by C. M. Erickson

Created on: December 16, 2010   Last Updated: December 19, 2010

In today’s economy where people are often struggling to put food on the table and avoid foreclosure, finding ways to save money while keeping the Christmas spirit alive is critical. While many Christmas trees will have fewer and smaller gifts around the base, a bulging stocking hanging over the fireplace still adds a strong “wow” factor to Christmas.  You can still pack a stocking on a limited budget if you know where to shop. Following are the best places to find cheap stocking stuffers online:

http://www.baronbob.com/stockingstuffers.htm - This web site is for the person on your list that enjoys a good joke gift. The gifts range from candy-pooping polar bears to pickle-shaped bandages. With many gifts to choose from, this site is great for cheap teenager stocking stuffers, or zany gifts for people of all ages.

http://www.orientaltrading.com – This web site is great for young children’s stocking stuffers, or people who work with school children and need a quick cheap batch of small toys to take care of a room full of kids. The gifts range from finger puppets to candy, and it is hard to find lower prices.

http://www.stupid.com – Yet another web site designed for cheap silly gifts to give people. You could buy someone a reindeer hat, or, for those in warmer climes, you can grow your own snow. They have many gifts under $10, and they offer three-day shipping for $10.

www.ebay.com – With many “buy it now” auctions and a wide variety of brand new items still in the box or with their tags, eBay is a great place to find a quick gift for the stockings on your list. The site also allows multiple people to pool money to purchase a group gift.

www.craigslist.com – This site is great for finding things that are local. Many people unload brand-new objects that they do not want or have room for. Using Craigslist allows you to quickly search for items, and you don’t have to pay for shipping – just got pick it up from the seller. The site is great for last minute gifts.

www.drugstore.com – This site is wonderful for finding all kinds of random little gifts that make perfect stocking stuffers. This site is especially good for shopping for the woman on your list, as many scented soaps and other personal hygiene products are greatly discounted. They even have a counter at the top letting you know how long you have to order to get it in time for Christmas.

Also, check the clearance section of your favorite store’s web site. Every now and then Pottery Barn or Bed, Bath and Beyond have screaming deals on product they are looking to unload. Check Macy’s, JC Penny, and Pier 1 Imports as well. They often will sell small stocking-sized objects for $10-$15 that work well in adult stockings.

With a little bit of effort and a sharp eye, every stocking can be filled with exciting gifts without breaking the budget.

Learn more about this author, C. M. Erickson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.