Before we get too far into this discussion, a ground rule. When the Frugal Yankee talks about kid's stockings, Santa is the maker.  At best we are in an advisory role. However, there are many a stocking filled by an adult for an adult. When this is the case, the operative word here is fun, creative and naturally, frugal.

The Frugal Yankee's first tip is wrap whatever you are put in a stocking. It's easy. Take scraps of wrapping paper used for bigger presents and wrap the stocking items. This makes each item more intriguing and it gives the stocking a certain kind of 'bulge' which adds to the mystery. Besides using scraps means we are being frugal with something we may have previously tossed.
Different families have different traditions when it comes to stockings. Each tradition has a special meaning and they all count. Something my wife's family has done is every year different people fill a stocking for one person. They draw names and over the course of the year they collect things they know that person would like in their stocking.

Another example, in Louise's family, her grown children still get the same stockings they had when they were little, It connects the past with the present and hopefully the future. As with many families, there are certain gifts given year after year. Some are jokes, some are traditions and some are just practical.

Here is another Frugal Yankee tip which was alluded to earler. When you are mulling over filling a stocking, don't go out and do it in one day. Keep it in the back of your mind and keep on eye open for interesting little gifts without spending a fortune. To give you a leg up, the Frugal Yankee has a few ideas.

You can't go wrong with simple food stuffs or even exotic ones. The simple ones may seem like a drag to kids, but when I was a lad, I got an ORANGE (50¢) in my stocking. It wasn't cool then, but today, whenever I smell oranges, I think of Christmas.

Another avenue to take is to find interesting local candies . In New England you can try lobster lollipops ($1.49), chocolate covered cranberries ($4.95), or Boston mints ($2.50). You can find them at specialty stores or from our friends at MASS BAY TRADING COMPANY.

Here's a sure crowd pleaser. No matter where you live, a small jug of real maple syrup will get more than sugar plums dancing in your head. Or how about an intriguing hot sauce or BBQ sauce. This last one is great for the cook out master. Occasionally you'll find small jars of exotic mustards or other condiments. Scoop them up and use them as stocking stuffers. Remember, be creative and you'll find lots of great things.

USEFUL NOVELTIES

FIREFLY TOOTH BRUSHES
The Frugal Yankee loves these! They are inexpensive tooth brushes from Dr Fresh with flashing timers on them to help young children learn how long they should brush. Also a good 'joke' gift for that uncle with bad breath. Batteries included. Not a toy and only $1.00 a pop. What a deal!There are 2 kinds. Step 1 is for very young and Step 2 for 2 to 4 year olds.

BACK SCRATCHERS
Ok, most of us won't use these everyday, but when you need your back scratched and there is no one around, well, these are heaven sent. Check out this fine selection from Back Scratcher World. The Frugal Yankee was particularly taken with the one from Maine. Oh, did I tell they toss in a freebie? Check out their web site for more info.
Hardwood Back Scratcher from Maine.  Made of oak & cedar ($19.95) • Wood Handled Telescoping ($14.95) • Thai Rosewood ($19.95)
Every order comes with a free $10 back scratcher. So buy a good for yourself, then give the $10 as a gift.

PRACTICAL & TRADITIONAL

This is a tradition in the Frugal Yankee family. It says so much and costs so little. A Packet of Seeds (less than $2.00) says spring in the dead of winter. It says in a month or two, we can start planning our garden. It says warm days will be coming. It also says you want a basket full of great home grown veggies. Be sure you collect come August.

Does anything say New England more than the good folks at Yankee Magazine. Now you may give someone a subscription to Yankee, but also consider their sibling publication, the Old Farmer's Almanac. They have a series of excellent stocking stuffers. At the top of their list is the old standby, the Almanac itself. It costs $5.99 and comes with the hole for handy hanging by the throne. There is also the Kids Almanac ($9.95) geared towards the curious child.

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2009

OFA 2009 Gardening Calendar (Old Farmer's Almanac (Calendars))(companion to seed packet)
Desk Calendar $11.99
2009 Engagement Calendar $14.99

AU COURANT

Let's switch from something traditional to the new. For the audiophile in your life who has put ear buds on and tuned out everything else, these are an upgrade from the standard issue.

Maxell Ear Buds
For the MP3 audio nut in your life look at Maxell's collection of ear buds. The Frugal Yankee tried them and loved them. These are an upgrade over the standard issue and come in a variety of prices and styles.
Maxell EB-95 Stereo Ear Buds • Jelleez ($9.99) • Peanutz ($14.99)

JIMI WALLETSThe home office is in Amesbury, MA and the products are made in Pittsfield, MA so not only are you buying something cool, you are help[ing the local economy. These products are excellent for active people or for the techies in your life. These are water and shock proof wallets and media cases.
Made with recyclable materials and 1% of profits go to green causes.
Multi-Media Memory Case $8.95 for Sony Playstation, Ninetendo DS media.
JimiX Blue Wallet $15.95 - excellent for sports, active people or those metrosexuals who are too cool for school
Jimi Compact Sports Wallet - Choice of 9 Colors - Fast Shipping
You can find them at the JIMI WALLETS web site.

CYNERGREEN WATER BOTTLES
Check out these factoids:
30 billion plastic bottles purchased in the US every year
Only 14% of the plastic bottles are recycled
Bottled water can cost as much as 10000x as much as tap.
The oil used to make plastic bottles could fuel 100,000 cars for a year.
That's why buying a good re-useable water bottle makes sense in so many ways. We particularly like Cynergreen's product line.
Original Elegance 20 oz, Stainless steel. Lead free. $9.99
Elegance 20 oz, Stainless steel. Lead free. $11.99
You can find them at the CynerGreen web site.

No matter what you end up deciding, this Christmas find fun and functional gifts to fill the stockings in your life. As the Frugal Yankee likes to remind everyOne it is all about enjoying life, spending less.