Cheap & low/no plastic - can it be done

[Huz]

I have DS15, DD13 and DS8 to do stockings for. They all generally get "same but different". DS8 "believes" but may well not do by December...

Ideas I have: pants, socks, books, chocolate, sweets. Keyring for DS8, who loves and collects them.

I'd like to add more but:

a) am a bit skint, like a lot of people

b) spent all summer clearing out crap from the house and don't want to refill it in December with shite that goes to Chaz shop in August

c) use refill shop for most of their toiletries except toothpaste and deodorant - which don't feel "treaty" enough for a stocking, especially one with pants and socks in.

Cheers for any nice ideas I can use to pad out a bit while remaining cheap-ish and minimally waste/clutterful!

I have fond memories of magic flannels in my stocking as a kid- a compressed facecloth that expands when it gets wet. I got some from eBay a few years ago.

I used to like getting a puzzle book, or maybe an issue of a magazine or comic you think they’d like. Can be recycled once finished with.

Is there anything hobby related - seeds for a gardener, shin pads/tennis balls/golf tees, plectrums or strings for musicians etc. The kind of things that get used up or worn out.

Recently home bargains had some Rubiks sets, but not the standard cubes, I got my husband this one www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/sensory-toys/fidget-toys/rubik-s-rainbow-ball-clam-white-fidget-toy/p/202872 and he likes using it while he’s working as a sort of fidget toy.

Consumables like "treat" cereal or a tube of Pringles (or a mini tube)

Rolled up magazine

Rolled up poster

Gift card - Greggs/Costa/Gaming.

DS is 15. He's a guitarist so gets strings and plectrums plus a gift card, pants, socks, smellies and chocolate. I'll add a magazine or a poster if I can find one that is spot on with his interests but I don't buy for buying sake.

A drink, we used to do a snack, drink , book and a toy. Reusable straws cou l be a good addition

Something nicer but needed.
Maybe art stuff for school? Ie nice fineliners or highlighters.

Edible - unusual flavoured popcorn, can of something they like or new. Nutella or marmite with name on jar. Fancy hot chocolate

mini umbrellas? if they need for walk to school.

nail varnish/ hair bands or clips

Something mum would never allow, like a box of fun cereal or mini cereals selection. American sweets.

Some great ideas, thank you!

Will definitely be adding rolled up magazines and posters, plus the sort of sweets I usually ban (for being blue/lurid colours!)

Use and re-use bits of material instead of wrapping paper:

blog.bernina.com/en/2015/12/wrapping-your-gifts-in-fabric-easy-furoshiki-instructions/

My Dc are much younger but a magazine or comic is always well received. Dc1 gets a tractor enthusiast one, he is still looking through last years issue 😁. I put in stationary, pens, rulers, note pads, bits they use. Bits for their interests & hobbies.