How to Choose a Holiday Stocking for Your Family
By Mary Engelbreit, Licensed Art Studio, St Louis, Missouri | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Buying Guides
Find the perfect Christmas stocking for each family member with our practical buying guide. Compare bauble stocking styles, sizes, and personalization options.
Quick answer
Choose a holiday stocking by considering the recipient's personality, your home decor style, and whether you want a traditional full-size stocking or a charming bauble stocking that doubles as decor.
Why size and style matter
Full-size stockings are classic for hanging by the fireplace and filling with larger gifts. Bauble stockings, on the other hand, are miniature and designed to hold one meaningful item—perfect for a handwritten note, a small keepsake, or a clue to a bigger present. Their compact size also makes them easy to display on a tree, wreath, or mantel without overwhelming your decor.
Think about your family's gift-giving tradition. If everyone expects a stocking stuffed with small presents, a traditional size works best. If you prefer a single thoughtful surprise per person, a bauble stocking adds charm and focus.
Personalization and theme
Matching stockings create a cohesive look, while individual designs let each family member express their personality. Mary Engelbreit's bauble stockings feature whimsical winter scenes—sledding Scotties, cheerful snowmen, penguins on holiday, and festive baubles—that can reflect the interests of each person.
If you have children, consider letting them pick their own design. A snowman lover might choose the Joy Snowman Bauble Stocking, while a dog enthusiast would adore the Sledding Scottie Bauble Stocking. This small choice makes the stocking feel personal.
Material and durability
Most holiday stockings are made from felt, knit, or fabric blends. Bauble stockings are typically crafted from high-quality materials that hold their shape year after year. Since these miniature stockings are often handled and displayed, look for sturdy stitching and vibrant, fade-resistant prints.
If you plan to store stockings for reuse, choose designs with timeless appeal. Mary Engelbreit's collaborations with Bauble Stockings use classic holiday motifs that stay stylish season after season.
How to pick the right stocking for each family member
- Start with the recipient's personality: Think about what makes them smile. A snowman fan? Choose the Joy Snowman Bauble Stocking. A penguin lover? The Penguin on Holiday Bauble Stocking fits perfectly. Matching the design to their interests makes the stocking feel personal. Let each person's favorite winter character guide your choice.
Penguin on Holiday Bauble Stocking - Decide on size: full-size vs. bauble: Full-size stockings hold multiple small gifts. Bauble stockings are miniature and hold one special item—great for a sentimental gift or a clue. If you want to display stockings on a tree or in a small space, bauble stockings are more versatile. Bauble stockings work best when the focus is on a single meaningful gift.
- Consider your decor theme: If your holiday decor follows a color scheme or style, choose stockings that complement it. Mary Engelbreit's designs feature bright, cheerful colors and classic winter scenes that pair well with both traditional and whimsical decor. Coordinating stockings create a polished look; mixing designs adds playful variety.
Stocking options to consider
- Christmas in Full Swing Bauble Stocking: The Christmas in Full Swing Bauble Stocking is a miniature stocking designed to hold the most meaningful gift of Christmas—the one that brings the biggest smile or the warmest memory. Ideal for someone who loves festive, all-over patterns and wants a stocking that feels like a celebration in itself.
- Sledding Scottie Bauble Stocking: The Sledding Scottie Bauble Stocking is a miniature stocking featuring a playful Scottie dog sledding scene, part of the Mary Engelbreit and Bauble Stockings collaboration. Perfect for dog lovers or anyone who appreciates whimsical, storybook-style artwork that adds personality to the tree.
Which stocking style is right for you?
Best for
- Families who want a unique, personalized stocking for each member
- Anyone with limited mantel or tree space who prefers miniature decor
- Gift-givers who want to present a single, meaningful item in a charming way
Not for
- Those expecting a traditional large stocking filled with multiple gifts
- People who prefer plain, minimalist holiday decor without character illustrations
