Frugal Stocking Stuffers

[peanut]

for the university crowd. Any ideas?

We like to keep stocking stuffers under $5. I always throw in an orange and some homemade chocolates. But what else can I do? Especially for the young men?

Tonight I went to Walmart and picked up Post-it notes, pens, and highlighters. Can you guys think of anything else they might use that is cheap?

[frugalfranny]

I would cruise the aisles at the dollar store........

goodies.......peanuts, snacks, etc.....all found at $ store.

[sunshine]

Even "grown up" guys like card games or decks of cards. . . travel size bottles of cologne, etc. . . current copy of a magazine with their interests. . . . and what is going in my guys stockings this year is a package of the new goop stuff called Cyber Clean - some neon yellow stuff that gets between the keys on your keyboard and cleans out the dirt, etc.

[monkeywrangler71]

We usually have practical stuff in stockings: toothbrush, deodorant, razors

Are they living away at university or at home? If they are away they probably need basics like soap, shampoo, maybe some simplified cleaning products (cleaning wipes, laundry detergent that comes in sheets).

wind up flashlight, gloves

[pip]

I'm kind of practical these days ... how about things like boxes of macaroni and cheese? Or, those big salami sausage things they sell for under $5 ... my boys love to eat!

[Debbie-cat]

DS's stocking is stuffed this year with only things he needs for university. He is in the dorm. His has....

Post it notes
Highlighters
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Gloves
Page markers
Cologne
Pens
Facecloths (he needed more)
Flashlight (his dorm is in the woods and some classes are in the evening)
Shampoo
Dental floss
Hairbrush
Batteries
Razors
Hand sanitizer
Cold medication
Package of envelopes
And some candy

Most was purchased at the dollar store, except the gloves. He also has printer ink in there but that is expensive.

I think anything for school is helpful and appreciated.

[Momto5RN]

i watch for deals during the year on memory sticks ( usbs i think is another name ) free after rebate 4.99 after rebate and then stick them in my older kids stockings as they need them for HS and college .

last minute - if weather is cold maybe gloves or scarf - those hand warmers you can slip in a pocket and activate by squeezing them .

[Libby]

I vote for food items, not necessarily treats too as well as practical things:

* pkg's of ramen noodles (as full of sodium as they are)
* boxes of KD
* tiny tins of tuna w/crackers
* chef boy ardee ?
* travel size HBA items
* trial size laundry items - laundry detergent, bounce sheets, stain stick etc
* gift card to Tim Horton's or something they have on campus that actually accepts the gift card
* long distance calling card so they can call home
* bus tickets/tokens
* mini tool set
* eyeglass repair kit
* sewing kit
* fleece hat, gloves and/or scarves (seen them at the Dollarama)
* mini bulletin board w/push pins (ok so they dont IN the stocking but you can still wrap them and place beside)
* spiral bound notebooks/file folders (ok so they dont IN the stocking but you can still wrap them and place beside)

[ilovechocolate]

Rolls of quarters for the laundry.

Gift card to McDonald's, etc.

Any kind of school/office supplies.

[marjorie]

I'd also think about hand lotion, stuff to care for nails/culticles, a pitcher for the dorm room (was really surprised how well that went over), metal fork,knife,spoon,bowl,plate they can use in the dorm. I'd think a well insulated cup would be good too.

[Contrary Housewife]

Food and snacks, but I always try to find unusual things, not the ordinary hershey bar from the grocery store, like I got one friend some chili flavored popcorn, and I found a bacon flavored chocolate bar for DH one year.

Postage stamps are useful, even though people don't write letters any more.

I like to get those bent nail puzzles, sometimes I find them in the $ store or in the bins at Michael's [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Brainteasers-Mini-Wire-Puzzle/dp/B002CIRUBK/ref=pd_sim_t_4"]Amazon.com: 6 Piece Brainteasers Mini Wire Puzzle Set: Toys & [email protected]@[email protected]@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/[email protected]@[email protected]@31iBII2IUmL[/ame]