The stockings were hung by the chimney with care . . .

And, if you are anything like me, there may be nothing in there.

With all the preparation we do for Christmas, both spiritual and physical, a minor detail like remembering to purchase stocking stuffers may fall by the wayside. I have, on at least one Christmas Eve, sat numbly in a room full of toys without a single thing to jam in that row of hopeful stockings.

Not long ago, my younger children were playing delightedly with the flock of colored birds we had purchased for our Franciscan birdhouse craft. At the bargain price of four for a dollar, it occurred to me these would make perfect stocking stuffers. I resolved to pay my next visit to the craft store armed with a digital camera to snap photos for a post about all the useful little gifts to be found there. True to my word, I remembered to tote my trusty camera along during our most recent run, but, sadly, the memory card was back home in the card reader.

So, as much as I would love to show you all the possibilities for stuffing stockings on a budget, this post will need to be limited to the fun things I actually purchased. Here goes:

An armload of flowers, wire and wooden beads kept a group of Margaret's 8 to 11 year old friends humming along happily for an afternoon making simple fairy dolls. While these materials may not fit in a stocking, it would be simple to prepare small individual kits (one flower, a bead or two, and a bit of wire wrapped in pretty paper, with a little clump of moss thrown in for good measure) or wrap all the materials together for a large and impressive gift under the tree. Our ample supply did not cost much more than five dollars:

To my eyes, the finished product looks like something out of Magic Cabin or Hearthsong. How do you like these beauties crafted by Mary Ellen's Katie, 9 (left) and my Marie, 6 (right)?

Miniature pre-made craft kits are also high on my list. These small Nativity ornament crafts were $1 each, and the large foam Nativity kit was only $4.99:

Children of all ages love a supply of stickers. We purchased some of these as gifts, and others for use with our ongoing Saints Spoon Doll Craft:

Move over American Girl. For $4.99, this paintable, sturdy doll furniture is for us. We have about ten different ideas for this handsome dresser:

How glad we were to discover these cozy American icons on sale for $3 each, the perfect presents to peep out of a stocking:

My mother is going to love a personalized calendar printed and decorated by her grandchildren. At about $13, it was the most expensive purchase of the day, but, after all, she is Grandma!

Thank you for letting me give you a peep into our shopping bags!

Comments

[Karen E.]

Such fun ideas! Thank you!

[Amy]

Wonderful ideas! I always need help in the stocking stuffer area.

[Ann]

Alice,
Great ideas!
I once read a little verse about stuffing stockings with...

something to eat,
something to read,
something you want,
and something you need

Oh, and your mom will LOVE the calendar. Perfect gift for a loving grandmother.

[Mrs G]

I just found O Night Divine (what a beautiful name to chose for your blog) and I'm so excited! a Christmas blog :) ...ahh, bliss :)

[Dawn]

Alice, these are just the most wonderful ideas! How I wish I could do a little craft shopping with you by my side! :) Thank you for all the inspiration!!