by the fact that they have a vintage, beautifully classic, timelessly practical, or just plain adorable feel to them that make them absolutely ideal for all the vintage lovers on your shopping list - as well as for yourself, if you happen to have anyone asking you what you might like in your own stocking this year.






{In these modern days of heating pads and central heating in our homes, many people no longer turn to hot water bottles for warmth and comfort. However, they remain as a useful and lovely a source of heat and soothing care as they ever have been, and this Scottie Dog Hot Water Bottle has to be one the sweetest to be had anywhere today. £11.95 from The Oriental Magpie.}




{Handwrite or type out a few of your favourite holiday recipes to include when you give this timelessly cute Pantry Design Yellow Recipe Box. £6.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}



{If like me, you - or anyone on your holiday list - is as much a fan of the packaging a product comes in as what's housed inside, this immensely prettily, vintage inspired wrapped bar of Lollia Imagine Shea Butter Soap is sure to be a welcome treat. $10.00 from Layla Grayce.}




{Help ensure you're loved one's specs are always at hand, as well as safe and sound, with this Crystal Embellished Faux Leather Ladie's Eyeglasses Case. $16.95 from the Victorian Trading Co..}




{Treat everyone of the little outer space lovers in your family to a set of these Spaceboy Childrens Cutlery and watch their eyes light up like stars. £9.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}




{Adorable and practical in one fell swoop, this darling Standing Cat Pewter Ring Holder measures 4.5 cm tall and 9 cm long with a 7 cm tail, and is a fantastic way to ensure that cherish rings never run the risk of getting misplaced again. £5.95 from The Oriental Magpie.}




{Treat the special gent in your life to a classic Ceramic Shaving Bowl filled with Mitchell's Woolfat Soap. This soap is known for its soothing emollient effect and is sure to turn even the most ardent foam-in-a-can-fan into a shaving soap convert. £21.00 from Rose & Co. Apothecary.}




{The holiday season is the best time of the year to go all out when it comes to glamour and sparkle, and this gorgeous, vintage looking Red Crystal Poinsettia Headband delivers both in spades. $19.95 from the Victorian Trading Co. (note, it's also available in clear crystal flowers).}




{To quote the site itself, "This vintage-inspired Marbles Tin Game is timeless, doesn't need batteries, won't break, is fun for children of all ages, and can be played by many people at once". Marbles are always a great way to pass a relaxing afternoon, so why not pick up a set for the young - or young at heart - in your family this Christmas? $9.99 from Retro Planet.}




{Help make getting those that mountain of post-holiday feast dishes more enjoyable - and definitely more fashionable, too - this this charming pair of latex-free, hypoallergenic Vinyl Dish Gloves that come adorned with lovely red, white and navy blue polka dot fabric ruffles (this is just one of many cute fabrics this brand offers). $22.00 from Carolyn's Kitchen.}




{Whether for use in Movember or all year round, give the facial hair fans in your life this charmingly fun Mustache Grooming Kit that comes in a great little carrying case shaped like a classic handlebar mustache. $12.00 from Fred Flare.}



{Give the Wizard of Oz or classic movie buff in your life a fun reminder of one of the most popular and beloved films of all time, with this cute pair of Ruby Slipper Magnets. $3.99 from Retro Planet.}




{If the lovely packaging alone doesn't sell you on this classic set of Three Round Biscuit Cutters, then their eternally practical purpose definitely will. £4.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}

 

{It's always fun to unwrap a Christmas themed gift in your stocking, as this delightful tin of Strawberry Crush Glossy Lip Balm - featuring a beautiful vintage pin-up girl illustration - is an especially great way to do just that. (According to the website) This balm is infused with nourishing Fragaria Ananassa (strawberry seed) oil, Pure Golden Beeswax and Sweet Almond Oil, and is perfect for lips needing moisture and protection. £5.00 from Rose & Co. Apothecary.}




{The past meets the present in case of this wonderfully cute 1950s inspired Poodle USB Hub. $12.00 from Fred Flare.}




{Start saving pocket change up for next year's yard sale season, bingo nights, or simply to have a little mad money on hand whenever needed, in this timelessly pretty cabbage rose print fabric Kiss-Clasp Coin Purse that looks every bit like something our grandmas or great-grandmother's might have tucked into their handbags back in the day. $9.95 from the Victorian Trading Co. (also available in a floral on black fabric).}




