Bottle Pourer
Bottle Pourer
I became my family’s official Christmas Stocking Stuffer in 1967. My dad had died and my biggest fear was that Santa would forget to come for my two little brothers.
I learned sadness can be counterbalanced by the excitement of doing something secret (and fun) for someone else. The surprised looks on my brothers’ faces convinced me that being the Christmas Stocking Stuffer is the best job ever.
Here are some tips and ideas for those of you who are new to the job of Christmas Stocking Stuffer and also for you veterans in need of inspiration.
1) The Right Stocking: Some families already have their stockings and you’ll just have to work with what you got. However, if you’re just starting out or have the opportunity to start a new tradition, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a stocking for stuffing:
- Size: I have found that a medium size stocking that’s 20-24 inches from cuff to toe, is the perfect size. Remember- you have to STUFF a stocking and a large one could ruin your Christmas budget.
- Material: Make sure the stocking is well constructed and made of firm fabric. Knit stockings stretch in both directions. Again, think of your finances.
- If your family hangs their stockings, make sure the loop is strong enough to hold several pounds without breaking.
2) Where to Shop for a Christmas Stocking Stuffer:
To save money, shop sale items all year round and use store coupons. Many stores have their own coupons available inside the store or on their websites. Here are 101 plus stuffer ideas proven to bring smiles on Christmas morning:
- Office Supply Store: memo notebooks, markers, erasers, pencils, note cards, binder clips, paper clips, pens, push pins, rulers, scrap booking supplies, crayons, sticky notes, mini stapler, hole punch, pencil sharpener
- Drug Store: candy, nuts, film, single use camera, inexpensive toys, coloring books, cologne, lotion, nail polish, bath beads, toothbrushes, batteries, costume jewelry, chapstick, barrettes, comb, razor, hair brush
- Book Store: books, magazines, bookmarks, book lights, journals, coffee mug, cds, dvds, stuffed animals, puzzles, coffee, tea, gourmet candy
- Hardware Store: hammers, screw drivers, pliers, paint can opener, work gloves, padlock, spare keys, tape measure, flashlight, gadgets, paint brushes, sanding sponges, vegetable and flower seeds
- Craft Store: beads, floss, sewing notions, scissors, paint sets, art paper, stamps, stickers, fabric, buttons, ornaments, drawing pencils, glitter, how-to kits, fancy sewing thread, knitting needles, crochet hooks
- Grocery Store: candy, fruit, cooking gadgets, cookies, small boxes of cereal, small bags of snacks, wine or beer, olive oil, fancy vinegars, snack cakes, pudding, jerky
- Restaurant Supply Store: wooden spoons, candy thermometer, turkey baster, hotpads, tongs, Chinese strainer, bottle pourers, spurtles, spoonulas, garlic press, vegetable peeler
- Auto Supply Store: oil spout, magnetic parts dish, telescoping magnet, air freshener, touch up paint, tire gauge, car wax, car wash, shammy cloth
- Sporting Goods Store: tennis balls, golf balls, tees, wrist bands, bobbers, fishing line, hooks, lead weights, pedometers, compasses, jump ropes, sports nutrition bars, socks
- Craft shows: ornaments, jewelry, stuffed animals and dolls, art, wooden toys, aprons
Other winning ideas: brain teaser puzzles, card games, deck of cards, car games, picture frames, harmonica, first aid kit, emergency blanket, little photo album,
3) To Wrap or Not to Wrap: This is a personal preference. Since I love to wrap presents as much as I love being a Christmas stocking stuffer, it’s a “no brainer.” Each Christmas stocking stuffer becomes a little gift – even if it’s a pack of gum. Also, unwrapping gifts will slow a child down and make the magic of Christmas morning last a little longer.
4) The Art of a Christmas Stocker Stuffer:
- The Foot: Put something round in the toe; an orange, a ball or even a cellophane wrapped popcorn ball. Toss in some nuts that are still in their shells. Add some wrapped candy.
- The Body: The body of the stocking holds most of the merchandise. Survey your stuffers and choose trinkets and treasures that can be layered. The body of the stocking is perfect for a long Christmas stocking stuffer like a box of dominos, a cribbage board or a rolled up magazine. Don’t forget that even adults like toys. Take your time and be prepared to pack and repack.
- The Eye Catcher: You need to have something really great UNWRAPPED tucked into the top of the stocking, about 30% visible. This is what the recipient sees while making his or her 15th trip to the bathroom.
5) As Your Family’s Official Christmas Stocking Stuffer Start a Tradition: Our family has put oranges in the toe of a Christmas stocking along with walnuts for at least 50 years. If you give each child a special ornament every year, think about putting it in the stocking.
