Frog Prince Tealight Holder

In looking at my stocking stuffers "idea" file for something to list today, I realized I was in the mood for something silly and/or whimsical. I think this fits the bill: a frog prince tealight holder. This is from Wrapables.com, measures approximately 4x6 inches, and is made of resin. There are two choices as shown in the photo above: a crouching frog, and a lounging frog. It's no contest for me -- I would go for the lounging frog, because just looking at it makes me smile. He's just such a cute, chubby little guy!

In addition to being a possible stocking stuffer, I think this could make a cute addition to a bridal shower or engagement party gift basket, signifying that the recipient has found her frog who turned into a prince. What do you think?

What: Frog Prince Tealight Holder
Where: Wrapables.com website
How much (as of today's post): $12.95 (plus shipping)

DaysAgo Digital Day Counters

I just came across these DaysAgo Digital Day Counters on the Container Store website, and I can already think of about a zillion uses for them. These are little battery-powered counters that you stick onto leftovers, or air filters, or plant containers, so that you'll always know how many days ago you cooked/cleaned/watered them. The product description implies that you can even use them in the freezer, although I'd be a little worried about them lasting in the cold. But no matter; I could use them for how many days ago I scrubbed the litter boxes, how many days ago my husband cleaned the air purifiers, and so on. They track up to 99 days.

Best of all, these would make great stocking stuffers for both men and women. Men might want to keep track of how many days ago they checked the oil in the car they're trying to keep going for a few more years (ain't that the truth in this economy?!). Or heck, if you're trying to give something up (for me, it's Coke), you can keep track of how many days since you had your last one! This might also be good for young men and women just out of the house, as they, um, experiment with eating their own cooking.

The Container Store website sells a package of two in assorted colors (which you cannot specify) for $7.99. If you're lucky enough to have a Container Store near you, you can just go and pick out the colors you want.

What: DaysAgo Digital Day Counters
Where: Container Store
How much (as of today's post): $7.99/package of two (plus shipping)

Sci-Fi Inspired Kokeshi Dolls

In light of the new Star Trek movie's unexpected success -- I admit I was a skeptic, but I was won over because it was just so much fun! -- today I would like to show you the amazing sci-fi inspired kokeshi dolls by Etsy seller temple 7e. For instance, we have this witty Vulcan inspired creation (I love the way the shape of his ears is inferred), or a lovely pair called simply "princess and pilot" (shown below). Don't they make an adorable couple? And at approximately 4 to 4 1/2 inches high, it goes without saying that these would make terrific stocking stuffers, as well as unique collectibles, for the science fiction fan in your life.

The "kokeshi customs" section of temple 7e's shop is where you'll find the sci-fi inspired heroes and villains, most of which will be instantly recognizable to you unless you've had your head under a rock for the last thirty years. But there are additional sections of the shop to explore, such as ninjas and ninjettes, kimono girls, and an "others" section that includes a monk and a Zen master. Depending on the level of detail, the kokeshi dolls are either $20 or $30 individually, with some pairs available for $40.

What: Sci-Fi Inspired Kokeshi Dolls
Where: temple 7e (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $20-$40 (plus shipping)

DIY Ink Stamp Popsicle Stick Puppets

Lately I've been doing a lot of online searching for ideas on ink stamp crafts and homemade greeting cards, and I've been astounded at the wealth of creativity out there in the blogosphere. By far, my absolute favorite of all the posts I've seen is from Prairie Paper & Ink, by Amy Rysavy. This is another of those ideas that I never in a million years could have come up with myself, but once I saw it, I thought "But of course!"

