Stocking Stuffers, 2023 Edition

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? More importantly, have you started your Christmas stocking shopping yet? Somehow I always end up grabbing stuff at the last minute to finish up the stocking stuffing. But this year I'm determined to start early and get some cool stuff for all the stockings well before the 24th. Here are some of the great stocking stuffers I've found this year: 

Under $5

Do you remember sitting on your front steps throwing these poppers at the walkway and listening to them POP!? Share that delight with everyone you know for only $1.79 from perpetualkid.com.  

Lots of people use masks for their faces - but what about lips? This refreshing mask designed just for lips will moisturize and protect even the driest of winter lips. Only $2.24 at Target. 

You're never too old for sidewalk chalk, especially this vivid pack of 20 colors! And it's washable, so it'll vanish during the first rainfall (or snowfall). $3 from Target.

It's still fun for a girl and a boy! Who wouldn't love finding a Slinky in their stocking? $3.59 from Target. 

Great for travelers, college students, or even to leave for visiting guests, this 3-pack of Tide liquid lets you wash a few items in the sink without the need for a visit to the laundromat or even a full load of laundry. $4.50 for a 3-pack from Amazon. 

$5-$10

Gel pens are the smoothest, and this 4-pack is a bargain at only $5.30 from Amazon. Medium point S-gel by Sharpie. 

The recipient can pamper, moisturize, and refresh their skin with this Shea Sugar Scrub in Moroccan Rose. $6 from Target. 

The kids will be thrilled to be allowed to draw on the windows with these glass crayons. Or leave messages on the bathroom mirror! The bright colors wash off quickly and easily. $6 from Michael's. 

Any fidgeters on your list? Then give them a robot fidget spinner! Each spinner transforms into multiple shapes and spins to keep your hands busy and your mind focused. Set of 3 spinners is $6.39 from Amazon.  

At $7 from Amazon, these are a must-have for an athlete on your gift list. Twist to close when not in use so they last longer, this pair of deodorizers will freshen up even the nastiest gym shoes, soccer cleats, running shoes, hiking boots, or any pair of footwear that has gotten funky. Lasts up to 6 months!

Pump up the volume by adding these fun, brightly-colored shoelaces to an old pair of sneakers! Available in dozens of colors, including rainbow pink (shown). Only $7 from Amazon.

$10-$15

For the gardener (or would-be gardener) on your list, this sunflower garden kit is a perfect stocking stuffer at $12 from Uncommon Goods. 

If you have a sweater-wearer on your gift list, think about this fine-toothed comb for cashmere, wool, and other fine fabric sweaters. At only $13 from Amazon, it will increase the life of multiple garments, and since it's cedar, you can throw it in the drawer over the summer to deter moths and musty smells.  

Dude, Lightsaber chopsticks. LIGHT UP lightsaber chopsticks. Do I seriously need to say any more? $13 from Amazon. 

Ideal for anyone on your list who travels or wear makeup, this 3-pack of refreshing towelettes (30/pack) is only $14.23 from Amazon. Available in a variety of fragrances including cucumber & mint, rose water, pink grapefruit, white tea, and more.

Ideal for either the budding artist or the budding paleontologist on your list, these adorable 3-D mini dinosaur kits are sure to be a hit. Choose from Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, or Ankylo. $15 from Uncommon Goods. 

If you don't want to go out in the snow, you can still build a snowman with this adorable "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" kit. The putty is guaranteed not to melt. $15 from Amazon for a 3-pack. 

Perfect for the Frasier Crane on your list, this card game involves deaths from the Bard's greatest hits. $15 from Uncommon Goods. 

$15 to $20

For the person who'd rather carry a phone than a wallet, this elegant leather iPhone case has room for multiple credit cards and some cash, and has a sturdy magnetic clasp and a shock-proof cover. $18 from Amazon. 

This baklava sampler will have everyone licking their lips. Made with pistachios, walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts, these delectable pastries will be the hit of the season. $18 from Amazon. 

This set of four photo coasters will help the recipient remember any occasion. Choose your own four photos. My husband and I received a set for our wedding 15 years ago and we still love using them and reminiscing. $19 from Shutterfly.  

These Finnish "eye stones" are the ultimate in relaxation and relief for tired, puffy eyes. Toss them in the fridge and then lay them on your eyes for instant relief from too much computer use, seasonal allergies, or simply late night hours. $20 from Uncommon Goods. 

Over $20

Perfect for someone who's always losing their keys (or their phone, or their wallet, or their backpack, or whatever), this Apple Airtag can keep track of anything that tends to wander. $24 from Target. 

I still regret forgetting my mug warmer when I left my job 15 years ago! For anyone who nurses their coffee or tea all day long, or has cold hands, this is the perfect gift. It keeps your tea, coffee, cocoa, or even hot water toasty warm for hours. $24 from Wayfair. 

Yes, this foot peel really is as fabulous as advertised (and as gross, but well worth it). If someone you loves deals with dry, cracked heels every winter, tuck this in their stocking and they'll thank you for it. Gets rid of layers and layers of calluses and dry skin and leaves feet baby smooth. $25 from Amazon. 

