The Christmas tradition of stockings has always appealed to me. For some, this is the part of Christmas morning where they are getting the items that they need in addition to gift cards and smaller items. Whenever I'd sift through my stocking on Christmas morning at my grandparents' home, I'd pull out an orange, a bag of mixed nuts, candies, and generally a five dollar bill. As a kid I never appreciated the stocking as much as unwrapping the larger gifts, but as an adult it's a tradition I have grown to miss.

There's something that feels so thoughtful about getting the things you needed but don't necessarily think about, and a bunch of small items that you'll definitely use and love. I know that's supposed to describe Christmas (getting thoughtful gifts from family and loved ones) but sometimes with large, frivolous gifts the heart is sometimes missed.

That's why when I am attempting to purchase stocking stuffers or secret santa gifts for friends and family, I sometimes get a little stuck. For purchasing small gifts, I like to pick out items that cater to that person's interests but also to their needs. How thoughtful is it to open a small candle that just happens to be your favorite scent? Or have a tin of tea in your stocking that you can't wait to brew and enjoy while you open your other gifts? When your loved ones give you hints that you need to relax, just don't deny it!

For the few short weeks leading up to Christmas, I am going to offer some ideas of gifts that I love and ones that I have picked out for possible gifts for my loved ones. Maybe a little inspiration will help you out, too! Plus, all of the items listed below are under $50, so some might be great for a Secret Santa party!

Here are two sets to start off. They both appeal to relaxation: we all need to treat ourselves sometimes!

This first set is for the person I find trickiest. She's a little rough-and-tumble but still girly. She loves tea and candles, but nothing too fruity or floral. I see her as kind of practical but still wants to relax, and darn it, she should: It's Christmas after all! So the scents I've picked for the candle err on the masculine more rustic side, and the tea is sweet like the holiday but not fruity. And the wine soap? Well, she loves wine (and who doesn't really?)

1. Gingerbread tea from DAVIDsTEA, $162. Tobacco & Patchouli candle from PaddyWax Apothecary , $193. Summer Crisp Chardonnay Wine Soap, $9 — 1. Gingerbread tea from DAVIDsTEA, $16
2. Tobacco & Patchouli candle from PaddyWax Apothecary , $19
3. Summer Crisp Chardonnay Wine Soap, $9

The second set of gifts is for the girl that loves beauty products. Some of these finds are really great bargains and especially fun for the holidays due to their packaging! I mean, nail polish in christmas bulbs and a bath bomb shaped like Santa, who can resist?

1. Real Techniques Sam's Picks Brush Set, $302. Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Mask, $163. LUSH "Ho Ho Ho" Bath Set, $14.954. Ciate Tree Trinkets Polish, $21 — 1. Real Techniques Sam's Picks Brush Set, $30
2. Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Mask, $16
3. LUSH "Ho Ho Ho" Bath Set, $14.95
4. Ciate Tree Trinkets Polish, $21

The brush set is great since it is from one of my favorite brush manufacturers. The brushes last a while and the bristles are soft and plush, yet dense. Plus this specific set gives you a variety of brushes that are great for daily use!

This set of gifts really is about pampering yourself. The Macadamia Deep Repair Mask is great for moisturizing damaged hair, but it's not greasy so it is great for extra moisture for regular hair as well. To continue the pamper-session, dissolve Santa's face in your bath: The Father Christmas bath bomb is citrus-y and turns the bath water from Christmas red to a lush green with a bit of white bubbles. Top of the relaxation with a festive Ciate polish: your nails will sparkle.

What are some more great small-gift ideas? Anything you've been eyeing?
Be sure to check back here on Friday for more Holiday gift ideas for "her"!