The idea is do-it-yourself popsicle stick puppets made from ink stamps. Talk about an inexpensive but fun stocking stuffer! Amy used "Anya" stamps from The Greeting Farm company, but naturally you could use all manner of ink stamps for these puppets, or even just draw your own if you felt so inclined. Myself, I fell in love with the Anya stamps immediately, and ordered a few of my own to play with. As you can see from Amy's beautiful "puppet bouquet" above, Anya can take the form of a mermaid, a rock star, an angel, a fairy, a princess, and a schoolteacher. But those are only the ones Amy used -- Anya also comes as a nurse, cheerleader, ballerina, "Wild West" cowgirl, and more! Can you imagine the fun your kids would have making up stories to go with their puppet characters?

And never fear, The Greeting Farm isn't just all about girls. There's a boy character named Ian who comes as a football player, sheriff, surfer, fireman, astronaut, and more. So you can make puppets for girls or boys. And these little puppets would encourage just the kind of creative, imaginative play that I think is so important for children.

Amy's post about the puppets gives a lot more detail on just how she made them. And once you've arrived at her blog, spend some time exploring it to find amazing tutorials on ink stamping techniques. For instance, when I first started looking at ink stamp blogs, I was perplexed by all the references to "Copics", which are apparently the crème de la crème of markers. Amy not only has a post about her favorite paper and inks for working with Copics, she also has a video on her blog demonstrating how she shades and blends with them!

And if you are feeling the pinch of the economy and you can't buy Anya or other ink stamps just now, improvise: if you have some stamps already, see what might be suitable for puppets. Or ask your crafty friends if you can borrow some of their ink stamps, or get together for a popsicle-stick-puppet-making session. I have two ink stamps of spaceships that have to be at least 40 years old, but they could make a neat little popsicle stick spaceships that puppets could interact with.... (And don't worry if all your stamped images are not to scale with each other. Trust me, the kids won't care!)

Many thanks to Amy Rysavy of Prairie Paper & Ink for allowing me to post about her puppets!

Flip Flop Hanging Watch

Here's a little luxury item just in time for summer: a flip flop hanging watch that can be strapped onto a beach or tote bag. Or you can save it to put in a Christmas stocking in the deep dark winter, when reminders of summer are especially necessary! (Where I live, it's pretty much summer from March to October, and quite frankly, I could use a little less of it!)

The watch face itself is 3/4 inches wide, and although the website doesn't give the dimensions of the flip flop part, based on the watch I would estimate the flip flop to be about 2 1/2 inches long. They are battery operated and the flip flops/straps are made of vinyl. (These would also be great for a themed Mother's Day basket, don't you think?)

What: Flip Flop Hanging Watch
Where: The Spoon Sisters website
How much (as of today's post): $27.00 (plus shipping)

Pat the Husband

Oh, if only I had seen this is time to post about it for Father's Day! I saw this while waiting in line at the register in Borders this past weekend, and I about died, especially because the man in the book has the same name as my husband! I will definitely be getting this for him....

As I'm sure any mommies seeing this picture will recognize, Pat the Husband is a clever spoof of the classic children's book Pat the Bunny. This version starts out with "Paul and Judy are married. Paul is the husband. Judy is the wife. Judy does her best to remember who wears the pants in her house." It then goes on to discuss many of those husband-and-wife classic clichés, such as when the helpless man cannot find anything in the refrigerator. If you're married, trust me -- you will see your husband in this book!

In fact, I think it would be hilarious to put Pat the Bunny in your little one's stocking, and Pat the Husband in your husband's stocking (it's board-book sized). Just be sure not to mix them up, or you will have a very confused child on your hands!

What: Pat the Husband: A Parody
Where: Amazon or any bookstore
How much (as of today's post): $9.95 (plus shipping)

Wee Glee Gum

If you're looking for gum that's a little different -- not to mention eco-friendly with all-natural ingredients -- then Wee Glee Gum would make a nice change of pace. The gum base is eco-friendly chicle harvested in South America, and the product is: vegetarian, additive free, lactose free, dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, casein free, egg free, yeast free, nut free, and peanut free. (Wow, I'm not even sure what some of those things are -- casein?)

