English

Alternative forms

• stocking-stuffer

Noun

stocking stuffer ‎(plural stocking stuffers)

1. (informal) A small, relatively inexpensive Christmas present suitable for placing in a child's stocking, which was traditionally hung by a fireplace on Christmas Eve in anticipation that Santa Claus would fill it with gifts.
   • 1945 Dec. 21, "Last . . . But Not Least" (display advertisement), Milwaukee Journal, p. 45 (retrieved 25 Jan. 2010):

     Gimbels is scintillating with last minute stocking stuffer ideas!

   • 2007 Nov. 24, Derek McCormack, "A guide to Gift Guides," National Post (Canada) (retrieved 25 Jan. 2010):

     But for ordinary Canadians, gift guides . . . give readers a window into what others will be receiving on Christmas morning, from the smallest stocking stuffer to the largest luxury gift.