With Christmas coming up, we have arrived at another Stuart tradition: Kris Kringle. Similar to the idea of Secret Santa, Kris Kringle is Stuart’s annual holiday celebration in the Upper School and is a gift exchange between students and/or faculty members. Each day you give a gift to the person you have been assigned and receive one from the person who is assigned to you! Coming up with gift ideas can be tough, as you want to be creative while also staying under budget. In case you’re struggling, here are some ideas for some inspiration!
Throughout the remainder of the week, these will be the categories:
December 17: Tasty Tuesday:
You will make or buy a tasty treat for your Kris Kringle! The more festive the better! Remember to be mindful of food allergies.
- DIY Gingerbread Cookies: Make gingerbread cookies and personalize them for your person! For example: if they are on a sports team, add their team number or decorate the cookie in their uniform.
- Decorated Sugar Cookies: Use festive cutters, and icing to make it holiday-themed.
- Mini Pie: Bake a small pie for your person (Maybe ask a close friend of your Kris Kringle their favorite kind!)
- Festive Snack Mix: Make a combination of pretzels, popcorn, M&M’s, holiday sprinkles, candy, or any of their favorite kinds of snacks.
December 18: Warm and Fuzzy Wednesday:
You will bring your Kris Kringle a warm, cozy, fuzzy gift that can keep them warm during the holidays.
- Mini Blanket: Buy a small blanket and add a festive ribbon!
- Fuzzy Socks: Buy holiday themed socks or themed socks of something personal to your Kris Kringle.
- Knit or Crochet a Scarf: If you have the skills create a scarf yourself! This is very thoughtful.
- Mittens or Gloves
- Holiday Themed Beanie
December 19: Thinking of You Thursday:
You will write your Kris Kringle a kind note wishing them Happy Holidays and letting them know how much you appreciate them. You can be creative with this or keep it simple; make it special to your person.
- Handwritten Note: Write a heartfelt letter on a festive card or a personalized card!
- Memory Jar: Create a jar of notes, pictures, or things you appreciate about them.
- Poem: Come up with a fun poem about how you appreciate your person. (Rhyming is always fun!)
- Custom Crossword Puzzle: Make one with clues, inside jokes, memories, or things you appreciate about them.
December 20: Festive Finale Friday:
The last day will be the Spiral gift exchange! You will bring in your final gift, give it to your person, and finally reveal yourself during the spiral. This gift can be anything you want to give your person!
- Themed Gift Basket: Fill the basket with snacks, giftcard, self care items (face masks, candles), books, a stuffed animal, etc.
- Squishmallow: Buy one of their favorite character, animal, or a holiday themed one.
- Gift Card: Buy one to their favorite store if you know it!
- Jewelry
- Perfume or Sugar Scrub of their favorite Scent
- Sweatshirt
- Pajama Set
Pinterest can be very helpful with coming up with ideas as well. Remember to be intentional and thoughtful with your gifts, as they can mean a lot to the person receiving them. Gifts do not have to cost a lot to be meaningful, but rather should have value to it! Happy gift giving!