A case of eight 1-ounce boxes is available for $8.00 -- spread out over a couple of stockings, that becomes a fairly inexpensive stocking stuffer. Each box has a mix of tangerine, triple berry, bubblegum, and banana flavors. Even the packaging -- with that cute little guy who looks like he jumped off a Monopoly board -- is biodegradable. And hey! it looks like they sell it at some Whole Foods stores, so you can buy just a box or two to try it instead of eight boxes at once.

[NOTE: I first came across Glee Gum at the Green Mom Review blog.]

What: Wee Glee Gum
Where: Glee Gum website
How much (as of today's post): $8.00 for 8 boxes

Children's Western Wear Novelty Socks

Continuing the "Western" theme from the Leanin' Tree website, these children's novelty socks, currently clearance-priced at only $1.45 per pair, would make great stocking stuffers along with yesterday's featured item, the cowboy/cowgirl miniature water globes. There are designs suitable for both boys and girls, and each design has available sizes listed. Remember, though, that these are clearance items and quantities are limited, so if you have little cowboys or cowgirls, now is the time to get them.

What: Children's Western Wear Novelty Socks
Where: Leanin' Tree website
How much (as of today's post): $1.45 (plus shipping)

Cowboy / Cowgirl Mini Snow Globes

If your children like to play cowboys and cowgirls, they will love to find these miniature snow globes from the Leanin' Tree in their Christmas stockings! Living here in Texas, it's not unusual for me to see little boys and girls tromping around in their cowboy/girl boots, but I know that suburban and even city kids everywhere like to pretend they're having wild adventures on horses.

And at the sale price of $1.95 (down from $7.95), you'll love them too! There's a choice of pink cowgirl boots, blue cowboy boots, and even a horse with a sheriff star. The bases are polyresin, and the overall dimensions are approximately 2 x 3 inches. Remember, though, that these are clearance prices and quantities are limited, so if you want to have these on hand come Christmastime, you should get them now.

(NOTE: Tomorrow's post will also feature a clearance item from the same website, so if you're interested, you'll want to order at the same time to combine shipping into one order!)

What: Cowboy / Cowgirl Mini Snow Globes
Where: Leanin' Tree website
How much (as of today's post): $1.95 (plus shipping)

Fused Glass Star Suncatchers

The cool, frosty green star suncatcher on the left makes me think of lovely lime sherbert, and its plum-colored companion on the right makes me think of red wine. These are only two of the many fused glass star suncatchers that glass artist and Esty seller Denise from dpholkdesigns has available, for the very affordable price of $8.00. It's not often that you can get such beautiful handmade art at such a low price!

As is often the case with Esty sellers, Denise is willing to customize orders, so if you don't see the color you want, or if you see the color but want it wrapped in copper instead of silver wire or vice versa, all you need to do is ask. These would make terrific little stocking stuffers, a prominent piece in a lovely gift basket, or even a "topper" for a beautifully wrapped package, that then becomes part of the gift itself. And since Denise is so flexible, you can match the color to the recipient's kitchen or sun room. The glass stars themselves (without the wiring) measure approximately three inches across -- which means they can also double as lovely Christmas ornaments.

Be sure and browse the rest of the shop -- click on "vases" and you'll be delighted by Denise's mini magnetic glass "pocket" vases, that can brighten up a refrigerator or filing cabinet. Naturally, they're also perfect stocking-stuffer size!

What: Fused Glass Star Suncatchers
Where: dpholkdesigns (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $8.00 (plus shipping)

"Just for You" Paperweight

Did Father's Day sneak up on you again this year? I was so determined that it wouldn't sneak up on me that I woke up last Sunday and immediately said to my husband, "Don't forget we have to call our fathers for Father's Day today!" Then I realized I was a week early....

