Stocking Stuffahs

We’re getting mighty close to Christmas, aren’t we?!  J.Crew has been running a slick “25% off all purchases” deal for what feels like the past two weeks, and seeing this tantalizing offer materialize in my inbox every morning has led me to contemplate purchasing lots of things I don’t need, including this tartan shirt ($78), which is just the perfect plaid for winter, and lots of knick-knacks and stocking stuffers for Mr. Magpie and our families…which brings me to the point of today’s post: preparing a perfect stocking for your loved ones.

For HIM…

First, whether he likes it or not, seasonal boxers will always find their way into Mr. Magpie’s stocking.  He needs them and I think they’re cute (pair below, $14):

Surround with inexpensive goodies like Toblerone chocolate (for some reason, my Mom always gave my brother this in his stocking but in none of the girls’, so I always think of it as a “masculine stocking stuffer”); a deck of playing cards ($8, Mr. Magpie and I recently played good old fashioned gin rummy after dinner…we felt like old fogies, but I have to admit that it was a nice change of pace from flipping through the channels); and a classic wine key ($12.50).  Of course, it ain’t Christmas without some Christmas spirits, so a six-pack of beer (or one of those tall Belgian big beers) is a welcome surprise under the tree:

Perfect when nestled alongside some delicious food-stuffs — a big tin of Virginia peanuts ($20), chocolate salami (love this — $10), or truffle salt ($25):

And, finally, some personal grooming treats, like old-school toothpaste ($6 — Marvis enjoys something of a cult following for its cool packaging), peppermint scrub by Malin and Goetz ($30), and shoe oil ($8):

For HER…

I love to cook and entertain, so perhaps I’m biased, but I’d love to see this darling rolling pin ($18) peeking out of the top of my stocking.  I’d also cherish a set of monogrammed burlap-effect napkins ($54 for 4), some new recipe cards ($18), and some brightly colored baking twine ($5.50).

Other covetable goodies?  Beautifully wrapped soaps ($14), cheery socks ($12),  flavored popcorns (these look AMAZING — $14.99 for set of 3 — um, parmesan and rosemary? maple syrup and sea salt?!  YES), and patterned Tili bags ($8 for 12)

Finally, some glam accents to seal the deal — a trio of Diptyque votives ($84 for set), a set of gilded makeup brushes (for similar, see here — $78), a little trinket box ($24), a fab statement necklace ($38) and a set of nail polishes in festive colors ($28).

HO HO HO!