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    Horrible Stocking Stuffers

    The Worst Christmas Stocking Stuffers ever: 10 ways to ruin somebody's holidays

    Elizabeth Rhodes
    Dec 21, 2013 | 4:01 pm

    A stocking filled to the brim with gifts is a wonderful sight to behold on Christmas morning. It isn't until the stocking is emptied that you discover exactly how great — or potentially awful — the contents are.

    Show your loved ones how much you (don't) care with this list of the worst stocking stuffers:

    1). Holiday-Themed Pencils

    Nothing says "I put no thought into this gift" quite like a pack of pencils in your stocking. Not only are they completely useless without a sharpener (which no one has), but a pack of holiday-themed pencils really has no purpose after Dec. 25.

    2). Non-peppermint candy canes

    Everyone knows that although we may not eat them (ever), candy canes are at least a passable stocking stuffer — unless of course they don't taste like candy canes. Giving someone a non-peppermint candy cane is a truly horrible gift, since the chances that the recipient will actually consume it go from about 15 percent to zero.

    Nothing destroys the warm feelings conjured by gift-giving like a value pack of white socks.

    Really want to be the worst? Give them a cherry-flavored candy cane that looks like a normal one.

    3). Toothbrushes

    Oral hygiene products are always a bad stocking stuffer idea (although many seem to forget) as I don't know a single adult that would be happy to receive a toothbrush for Christmas. Perhaps children would be excited by a cool, new Dora the Explorer toothbrush, although I'm pretty sure they are equally unimpressed.

    4). Tree-shaped car air freshener

    Costing less than a buck each and available in wonderful scents like "Black Ice" and "Cinna-Berry," how can you not buy a car air freshener as a stocking stuffer? These tree-shaped fresheners are a truly wonderful way of indicating to any recipient that you know think hope they own a car and that it probably smells badly.

    5). Trick can of nuts

    This unassuming "can of nuts" is not as harmless as it seems. Give this gift to anyone on your holiday list and be forever shunned (with reason). OK, so you scared your friend when a spring loaded snake popped out in their face.

    Congratulations on humiliating them in front of their loved ones on Christmas — with a terrible gift that isn't even a gift, no less.

    6). Children's card game

    Giving someone any kind of children-specific card game (Crazy 8's, Old Maid, Go Fish) in their stocking is sure to put you on the recipient's bad list. When a game is listed as "For ages 5+" and is decorated with Hello Kitty, you really need to skip it when gifting to anyone over 10.

    7). Anything that doesn't fit in the stocking

    The entire notion of the stocking is that presents go inside it, but this somehow proves to be a difficult concept for some. Trying to stuff a football into a stocking is not what it's designed for, so stick to presents that will fit and wrap the larger gifts (like you know you are supposed to!).

    8). Any fragrance from the drugstore

    This should be an obvious one, but buying any fragrance from your local drugstore as a gift is a huge mistake. You need to accept that you have no idea how your loved ones choose to smell, and you certainly shouldn't assume that just because your daughter loves Beyoncé that she'll love a $15 gift set of her perfume, too.

    9). "Value Pack" of white socks

    Nothing destroys the warm feelings conjured by gift-giving like a value pack of white socks. Why did you have to give socks as a gift in the first place?

    A gift is supposed to be something you want, not something you need. More importantly, did you really have to go with the value pack? It must be important to let your loved one know that not only did you save two dollars, but you got them 10 pairs of socks while doing it.

    10). A bag of "coal" candy

    If you hadn't already thought of it, the absolute worst stocking stuffer idea is a bag of coal candy with something about how bad you are (i.e. "You've been naughty") written on the bag. For years, parents have been giving this to their children as a "joke" (a la the "can of nuts") and will, for whatever reason, always think it's hilarious.

    So I tell you this: do not, under any circumstances, give this to anyone as a stocking stuffer unless you would like them to think you are the worst gifter of all time (you really would be).

    So use this list of the worst stocking stuffers however you like. We hope you opt to skip all of these presents entirely, but if you really want to disappoint someone on Christmas morning, then go right ahead and gift them all.

    You're loved one is over 10 years old? Then please don't give him children's card games, especially not Hello Kitty-themed ones.

    worst stocking stuffers Hello Kitty Crazy 8s cards
    Giftapolis.com
    You're loved one is over 10 years old? Then please don't give him children's card games, especially not Hello Kitty-themed ones.
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    SHOPPING BONANZA

    What to know about the return of Houston's Nutcracker Market for 2025

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 10, 2025 | 12:00 pm
    Nutcracker Market 2024
    Photo by Melissa Taylor
    Shoppers browse festive booths at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

    It’s that time of year again when Houston's most dedicated shoppers trade in their pumpkin spice for peppermint lattes and make their annual pilgrimage to NRG Center, in matching sweatshirts, of course, for the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market.

    Marking the unofficial start of the holiday season, this year’s shopping festivities also celebrate the Houston Ballet Academy’s 70th anniversary. Since 1981, the Nutcracker Market has raised over $97.6 million for the Houston Ballet, with 11 percent of merchandise sales and all ticket proceeds supporting ballet programming and training. In 2024, over 99,000 shoppers helped raise $6.3 million for the Houston Ballet, which trains more than 1,000 students annually and awards over $1 million in scholarships.

    What to Expect

    More than 280 merchants will take over NRG Center for five days, offering everything from holiday décor and jewelry to clothing, accessories, and enough gourmet treats and delicious samples to keep tote bags full and shoppers happy.

    Nutcracker Market 2024 Forty new vendors join the Nutcracker Market this year, offering fresh finds alongside fan favorites.Photo by Melissa Taylor

    New Vendors

    Shoppers will flock to favorites like Royal Standard, Donne Di Domani, Texas Tamale Company, Paul Michael Company, and Round Top Collection. But 40 new vendors are joining the fun this year. A few newcomers worth checking out between mimosas include:

    • Mini Mahjer: Beginner-friendly mahjong sets and travel kits.
    • Hat Chick: A curated collection of hats and authentic adornments.
    • True Honey Teas: Gourmet blends sweetened with honey granules.
    • Let Me Snack: Popped waterlily seed snacks in assorted flavors.
    • Mended: Hand block-printed tea towels and table linens.
    • Vintage Boho Bags: Customized and upcycled boho-style bags.
    • Chocolate Moonshine Company: Gourmet fudge and artisan truffles that make gift-giving easy.
    • Seasoned Straws: Coated, sustainable, flavored straws.
    • Saturday Silks: 100% silk collegiate scarves and accessories.

    Tips for Tackling the Market

    Comfort is key. The Nutcracker Market fills up the NRG Center, so wear shoes made for walking. High heels, sparkles, and sequins may look festive, but comfy clothes are the way to go, especially when shopping for hours and juggling bags all day.

    Crowds are highest in the morning, so plan for afternoon or evening shopping if you want a little more elbow room. Strollers, wagons, and rolling bags aren’t allowed, but wheelchairs, walkers, and service animals are welcome. For those who overdo it on the shopping (and who doesn't, this time of year), take advantage of package check or the optional curbside pickup for a seamless, stress-free exit.

    Tickets

    General admission is $20 for a one-day pass, available at Ticketmaster.com or H-E-B Business Centers. Early Bird Admission is $60 for those who want a 90 minute head start on Thursday and Friday.

    Nutcracker Market 2024

    Photo by Melissa Taylor

    Shoppers browse festive booths at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.

    nutcracker marketnutcracker market 2025shoppinghouston ballet
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