But the day is upon us tomorrow, and I wanted to post one last-minute gift possibility. This would be best for a parent-helps-child-make-it kind of gift: a Hallmark/Crayola "Just for You" star paperweight kit. I found this little kit in a Hallmark store, although I unfortunately couldn't find a price tag anywhere on it. (A search of ebay shows one listed for $9.99.) There were only two left, so it's possible these are going to be long gone by the time you read this. Hopefully not, though, and since this can really be adapted for use all year (including, of course, as a stocking stuffer!), if you can't find it today for Father's Day, perhaps it's something you'd like to try to get later for another occasion.

In any case, the kit has three blank star-shapes that can be decorated with the included red, yellow, and blue mini markers, or whatever other markers you have at hand. You then peel the adhesive and attach the drawing or message to the underside of the acrylic star, and presto! You have a personalized paperweight for Dad, or any other recipient. The kit notes that it's suitable for ages 6 and up, but I think with proper supervision you could go younger than that if you wanted.

Another possibility would be to forgo the markers and use this kit to make a photo paperweight. Or, if you can't find this in stores and/or you're crafty anyway, you could probably go to a craft store and find acrylic blocks from which you could fashion a similar paperweight. I'm not sure how the adhesive aspect would work in that case, but then again I'm always amazed at the ingenuity of crafters!

Princeton Tec Fuel LED Headlamp

I first came across this odd looking little headlamp on someone's blog. I don't remember the specific blog, but I remember the person said that this little headlamp (technically called the "Princeton Tec Fuel LED Headlamp") put out a surprising amount of light. Anyway, it's a great gadget-y Father's Day if the Dad in question is handy, or happens to be into camping.

At $24.95, this isn't prohibitively expensive but still qualifies as a Friday "luxury" item. It comes in black or gray/green, and there's even a pink and white version, although I suspect Dad won't want that one....

What: Princeton Tec Fuel LED Headlamp
Where: REI website
How much (as of today's post): $24.95 (plus shipping)

Designer Duct Tape

This is a wee-bit overpriced for what it is, but I have to admit, I do think it's funny and would make a silly but fun Father's Day gift for the Man Who Must Duct Tape Everything (and we know they're out there!). Each 3" diameter roll is $10, and you have a choice of basketweave or woodgrain designs. Sure beats the ubiquitous silvery gray, doesn't it?

(While I'm on the subject of duct tape, have you ever seen those duct tape prom gown competitions? I'm astounded at what some of the kids come up with. Here are a few samples. But they don't stick with the traditional silver -- they get into some pretty wild color combinations!)

What: Designer Duct Tape
Where: Uncommon Goods website
How much (as of today's post): $10.00 (plus shipping)

Swiss Chocolate Knife

From the Swiss Knife Shop comes this ever-so-suitable Swiss Chocolate Knife, just right for Father's Day! It's filled with hazelnut praline and sports the Victorinox Swiss Army logo, and at only $3.50 it won't break the Father's Day bank. If one isn't enough, there's also a "gift set" with six chocolate knives for $24.95. Hey, you never know when you'll have a chocolate emergency!

What: Swiss Chocolate Knife
Where: Swiss Knife Shop website
How much (as of today's post): $3.50 (plus shipping)

Hop on Pop Board Book

It may seem strange, but I'm not listing this as a stocking stuffer for kids; rather I'm listing it as a stocking stuffer for dads -- or, to be more accurate, a small Father's Day gift from a child to his or her dad. Reading aloud is one of the most valuable activities a parent and child can share, and Hop on Pop, the classic Dr. Seuss title that was published in 1963 (it's older than I am!), is a terrific book for a father and child to share. And the small size of the board book edition makes it perfect for a Father's Day gift bag or basket.

What: Hop on Pop (Bright & Early Board Books)
Where: Amazon or elsewhere
How much (as of today's post): $4.99 (plus shipping)

Baseball Vintage Game Tin

Continuing with my Father's Day posts this week.... what says "father" more than baseball? If your husband is a fan, this vintage baseball game tin is a clever little gift, and it would be especially fun coming from a daughter or son who can then play with Dad. (It might also make a good travel game down the road, no pun intended.)

