by Ren Huff

Created on: December 10, 2008

Christmas stockings are just as exciting for children as the presents under the tree. You could choose to only put candy in them or you could add in a few surprises that do not have to be expensive. Either way you can make it just as magical and exciting.

If you decide to fill the stocking with only candy get creative. Children like candy that is wrapped in or shaped like their favorite cartoon character or TV show. Sure it would be cheaper to buy a bag of candy and disperse it among the stockings but buying it in little purse-shaped containers or race cars is more exciting for a child. Think creatively and do not wait until the last minute to buy candy. Otherwise you will be sifting through leftovers or giving in to the bags of candy.

If you decide to put a few surprises besides candy in the stocking there are endless ideas. Below is a list of age-appropriate gift ideas that you may find helpful.

1. Newborn to age Two- At this age they don't really understand what a stocking is. Therefore putting one up is more for the parents than the child. Instead of candy put their favorite treat in there. Gerber snacks for the older babies is good. Biter biscuits are a nice treat too. Instead of focusing so much on food try baby toys: Rattles, pacifiers, baby bottles with disney characters on them, Baby Einstein videos, a baby toothbrush.

2. Toddlers to age Four- Don't think extravagant at this age either. At this point they will want some candy. Be careful not to buy candy that will cause a choking hazard for the younger children. Buying candy wrapped in Disney and Nickelodeon characters is age appropriate. Fruit snacks, cookies, or individual boxes of their favorite cereal are creative. Other than food: toothbrushes, a beginner's book, movie, little dolls of their favorite characters, a small stuffed animal. and crayons.

3. Five to age Eleven- At this age you have a broader selection of candies to choose from. Try keeping it age appropriate. Five year olds may not like Hannah Montana candy but ten and eleven year olds may. At this age they will still like a cool toothbrush. Put a small book in there for them to enjoy later when they tell you they are bored. For the older ones in this group a pre-teen magazine would be a nice surprise. For the girls a barbie doll or new doll clothes, movies, some cool school supplies such as rulers, crayons, pencils that have Nickelodeon characters on them will all be nice ideas. For boys Hot Wheel cars, action figures, a deck of cards, or movies are nice.

4. Twelve to age Eighteen- Yes most at this age still want a stocking. Especially if you put more than just candy in them. The younger children may still want candy that is related to their favorite TV shows. The older children may want King-size candy bars, boxes of chocolates, or bags of candy. What would be a nice surprise are Teen magazines, cellphone minute cards, perfumes and colognes, fingernail polish, aftershave, gift cards to their favorite stores, gift cards to the movie theater, movies, jewelry.

The key is to be creative. Bring back the joy of the stocking. Children expect to get candy in their stocking. Stuffing in a few surprises will be an unexpected delight. And it does not have to be expensive.

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