Stocking Stuffers, History and Gift Guide

 Stocking Stuffers, History and Gift Guide. Throughout Christmas, stockings drying above a fireplace bring to mind the historical significance of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. This heartwarming tradition, steeped in legend, folk customs, and modern traditions, is believed to have begun in the 4th century with St. Nicholas of Myra.

Also known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or St. Nick, he has a reputation for leaving secret gifts for children. The legend of St. Nicholas visiting a poor man and providing dowries for his daughters by dropping through the chimney and leaving bags of gold adds to the season’s magic. Today, the blog explores stocking stuffing traditions and looks for unique stocking stuffers for 2024.

Stocking Stuffers, History and Gift Guide History

Norse Tradition

In Scandinavia, children would fill their shoes with hay or carrots for Odin’s flying horse, Sleipnir. Odin, the head or all-father god in Norse mythology, is the precursor of St. Nicholas. Children hoped Odin would leave them small gifts and blessings in exchange for their horse feed, a tradition that evolved into the modern-day stocking tradition.

Dutch Tradition

Children in the Netherlands or Holland leave their wooden shoes or clogs outside their doors. They fill their clogs with straw to feed Sinkerklaas’ horse and leave cookies or other food for Sinkerklaas. In return, Sinterklaas leaves them edible treats, small gifts, and mandarin oranges. Children may also receive a chocolate letter from the first letter of their name, marzipan pigs, magnets, finger puppets, or European licorice.

Italian Tradition

In Italy, children wait for Babbo Natale or La Befana, the Christmas witch. They leave out bags or sacks to receive gifts or blessings. La Befana met the Magi or Three Wisemen. She chose to join them on their journey to find the Christ child. She gave them directions and followed them, but she lost her way. As a result, she still hands gifts out to well-behaved children as she tries to find her path.

English Victorian Tradition

During the Victorian era in 19th-century England, hanging stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve became fashionable as part of a home’s festive décor. After the children went to bed, parents would fill the stockings with oranges, nuts, candies, and small toys. Oranges were true gifts because they were scarce and expensive. At the time of the Great Depression, children were very lucky to get a single orange under the tree. In its symbolic value, the orange might as well have been a gold coin.

Stocking Stuffers, History and Gift Guide Modern Times

 Every holiday season, hanging stockings by the fire is still an honourable and beloved tradition in many in the United Kingdom and the United States. Stockings have more embellishments now than in the past. Parents might personalise stockings with a child’s name and individual decorations. The stockings are hung on Christmas Eve or throughout the festive build-up. However, the stockings will be filled at midnight at Santa Claus’s or Father Christmas’s arrival.

Creative and Unique Stocking Stuffers

Terry’s Chocolate Oranges

Terry’s Chocolate Oranges are perfect stocking fillers and a timeless holiday classic. These dark and milk chocolate sweet indulgences come in a two-pack and are ideally sized for stockings. Each orange has just enough orange zest to add a touch of brightness to the season. Find them on Amazon.co.uk.

British Telephone Money Box

British Telephone Money Box is a nice gift for children. It will teach them the value of saving pocket money for special occasions. The vintage look of this bank hails back to retro London. The bank is about seven inches high, made from metal, and has a large coin capacity. Place an order on Amazon.co.uk.

The England Travel Guide

The England Travel Guide by Rick Steves helps Brits rediscover history, natural beauty, art, and adventure close to home. He invites readers to stand in a lone field, visit a stone circle, bite into traditional scones with clotted cream, and try a new cup of tea. Plan an adventure to Bath, Canterbury, Dover, the Lake District, Liverpool, Warwick, London, and York. Purchase at https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england.

Walnut Tree of the United Kingdom

Walnut Tree of the United Kingdom has Xmas Dried Fruit in Dark Chocolate in packages suitable for stockings. Its Great Taste Gold Star Award Winning dried orange and mango are also paired with lemon peel flavor and dipped luxurious dark chocolate. These handmade sweets are created by a professional chocolatier. Purchase at walnut.gifts. The treats are vegetarian vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free friendly. And if you don’t want chocolate then check out their fabulous natural nuts selection. Hand packed in a beautiful wicker basket. Great to much and crunch on.

The new Apple AirPods

The new Apple AirPods 4 is a fabulous gift! They are compact, comfortable, and practical for anyone. These ear pods offer stellar sound, use optical sensors, activate noise cancellation, and stay charged for 24 hours. Seek them out at https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-4/.

For practical yet useful stocking fillers, consider £5 gift cards for coffee, tea, or yogurt; small jars of jam, honey, or jelly; a pass or punch card for a gym or bus; hot chocolate or apple cider mixes; make-up samples; lip balm; a water bottle; fun socks; soap, lotion, candy, or bubble bath. Find all these items locally.

Stocking stuffers have a long tradition in Europe and the United Kingdom. It is fun to see what treasures await on Christmas morning! The filled-stocking tradition is embedded in folk customs, legends, and mythologies. The Victorians are responsible for expanding the stocking practice throughout the United Kingdom. The blog explored some unique gifting options as well as practical ideas. Christmas will be here soon. It is time to start planning and shopping for the perfect items for loved ones and friends.

About Walnut Tree- the finest edible gifts

Great Taste Awards

With Great Taste Awards for nougat, dried fruit, marron glacé, glacé fruit and pate de fruit. You’ll always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.

Who we supply

Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.

Why buy from us?

You’re buying directly from the source and will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.

Our charitable contributions

Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk

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