Getting Personal

                Stocking fillers - The Best Things Come in Small Packages
            
                There's an unwritten scientific law which states that 'the best presents come in the smallest packages'... and certainly that's never more true than at Christmas, when children of 'all ages' become incredibly excited at the prospect of glorious little stocking fillers!

Let's face it, big fancy presents are ace - but there's also something undeniably enthralling about those little itty-bitty stocking fillers which are so often the most surprising, humorous, and touching!

For him

Even big hairy men can't resist quirky stocking fillers! Just make sure he leaves out a clean sock - not the filthy pair from the bottom of the washing basket. Pop in the 'build your own Lamborghini' kit to fuel his racing dreams! And then remind him that he'll need to get saving if he wants a real version, with the original coin sorter! A dip down the back of the sofa should bring up a few coppers to start with... For smart gents who like a laugh, why not tickle his humour with some wonderful 'Mr Men' cufflinks - or if he fancies himself as more of a hard nut, challenge him to grow his own super-hot chilli plant... and laugh merrily at the results!

For her

When she starts dropping heavy hints about the lovely presents she's hoping for at Christmas, don't panic, show her how much you care with a thoughtful selection of little stocking fillers - she'll be singing your praises for the holiday season! Why not decorate the festive tree with a cute little 'Shopaholic' bauble, devoted to your own Retail Queen, or make sure your smiling face is the first thing she sees upon waking, with the dinky 'boyfriend' red-heart photo frame - poor love. Princesses of all ages will love the 'make your own tiara' kit, but if the regal headgear - and the festive bubbly - start to go to her head, calm her down with the beautiful glowing 'sun jar' and a squeeze of her own personalised teddy bear... If you're feeling extremely easy-going, why not offer her some amusement with the devilish 'control a man' remote control. Of course, if the remote gets lost - as they so often do - it won't be anything to do with you will it...?

For the kids

Aah, those happy images of angelic children at Christmas time - little faces beaming and eyes sparkling as they joyfully receive a single orange and a lump of coal in their ancient festive stocking.... well sadly those days are gone, and your little darlings will working themselves into a hyperactive frenzy with thoughts of all manner of exciting Stocking Fillers! Why not start with a beautiful vintage stocking, filled with treats. Your little monkeys will love a mini flying monkey toy with cape - and no, Dad really doesn't need to carry out rigorous testing and quality control himself first! Kids of a certain age will love the naughty 'On a roll' crime scene toilet tissue (one to avoid giving to holiday guests) and dreamers will love scrawling in the quirky 'I'm going to change the world' planning notebook. The 'Christmas Game' box will hopefully distract them from fighting - but if the excitement gets too much, the slightly weird 'bacon and egg' bandage tin should soothe any bumps! Finally, pack them off with a selection of diverting games - the money maze or some old fashioned space intruders should keep them quiet for - oh, about two minutes!

Grandparents

Too old for stocking fillers? Nonsense, your lovely grand folk won't stand for any of that malarkey! Nowadays there are plenty of interesting stocking fillers for even the most 'senior' of Christmas kids! Why not show Grandma your old fashioned appreciation of the kitchen with "Mrs Manley's Christmas Treat's' recipe book. Of course, she needn't know that your domestic skills extend no further than 'defrost and microwave' - and with any luck she'll offer to get cracking with some mince pie recipes! For Grandad, darken his green fingers with the carnivorous plant kit! It'll go a treat in the greenhouse - and slightly disturb the neighbours. Bonus! Otherwise, he might like the mini golf kit. That way he can focus on perfecting his putt, and quietly zone out from the Christmas chaos unfolding all around!

Of course, these are just a few ideas - and there are literally endless options for stocking fillers when you put your mind to it! Have fun with it and go wild - and remember, it's the personal touch which really shows your loved ones that you care - so get online, and enjoy playing Santa this Christmas!