{For all the adorable animal lovers on your list, this cuter-than-cute Chunky Silver Rabbit Ring is sure to be equally popular for Easter as it every other day of the year. £6.50 from The Oriental Magpie.}




{Flashlights are one of those things that no house can ever have to many of - especially if they have a thoroughly old school look to them like this terrific Vintage Metal LED Torch. £4.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}




{Inject a fantastic dose of nostalgic holiday spirit into any kitchen or bathroom with this adorable 100$ cotton Retro Snowman Towel. $9.99 from Retro Planet.}




{Like something you just know Zelda Fitzgerald would have loved: (handmade) Circle Monogram Itty Bitty Post Earrings. $12.00 from etsy seller Elizajay Charm.}




{Measuring in at just 11cm wide by 6cm high, this wee little Bakelite Red Alarm Clock is a marvelous way to inject a vintage aesthetic into a bedroom or any other corner of the house (*please note that in the case of this product, the word "Bakelite" refers to the alarm clock's colour, not to the material it is made out of*). £9.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}




{Make any night as festive as a luau with this cute 2 ounce Tiki Shot Glass, or why not give a few and ensure your recipient is always ready to throw a Polynesian themed shindig at moment's notice? $2.49 (per shot glass) from Retro Planet.}




{Infused with notes of coriander, white sage, birch wood, and tundra moss, Paper & Cotton No. 17 is a candle in a tin that is not to missed - especially when you factor into the beautiful 1950s illustration on the lid. $12.00 from Tokyomilk.}



{I have many fond memories of receiving arts and craft supplies in my stockings as a youngster, and would definitely pick up a pack each (especially considering how well priced they are) of these classic Traditional Crayons in their lovely vintage inspired box for my kids, if I had children. £1.00 from Dotcomgiftshop.}




{It may look like a classic peppermint treat, but one lick is all it will take to let you know that what you're enjoying is in face Bacon Candy. Packaged in a festive red tin with a great old-fashioned style font and illustration, this sweet snack is a must for all bacon lovers on your list this year. $6.79 from Retro Planet.}




{One of the best loved travel novels of all time lends itself to this fantastic Plot Your Course Passport Cover that is sure to appeal to literary fans and those with passion for wanderlust alike. $24.99 from ModCloth.}




{Whether for Junior or Grandpa, this cheerful, wonderfully fun red plastic and metal Harmonica In A Box is sure to be enthusiastically received. £2.95 from Dotcomgiftshop.}




{If you have a recipient on your list who adores both card games and watching classic TV shows, then this delightful deck of I Love Lucy Playing Cards might be right up their alley. $12.99 from Retro Planet.}




{Lend one of today's most current gadgets a definite sense of the past with this timelessly elegant Vintage Postcard Case available for iPhone 4, iPhone 5, Samsung S2 & S3. $16.99 from etsy seller On Your Case.}




{Whether for a child, paper crafter, Christmas lover, or snail mail envelope decorator, you'll be hard pressed not to find someone on your shopping list who wouldn't adore a tin of these preciously cute vintage inspired Christmas Stickers. $13.49 from Retro Planet.}


♥ ♥ ♥


I hope Santa is reading this post, because there's certainly a few items here that I'd be tickled pink to receive any year in my stocking, too! Smile I am so happy that I was able to revive the vintage holiday shopping gift guide series this December, and look forward to putting together future editions next year and in future years to come as well.

Stocking stuffers are such a joy. They're like the appetizers of the Christmas present world, and can be such a fantastic way to give those special people in your life little presents you've picked up, or created, for them throughout the year that generally don't carry the same potential stress (will they love it, hate it, regift it the moment you leave the room) that larger presents can sometimes entail.

Whether you like to give put just a couple of gifts into a festive Christmas sock or cram it to capacity, I hope that that today's roundup of vintage stocking stuffers will give you plenty of holiday shopping ideas for this season and well beyond.

Now, time to go hang those stockings, stick a yummy candy cane into each, and fill - I mean, let St. Nick fill - them up for all the loved ones in your house.

34 comments:

  1. I am wanting that tin of Bacon candy!

    Lots of great stocking stuffer ideas.