Cater to their hobbies. My brothers still get packs of sports card. I have a girl friend whose stocking always includes a silly magic trick from her dad. I know a husband who always hides the big ticket item (diamond earrings, pearl necklace, tennis bracelet) in his wife’s stocking.
6) Who Can Be a Christmas Stocking Stuffer? The successful Christmas Stocking Stuffer is someone who is: a good listener, observant and thinks love is in the details. He or she is organized and can think outside the box.
And don’t forget the three stages of life:
- During stage one – you believe in Santa Claus.
- During stage two – you don’t believe in Santa Claus.
- During state three – you ARE Santa Claus!
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Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator Wine needs to breathe to allow it to open up, release its intended aromas, and of course, make it taste better. Vinturi’s patent pending design speeds up this process by instantly aerating with ease and convenience. The perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass of wine…. |
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Metrokane 6119 Rabbit Wine Bottle Stoppers 2-Pack in Multi-Color (Colors Selected Randomly) $2.70 These re-usable wine stoppers slow down the oxidation process that occurs after opening a bottle of wine, and allow you to extend the life and enjoyment of your wine. And their happy colors and shiny stainless tops make them downright irresistible.Each package includes a set of 2 wine stoppers. Colors are chosen at random..If you’d like to add gift wrapping and a personalized gift message on a han… |
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Vacu Vin Stainless Steel Wine Saver Gift Set $13.50 You’ll know your wine is preserved just by listening. With the sound of a simple click the Vacu Vin stainless steel wine saver is a vacuum pump which extracts the air from the opened bottle clicks when you’ve reached optimum level and re-seals the wine bottle with a re-usable rubber stopper. The vacuum slows down the oxidation process so that you can enjoy your wine for days. Stainless stee… |
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Brita 42556 Grand 80-Ounce Water Filtration Pitcher, White $26.47 Brita Grand Water Filtration Pitcher-1ctGet great-tasting, cleaner water for a fraction of the cost of bottled water.The Brita water filtration systems turn tap ordinary water into healthier drinking water.Convenient electronic filter change indicator and flip-top lid for easy refilling.Soft grip handle for comfort, too! Advanced filtration with activated carbon and ion exchange resin reduces copp… |
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Ravi Instant Wine Chiller $39.95 Chills wine instantly as you pour. Wine goes from room temp to serving temp in seconds! Remove your Ravi from the freezer insert it in your bottle and pour. Wine passes through the frozen steel chamber inside into your glass chilling your red or white to perfection (similar to the way the frozen tub of an ice cream maker turns cream into a cool dessert). Finger tip-control air inlet helps you… |
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Epicureanist Wine Pourer $9.00 Sleek design Easy-pouring Drop protection Durable stainless steel 1.26 in. W x 2.75 in. H The Epicureanist Wine Pourer is designed for easy-pouring and drip protection. Place inside the mouth of your wine bottle, leaving you worry free from wine drips and spills. As a part of the stylish selection offered by Epicureanist, this product makes a great gift for any wine lover…. |
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Best Barware Collection Fleur De Lis Wine Bottle Stopper-Pourer Wedding Favors Add a dash of panache to any occasion with Fashioncraft’s own Best Barware Collection fleur de lis wine bottle stopper/pourer favors\r\nLiterally meaning lily flower, the fleur de lis a stylized symbol often associated with French monarchy and royalty in general. And, this fleur de lis favor is a great way to give your guests the royal treatment! Each chrome finish silver plated plastic wine bottl… |
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Heart Design Wine Pourer-Stopper Pulling double duty is no problem for this versatile heart design chrome finish wine pourer/stopper from the Vineyard CollectionTM With prominent interlocking hearts at its top, this sleek and light weight favor, from the Vineyard Collection, makes a tasteful addition to any love filled occasion. A great choice as wedding favors that are sure to be an often used accessory in your guests’ homes., e… |
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Oil Bottle, Acrylic $10.47 Brand: AccessoriesBar Code: 0-30734-07070-3… |
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Hawaiian Shaved Ice Syrup – 3 Flavor Fun Pack $19.50 Make your own shaved ice or snow cones at home with our 3 Flavor Fun pack from the professionals at Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Our fun pack comes with a 16 ounce bottle of cherry, grape and blue raspberry along with 25 snow cone cups, 25 spoonstraws and 3 yellow bottle pourers. Trust the professionals at Hawaiian Shaved Ice! Syrups made by Hawaiian Shaved Ice are thicker, more true to taste than other … |
Will a standard measured drink pourer fit on a 1.75 liter bottle of liquor, or will I have to special order?
Most bottle necks fit the standard pourers, which are tapered and rubber so they wedge in nice. Plus you save money buying larger bottles, not to mention save the environment with less packaging.
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