Please Help me with Stockings

[theotherfossilsister]

I am making stockings for four people this year

One: mobile engaged eighty year old woman, literary but slightly snobby about it.
Two: Similar but 76. Likes cooking.
Three: Partner, 38 male, not sporty as such but likes going for long walks, climbing mountains. Refuses to call this hiking.
Four: Sixteen month old who currently loves the cat and the robot vacuum cleaner. Other interests are throwing things. Can just hold a crayon and draw a bit but gets bored quickly

How big are your stockings? Every LO I’ve bought these for has loved them and played with them fun til 2+ years old
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FISHER-Snap-LOCK-Classic-Developmental-Products/dp/B00000IZQQ/ref=asc_df_B00000IZQQ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=570311279265&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17145537150421394895&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007422&hvtargid=pla-403917083227&psc=1&mcid=7ebf918d4fc6371aa45cf1d131798b78

Thank you!

Like big fluffy sicks xx

1. waterstones voucher; if baby is their grandchild get a bookmark done with pics of baby; item of fav sweet/choc; cashmere or similar socks;
2. Same as above with new set of measuring spoons, American cup set handy for when seeing recipes from across the pond.
3. decent flask eg this one from stanley ; pair of nice socks ; bar of choc or some such;
4. One of those toddler baby car keys sets; a “that’s not my” book; bubbles; new toothbrush; I canny mind what kids eat at that age so can’t think if choc coins are appropriate or if ill meet the wrath of MNetters for the mere suggestion

How much do you want to spend? I always put socks in stockings, but upmarket, special ones, so cashmere bed socks for mum, merino wool hiking socks for the men in family, even though they are not hikers but like cosy feet, but these are expensive so a luxury they wouldn’t get for themselves.
Also something to eat( chocolates, but could be fancy nuts or dried fruits) and something like salmon terrine for foodies. Sometimes a gadget ( I’ve bought the cooks in my family bag resealers this year). I normally include a book, and some sort of stationery , like a notebook or special pens. Adult DSs get a T-shirt - this year I got them from Marine conservation society . Smellies for those who like them.

For the baby, they’ll like the boxes and unwrapping, at that age the contents don’t matter so much. Mine used to like Duplo from about 18 months, and wooden bricks. Shape sorters and baby jigsaws got used intensively but only till they were about 2. And cardboard books that made noises or with feely bits in them.

Thank you, it's hard because I don't want to spend too much

I got the new Rose Tremain book for one of them as was recommended and need to think of a novel for the other, can't get the same as they'll read them then swap. It's my mum, mil, my partner and baby. Mils big present is a class in creative writing with a writer she admires.

This is a great company for your literature lover, lots of nice things www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/

Also a hit for the older generation- bird feeders especially the ones that stick to the window, long necklaces that slip over the head so no fiddly catches (and stretchy bracelets if you can find a nice one, M& S can be surprisingly good for both), tin of individually wrapped chocolates, shortbread biscuits eg Fortnum & Mason

Thanks, just got the murder mystery book from there

2 you could include some spice blends in small tubs.

3 how about a Kendal mint cake selection?

4 Matey Bubble bath never gets old! and take up a fair bit of space!

Reading light for the readers.

Warm head lamp hat for walker.

Bath Crayons for toddler.

My 20 months old stocking has- chocolate coins and Lindt bear, bubbles, stickers, bath crayons, toothbrush and toothpaste 😂, mini snow globe, couple Schleich animals(from vinted) and a Yoto card.

Bath crayons sound great, thank you

And headlamp hat, never heard of that but googling it

For older ladies:

Pack of tissues for handbag -pretty ones
hand cream
nice tea or coffee
Bendicks bittermints
nice jam/chutney or similar (go to a farmshop!)
Note cards with arty prints on the front
nice soap

Thank you

I also feel like I've already spent a lot so would like to make it things people will like but not ridiculously expensive

For the grandmothers, something with a picture of the baby, have a look at Moonpig they do a range of that sort of gift.

For baby, board book with flaps/pop ups, tin of bubbles, mittens, socks, woolly hat.

For partner, little book of local walks, key ring with torch, plastic pockets for maps, notebook and pencil.