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  2. What a great list of ideas! I love love love Christmas stockings - it's one of my favourite parts of Christmas! :) I particularly like the cat ring holder (what a great idea), the usb poodle (another neat idea) and the tiki shot glass (so cute)! Happy holidays!!! xx

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  3. You always pick out really great items. I would love many of these in my stocking stuffer but I'm sure they wouldn't get to us in time, I'll have to keep them in mind for next year.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear gal. For sure - all of my vintage holiday gift guides are intended to be used more as a jumping off point for ideas, then a shopping list in the moment per se, so they can be carried over year after year (yes, some items may not be in stock any more, but in most cases an equivalent can usually be found).

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. This was great fun to read...great ideas...I am now inspired! Thank you!

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  5. Oh my goodness - if I got any of these from ole Saint Nick I'd be super happy!

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the poodle usb, the cat ring holder and the passport holder.

    Great gift guide!

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  6. I'm so glad you included items from Victorian Trading Co!! It's one of my favorites. I've been drooling over their garments since I was a little girl. :)

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  7. I've bookmarked retroplanet on my shopping tab now. Thanks Jessica!

    Come and join me for my Countdown to Kitschmas.

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh! These are all such cute ideas!!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  9. Thank so much for featuring some pieces from my website :) Happy holidays!
    Emma @ The Oriental Magpie

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    1. My pleasure, Emma. I've long been a fan of the wonderfully cute/stylish/vintage-esque pieces that you sell, and am happy to bring your site to the attention of my readers. If you're interested in doing a review and/or giveaway, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I love this selection. I am a big fan of monogrammed earrings, too. I like the embellished headband - will have to be on the lookout for one of those next Fall for holiday parties.

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  11. I love that Strawberry Crush lip balm! What a cute tin that it comes in and strawberry is one of my favorite flavors. Great gift guide Jessica!
    Jamie
    http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/

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  12. I love this post! So entertaining and attractive. And beyone that, I adore the idea of stocking stuffers. The best gifts are the right choices, not the most expensive items, and it's a fun challenge to find small, inexpensive items that amuse recipients. I enjoy the process of selecting such gifts.

    And don't knock hot-water bottles! During the 12 days of no heat from Hurricane Sandy, I was desperate for warmth and bought one for my bed. It made a big difference. One with a cute dog on it would be even better.

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    1. Thank you very much, my friend. I completely agree with you when it comes to the merit and worth of hot water bottles - I think they need a big time revival! I'm happy that one recently helped to see you through, and keep you warm, during such a difficult experience. Fingers crossed that in the future you'll only have to turn to your hot water bottle for warmth by choice - not sheer necessity/survival.

      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Aww, so many pretty things in one place! <3 I'm totally in love with this LED flashlight - it looks absolutely the same as the flashlight my grandma used to have. And this passport cover from Modcloth - it would perfectly fit my brand new passport :) What a pity that things from Modcloth are unavailable for me because of too high shipping costs :( And I'm really curious about those bacon candies - they seem bit weird to me, but I'd like to taste them :P

    Your post made me wanna go for Christmas shopping - right now! (what's impossible, cause it's midnight :P)

    xoxo
    Monika

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    1. Thank you very much, Monika. I just love that flashlight, too (ok, to be fair, I love everything here - but that's definitely one of my top faves) and so want to get one to use both for its intended, practical purpose, and also as a prop for a cute summer vintage camping trip photo shoot. Hopefully I'll be able to find over here in Canada one day.

      Happiest countdown to Christmas, dear gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Oh I love stocking stuffers! I already have everything for my kiddies! Hubby and I used to make them for each other but alas we cannot-such a bummer but oh well-one day! I love the idea of having a stocking filled with vintagey thing. Gosh that would make a fab giveaway...hummmm hehehe I LOVE the dotcom site...drool! You have great taste mama!! I hope Santa does delivery some goodies for you bc you have been a very good girl this year hehehe Muah! xox

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    1. Thanks so much, sweet Bunny! Love your idea of doing a vintage related stocking stuffer giveaway. That certainly sets the wheels in motion for future Christmas seasons.

      Isn't dotcomgiftshop just marvelous? I've never ordered from them (the exchange rate between Canadian and UK currencies usually being so harsh on my end), but I've been a fan for years and was happy to have a chance to post some of their items here again.

      Awwww, thank you, I hope that Santa brings you every last things you're wishing for, too.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I love this post, Jessica! There are several of those delightful items that I would enjoy receiving in my stocking too! (I pinned a couple things to my boards.)

