Color-Themed Stockings (featuring Omar the Sock Dog)

As we get closer and closer to Christmas, more individual blog posts about stocking stuffers are popping up all over the web, making clear that many people really enjoy putting together well-thought-out stockings for their loved ones. So, it occurred to me that "stocking experts" might enjoy going so far as to try color-themed stockings. For instance, someone with three kids could pick a color for each child and build a color-themed stocking around one larger central item of that color.

Which brings me to Omar the Sock Dog, pictured above. I found this Etsy item, made by Blue Monday Crafts, and immediately pictured a blue stocking starring Omar, whose color combination of blue, white, and gray I find to be very soothing. Can't you just see this for a little boy, from infant to four or five years old? Or even a teen girl whose favorite color happens to be blue? The artist tells me that Omar measures 12" long, 5.5" tall, and about 4" wide. As soft and pliable as he is, he could easily fit down into an inexpensive blue stocking, such as can be found at Target, Michael's, or a Christmas store.

The trick (and the fun!) will then be to find other little tidbits for the stocking following the same color scheme. How can we accessorize Omar? Of course, the answer will depend on the age, tastes, and interests of the recipient, but here are some ideas just to show that it's not as difficult as it might at first seem. And doesn't Omar seem content, there in the middle?

Pictured above (clockwise from top left):

• Play-Doh Sand Sensations Ocean Blue Tub (HasbroToyShop.com)
  
• Soothie Infant Teething Pacifier (BabyAnt.com)
  
• Blue M&Ms (any mall candy store)
  
• Grandoe Pillow Gloves (BonTon or other department stores)
  
• Blue Legos (can be chosen individually by color at Legos mall stores, or purchased in an eBay lot)
  
• Blue (board book) by J. Jean Robertson (Amazon.com)
  
• Berry Blue Belly Jellys (any mall candy store)
  
• Barbie Blue Bow Slippers for Toddler Girls (crazyforbargains.com)

And if blue is not the color you have in mind, a simple Etsy search on "sock animal" or "sock animals" brings up lots of other candidates, including lovely little baby sock monkeys in various colors. Think outside the stocking!

What: Omar the Sock Dog
Where: Blue Monday Crafts (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $16.00 (plus shipping)