In fact, you could put together a little baseball-themed Father's Day gift basket or bag, with this game, a baseball cap, and tickets for a family outing to a ballgame. Even if you don't have a major league team close by, look around for a minor league or even a college game near you. (And if you don't particularly care for baseball but your husband does, wouldn't it be a very generous gift for you to accompany him to a game?!)

What: Baseball Vintage Game Tin
Where: Fat Brain Toys website
How much (as of today's post): $9.95 (plus shipping)

Compass and Level Cufflinks

Today is the first of my official seven Father's Day posts, and I'm pleased to start with these clever compass cufflinks (alliteration at its finest!) from Etsy seller Sherry Truitt Studios. She has two different versions, the ebony set pictured at left, and a set of black and white testing compasses. As her shop notes, these would be perfect for the father who loves camping and the outdoors, or for the man who has found or is looking for a new direction in his life.

Naturally, that's not all she has to offer. There are several items in the "for the man in your life" section of the shop, including cufflinks made from vintage maps, and this amazing set of cufflinks made from levels (pictured right). Can't you just imagine how distracting distinctive these would be at the office? As she says in her description, your guy could be mesmerized by trying to fit that bubble in the center ring all day! Once again, I'm astounded by how creative Etsy artists are -- I never in a million years could have conceived of, let alone constructed, cufflinks out of levels!

There's plenty of unique jewelry for the ladies too. You know, just in case you want to pick up a little something for yourself while you're shopping for the Dad(s) in your life.... And as an extra bonus, shipping is already included in the price. You can't beat that!

What: Compass and Level Cufflinks
Where: Sherry Truitt Studios (sherrytruitt) (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $40.00/compass, $42/level (including shipping)

Glass Jar Photo Frames

I can't remember how I happened to stumble across this post at the Photojojo website several months ago, but I thought it was brilliant then and I think it's brilliant now. These are glass jar photo frames, and the post has a step-by-step tutorial for how to make them, although it's really so simple you could probably figure it out yourself from the photo above. I have a number of little odd-sized jars, and I'm just itching to try this out. And naturally, I will have to find seven jars for seven cats....

(Be sure and click on their "extra photos for bloggers" link -- the first one shows an art project using images in Coke bottles. I love how creative people are!)

I do think this can work as a stocking stuffer or a gift-basket stuffer. It's also a great little last minute do-it-yourself project for Mother's Day or Father's Day, especially because a little one can help pick the picture or help put it together for Mommy or Daddy.

Coffee Cup Power Inverter

Ahh, the power of caffeine! This Coffee Cup Power Inverter is designed to give your portable gadgets the same kind of charge; it plugs into your car lighter and has two 120-volt AC outlets (i.e. it takes the same plugs you would plug into the wall), plus a USB charging port, so you can charge three devices at once. And the coffee cup shape isn't just cute; it also fits into your standard cup holder next to the driver's seat.

At 6 inches tall and 3.5 inches in diameter, this could fit at the top of a Christmas stocking, or if the recipient is actually into designer coffee, you could make up a funny little gourmet coffee gift basket with this clever "decoy" at the center. It's perfect for any man (*cough* Father's Day *cough*) or woman who can't live without their morning drive-through at Starbucks.

What: Coffee Cup Power Inverter
Where: Think Geek website
How much (as of today's post): $29.99 (plus shipping)

Autism Awareness Necklace

Here is a chance to get a great stocking stuffer for a very low price. This Autism Awareness necklace, normally sold for $14.95 on The Literacy Site website, is now on sale for $3.95 plus shipping. I think it's a great cause, but I also like the necklace for its own sake. I think it would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who supports the cause of autism awareness, or anyone who just likes puzzles!

