Top Ten Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family

Soon everybody will be searching for ideas to put in this year's Christmas stockings. So what are the most popular types of stocking stuffer ideas are people looking for? Generally "cheap" top the list, followed by "for men", " for children", "fun" and "adult stocking stuffers",

In an attempt to make your holiday shopping easier, I have created my Top 10 Stocking Ideas for each person in the family. This, I hope, will save you time and the stress of searching endless ideas and recommendations. After all, Christmas shopping should be a fun, enjoyable and stress-free experience.

For Boys

Most boys will wish for toys and games from Santa. I would leave the "big" expensive remote controlled toys as the main gift. There are many fun, cheap stocking gifts that will thrill your little one and put a smile on his face. Here are my Top 10 ideas:

1) Small miniature toy cars or planes.

2) Make yourself paper/wooden planes. These are inexpensive and loved by kids.

3) The infamous Slingshot Flying Monkey. These are extremely fun and will keep them entertained for a long time. The slingshot is also available in other characters such as cow, frog, pig and chicken.

4) Yo-yos.

5) Magic cards.

6) 3D puzzles

7) Gift certificate to their favorite store.

8) Bath toys such as Animal Sponge Capsules and Gelli Baff will keep them entertained in the bath.

9) Colorful pencils, erasers, glue sticks, chalk, rulers and stickers. These school supplies are likely in need of replenishment at the start of the new calendar year and

10) And of course don't forget candies and chocolates.

For Girls

Girls, like boys also like most toys and games but they tend to be a little more practical and like their mother would probably love to dress up and look pretty. Here are my Top 10 stocking stuffers for Girls:

1) Jewelry. Items such as, hair clips, energy bead bracelet and other hair decorations will go down well.

2) Girls tend to be more patient and creative and many love to paint, draw or make things. Hence, items like make your own jewelry, arts and crafts, putty are very well received.

3) For the glamorous girl, tubes of flavored lip-gloss, glittery body gel and neon nail polish will put a sparkle in her eye.

4)Branded toys such as Barbie and Hello Kitty. Leave the big toy items for the main gift but small accessories such as Barbie stickers, pens, notebooks make great stocking stuffers.

5) Colorful pencils, erasers, glue sticks, chalk, rulers and stickers.

6) Gift certificate to their favorite store.

7) Bath toys such as Animal Sponge Capsules and Gelli Baff are great fun for kids.

8) Handbags or purses.

9) Miniature cuddly soft toys and baby dolls and

10) Throw in a few packets or bars of her favorite candies, chocolates and juices.

For Men

Traditionally stocking stuffers are relatively small, fun, frugal gifts, but for the special person in your life I see no reason not to be a bit more lavish with your gifts that are useful, practical and guaranteed to be appreciated. Here, you can mix and match a selection of cheaper items as well as one or two more expensive gifts that are on his Christmas list!

1) iPod or MP3 player. The smaller gadgets are great for runners and for non-runners they are small enough to carry around in his pocket.

2) i-Tunes gift certificates.

3) Subscription to his favorite newspaper or magazine

4) Gift certificate to his favorite store.

5) Accessories that comes as part of the main gift. Yes, this is boring but it is practical! For example, if an electronic gadget gift requires batteries, then rather than wrapping this up with the main gift, throw it in the stocking.

6) Favorite CD/DVD.

7) Fun and novelty gifts to make him laugh such as a shocking pen, slingshot toys.

8) Car air freshener. This may sound boring but we all know that guys don't keep their cars as clean as the ladies!

9) Healthy munchies such as raisins, dried fruit and granola bars and

10) Golf balls (for golfer), running socks (for runner) or other sporting accessories.

For Women

It is without doubt that women like to be pampered. Careful selections of gifts that match her personality, interests and needs will go down well. My top 10 ideas for Women are:

1) Gift certificate to a spa or saloon.

2) Pamper, romantic and personal care gifts such as massage oil, organic soaps and bath salts.

3) Scented stress balls to take away the stress of Xmas shopping! 4 Mood glow candles. These are different and more interesting than traditional candles.

5) Her favorite chocolate and candies.

6) Digital Photo keychain so that she can carry with her at all times her favorite photos of the kids.

7) Theatre tickets.

8) Small photograph to remind her of something memorable whether it's a holiday or an event.

9) Dinner for 2 at her favorite restaurant and

10) Favorite CD/DVD.

The list of Christmas stocking stuffers can be endless, but I hope there is something for you and your family in my Top 10 List. Happy Stocking Stuffing!

Alice Duong is the owner of MyRedPacket.com and writes articles on Gifts for all Occasions. MyRedPacket.com is a unique online Gift and Gadget shop with a good selection of Christmas Stocking Stuffers and Ready Filled