Stocking Traditions Around the World – Quirky Customs & Filler Ideas

Here in Ireland, hanging a Christmas stocking is as much a part of the festive season as putting up the tree or leaving out treats for Santa. At WowWee.ie, we’ve been helping families create magical Christmas mornings for over 20 years with our range of personalised Christmas stockings. But did you know that the tradition of stockings is celebrated in many countries - each with its own twist?

Let’s take a little sleigh ride around the world to discover some quirky stocking customs (and pick up some stocking filler inspiration along the way).

Ireland – The Classic Christmas Morning Surprise

In Irish homes, stockings are usually hung by the fireplace or placed at the end of the bed. On Christmas morning, they’re filled with small toys, sweets, and sometimes practical little gifts like socks or stationery. The magic lies in the excitement — and nothing beats seeing your name embroidered on your very own personalised Christmas stocking from WowWee.ie.

Irish stocking filler ideas: Chocolate Santas, jellies, small books, cosy gloves, mini puzzles.

United Kingdom – Stockings & the Bedpost Tradition

Across the water in the UK, some families still follow the old custom of hanging stockings at the foot of the bed, so children can open them the moment they wake up. Traditional fillers often include a tangerine, a handful of nuts, and a shiny coin.

UK stocking filler ideas: Chocolate coins, bubble bath, novelty socks, mini games.

United States – Super-Sized Stockings

In the USA, stockings are often large and lavish, sometimes almost as big as a pillowcase! They’re usually hung over the mantel and filled with everything from sweets to tech gadgets. Many American families make a big event of “stocking opening” before moving on to larger gifts.

US stocking filler ideas: Candy canes, gift cards, lip balm, small electronics, scented candles.

Netherlands – Shoes Instead of Stockings

In the Netherlands, children put out their shoes instead of stockings during Sinterklaas festivities in early December. The shoes are filled with small gifts, sweets, and even carrots for Sinterklaas’s horse.

Dutch filler ideas: Chocolate letters (one for each child’s initial), marzipan, gingerbread cookies.

Italy – La Befana’s Stockings

On January 6th, Italian children receive gifts from La Befana, a kindly witch who fills their stockings with sweets if they’ve been good — or lumps of coal if they haven’t. The stockings are often more rustic and handmade.

Italian filler ideas: Torrone (nougat), biscotti, little toy figurines.

Germany – Boots on St. Nicholas Day

In Germany, children leave polished boots outside their doors on December 6th. St. Nicholas fills them with treats, fruit, and small toys. While it’s not quite the same as a stocking, it’s a similar spirit of surprise.

German filler ideas: Chocolate Santas, gingerbread hearts, nuts, wooden ornaments.

Start Your Own Tradition

Whether your family follows Irish customs or borrows ideas from around the world, stockings are all about joy, anticipation, and togetherness.

At WowWee.ie, we offer a beautiful range of personalised Christmas stockings - from classic red velvet to fun character designs — so every family member can have one made just for them. Fill them with treasures, treats, and maybe a quirky nod to another country’s tradition this year.

🎁 Shop our full collection here: Personalised Christmas Stockings Ireland