Christmas Stocking Fillers

Where does the tradition of Christmas stockings come from?

Have you ever wondered where our Christmas traditions come from? Why does Father Christmas wear a red suit? Why is gingerbread a flavour we all love at Christmas? The all important question; what’s behind the tradition of hanging socks by the fireplace? The meaning of Christmas and how we celebrate it, will be different to each and every one of us. As far back as 1823, Clement Clarke Moore wrote the work, ‘A visit from St Nicholas’. Stockings would hang by the fireplace waiting for old St Nic to arrive and adorn with gifts:

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle, But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

There are popular ‘legends’ that influence our modern day traditions. For example, a long long time ago, there lived an old man and his three daughters and they were poor as church mice. He had no money to pay for their weddings and feared for what would happen to them after his death. One day St Nicholas was passing and heard villagers talking of his plight. He knew he would not accept his charity outright, so he quietly passed by and threw gold in through the window which happened to land in a stocking drying by the fire. They woke to find the gold, and of course, all lived happily ever after.

Stockings are a little piece of history, centuries of tradition that has become custom in many of our homes. Some will hang an old sock of Dads and others will have a beautifully hand crafted sock or sack. Each as special as the next. Some may contain nuts and satsumas, or perhaps little golden chocolate coins.

Others might contain beautifully crafted ethical toys 😉

 

Stocking fillers for Baby

Something to Play

Sensory toys are perfect for little hands. Introducing your little ones to a world of different senses, helps their brains to develop whilst having some fun. The more senses a toy or object can stimulate, the more it is helping your child develop. Lanco Toys are a favourite with us, made from 100% natural rubber from the Hevea tree and hand painted with non-toxic food grade dyes they are perfect for little hands and mouths to explore. Being made from rubber, they are also the perfect accompaniment for bath time! They make a lovely new born gift but can also be beneficial for adults and children with autism, ADHD, ADD and sensory progressing disorders.

A rattle, grasper, teething or clutching toy is the perfect gift for baby’s stocking. The very popular Grimm’s rainbow grasper is lovingly made from maple wood and perfect for around 3 months (though suitable from birth), when a baby starts to explore the world around them. We have a huge selection of clutching and teething toys, so there should be something to suit everyone and a variety of budgets. Perfect for entertainment at home and on the go, pop one in your change bag as a pleasant distraction at nappy time! A Monochrome gift is perfect for the little eyes, as they a beginning to develop a sense of colour. It will provide a great source of stimulation.

Something to Wear

Perhaps a bib or beautiful soft organic muslin? Babies do love to chew, dribble and generally make a bit of a mess so something to keep both baby (and parents) clean and dry could come in handy. Muslins are also great for burping, feeding and privacy. If you use cloth nappies, no doubt a new beautiful Christmas print would be appreciated!

Something to Keep

Is it your little ones first Christmas? You might be looking for something special as a keepsake to mark the occasion. Would you like to have a mini rainbow, or a rainbow keyring to hang on the tree? Your baby can keep these for years to come as a memory of this special time. The days, weeks and months seem pass so quickly when children are small.

Something to Share

An addition of something from our natural skincare range could be lovely for all the family. Mia & Dom have a wonderful range of products for pregnancy, birth, motherhood and babies. The baby massage oil is a wonderfully calming, and gentle way for you and your baby to learn about each other, connect and relax together.

Something Practical 

Christmas isn’t all about practicality, but actually a thoughtful gift that can be made use of throughout the year comes in very handy! A set of Bamboo cutlery for when your child reaches the weaning stage, or if your little one is a bit older a sippy kids Kanteen will come in very handy and you can beautifully personalise them for that special gift.

Stocking fillers for Children

Something to Play

Whether you are looking for characters for story sacks, creatures for small world play or you just love animals, we have so many beautiful options to suit a range of budgets. Lanka Kade wooden figures are ethically made in Sri Lanka from sustainably managed rubberwood. They come in both natural and hand painted options and are priced between £2-3 so a fantastic option for smaller budgets. The natural in particular are perfect for smaller hands and they are amazingly robust for those of our children that may still like to put their toys to the test! Holztiger are beautifully handmade wooden figures. Each one is hand crafted in Europe from sustainable solid hardwood and then hand painted with watercolour paints. The most recent addition to our range, is the stunningly crafted Osthemier, made in the traditional way by hand at every stage, sawn, sanded, painted and oiled. Hand crafted from sustainable, solid hard wood and are smooth, warm and tactile in children’s hands. Hand-made in Germany, each figure is beautifully unique. Let fanciful play come to life with beautiful wooden figures.

Is your child fascinated by things that move or roll on wheels? The Bajo mini car is the perfect size for a stocking and your little ones will have great fun taking it for a spin! If your child enjoys experimenting with patterns and colours, the Plan Toys Kaleidoscope could be perfect. Your children will be enchanted by the beautiful shapes and patterns it creates.

Help your child get creative and add something crafty to their stocking! All our arts & crafts products are ethically and sustainably sourced, and most importantly, safe for little hands. Choose from Namaste colour pencils, Okonorm watercolour paints or modelling clay, you can even try your hand at some Glückskäfer felting wool! There really is something for everyone to get crafty.

An older child who loves to build and create would be fascinated by the amazing magnetic Tegu blocks and the ‘on-the-go’ pocket pack is perfect for a stocking filler and is suitable from age 1+. Your child can carry it with them to provide entertainment on journeys, or a trip to visit family.

Something to Wear

It wouldn’t be a stocking without the obligatory pair of socks would it now? Choose from our lovely selection of Frugi tights and socks to keep those toes warm this Christmas.

Something to Keep

Does you little one have a favourite animal or character? Beautifully handmade wooden figures are equally for children to both play with and collect. Does your child love penguins? Do you affectionately know them as ‘Bear’. A wooden keepsake could be the perfect gift. Choose from traditional family and farm figures to exotic animals from around the world. Let fanciful play come to life with beautiful wooden figures.

Something to Share

Bath time is fun time! Often a time for the family to have some splashy fun before the wind down to sleep. Rest assured, our bath toys Phthalates are free from BPA & Phthalates so you can be safe in the knowledge that your children can have some splashy fun with being exposed to harmful chemicals. Of course, they are made from sustainable materials so you are being kinder to the planet as well. From rubber ducks to submarines, from squids to pirate ships, we have something for everyone. Using calming scents at bath time can help you relax before bed. We have a fantastic range of natural skincare to help soothe you all to sleep. Scrub up with some Weleda shampoo & shower gel in a tub of luscious Mia & Dom bath oil, rub yourself dry and add some extra moisture to your skin with our Organic Babies lotion. Feeling ready for bed?

Oh and of course, no stocking would be complete without a new toothbrush! Our Jack N’ Jill bio toothbrush is made from cornstarch and 100% compostable.

Something Practical 

They may be practical, but gosh they are stylish too! Our Klean Kanteen reusable straws, made from stainless steel with soft silicone tips will not only help you reduce plastic waste but are super stylish too! You’ve got a straw so I guess you need somewhere to put your sandwiches now! A reusable food pouch will get used all year round and so you can all have a sandwich in style. If you are partial to a steamy hot chocolate on winter days, an insulated kids kanteen is perfect for those chilly trips to the park.

Have a Magical Christmas

Whether you fill your stocking to the brim with gifts or choose to select a couple of very special items, when your child wakes on Christmas morning to see the stocking hanging there, it is guaranteed to be magical.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all at Team Babipur,

Ho Ho Ho xx