Christmas stockings are a wonderful tradition, but many of us give them up when we become adults. If you want to start a stocking ritual but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place!

There’s no set formula for putting together a stocking. However, when you’re creating multiple, with so many stocking fillers to choose from, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to put together a Christmas stocking your recipient will love.
 

How to pick the right stocking?

Did you know...the first Christmas stockings were just regular-sized socks containing a handful of modest gifts. Today, people have upgraded to bigger versions with brighter colours. When buying (or making) your stocking, choose a design you love that will fit with the rest of your Christmas decor. 
Remember: biggest isn’t always best - it's what's inside that counts. 

Think about your budget

Before you start shopping, decide how much you'd like to spend on each stocking. If you're looking for ways to keep costs down, take a look at our affordable stocking filler challenge for budget-friendly inspiration.

How to pick stocking fillers?

There are no rules about what you should include in your stocking. Just remember to consider the size of your stocking when choosing your fillers, as this will determine how many gifts it can comfortably hold.

The ‘seven-gift’ stocking filler rule

Organising your shopping by category is a great way to stay on track and avoid overspending. Our ‘seven-gift’ rule is a useful guide to follow. It comprises: something they want, something for daily use, something for their space, something to get creative, something to play with, something that makes them laugh, and something to eat. We have a similar guide for Christmas gifting, called the ‘five-gift rule’.

Think of the seven-gift rule as a flexible framework rather than a strict checklist. You can adapt the categories to suit your recipient, your budget and the size of your stocking.

Something they want

The first thing to think about is something you know the recipient really wants and can fit into a stocking. If nothing in particular strikes you, you can peruse our collections of gifts under £5, gifts under £10, and unusual gifts to find something that fits their vibe or aligns with their interests. Bookmarks, mugs, coasters or candles are failproof options if you’re stuck.

Magnetic bookmarks (set of 4) - Garden birds, £2.95

Tall glass candle holder - Clear, £9.95

Something for daily use

To make your stocking feel really personal and well thought-out, pop in something they’re likely to use every day. This could include toiletries like soaps and perfumes, handy electronics such as chargers or power banks, or practical accessories like keyrings and cutlery.

Spirit of Adventure coffee scoop with clip, £6.95

Fruity bag charm - Avocado, £9.95

Multi-task tool pen, £9.95

Something for their space

Everyone loves zhuzhing up their space, regardless of age, interests or gender. Our extensive homeware collection makes it easy to find something that suits your recipient’s personal style and adds a little character to their home.

Paprika and pepper mini storage tins, £4.95

Sausage dog ceramic trinket dish, £4.95

Something creative

Give them the gift of creating something for themselves. Whether it’s a crochet kit, a craft and build kit, or even just a sketchbook – anything that gets your loved one off their screens is something they’ll thank you for.

Avocado crochet kit, £8.95

Build your own model  brick kit- Panda, £3.95

Something to play with

A pocket-sized game is a fun stocking filler that people don’t always think to buy for themselves, making it a welcome surprise. If your recipient isn’t much of a games person, a book is a great alternative. Either way, it’s worth considering screen-free gifts wherever possible.

Dominoes in a box, £.4.95

Catapult toy with four foam balls, £3.95

Something to make them laugh

There's nothing sweeter than the sound of kids laughing on Christmas morning. A poo prank, for example, provides hours of laughter for the whole family. Anything small, light-hearted, and a bit silly is a safe bet - it is Christmas, after all!

Box of sticky poo, £4.95

Something to eat

No stocking is complete without treats to enjoy and share. Nuts and candy canes are traditional favourites, but there’s room to get creative with your choices. For a cheeky finishing touch, add some bag clips to remind your recipient to save a few goodies for later!

Panda bag clips, £3.95

Theme your stocking

An alternative way to build your stocking is by theme. While this is more typical for little ones, there’s no reason not to pamper the grown-ups in your life with themed gifts, too. From sausage dogs and mermaids to favourite films and aesthetics, take inspiration from your recipient’s interests to create a stocking that feels personal to them.
 

 Sausage dog sunglasses case, £8.95

Mini sausage dog in a little box, £9.95

Sausage dog temporary tattoos, £1.95

Sausage dog A6 notebook, £2.95

Cat hair claw clip, £6.95

Cat chopstick rest, £5.95

6-in-1 cat multiuse tool, £4.95

Cat face flannel, £4.95

Stuff your stockings and put them up!

The best bit! When arranging your stocking, place larger or sturdier items towards the bottom and tuck smaller fillers into any gaps. Before hanging it, check that the stocking can comfortably hold everything and use a secure hook or stocking holder to keep it in place.

Once you've sorted all your weird and wonderful stocking fillers, it's time to hang your stocking in pride of place. Traditionally, stockings are hung on Christmas Eve, but why not put them out a little earlier this year to add an extra sprinkle of magic as you build up to the big day?

Whether you stick to the classics or are trying something a little different this year, stockings are a lovely excuse to get creative with gift-giving. However you choose to fill yours, we hope it brings you and your loved ones plenty of joyous surprises on Christmas morning.