The Literacy Site is one of a suite of six groups that have banded together to raise money with online sales. The other five sites are: Hunger, Breast Cancer, Child Health, Rainforest, and Animal Rescue. They also use "click to give," which allows viewers to click in order to send free books (or free food, or free... whatever is appropriate for that cause). Snopes.com has confirmed that this is not a scam; clicking really does get the site's sponsors to contribute money or other items for the respective causes. Snopes does note, however, that these are not technically nonprofit organizations, which I was a little disappointed to learn. Still, I try to make a point of visiting the Animal Rescue Site whenever I think of it, and also using the tabs across the top for each cause, so I can click to give for each of those as well. I've also found a number of wonderful gift items on these sites.

What: Autism Awareness Necklace
Where: The Literacy Site Store website
How much (as of today's post): $3.95 (sale price) (plus shipping)

Guest Blogging at My Fairy Blogmother

Annette of Fairy Blog Mother has kindly invited me to guest blog for a few days. My post on finding bargain board books appears there today, and we also have posts lined up for tomorrow and Friday. I'm grateful to Annette for the opportunity to spread my wings and fly around the blogosphere a bit!

While you're there, be sure to explore My Fairy Blogmother in detail. During the last month or so, I've been exploring a lot of frugal living and review/giveaway blogs, and have enjoyed Annette's in particular. Go see what you've been missing!

Baseball Cookies from the Cooperstown Cookie Company

It's not quite Father's Day yet, and I won't be starting my "official" Father's Day posts until Sunday, but I couldn't resist posting about these baseball cookies from the Cooperstown Cookie Company. As many of you know, Cooperstown is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, so what better place to get a gift for the baseball lover in your life?

Starting small, there's a little package of classic shortbread "bunts" for $1.59, shaped like little baseball trading card packets, and available in New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, or Minnesota Twins. If those aren't the right teams, though, there is an adorable 3 oz. tin (shown at bottom of this post) simply labeled Cooperstown Cookie Company; it costs $5.99, and you have three flavor choices: classic shortbread, Mudville Mudball Chocolate Chip, or Boys of Summer Lemon.

And stepping up one more size, there's an adorable 4.8 oz tin (shown at top left) available with choice of those same three flavors, with a choice of 30 Major League Baseball team logos to adorn the tin! It's $12.99, and should fit comfortably in a gift basket, and maybe even a Christmas stocking....

Finally, there's a note on the website that some of their products are available at Whole Foods and Nordstrom's -- this list shows where their products are carried, although of course you can order direct from the website.

What: Baseball Cookies from the Cooperstown Cookie Company
Where: Cooperstown Cookie Company website
How much (as of today's post): $1.59, $5.99, or $12.99 (plus shipping)

Chinese Take-out Votive Holders

I love candles, and I think this cunning little candle holder is adorable. Shaped liked a Chinese take-out container, it holds either tealights or votives. At 4" x 2.5" x 2.5", it would fit in a stocking, although you'd want to wrap it in a little padding since it's a bit fragile. And at $8.95, it won't break the bank.

And men: this would also make a romantic little gift that you could use while surprising your wife or girlfriend with Chinese take-out! (Or vice versa, for you women whose husbands love Chinese food. Put the kids to bed early and have a romantic dinner together, with no cooking involved! Have you noticed that in romantic comedies, they're always eating Chinese take-out....)

What: Chinese Take-out Votive Holders
Where: Vat19 website
How much (as of today's post): $8.95 (plus shipping)

The EarPod

Here is a not-too-expensive stocking stuffer that can work for just about anyone: older kids and teens, men and women, and especially college students and computer geeks. The EarPod is a felt-lined earbud case with a door that rotates open, and eight wire notches so that you can store your earbud headphones without them getting all tangled in the bottom of a pocket, purse, or backpack. The notches also let you shorten your earphones' cable, and it includes a removable belt clip. It's useful and modern, and I can't think of many people who wouldn't enjoy finding this in their stocking.

