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It’s Blogmas Day 15! (I’m kind of surprised I’ve managed to get a post of up each day so far considering I had done no preparation whatsoever!) Today, we’re talking about filler gifts. I don’t know if this is a ‘thing,’ or if this is just something I do. But, it is a super helpful way to tackle your holiday shopping list.
What are filler gifts?
So, what is a filler gift? Filler gifts are items that you buy in bulk (usually) and use them in gifts you’re giving. You may want to add some if you think it doesn’t look like you spent enough money or you just couldn’t think of something else to gift. But, I find they work well for me when it comes to gift bags/baskets.
While working in retail, on Christmas Eve everyone would bring gifts to give to other coworkers. I would plan out who I intended to give things to, just like I would any other gift list. But, there’s always the risk of someone giving me something and I have nothing for them in return. To avoid that, I would create a couple of gift bags filled with filler gifts. That way if someone I hadn’t planned for gave me a gift, I could immediately pull out something for them and skip any awkwardness.
Filler Gifts vs. Stocking Stuffers
While they may sound similar and have similar characteristics, filler gifts are not stocking stuffers. Filler gifts aren’t an afterthought or something you’d purchase last minute. (But, I’m not saying that stocking stuffers are an afterthought!) They’re a way of finishing your holiday shopping early, avoiding awkwardness, or just an easy way to give a gift for people you don’t know well but need to give something to.
For example, when I worked as a department manager in retail, all the managers got gifts for their people. But, I had only been in my position since the week of Thanksgiving, and I didn’t have a lot of money to spend. So instead, I took advantage of sales and gift sets that could be broken up and made each person a gift bag with a few items in it. I took advantage of Bath and Body Works’ Black Friday sales and gave each person hand creams, candles, and hand sanitizers. All in all, not a bad gift, but it also wasn’t something that stressed me out while planning.
Filler Gifts from Amazon
Here are some great filler options- all which can be purchased on Amazon. With a couple of these items, all you’d need is to grab a set of gift bags and tissue paper, and you’re good to go.
I’m one of those people that loves buying new notebooks and notepads, so I love using those items as filler gifts (or just regular gifts) for people. If I see a notebook cover that has a joke or something on it that I know someone would appreciate, I get that for them specifically. But if I were to get a set of 5 notebooks, however, those are what I would use as a filler gift.
List notepads are one of the easiest filler gift options. Even if someone doesn’t like a specific pattern, a notepad like this is something that anyone can use whether it be for grocery lists or to do lists.
These face masks are a great option because you’re getting a lot of items, but also variety which means you can mix and match between people.
This 10pc hand cream set is another ideal option. You get variety so you can pick and choose who to give what scent to based on their preferences.
Or, you can get a set of clear lip glosses. This way, you won’t have to worry about what shade works with everyone’s skin tones.
Nail polish sets can be a little more pricey, but you can get luck and find great deals out there. Especially on Amazon, there are tons of gel polish sets too.
Glass nail files are a great upgrade from emery boards, and they look prettier too. You can even find some options that come in cases.
Candles are one of my filler gift go-to items. They’re such an easy option, but are something most people love. I suggest staying with more neutral or ‘basic’ scents like rain or vanilla unless you know the individuals favorite scents.
Have you done anything like this? If you have, leave your suggestions for fillers in the comments below!
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