Any chocoholic would love this assortment of dark and milk chocolate covered pretzel rods, decorated with sprinkles, nuts, and other delectable treats. $26 from Amazon. 

When you're old enough to stay out after dark but young enough to want to play Frisbee with your friends. Available in multiple colors, it's rechargeable, has smart modes and motion sensors, and the LED lights turn off automatically to save battery life. A 30-minute charge lasts up to 1,000 throws or 90 minutes of Ultimate Frisbee play. $30 from Amazon. 

Especially great for anyone with kids, but useful for everyone, this compact label maker is handy for anyone who brings their stuff anywhere. Label the kids' clothes for camp, your cake pan for a potluck, your tools when lending to a neighbor or bringing on a trip, basically any of your stuff that leaves your house that you want to be sure makes it back. Bluetooth lets you use your phone app to print. $30 from Walmart. 

Ho ho ho and happy shopping!

The Best New Christmas Songs, 2023

I've been putting together a playlist of my favorite Christmas songs, and I realized I don't have any music that's been released in the past few years. So I did a little research on new Christmas songs that were just released this year, and I have a few recommendations for songs you might want to add to your playlist. Here are 10 of the best of the 2023 Christmas releases!

Please, Santa, Please - Pentatonix

Although it's not a cappella, this song has the usual jazzy, rhythmic, harmony-rich sound you expect from Pentatonix. The lyrics are nothing special; it's the oft-used request for a sweetheart to appear underneath the tree (sample lyrics: "'Cause there's only one wish on my list: it's a kiss underneath the mistletoe"), but it's fun and upbeat. And how can you ever go wrong with Pentatonix?

Night Before Christmas - Sam Smith

Smith's slightly husky voice and simple plucked guitar accompaniment are evocative of James Taylor. This poignant story is the flip side of Please, Santa, Please: the sweetheart in this case IS under the tree, and that makes everything better. Sample lyric: "Baby, this time of year can make you feel old, but when I am with you I don't feel the cold." This sweet ballad is just right for sitting in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa, hopefully with your own sweetheart. . 

We Wish You the Merriest - Seth MacFarlane & Liz Gillies

MacFarlane's and Gillies' voices both have the rich sound that evokes crooners from the '50s, like Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney or Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. This new rendition of an old classic has the best of new and old. 

Sleigh Ride - Seth MacFarlane & Liz Gillies

Two-fer for these two! As a life-long Boston area resident, I am always a fan of Sleigh Ride. This version is just a little jazzy without straying too far from the original, the two throw in just a touch of harmony in a few spots, and MacFarlane's deep final note is a delightful button. Definitely a new favorite version of a favorite song for me. 

Ring Them Bells - Ben Fuller & Jonathan Traylor

A new song interspersed with the traditional Carol of the Bells, the lyrics go on to explain that the bells are proclaiming the birth of the Messiah. Sample lyrics: "Glory, glory in the highest! Make way for the Messiah, the King has arrived." The genre is definitely contemporary Christian pop/praise music, but if you enjoy that style, this one is for you. 

Christmas Hits Different - Toby Mac & Tasha Layton

This song is directed at those who are struggling during the holiday season, with a supportive message that it's okay to not put on a happy face. Sample lyrics: "This one goes out to the broken souls: I just want you to know, if Christmas hits different this year, you don't have to smile, I know how you feel...I'll be right here."

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Norah Jones & Laufey

Jones' plinky piano with accompanying plunky string bass, combined with Jones' and Laufey's rich, jazzy voices, creates a deliciously simple and old-fashioned rendition of this Christmas classic. Another one to enjoy snuggled in a cozy blanket by the fireplace with a mug of something warm. 

Christmas Kisses -Adam Blackstone & Keke Palmer

A cross between the Jackson 5 and Wilson Phillips, with a spoken-word interlude, this motown-inspired song with get you up and dancing. Need a little inspiration to get those presents wrapped? Put this peppy number on and you'll be done before you know it. The lyrics are a combination of Santa, Baby and All I Want for Christmas is You. Sample lyrics: "Santa baby baby baby, please grant my wishes. Got plenty on my list, but only one thing I'm missin'. Now you know, you know, I like diamonds and gold, but I hope you're listenin'. Don't forget about my kisses on this Christmas.")

Because of Bethlehem - Matthew West

A soothing, gentle anthem, this song puts the birth of Christ in context with His adult life. Sample lyrics: "Love is born, hope is here. Heaven's light has made the darkness disappear. Peace on earth, goodwill to men, God with us, all because of Bethlehem." I like the way it starts simply, builds to a crescendo with added voices, then drops back to a single voice for a moment, builds once again, and ends with a single voice singing the final line. 

I Pray on Christmas - Mac Powell

This New Orleans jazzy gospel number begins with honky tonk piano then adds in an organ, a full swing orchestra, and a gospel choir singing backup. You'll find yourself clapping along and dancing during the musical break. Sample lyrics: "I pray on Christmas that the Lord will see me through. I pray on Christmas He'll show me what to do. I pray on Christmas He'll help me understand. And I pray on Christmas He'll take me by the hand." You'll want to stand up and testify by the end!

Hopefully one of these ten songs will become a new Christmas favorite for you! Happy listening!