STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS

I was talking with a friend about stocking stuffers and how she never knows what to buy. I really, really, really love stocking stuffers. It's actually one of my favorite parts of Christmas. It's a great opportunity to buy things that aren't big ticket items, and you can be a bit more creative because stocking stuffers usually never end up on anyone's main Christmas wish list.

If you're still looking for some stocking stuffer ideas, here are some that I think would be great additions to your repetoire.

Buddha Balm in Burnt Sugar Fig

Alan bought this for me a couple of years ago and I loved it. Not only does it keep my lips hydrated, but it tastes phenomenal. There's nothing worse than a disgusting tasting lip balm - I'm looking at you every lip balm with sunscreen in it. What's even better is that these are all organic, plant-based lip balms with no dyes or other harmful chemicals.

Whiskey Stones (via Uncommon Goods)

These innovative soapstone cubes were designed by Andrew Hellman, a big fan of single malt scotch, who wanted to chill his spirits without diluting them. After much research, he came up with the idea of using natural soapstone to chill drinks due to its softness (won't scratch the glass) and its unique ability to retain temperature for extended periods of time. Milled in Perkinsville, Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States

Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark

I don't think this needs any explanation  but for those of you who have never had the best peppermint bark out there, here's how WS describes it: "Handmade from custom-blended Guittard premium chocolate, infused with natural peppermint oil, layered with creamy white chocolate and finished with a snowfall of crisp handmade peppermint candy bits."

David's Tea (specifically, the English Rose flavor)

Thanks to some Canadian blog friends (First Home Dreams, and This Dusty House), I discovered this Canadian tea maker earlier this year and just fell in love with the English Rose flavor. Yes, it has hints of rose, but also white chocolate, but without ever losing it's "tea" flavor (if that makes sense). The company's website notes that rose-scented teas were an integral part of Victorian tea-times, and were also popular in China. 

Tavern Puzzles

Tavern Puzzles evolved from reproductions of hand-forged artifacts that Dennis Sucilsky came across while researching architectural hardware. As a blacksmith, Dennis was able to use his knowledge of iron-working and tool making for production of metal puzzles. The earliest Tavern Puzzles are based on designs centuries old. New styles are added on a regular basis; some of these are original designs, others are new versions of classics.

Vosges Chocolate 

This company makes many flavor combinations, and I haven't come across one that I didn't like. My favorites are Black Salt Caramel, Milk Chocolate Bacon, Red Fire Exotic Chocolate, Oaxaca Exotic Chocolate, Black Pearl (wasabi and ginger).

Magnetic Poetry Kits

I know these have been around *forever* and might no longer be considered cool, but they are still very fun, especially as the company is coming out with new themes all the time. Last year I got Alan a pirate kit and we've had a lot of fun trying to come up with pirate-inspired phrases for our refrigerator. Some other fun themes include Shakespeare, the office, Geek, Beer, and for the holiday season, Mixed Up Carols. 

So there you have it, some stocking stuffer recommendations. Anything you'd recommend?