Xmas is never far away and if you have lots of presents to buy especially for children and grandchildren, it can be a very expensive time of year.

Lots of Cheap Stocking Stuffers to Choose From . . .
Fun Stuff Stocking Stuffers – All $1.00
Animation & Characters Stuffers –> $3.00	Bath & Body Stocking Stuffers –> $2.00
Beanbag & Beanie Babies Stuffers –> $5.00	Classic Toys Stocking Stuffers –> $4.00
Decorative Collectibles Stuffers –> $3.00	Fragrances Stocking Stuffers –> $3.00
Makeup Stocking Stuffers –> $2.00	TV, Movie & Character Toys –> $3.00

However, the best way to get cheap stocking stuffers is to shop all year round for them and put them away until Xmas. I know that there are many times during the year that I go to a sale and see inexpensive items that will do for one of my children and I usually try to buy it and then hide it until Xmas. This way I can plan what I buy and not get into such a spending frenzy in the last few days to Xmas.

As economic times get harder, there are more sales and discount during the year and in the months leading up to Xmas as retailers try to ensure that they get their share of the Xmas dollar. So here are a few suggestions to help you start thinking what you could be buying for cheap stocking stuffers.

Craft supplies and pens: These are wonderful for children to keep them occupied and be creative over the Xmas holidays; paper, crayons, scissor and markers. Markers can be very handy for mom and nice or gimmicky ballpoints can add fun to xmas while giving pleasure to the recipient.

Batteries: These are always useful for cameras and toys that people already have or will undoubtedly receive on Xmas day. You know these toys rarely come with batteries supplied which can be very disappointing if there are no spare batteries in the house.

Ornaments: This is a wonderful gift, especially if you give one each year so that the person can collect them and each one will hold a special memory of that particular Xmas. The ornaments can either be ones you put on a shelf or ones that can be hung on the Xmas tree. You can make the tree ornaments yourself and personalize it by printing out a digital photo of the recipient or family member and putting it on the ornament. This will make it an extra special gift without costing much at all.

Candy and chocolates: These are always popular and a must for every stocking! It used to be an orange in the stocking in my mother’s day, she tells me, as oranges were such treats back then.  Again, you don’t have to go overboard with the expensive stuff for children as if they are like my kids, all candy is good.

Books: Do books have to be new? No! I frequent book fairs during the year and pick up excellent quality secondhand books for a fraction of the new cost. Many of them look as if they have never been read and it’s a great way of recycling items in a positive way.

Journals or Diaries: These can be small and useful for adults and children may like them if they want to start writing a diary.

These are just a few ideas for you. But remember, Xmas is not just about presents but spending time with your family and loved ones.