Ideas for Stockings

At some point after becoming adults ("grown-ups" would be too much of a stretch), my sister and I started doing Christmas stockings for my folks, after years of them doing stockings for us (and by "them" I of course mean my Mom). We quickly discovered that finding useful and/or entertaining gifts that are small enough to fit in a stocking but not break the bank can be quite a challenge. Suffice it to say my folks both have an ample supply of travel-size toiletries and decks of cards! So, to make life easier for you, here are some gift ideas that will easily fit (well, mostly) in the average stocking:

• 2010 bookmark calendars ($7.95) -- artists, countryside, Hokusai
• adorable magnetic bookmarks ($2)
• "Novel Teas" ($3) -- English breakfast tea with literary quotes
• "Quotesters" ($9) - a tin of one dozen quotable coasters
• reading glasses ($18) -- impossible to have too many of these!
• microfiber cleaning cloths ($6) -- perfect for the aforementioned glasses
• magnetic poetry in various themes ($12/box; $5/tin) -- book lovers, nature, more!
• Theo organic fair trade chocolate ($4) -- yummy flavors
• lovely pocket memo pads with pen ($6)
• book lights ($15) -- we're running low on these
• card games of all types (various prices)
• Bananagrams ($15) -- need I say more? FUN!
• Already got Bananagrams? Try Appletters or Pairs in Pears ($15)
• collage light-switch plates ($10) -- so cute!
• blank books in various sizes and prices
• 60-piece jigsaw puzzles ($12/pack of 4) -- wonderful pictures
• memory game ($14.50) -- kittens, puppies, or travel themes
• guidebooks to Oregon wine country or Portland happy hours (new ed) ($15)
• Walk There: 50 Treks in and Around Portland &Vancouver ($9.95)
• Portland Walls: In Celebration of Local Murals postcard book ($14.95)
• The new edition of The Blue Pages ($12.95) -- informed shopping!
• National Audubon Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest ($19.95) -- a perfect stocking fit
• The new Fearless Critic guide to Portland restaurants ($14.95) - bit chubby but should fit
• Ok, this last one might stretch the average stocking, but it's too good to pass up: A NEW David Sedaris CD with four LIVE performances! What a hoot! ($17.98)
• Hottest ticket in town: Broadway Books magnets!!! ($5)

How's that for a list? I think I know what MY folks will be getting this year.....Quantities of many of these items are limited, so don't delay.