Suggestions for Stocking Stuffers and Kid’s Books

Earlier, I posted some Christmas gift suggestions for under $50.00, but I totally forgot to recommend some kids books and also stocking stuffers, and this year we’re going heavy on stocking stuffers, ourselves, so, here we go!

The first time someone gave me a giant natural sponge for a Secret Santa, I thought it was strange, but after I used it I understood. SO MUCH BETTER than a loofah, in every way. I love my sponge. This giant sponge, combined with something like these outstanding soaps? Perfect stocking stuffers!

Natural sponges are also really great for baby baths!

Know someone who likes to drink tea at the desk? Check out these tidy honey sticks.

A stocking stuffer for a frequent traveler? this bar-shampoo means no travel hassle.

Very cool for the baker and chef: this Danish Dough Whisk just looks like something we all need in our kitchens.

Something everyone needs: a great pack of emery boards, and also a back scratcher!

You want to really surprise someone’s stocking? How about a one-decade rosary.

This is kind of a stupid gift, but if the reviews are to be believed, Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray is the sort of product that could be useful. A stocking gag?

And some books for kids? I confess, my nieces are all getting older, so I’ve had to ask some people I trust for some recommendations, but I didn’t need anyone to recommend any (or all) of these wonderful books by Amy Welborn and Ann Kissane Engelhart. Their latest book is another little gem, Adventures in Assisi: On the Path with St. Francis, and perhaps a particularly apt one — a way to teach your kids about Saint Francis and talk about our pope, as well.

Last year, I gave one niece a copy of The Apothecary, and she loved it so much that she immediately grabbed the next book in the series, The Apprentices. This year, on the advice of friends, I am giving her Wonder, and Half-Magic

I recommend these two graphic novels every year, because they’re just that good: A Christmas Carol and A Wrinkle in Time.

Not to be pushy, but if you have a teenager having the pop culture thrown at him or her, and you want them to consider that there is something Beyond Beyonce and Jay-Z, why not get them a copy of Strange Gods? There’s a lot of practical discussion about dealing with cultures and trends in there, and I’ve had a lovely email recently from a 15 year-old who found it to be eye-opening…just sayin’. :-)