Shivangi Sinha
Christmas traditions hold a special place in every family, with each one creating moments that feel personal and meaningful. From handwritten notes to small keepsakes, these gestures often become cherished rituals passed down through generations. In ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, episode 7, Bauble Stockings introduced their own tradition of beautifully crafted, personalized mini-stockings meant to hold a final, meaningful gift on Christmas morning. Their pitch underlined how these stockings aren’t just decorative but symbolic, designed to celebrate love, thoughtfulness, and the joy of giving in a way that feels memorable and deeply personal during the holiday season.
Bauble Stockings: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Kate Stewart graduated from Florida State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, where she was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Before that, she attended Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, later earning the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus Award for her achievements and contributions. Bauble Stockings was born from a cherished family tradition that Kate remembered fondly from childhood. Each Christmas, her mother received the final gift of the holiday, which was a thoughtful token of appreciation for everything she had done during the year. Kate’s father would take her and her brothers out to lunch, where they would talk about their mother not just as “Mom,” but as a woman deserving of something meaningful and personal.
The gift, or sometimes a clue to it, was placed inside a tiny, needlepoint stocking hung on the tree, lovingly referred to as her “Bauble Stocking.” Years later, when Kate became engaged and asked her fiancé when she would receive her own Bauble Stocking, she realized the tradition didn’t exist anywhere else. It was not just about the person receiving the gift but also the one who had out the time and effort to curate it. Inspired to share this sentimental experience with others, she founded Bauble Stockings so families everywhere could create their own version of this heartfelt holiday finale. Kate’s professional enthusiasm for the brand reflects her passion for meaningful storytelling and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Bauble Stockings are exquisitely crafted, ornament-sized needlepoint stockings designed to hold a final Christmas gift or a clue leading to it, making them a sentimental grand finale to the holiday. Each stocking is 100% hand-stitched with high-quality materials and produced through fair-trade partnerships in Jacmel, Haiti. The artisans creating them work with Good Threads Needlepoint, a BCorp-certified organization that ensures ethical labor standards and sustainable practices. The artwork for the stockings is created by illustrator Sarah Watson, a SCAD graduate whose whimsical designs capture the magic of the season. They are made in decorative styles and stand for making memories that last a lifetime in the customer’s world.
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Bauble Stockings: Where Are They Now?
Bauble Stockings has grown into a beloved holiday brand with an impressive presence both online and across more than 300 retailers nationwide. Their collaborations with major names such as Neiman Marcus, Talbot’s, Draper James, LoveShackFancy, Blackberry Farm, and The White House Historical Association have helped solidify their status in the world of premium holiday décor. Since its launch, the company has donated over $144,000 to charity, reinforcing its commitment to giving back. Bauble Stockings also partners with celebrated guest artists, including Mallory Mathelson, Mary Engelbreit, and Tara Roma Gill, and each has selected a charity to receive 10% of profits from their designs. As of now, Bauble Stockings offers 108 products, all available through their website, ranging from classic needlepoint stockings to themed collections.
Their signature ornament-sized stockings come in a wide array of designs, such as Woodland Creatures, Classic Nutcracker, Christmas Cardinal, and many more, each priced at $91.99 (approximately). They also sell sets of blank clue cards in various festive patterns, typically priced around $13 (approximately), allowing families to personalize the Bauble Stocking tradition with handwritten riddles or heartfelt messages. Beyond the small stockings, Bauble Stockings also offers limited-edition full-size hand-stitched stockings, although the 2025 batch has already sold out. Customers can, however, place advance reservations for 2026, including custom name embroidery. Personalized needlepoint names are available for $415, with a maximum of ten letters, making each stocking a meaningful keepsake.
In addition to their core products, the brand also sells engraved charms, a charming Smocking Red Pajama Collection, and other thoughtfully designed holiday accessories. To further celebrate the heart of the tradition, Kate Stewart co-authored the book ‘Bauble Stockings: A Family Tradition That Matters’ with Jonathan and Tory Fallis, offering readers a deeper look into the meaning behind the stocking, how the tradition evolved, and stories from families who have adopted it. Together, the products and heartfelt storytelling have helped Bauble Stockings transform a treasured childhood memory into a widely cherished holiday ritual in homes across the country.
