Personalised Christmas stockings and hats

The tradition of Christmas stockings and hats

Our personalised Christmas stockings can be hung on the branches of your Christmas tree. However, tradition says they should be placed on the mantelpiece, if you have one in your living room, or near the tree. But where does this Christmas stocking tradition come from? From Saint Nicholas, of course, as is often the case when it comes to Christmas. The bishop lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century. Legend has it that three needy sisters hung their stockings on the fireplace mantel to dry. During the night, Saint Nicholas filled those stockings with gold coins, dropping them down the chimney, to the great joy of their owners.

Since then, we no longer fill stockings with gold coins (although you never know 😊), but with small gifts.

This Christmas stocking tradition is particularly popular in Anglo-Saxon countries such as the United States and England. Today, more and more families are adopting this decorative and personalised tradition instead of placing shoes under the tree.

Another Christmas tradition is that of Christmas baubles, with Alsace playing a pioneering role. The first baubles appeared in this region in the 12th century (they were apples at the time), and the first blown glass baubles emerged in the 19th century. To make your Christmas Eve truly unique, Amikado offers a wide range of personalised Christmas baubles featuring a name or a photo.

Which Christmas stocking should you choose?

Many designs are available in our collection of Christmas stockings, all personalised with embroidery in our workshop in Toulouse. You can choose the design you like best, the material (felt, polyester, linen-look fabric, etc.) and, depending on the model, one of the following festive characters:

• Christmas reindeer
• Santa Claus
• Snowman
• Christmas penguin
• Christmas bear

Some families prefer to choose the same model for everyone to avoid jealousy, while others enjoy mixing different characters or animals on each Christmas stocking. Either way, these charming embroidered Christmas stockings are sure to delight everyone.

How to make and decorate a Christmas stocking?

Every year during the festive season, it’s time to bring out our favourite Christmas decorations. When it comes to décor, the options are endless: garlands, fairy lights, Christmas baubles, personalised Christmas cushions for the living room, and even the famous personalised Christmas beer glass by Amikado. But one must-have item not to forget at Christmas is, of course, the Christmas stocking. It adds that magical finishing touch at the foot of the tree, on the wall or by the fireplace.

This long-standing tradition continues to enchant both young and old year after year. The excitement of the festive season, the decorations everywhere, Christmas films playing on repeat, and the anticipation of discovering what’s hidden inside the stockings make them a true symbol of Christmas magic.

You can either make your own Christmas stockings or order them directly from our website. Amikado offers a wide variety of models, each one unique thanks to personalisation with the name of your choice. With different colours and festive illustrations, everyone can enjoy their own personalised Christmas stocking.

If you prefer the homemade option, creating your own Christmas stockings is easier than you might think. Start by choosing your colours: red and green are classic Christmas shades, while white evokes the purity of winter snow. Gold and silver add a touch of elegance and sophistication, perfect for dressing up your fireplace.

As for materials, there are many options. Felt is the most commonly used, but wool and other fabrics work just as well. Once your stocking is assembled, decorate it to suit your taste using ribbons, bows, glitter, rhinestones or even small bells.

To begin, create a pattern to use as a template so that all your stockings are the same shape. Patterns are easy to find online and simple to reproduce by hand. Place the pattern on the felt, trace it, cut out two identical pieces and sew them together with matching thread. All that’s left is to decorate them!

What to put in a Christmas stocking?

Not sure what to put inside your Christmas stockings? Don’t worry — Amikado has you covered. While Christmas stockings are decorative, they are also wonderfully practical and full of tradition.

They offer an extra surprise on Christmas Day, in addition to the gifts under the tree. Personalised Christmas stockings are perfect for hiding small surprises for the whole family to enjoy.

Every stocking should reflect the person it belongs to. You wouldn’t give the same gifts to your partner, your child or a parent. Start by thinking about each person’s interests to find small gifts that will truly make them smile.

Traditionally, stockings were filled with edible treats such as sweets, dried fruits and confectionery. Today, customs have evolved, and stockings are more personalised than ever. The key is to choose useful gifts tailored to each recipient. This year, surprise your loved ones with personalised items they’ll treasure — unique gifts they’ll be the only ones to own. Amikado has curated a special selection designed to fit perfectly into Christmas stockings, with something for everyone.