Finding stocking stuffers is already hard enough when you want to give little Christmas gifts that are both useful and meaningful, but finding the perfect stocking stuffers while on a budget requires some creativity on your part. Here are five ideas for stocking stuffers under $5 that everyone---including your wallet---will appreciate.
For the commuters
While most offices provide the essentials---pens, notebooks, post-its, etc.---for free, office/cubicle decorations make great stocking stuffers. A simple picture frame or a cute mousepad are easy to find for under $5 and can be a nice touch to any office or cubicle. A mini basketball hoop is another way to give any office a more playful feel; but be careful, not all offices allow them. Stress balls, magnets and other desktop items are all relatively cheap and can be easily found at your local convenience store.
For the kids
Rather than load the stocking up with sugary sweets, opt for gifts that are popular with kids right now. Silly Bandz, simple rubber bracelets shaped like animals, letters, objects and numbers, are all the rage among kids right now. A pack of 24 bracelets sells for $4.95, making them the perfect low-cost stocking stuffer. Squinkies, squishy collectible figurines, are this year's hottest holiday toy, and while a pack costs $10, each pack comes with 16 Squinkies, which you can split among stockings.
For the book lovers
If you know someone who loves reading, consider picking up a book for their stocking. Most bookstores have a bargain section where you can find cheap paperback novels and other deals on cookbooks or titles on specialty topics. If you're not sure what type of books they like, you really can't go wrong with the classics. While you're at the bookstore, you can also look for crossword puzzle and Sudoku books: both make great stocking stuffers for the puzzle lovers in your life or for those who spend a lot of time traveling.
For the homemaker
Masters of their households, might prefer more practical gifts that they can assist with daily tasks. For instance, consider seeds for planting common veggies like lettuce, beets, carrots and tomatoes or even herbs like basil, dill and cilantro for those who enjoy gardening. You can also find dry soup mixes for the pantry for under $5 at any grocery store. Packages of spices also make great stocking stuffers for that pantry; either look for commonly used spices like cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon or oregano, or opt for specialty spice blends like Chinese five spice or curry powder.
For the foodie
While you can't fit a steak dinner into a stocking, you'd be surprised at the tasty treats you can get for $5. A $5 gift card for beverages at a local coffee shop or café can go a long way, and many fast-food restaurants and sandwich shops offer gift cards as well. For those with a sweet tooth, individual candy or chocolate boxes are a must, or you can add a personal touch by making your own candy package using sweets you know they enjoy. Packets of hot chocolate mix and a package of mini-marshmallows are also sure to please on those cold winter nights.
