You know how some kids wait by the mailbox for the Target/Amazon (former Toys R Us) holiday catalog to arrive? For me, it’s the Container Store Stocking Stuffers catalog. I know the holiday season has begun when it appears in my mailbox nestled between bills, requests for donations, and holiday-themed junk mail.
My usual reaction to it’s arrival is to jump up and down with excitement, run to get a pen, and plop myself down in a comfy spot to peruse the pages (I consider this routine to be an act of self-care…). After flipping through the pages once or twice, I then take that pen and start circling the items I may want to talk about in my annual I ‘Heart’ Container Store Stocking Stuffers post. I also draw a big star next to the few items I’ll consider purchasing for myself.
For the past five years (plus one post in 2013), I have done the jumping, the running, the plopping, flipping, circling, and starr-ing. and the writing of the I ‘Heart’ Container Store Stocking Stuffers post.
This year, except for the writing, none of the above occurred. Like Charlie Brown checking his mailbox for a valentine, I checked my mail pile every day for a Stocking Stuffers catalog. In the past, it usually arrived in the middle of November but as I prepped for Thanksgiving, it never showed.
Sadness.
Maybe it got lost in the mail?
Maybe The Container Store chose to be ecologically responsible and didn’t print the catalog this year?
Maybe The Container Store decided NOT to curate a stocking stuffer collection for the holiday season?
FORGET I even SAID that!
Maybe all the stocking stuffer items fell victim to ‘supply chain-itis!’
I’m not crying–you’re crying!
OK, it wasn’t really that dramatic but I was still concerned about the stocking stuffers.
I decided to ask Google to take me to the Container Store website. Stocking stuffer page, please–and step on it!
And then, it took about 2.3 seconds for my fears to disappear. There were the stocking stuffers–all six pages of them. No circling items on my iPad or putting stars next to the ones I thought I might buy. I plopped on the couch, clicked instead of flipped, took notes on a scratch pad, and drew a big star next to the few items I considered purchasing for myself.
After all that drama, here is a list of some of my favorite Container Store Stocking Stuffers. They’re useful, great for organizing, perfect for the kitchen or kids of all ages, cute and fun, and one is an improvement over last year’s choice:
Organizing
Chrome Metal Purse Hanger
$9.99 pkg/6
If you own handbags and have the room to hang them in a closet, this product would be worth a try. They’re similar to an ‘S’ hook but the bottom half can twist, offering great flexibility. And they’re not just for handbags! People who have purchased this product posted pictures of the hooks being used for holding kitchen utensils, boots, and holiday decor.
OXO Spoon Rest with Lid Holder
I am a big fan of OXO products. They are thoughtfully crafted and designed with the user in mind. To me, this product screams, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I can imagine that someone working at OXO had the experience of cooking a big meal with many pots and nowhere to place the lids while tasting, stirring, or sautéing. They came into work the next day and said to their boss, “I have an idea for a new product!”
I know that I am often looking for a place to put my pot lids–especially when I have four or five burners going at once. It’s a little pricey, but I may have to try this. And bonus–it folds flat for easy storage. Thank you OXO!
Kikkerland Wood Hammer Multi-Tool
Every apartment dweller or homeowner should own a tool box filled with basic tools. This 10-in-1 multi-tool fits the bill for someone who may not have room for a tool box or the resources (or desire) to fill one. Includes a hammer, wire cutter, pliers, flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, knife blade, file, saw blade, reamer and bottle opener.
At a bit over eight inches long, it’s portable enough to carry to a friend or family member’s house to assist them with a basic repair. And, you’re the hero!
Otherwise, Useful
Vlogging Mini Tripod
Unless you live in a cave with no wifi, it’s most likely you’ve spent the better part of the last eighteen months using your phone to communicate via video. And after all that time, if you haven’t invested in a product to create a hands-free spot for your phone, this could be the time to make a small investment.
