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Stocking Stuffers for Stretched Budgets Courtesy of ARAcontent  |
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 (ARA) - The custom of giving gifts at Christmas dates back long before Santa Claus came onto the scene. The tradition of giving lavish gifts that stretch credit card payments months past the holidays, however, is more recent.
Less than 100 years ago, most people were still giving simple and, often, homemade gifts. Today, holiday spending has become a more than $400 billion business in the U.S., with the average consumer spending nearly $800.
Such indulgence has prompted a number of grassroots efforts calling for the simplification of holiday celebrations and gift giving to provide more focus on family and faith at this special time of the year. A good place to start simplifying is stocking stuffers -- those typically last-minute items that are often frantically searched for after budgets and nerves are already stretched past their limits.
To make sure this year’s stocking stuffers are enjoyable, yet practical, start by asking a few simple questions:
* Is it affordable?
Although stocking stuffers can still be personalized and reflect a great deal of thought, they do not need to rival in price what’s already under the tree. Many great gifts are priced under $15.
* Will it fit in the stocking?
Using this rule, you can easily narrow down the field to a manageable number of options.
* Is it easy to purchase?
With holiday parties and all those trips to the mall, you don’t need to be burning fuel and spending time looking all over town for just the right item.
* Will it still be used or appreciated after the hype of the holidays is over?
So many gadgets today are designed for immediate satisfaction but then are quickly tossed before the holiday wrappings have even made it to the trash.
* Does it send the right message?
Gifts that are fattening may no longer be appropriate for a generation of kids more obese than any other. Cheap, throw-away items may also signal a lack of thought or planning.
So what are some of today’s more valuable, yet practical, stocking stuffers?
* Encourage creativity.
Products that stimulate a child’s imagination or keep brain cells functioning over the long holiday break are always a great idea. Consider books, puzzles, arts and crafts, or even playing cards. They’re inexpensive, fit easily in the stocking, can be found most anywhere and are likely to be used for months to come.
* Be practical.
Don’t overlook school supplies as a consideration. With today’s cool colors and styles, even school supplies can be fun. And what better time to replenish than in December, which is roughly half-way through the school year? The Mark-My-Time digital bookmark is an ideal item for use at home, at school or while traveling in the car. It conveniently and accurately monitors required reading time or other homework projects with the touch of a button.
Kids can keep track of how much time they’ve read or set the countdown timer to let them know when homework time is up. At $8.95, it’s also reasonably priced and easy to find in most major bookstores, discount chains or even online (www.mark-my-time.com). It reinforces the message that reading is important -- even when school is out.
* Get personal.
Personal items, such as hair accessories, crazy character socks, costume jewelry, and even extra-soft and fuzzy gloves and hats may also be appreciated -- and used -- long after the holidays.
* Get certificates.
When in doubt, there are always gift certificates. But don’t just think fast food. Gift cards to the movies, the local book store or even the area skating arena encourage kids to turn off the TV and do something productive.
* Encourage special interests.
To show that you’ve really given thought to this special person, consider items that promote a special hobby or interest. If the child likes music, consider a CD. If he or she likes to paint, why not purchase new brushes or small paint containers? If skating is a special interest, there are fashionable new laces or wrist bands.
If all else fails, make it a personalized gift. Mugs, charm bracelets, key chains and even pens and pencils can delight when a child’s name is on them.
This just may be the year to start a new family holiday tradition and keep it simple -- at least inside the stocking.
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