This Christmas a great idea for presents is stocking stuffers. They are an assortment of small inexpensive gifts that can be fit into your children's stockings. These are great for a family on a budget or one that is just looking for something extra to add to presents that they have already purchased. They are also great for families with younger children who still believe in Santa Claus. One of the challenges is to find items that will serve as "evidence" that Santa came by. It can also be used as reinforcement of good behavior by giving a child the present they wanted but putting a piece of coal in their stocking if they weren't be nice or at their best behavior. As you see, the stocking stuffer can be a great asset to parents on Christmas Day. However, you may not know exactly what items will be popular with your kids. Here are some great suggestions and tips to help as you look for items to put in your children's stockings

Edible items such as candy and snacks are perennial favorites for stocking stuffers. They are cheap to buy and will fit in easily. Also there is the fact that there are few children who can say no to candy even ones that they may not particularly like. This isn't the only route to go with. Many parents are now becoming more aware of the importance of what their children eat. So they are starting to look for healthier options that taste just as good. A good choice is trail mix is a snack that is a mixture of crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, and nuts that taste great but give children need consumption of fruit and plant protein. It also keeps them away from excess sugar. You can also use fresh fruit such as apples, pears, and oranges. This way you can not only have delicious treats waiting for the children but healthy ones as well.

An overlooked option is novelty pens. These are special writing tools with cool options such as radios or an onboard computer. If you know where to look online you should be able to keep cost around $20 per pen maximum. They are great because they can be used by your kids when they go back to school after Holiday break. Make them the talk of the town with these unique one of a kind pens.

Small toys are also common items used to stuff stockings. The trick is to look for small toys that your kids will enjoy playing with. For boys, go with small actions figures, cars, and planes. Items that will probably be popular are small Transformers toys. I don't mean the ones you get in happy meals, I mean the ones you can purchase at store that fully transform. They will be cheaper than you think and help you meet your budget. For girls, go with small doll toys like Polly pocket or mini Barbies.

Finally to add a magical touch to the stocking use letters from Santa as a finishing touch. You can type up the letters yourself or for more authentic looking ones use an online service to order a letter custom made with an official looking postage stamp from the North Pole. Your children will be excited and they will continue to believe in the magic of the holidays.