No more leaning your phone against a tissue box or precariously placing it on a shelf. Something as small as a tripod can offer big rewards in terms of keeping your phone from falling and allowing you to move freely while on video. And–a bonus ring light!
Thumb Scraper
This type of product piqued my interest when I profiled the Thumb Scraper Tool in last year’s Stocking Stuffer post. Although I haven’t had a manicure in a while, I still don’t enjoy chipping a fingernail while removing a price tag. I bought this to have in my home to try and view it as a small, yet worthwhile investment. I think it will come in handy whether I’ve painted my nails or not!
Kitchen
Rainbow Scrub Sponge
I am not the biggest fan of washing dishes. But, if I had to stand and scrub a bunch of dirty pots, I think this brightly-colored sponge would make the task a little less distasteful and a whole lot more joyful. It comes in a two-pack and it’s safe to use on non-stick cookware. They even have a loop at the top so you can hang them to dry easily.
OXO 4-Piece Mini Measuring Beaker
As I wrote earlier, I am a big fan of OXO products. I have a bunch in my kitchen such as spatulas, tongs, peelers, and one of my faves–OXO POP containers. They have all lasted for years and make the cooking part of my life more manageable and less energy-sucking.
When I saw these, I thought, ‘Do I need them? Because, they sure are cute!” Cooking for a family of four (with a teen and tween boy) doesn’t usually lend itself to such small measurements so I passed on purchasing them. But, aren’t they adorable? And they nest, too! Even when they’re next to each other, they barely take up much space.
Each set includes 2-oz, 1-oz, 1-Tbsp and 1-tsp measuring beakers and they’re dishwasher safe (top rack). And colorful! And, they match perfectly with the Rainbow Sponges! Ok, maybe I need to take a ride to The Container Store…
Rocket Dog Bites Baking Tray
Raise your hand if you love pigs-in-blankets! (Ooooh, me me me!)
In 2018, I profiled a similar product called ‘Little Pigs in Blanket Mold.’ The Rocket Dog Bites Tray appears to be a comparable product–insert rocket ships instead of pigs.
Yes, you can buy pre-made pigs-in-blankets (or as they’re called in my household:’ little hot dogs’) but you might have a blast (off) making your own rocket ship-dogs. Looks like a fun product to use with kids to teach early cooking (and cleaning up) skills. It’s oven-safe and made of easy-to-clean silicone. So easy-to-clean, you probably don’t even need the above Rainbow Sponge…
For Kids Big & Small
Balloon Animals Kit
No time to enroll in Clown School? Here’s the next best thing!
It’s amazing how much joy a balloon animal can bring to a child (and many adults, too!). Learn to make six different animals. This kit includes 20 balloons, an air pump and an 80-page instruction book with photos. With this kit, your days of only being able to create a balloon snake are over!
Smencils
Just looking at these brought me back to my childhood. There was always one kid in my class who had fruity-smelling magic markers and didn’t mind sharing them. I loved sniffing them (admit it–you know you did, too…)!
Now, there are sweet-smelling pencils! Made from recycled newspaper, they’re packaged in their own recyclable tube and topped by a cute character cap. The set of five color-coded scents include grape jelly, orange, kiwi, blueberry and strawberry. If your kid shudders at the thought of eating fruit, using these pencils may bring them one step closer to tasting the real thing…
Cute & Fun
Donut Playing Cards
Would you care for some sprinkles with those poker chips?
Perfect for when a boring rectangular-shaped deck of cards just won’t do. Goes well with a cup of coffee!
Fred & Friends Ramen Sticky Notes
I’m not a fan of ramen noodles, but I looooove post-its. And I love the fun and whimsical products made by the Fred & Friends company. It’s the post-it note with the most amount of sodium I’ve ever seen!
If you have a friend or family member who enjoys ramen noodles, this would be a cool stocking stuffer for them. The pad has 155 sticky notes and comes in a resealable zipper storage bag. A great addition to one’s kitchen counter or desk.