    That harmonica looks EXACTLY like one my brother had as a kid. And the flashlight looks like the ones we had in our house when I was growing up.

    Those gloves are a must-have (one of the pages I pinned)! Since my daughter does all the cooking in our home, I am the resident dish washer, and now that I've gone back to painting my fingernails, gloves are essential!!

    I have a funny story about crayons and stockings. One year, when I was about 6, my stocking had crayons in it. Well, Santa wasn't using his brain, because he put them in the very bottom of the stocking, which was hung over the fireplace..and we had a fire in the fireplace. Needless to say, the crayons melted and made a huge mess in the stocking. And this little girl was not happy that she didn't have any crayons to use on Christmas morning.

    I know you and Tony must be over-the-moon excited to be spending Christmas with your family this year. You know that I miss living near family all the time, but never more than at holiday time. So, what do you do when distance keeps you from the ones you love? You open your home to others who are similarly away from family. We have 9 guests coming for Christmas Eve dinner...may have anywhere from 1 to 3 more, depending on if they can make it.

    Anyhow, love and hugs to you.

    Love,
    Patti

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    1. Hi sweet Patti, thank you very much for your terrific comment and for sharing that holiday memory with me. I gasped as I read what happened, and can imagine how bummed you must have felt about "Santa's" oversight when it came to how easily crayons melt (not the same thing really, but that story reminds me of one year when our two dogs got into my sister's Easter candy and ate pretty much all of it because it had been left out at pet height. Thankfully the dogs were fine in spite of the large amount of chocolate they ate, but my sister was understandably upset, so I gave her most of my candy).

      How absolutely beautiful that you're sharing Christmas with some of your closet friends. Family isn't just who you're related to by blood, it's also the people who matter most to you in the world, and I'm so happy that you'll be celebrating the holidays with some of those folks.

      Merriest Christmas wishes, dear lady,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Be sure to keep an eye on your mail box, a Christmas card from me is zipping across the miles to you as we speak.

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  16. Oh my goodness, this is such an amazing post of lovely and adorable stocking stuffers! I'm always at a loss when it comes to stockings, and this gave me some great ideas.

    xo,
    Em

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Emma, I'm so happy to know that this list will be of help to you.


      Hope you and your honey have a beautiful Christmas,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. Oh Jessica this is wonderful! You've managed to source so many interesting things...many I've never seen before but will be off investigating... and must confess I'm running for the glue gun, my glasses case, and some castoff diamontes!

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  18. I'd love some of these things too! I've been looking for a nice recipe box and that one would be absolutely perfect. Hope Santa reads this too. :)

    Love, Annie

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  19. Great picks! LOVE the Jack Kerouac passport cover, and the ridiculously kitsch poodle USB hub, that's brilliant!

    xx Charlotte
    Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage

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  20. What a lovely round up thanks for taking to time to make it:) Stocking stuffers were always my favorite. I would adore a candle, the be-jeweled eyeglass case, coin purse or usb port!

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  21. Such darling choices!! I especially love the snowman towel and the vintage inspired labels. Cheers to your efforts!

    xo,
    Megan

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  22. I LOVE the idea of stockings filled with little gifts! We never had this in my house when I was a child and I don't have it in mine now, but when I do have children this is one tradition that I am determined to have. It's such a lovely and cute idea, and stockings look so lovely all hung up *sigh* :)

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  23. In our family we have Advent-gifts, each Sunday DH and son gets a gift. I'll blog about it soon.

    Thank you for the inspiration, I especially loved:
    The hot water bottles - I'm old-fashioned, and have cold feet.
    The recipe box - want it so much!
    And you can never get too many lip balms! ;)

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  24. Such a gorgeous post. I've already done all of my christmas shopping, but will definitely keep it in mind for next year. I am loving your blog (new follower :) ) and this post idea. I have a similar post that I do for gift ideas, but mine is aimed generally towards those who read a lot. The bookish I call them.

    And, how cute was that crayon packet...

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. I'm a perpetual bookworm myself (and been since the moment I learned to read) and love that you devote a holiday shopping post just to us bookish folks.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. well, not so much a holiday post, but a gift post nonetheless. Nice to hear :) I love it when people are as enthusiastic about fiction as I am :)

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    3. Sounds great! I'm actually much more of a non-fiction reader myself, but I adore many of the classics, have a soft spot for Russian lit, and do occasionally dabble in contemporary fiction.

      ♥ Jessica

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