Let me get this out of the way: If you think that stockings are just for kids, you’re wrong. Dead wrong, man. After all, aren’t the holidays all about nostalgia and child-like exuberance anyway? And nothing brings you back to the simple joy of the season quite like tearing through a stocking that’s been stuffed just for you. It’s like rapid-fire gift giving—tiny bursts of excitement with each little trinket, toy or tasty piece of candy.
If you ask me, it’s a childhood tradition that is seriously underrated. A well-assembled stocking is thoughtful, personal and surprising. It shows someone (your significant other, for example) that you’ve been paying attention and took the time to assemble a package of presents tailored to their specific tastes and whims. Of course, not all the pieces have to be extravagant. Some are funny. Some are practical. That’s the whole point. Here’s how to assemble the ultimate stocking, curated with taste, flair and a certain old time-y charm with a few crowd-pleasing suggestions.