Getting Personal

                Location Location Relocation – Where to Hang Your Christmas Stocking?
            
                It doesn't matter how old we get or how much we protest that Christmas is really a time about giving rather than receiving – the Christmas stocking is surely one of the most exciting things about Christmas morning, and should be given careful consideration in where it is placed and what should be put inside!

Whilst many European countries traditionally place a pair of shoes outside the door for St Nicholas to fill with goodies, the Christmas Stocking has long been a Western tradition and is commonly placed either at the end of a bed or hung from the fire place – nice and easy for Santa Claus to find as he stumbles down the chimney. As your parents will no doubt tell you, stocking fillers have gradually got much better over the years, graduating from fruit and a handful of nuts to more exciting gifts.

Stocking fillers need to be small enough to fit inside the rather large sock, but finding the right sized gifts isn't always that easy. If you're stuck for ideas this year, then here is a small guide of things to look out for…

Gadgets and Gizmos

As technology advances, it somehow seems to get smaller too which is great for us as it means they are perfectly proportioned for that big red sock.
Keeping with the Christmas theme, why not treat the loved ones to a 'MoPod' this year? These groovy little devices accessorize any mobile phone and light up and twirl when an incoming message or call is received. The 'Reindeer MoPod' will no doubt be in overdrive on Christmas morning when all those festive texts come through, and it won't be long before the 'Father Christmas MoPod' is in overdrive too! When it comes to the fun and frolics of Christmas morning, it won't be long before the grownups are screaming out for a different type of gadget: the 'Control-a-Kid Remote Control'. This fun little device requires a simple press of the button to get back that peace and quiet.

Pocket Plants

Flowers have long been a traditional gift to buy someone on any special occasion but with the exception of the Christmas tree and the good old Poinsettias, Christmas time rarely seems to include plants; until now. For all those green fingered friends and organic growers, why not treat them to a selection from the 'Pocket Garden range'? From sunflowers and Forget Me Nots to strawberries and herbs, the list seems endless so there's certainly something for everyone. Pocket plants are ideal gifts for getting the kids interested in organic produce, and make perfectly sized presents for anyone who might only have a window sill for a garden in their home.

Practical Presents

Stocking fillers can be a great excuse to treat someone to a gift they never realised they needed – little trinkets that will improve their life in the smallest of ways. The 'Shop-a-Holic Mints' make for a great improvement on the handful of nuts from yesteryear, and make an ideal treat for any dedicated shopper as they fit nicely inside any handbag or pocket. The 'Corkscrew Key Ring' will take any adult male back to his scouting memories; and reassure him that he'll always be welcome at any party or picnic so long as he's on drink duty.

Tiny Treats

The smaller the gifts, the better the stocking fillers and sometimes it makes sense to slip these into the big sock rather than attempting to wrap them up and losing them amongst the pile under the tree. A trendy pair of cufflinks make for excellent stocking fillers whether they are smart and sensible or cheeky and cheerful such as the 'Mr Grumpy Cufflinks' or the 'Dr Who 3D K-9 Cufflinks'. If you haven't already bought something shiny and special for the favourite lady in your life, then why not treat her to a 'Silver Love Heart Sweet' this year? These little treats are bound to put a smile on her face and remind her just how clever you can be!

Far From Festive

The Christmas stocking might be a part of Christmas tradition, but there's no guarantee that what you'll find inside them has a festive feel. stocking fillers can sometimes just be a great excuse to make someone smile and what better way to surprise them this year than with a toilet roll? You'd be forgiven for thinking that the gift of a loo roll might seem a bit cruel but not when you've seen the more unusual varieties available. The 'On a Roll – Barbed Wire Toilet Roll' might bring tears to the eyes but the 'On a Roll – Sudoku Loo Roll' will have the quiz fans riveted – and if anyone disappears to the loo for a long time on Christmas Day, you'll know it has nothing to do with your wonderful cooking!

Related article: Stocking fillers - The Best Things Come in Small Packages (Stocking Fillers)