Illustration: Tiago Majuelos

The Christmas enthusiasts from the Strategist team got together to discuss the oversized stockings they drape over their couches and what they put in them.

For more gift ideas, check out our mega-list of gift guides for each person.

Liza Corsillo, senior editor: My father was always the stocking stuffer in our family. His philosophy, which I agree with, is that there should be one bigger thing that costs up to $30 and a bunch of smaller things that fit into his story. The largest item is packaged and the others are not.

Jen Trolio, editor-in-chief: I make the stockings for all of us, including myself. My feeling is that Christmas stocking are meant to be cute, largely quirky, and sometimes practical add-ons. And you want branded items…Lip Smackersnot the off-brand lip gloss from the corner store. It’s really disappointing when there’s a good concept but crappy execution.

Amelia Jerden, sleep writer: I love the tradition in my partner’s family. He and his sister, as “kids”, buy their parents’ stockings. They usually go to the Fresh Market and get fun snacks and candy.

CL: There should be at least one food item because you get hungry while opening presents and want to have something you can eat right away.

J.T.: I like to include fruits that my kids have never tried before. If it’s too big, it will stay on the mantle. We made caroms. Someone had a pomelo one year.

Lauren Ro, writer: I once went to the world market around Christmas. They offer international candies that are perfect for Christmas gifts.

Sam Daly, Deals Editor: My mother loves buying Christmas stockings at World Market. Personally, I am very intrigued by Barnacle Foods Kelp Pickleswhich I think my father would like.

J.T.: Last year, I gave my kids these awesome candies that looked like LEGOs: the Amos 4D Gummy Blocks Candy Bricks. This year I have my eye on a similar weird candy from the same brand. They are called Peelerand you’re supposed to be able to peel a small banana or peel a peach skin. It is also the annual reminder to everyone that Nutella makes mini pots. And don’t forget Pocket Coffee—mini pieces of chocolate filled with liquid espresso.

CL: It would be nice to receive pistachios. Or any fancy nut.

Jérémy Rellosa, writer: My mother always gives me and my brother fancy beef jerky. He’s a protein demonand he usually takes mine.

Bella Druckman, junior writer: My brother is a fraternity brother, so I put a Smirnoff ice cream in his stocking a few years ago.

Tembe Denton-Hurst, writer: Small vaselines.

J.T.: A new box of colored pencils for children so they can take them back to school in January.

Alexis Swerdloff, associate editor: I would say don’t be afraid of things that seem basic but are of good quality. And do gift cards for teenagers.

SD: Yes, one Steam video game gift card. You can do $10, so it’s pretty cheap.

J.R.: Chipotle is also nice. You bought them a burrito and a soda.

CL: I never want to see a Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks gift card again in my entire life. I’ve seen so many over the years.

J.R.: One thing my mother gives every year is a Lotto scratch game. It’s a fun little ritual to scrape it while you open the stockings.

CL: I gave my husband some padded fitness gloves for doing pull-ups or whatever he does. It was a success.

Ashley Wolfgang, Newsletter Editor: John Derian stuffed animals would be fun.

CL: I put the Hooga Book Lamp in my husband’s stockings last year. When he misplaced it a few months later, he said, “You need to get another reading light.” » I also recently went to the American Girl doll store. They have miniature versions of historical dolls. They measure 6.5 inches and come with a small book. It’s a great gift.

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