What: The EarPod
Where: Vat19 website
How much (as of today's post): $8.50 (plus shipping)

Felted Bear and Cat Brooches

I'm always drawn to art that incorporates subtle humor with aesthetically pleasing forms, and these felted bear and cat brooches from Etsy seller ememem do just that. They're complete just as they are, but they have the added benefit of being wearable. I've chosen a white bear to show here, but be sure and look at all the bears, which come in pink, emerald green, brown, bright blue, red, gray, violet, yellow.... Each bear is "accessorized" with not too much, not too little, but just the right amount of coordinating pearls or crystals in their paws, or a scarf around their neck. Honestly, my description can't do the bears justice -- go look at them!

There are also a few lovely cat brooches to choose from: white with one black ear, gray with white face, and an all-white cat. Each has a lovely crystal necklace -- and they are necklaces, because everyone knows that cats do not deign to wear collars!


When you look at the photos, you'll notice mysterious little bunnies crowding around their bear and cat friends. They're made of modeling clay and are not for sale, but Em tells me they are very vain and love having their picture taken, so they will insist on hopping into the frame. What can you do? Seriously, though, one of the things that drew me to Em's shop in the first place was the artistic arrangement of the bunnies around the brooches. I know Etsy has advice for its sellers on how to attractively showcase their wares, but Em clearly has already mastered the technique. And that's what I love about Etsy -- the sellers are very talented artists.

Finally, although it's not a stocking stuffer, you must see Em's House of Flying Bears mobile.

What: Felted Bear and Cat Brooches
Where: ememem (an Etsy shop)
How much (as of today's post): $29 (cats); $35 (bears) (plus shipping)

Travel Card Care Package

Today's idea is not precisely about stocking stuffers, but I think it falls into the "thoughtful small gift" arena, and it's an idea I came up with myself and am proud of, so I'm including it!

My husband travels for work. A lot. So several years ago, I decided I would make up a little travel card care package for him so he would know I was thinking about him while he was gone. I went to Office Max and purchased a blue accordion file pocket envelope with a fold-over flap. I admit it took some time to find exactly what I wanted: it's about 7.5 x 9.5 inches, so not too large, and it has exactly seven pockets = one for each day of the week. The interior pockets were actually labeled alphabetically and monthly, but I used my handy Dymo Labelwriter (which I highly recommend, by the way) to create labels for each day of the week. For the outside, I made up a label like the one you see above. Years later, this poor file envelope is battered and faded, and one of our cats helpfully (not!) chewed off the attached elastic band that held it closed, but it still does what I need it to do, so it remains in faithful service to this day.

So what am I actually doing with this thing? For each day that my husband will be away, I prepare a card or a note of some kind and label its envelope with the date it is to be opened, then I stick it under the proper weekday in the accordion file envelope. If my husband will be gone for more than a week, the Tuesday slot might have two cards, for instance, but one will be labeled June 2 and behind it will be the June 9 envelope. I think the longest trip that I did this for was just under three weeks.

The important thing is that this does not have to cost a lot of money! Maybe I'm the only one, but over the years I've accumulated a ton of mismatched envelopes that may have come from Christmas card or note card assortments. Into these I can put a handwritten note, or even a funny cartoon I've clipped from the Sunday paper that seems especially appropriate for him, or for us as a couple. I also pick up the little tiny gift enclosure cards once in a while, and of course I do sometimes see a full-priced greeting card that I just have to get because it's perfect for some reason. I also take advantage of after-holiday sales -- if he's going on a business trip in October or December, I'll often use an assortment of Halloween or Christmas cards that I got very inexpensively.

See how creative you can be! One time when I knew he would have Internet access for the entire trip, I made little personal web pages on my own website that had no external links, so nobody could get to them unless I personally provided the entire URL -- which I did in each day's little envelope within the care package. If web pages are not your thing, you can cut pictures out from magazines, or put in some photos of your kids or pets. CVS and Walgreen's often have deals where you can get ten or more photo prints for free.

