When it comes to stocking stuffers, Amber Brown and her family in Alexandra, PEI focus on items that are consumable and have usability.

“We have always been minimalists, but after we started having children, we just felt overwhelmed by stuff. Especially the things that were barely used,” says Brown.

Some of the unique stocking stuffers the Brown family have given or received recently include “homemade scented playdough with cute cookie cutters, hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows, dahlia tubers (messy, but man was I excited), gladiolas bulbs, and homemade vanilla.”

When it comes to favourite stocking stuffers to give every year, Brown says seeds are always a big hit.

“My husband orders me flower seeds from flower farmers that are super special. I get him veggie seeds, sometimes funky gourds (birdhouse gourds, swan neck) or luffa,” she says.

Other family favourites for stocking stuffers include “homemade jams (some from fruits we grow, others that are made by others), bath bombs, homemade soaps, lip balm, scratch tickets, Toblerone (a staple), colouring supplies, Baileys (a small bottle), and local beer,” says Brown.

The Browns also give seeds from their garden to their parents so they can grow alongside them, as they live in different provinces.

“My husband and I don’t generally do gifts for each other, just a stocking unless there is something we are looking for. So stockings are our star between us.”

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Something sentimental

Chelsey Stailing lives in Coldbrook, NS but is originally from Round Hill, where her family has lived for generations. It’s become a tradition in her family to add something sentimental and meaningful to their Christmas stockings.

Stailing says her mother started the tradition when they were old enough to appreciate sentimental items given to them and now she is following the same tradition with her children.

“The one sentimental stocking stuffer that really sticks out in my mind is that of my sister when she was a child. She loved the Polar Express movie and one year she received Christmas bells in her stocking like the ones from the movie.”

Another favourite Stailing received is homemade dishcloths made by her grandmother.

“My papa would always hide meaningful pieces of jewelry at the bottom of my nan’s stocking,” she adds.

Support local in your stockings

There are plenty of unique stocking stuffers from some Atlantic Canadian businesses that will both support local small businesses and put a smile on the recipient’s face. Here’s a breakdown of ideas by province:

Newfoundland

Cloud Puffs Profiteroles & Bakery in St. John’s is owned by Tabitha Hicks and offers treat boxes, cookie packs, as well as a variety of other baked items. Their Meringue Pops are recommended as a fantastic stocking stuffer. They come in a variety of flavours and shapes and are also ideal for shipping because they stay fresh for so long. Their bakery products are carried at Urban Market 1919, Simply for Life, and directly from the bakery at local markets or by special order.

Jacqueline Canning is the owner of Kraftyowl Kreations in Gander. Canning creates clay mummers, whale tails, inukshuks, sea glass necklaces, and an assortment of other small clay items, all of which are priced at $10 and under. Her clay mummers make ideal Christmas stocking stuffers for Newfoundlanders at home and away. Her product can be purchased at the Campbellton Berry Farm, Hare Bay Adventures, Gander Goods (Gander International Airport), Trinity Crafts (in the summer months), as well as at the Dock Marina in Trinity.

Prince Edward Island:

Summerside native Robyn Gale-Doucette is the owner and creative mind behind As Cute as a Bug’s Ear. Gale-Doucette says her most popular styles currently are the Splitwood Collection, which comes in a variety of colours and are worn by people of all ages, from early teens to late 60s. Two other popular styles are the hockey stick and hockey mom and date night collections (also available in several colours and sizes). All earrings are $5 and can be purchased via the company’s Facebook page, as well as in the following stores: Branching Out (Royalty Crossing Mall) and Red Island Handcrafting, both in Charlottetown; and the Hand Crafted House in Travellers Rest. Gale-Doucette will also be set up at Christmas craft markets this holiday season, including Christmas at the CUP (Nov. 26), and the HoHoHo Craft Fair at the APM Center (Dec. 3). The company also ships Canada-wide for $3.

Oh Fudge PEI Potato Fudge is owned and operated by Patricia McLean of Souris. In addition to its website, the fudge can be purchased at outlets in Souris and Founders Hall in Charlottetown. Packages of fudge made from potatoes are available in six, 12, or 20-piece sets, ranging in price from $8 to $24. What makes this product unique is that it’s made with local P.E.I. potatoes, is lower in sugar, and is gluten-free. This year, the company also started making hand-poured potato chocolates.

Nova Scotia

Terry Miller is the owner of Miller’s Gourmet To Go in Dartmouth, which has a variety of products that make appealing stocking stuffers available for $7 each: Original Kettlecorn (available in several flavours and colours); packaged roasted products (some made with Canadian maple and others with cinnamon sugar); roasted Canadian maple almonds or pumpkin seeds; roasted cinnamon sugar almonds or pumpkin seeds; sweet brew nuts; roasted salty peanuts; cotton candy (packaged in normal bags as well as solid tubs for longer lasting life). Some specialty dietary options include the original sweet and salty kettlecorn and roasted products, both of which are gluten- and dairy-free. The product is locally made and the company will deliver in the HRM on minimum purchases of $40. Products can also be purchased at Pete’s Fine Foods (Bedford and Dresden Row); Earth Organic Market; Marriott on Hollis; Residence Inn on Grafton; Hilton Garden Inn Airport location; and the Garrison Brewery.

Dom and Lara Dib are the owners and operators of Deek’s Spice Blends in Halifax. Some best sellers that could be given as stocking stuffers include Deek’s spice samplers, which are mini-trial pouches of their spice blends that sell for $4 each or three for $10. The regular spice pouches are also affordable at $8 each. The company offers 11 different varieties – 12 if you count their new seasonal holiday blend. The company produces its own spice blend recipes that are low sodium, gluten and keto-friendly, dairy-free, and contain no MSG, added preservatives, fillers, or anti-caking agents. Products can be purchased at select locally-owned shops throughout Nova Scotia, Island Style in Cavendish, PEI, and Wheaton’s stores in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.