Christmas stockings and candy are a natural pair. However, instead of stuffing each stocking with the same candy, how about selecting candy based upon what each person actually likes? 

Licorice gives you plenty of choices. Some people prefer traditional black licorice. Others prefer Strawberry, Cherry, Blue raspberry, or some other type of fruity flavor.

And sometimes the fun is simply knowing which person in the family would choose which flavor.

If you're looking for candy stocking stuffers this Christmas, licorice gives you an easy way to pick something a little different for everyone.

Why Licorice Makes a Good Stocking Stuffer

The versatility of licorice provides a lot of advantages when using it as a stocking stuffer. 

At Sherry’s Licorice, we provide eight flavors: black, strawberry, cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, watermelon, red raspberry, and cinnamon. With so many choices, choosing a licorice flavor can be part of the fun. This allows you to provide options for those that like traditional black licorice, prefer fruit flavored candies, or want to try something new. 

Our licorice is sold in 16 oz. bags. So, one bag can give them plenty to enjoy after opening presents on Christmas day or if they need it to last a little longer. For someone who really enjoys licorice, adding a second flavor is an easy way to give them some variety. 

The challenge is deciding which flavor goes into which stocking.

Blue Raspberry Licorice for the Kids

Of all the flavors available, blue raspberry licorice seems to attract the kid’s attention the most.

There seems to be something appealing about the vibrant color and the taste of the blue raspberry flavor. As far as we can tell, blue raspberry licorice is a commonly preferred choice for young candy lovers. 

We also noticed that kids tend to favor green apple licorice. While it does not seem to receive as much attention as blue raspberry, its sweet and slightly tart taste seems to be an attractive alternative for children that like their candy with a little more tartness.

When families sample our licorice at shows, children frequently select different favorites. 

That is one reason why providing each stocking with their own flavor adds to the enjoyment rather than placing the same candy in each stocking.

Strawberry and Cherry for Familiar Favorites

While both strawberry and cherry licorice can be used as a starting point for adults, we found that strawberry is the most popular of the two. Its familiar flavor may help explain why strawberry licorice is popular with candy lovers.

It is considered a safer bet when you know someone prefers fruit-flavored licorice but is unsure which flavor they would choose.

Like strawberry, cherry licorice has its own loyal following. In fact, prior to offering cherry licorice, we had many customers asking about it. Both flavors are very distinct. Strawberry licorice has a sweeter taste that is typical of fruit-flavored candy while cherry licorice has a more tart taste.

If you are planning to fill a stocking for someone that enjoys classic red licorice candy, then strawberry would be a great starting point. On the other hand, if you know someone that enjoys a little tartness with his or her candy, cherry may be the better choice.

Don't Forget the Black Licorice Lover

Unlike some of the previous flavors mentioned above, black licorice is one flavor that really helps to know your audience. 

People that enjoy black licorice usually have strong opinions about it. Since it is such a distinctive flavor, it can be an easy stocking stuffer if there is a black licorice lover in your family or circle of friends.

We’ve even seen friends surprise each other when sampling our licorice at festivals. One will ask to sample our black licorice and another friend will reply "You like Black Licorice? I never knew that." 

Although it may seem insignificant, it serves as a reminder that you may know someone for years and still not know their favorite candy.

So, if you find out there's a black licorice fan in your family or circle of friends, do not forget to use this information come Christmas time. Some of the best ideas for stocking stuffers are the ones that show you have remembered something they like.

Individual Favorites or Flavors to Share

One thing we've learned from families sampling our licorice is that there's no single way to pick flavors for everyone.

Sometimes parents will let each of their children pick their favorite and everyone leaves with something different. Other times many families (especially larger families) will taste test a couple of different flavors before deciding which one they all like.

Both methods can be used to fill your loved ones Christmas stockings.

If you already know everyone’s favorite flavor, then providing each with his or her own flavor is a great way to personalize their stocking. On the other hand, if you are buying for several people who will likely end up sharing, selecting a couple of flavors that everyone likes may be a better option.

You don’t need several bags for every stocking, a single favorite flavor can satisfy the needs of one person, while providing a couple of different flavors allows everyone to share.

A Different Kind of Christmas Candy

While licorice may not be the first thing people think of when filling their Christmas stockings, it can add some fun to the process.

A simple bag of someone's favorite licorice provides a more personalized touch than merely adding another type of holiday candy to their stocking. That same idea can also work when looking for licorice gift ideas for Christmas beyond the stocking. Instead of simply providing more holiday candy for them to sort through, you are making a selection based on what they truly enjoy.

Regardless of whether you decide upon a different flavor for each person or select two flavors that everyone can enjoy together. The best place to begin is simply by thinking about who you are filling the stocking for and what they would like to find inside on Christmas morning.