I know my husband really appreciates the thought that goes into these care packages. They would also work great for a child going away for a week at camp, or away for the holidays to the other parent in the case of a joint custody situation. It's a great and inexpensive way to let your loved one know you're thinking of them every single day, and it will bring a smile to their face each day as they think of you.

Harajuku Lovers Eau de Toilette Sprays

If you have a teen daughter who is a girly girl, by which I mean she likes perfumes and jewelry and beauty products and all that good stuff, a Harajuku Lovers Eau de Toilette Spray would make an adorable stocking stuffer, although they are pricey, which is why I'm posting about them on a "luxury Friday". Each 0.33 oz spray comes with a different fragrance, such as the "Love" edition (leftmost in the picture), which is "a blend of pink peonies, delicate paperwhites, rose and sensual musk", according to the Dillard's website.

The good news is that if you have a Dillard's nearby, you should be able to find these easily and not have to spend extra on shipping.

What: Harajuku Lovers Eau de Toilette Sprays
Where: Dillards or elsewhere
How much (as of today's post): $30.00 (plus shipping)

Nature Buddies Animal Pencil Sharpeners

Even though I try to keep a balance in the types and price ranges of stocking stuffers that I post about, it's amazing how easy it is to accidentally drift into posting a batch of higher-priced items, or things that are mostly for women as opposed to men and kids (because a lot of them are things I'd love to have myself!). So today I present a low-priced stocking stuffer for kids: the Nature Buddies animal pencil sharpeners. Assuming kids still use pencils in school (!), these would make great stocking stuffers for a kindergartner or a child in elementary school.

For me, it's no contest: I would choose the panda because it's so cute it should be illegal. Next favorite is the pig. But really, they're all adorable!

At $4.99 apiece, even these are a little higher-priced than I'd like, especially considering shipping costs. But remember, as always, these are just ideas that you may be able to adapt to similar items you can purchase locally. I've also mentioned in a previous post the possibility of going in with like-minded neighbors or friends who also have kids to keep shipping costs down. In any case, I am working on finding even lower-priced or do-it-yourself items to post about more frequently!

What: Nature Buddies Animal Pencil Sharpeners
Where: Pop Deluxe website
How much (as of today's post): $4.99

Vodka Soaked Cranberries

Yesterday's post was for a Crate & Barrel product and so is today's, because that little "you might also like...." caught my eye at the bottom of the olive cocktail picks page. These Sable & Rosenfeld vodka soaked cranberries, meant to garnish the the "Tipsy Crantini", look like fun. I haven't tried a martini yet because I think they'll be way too strong for me, but when I do, it'll either be an appletini or a crantini -- even though I know true martini connoisseurs are not impressed with the rise of the trendy designer martini!

Even if you're not into martinis, these would be fun in a Sea Breeze cocktail -- that's my sister's favorite! Don't know it? Here's a recipe!

What: Vodka Soaked Cranberries
Where: Crate & Barrel website
How much (as of today's post): $5.95 (plus shipping)

Olive Cocktail Picks

If you're stuffing a stocking for a martini lover, you can't go wrong with these olive cocktail picks from Crate & Barrel. Made of stainless steel and polyresin, they're only 95 cents apiece, which means you can get four and still get them for under $5 before shipping. If you have a Crate & Barrel store nearby, so much the better -- but you can also try Williams Sonoma stores to see if they have something comparable.

What: Olive Cocktail Picks
Where: Crate & Barrel website
How much (as of today's post): $0.95 apiece (plus shipping)

Snail Tape Dispenser

Is it me, or is this snail tape dispenser too cute for words? I love that the design is so simplistic, but it's perfectly obvious what it is, right down to the antenna. In fact, I like it a lot more than I would something that was all ceramic-like and flowery. I found this on the Pop Deluxe website, and I think it would make a great stocking stuffer for a man or woman's office.

What: Snail Tape Dispenser
Where: Pop Deluxe website
How much (as of today's post): $14.99 (plus shipping)