Better, But Still Not a Winner in My Book…
Shoe Pourri
WHY is this a STOCKING STUFFER??? Is it just me or does anyone else feel that this is just NOT appropriate to give as a ‘gift?’
Doesn’t this kinda ‘reek’ of telling someone that their feet smell? “Hey! Here’s some Shoe Pourri–and Happy Holidays to you, too!”
If you must, try gifting this to the active spouse or teen in your life. Just make sure they won’t be offended by it. The last thing you want during a holiday celebration is a surly teen or horrified family member. #howtoruinaholiday
Interested in seeing the rest of The Container Store Stocking Stuffer Collection. They’re all right here!
If you received a Container Store Stocking Stuffer catalog this year, please let me know in the comments section below!
Want to stay current and connected to Organized Artistry? Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Goodreads!
Stacey is a Professional Organizer, Virtual Organizer, and Author in Bergen County, New Jersey specializing in home organizing, time, and paper management. She is the author of The Organized Bride’s Thank You Note Handbook: Let Systems and 101 Modern Sample Thank You Notes Take You From Overwhelmed to Organized.
Contact Stacey to Get Started!
While I love all of the posts you write, Stacy, the Container Store stocking stuffers post is always a favorite. I also love your sense of humor. So what happened to the catalog? Are they no longer printing them? They stopped sending it to me years ago.
Anyway, as usual, you curated a wonderful array of gifts and commentary. Favorites from your list this year are the Thumb Scraper and Shoe-Pourri! What a great collection of finds!
Thanks so much, Linda. It makes me happy to know my writing make you smile. 🙂
I’m going to call the store and find out if the company even sent out a catalog this year. You had similar favorites to others–the thumb scraper and the shoe pourri seem to be very popular among my readers!
I love The Container Store Stocking Stuffers! Thanks for sharing. I, too, did not get a paper copy of the stocking stuffers for this year. =( My favorite of these gift ideas is SHOE POURRI. I know a few people who could use this. =)
Thanks for letting me know you didn’t get the catalog. I may call the store just to confirm. I was happy to see the Shoe Pourri was on the list this year instead of the Poo Pourri!
I want that thumb scraper. I do a lot of sticker removal, and this would save my thumbnail. I’ll have to see if “Santa” is looking for stocking stuffer suggestions over here!
Tell ‘Santa’ that something so small will make your life so much easier. I’m sure he’ll send one of his elves to the store. If all the elves are out shopping at Target, I’d be more than happy to pick one up and pop it in the mail to you. Just let me know.
OMG! Loved them all!
Some of them are so much fun–those smencils! And so useful like the 10-in-1 hammer. Can’t wait to see what The Container Store stocking stuffers are next year!
Thanks for the review. I haven’t been to a Container Store in a long time, but now I think I have to go.
Stocking Stuffer season is the perfect excuse to head to your local Container Store! So much more to look at and enjoy!
I would LOVE to see that lid holder in my stocking.
And truth be told, I would totally give the shoe-pourri to my brother.
I’m finding that lid holder intriguing, too!
And truth be told, my very active teen/tween boys could use that shoe-pourri!
I always look forward to your stocking stuffer review, Stacey, and I don’t even celebrate Christmas! As there’s no Container Store within two hours of me, I count on you to update me on what you think are the cutest and coolest, and you’ve done it again!
I think my favorites here are the spoon/lid rest (as a gift for someone else, because we both know I don’t cook) and the Smencils. But you didn’t mention a few others that I really like this year: the sound-activated LED strip light, the snowflake spatula & cookie cutter, and the jewelry wipes.
I don’t celebrate Christmas either–maybe that’s part of the attraction to the stocking stuffers?!?
I’m going to have to check out the ones you liked. Didn’t those Smencils bring you right back to your childhood? They’re really adorable. And, I may have to buy that lid holder. I cook a lot and I’m always looking for a place for that darn lid when I go into the pot for a mix or taste!