Kids and Holidays: What do you do to fill your children's Christmas stockings with that is both cost efficient and practical?

"I am practical when it comes to gift giving.  I cringe to buy toys for my kids because I know they'll enjoy them for a day or two, but after that they become just another item laying around the house.  I hate the thought of wasting money on things that in the end become clutter. What do you do to fill your children's Easter baskets or Christmas stockings that is both cost efficient and practical?"

I have to admit, my husband and I tend towards the lean side of stocking stuffers. This is usually what's in there: a toothbrush and toothpaste, the annual Christmas ornament, some kind of candy, and a dollar store toy - usually everyone gets the same type of toy, so we can have some crazy car races, or puzzle competition, or whatever. Maybe a chapstick or travel-size lotion (why is travel-size anything so appealing to kids?).  That's really it.  Around $5 per stocking, so it's pretty inexpensive, and mostly all "useful" stuff and candy, so it's not a total waste and most of it won't stay in the house for too long.  I could probably lose the toy if I wanted to cut back a bit, but it's fun to have something to do while we're waiting to open presents - we do stockings, then breakfast, then the rest of the gifts - so I keep it. And if you're not big on candy, fruit is a great alternative. For reasons no one can explain, an orange in a stocking tastes much better than a regular orange in the kitchen.

You can also go the "quality time" route with something like a gift certificate to the aquarium or the zoo, or even a promised date with mom or dad (as long as you are sure to follow through). It may be more expensive, but certainly isn't a waste and won't clutter your house for weeks to come.

Do you hide your Easter baskets? You can hide stockings too.  The hunt heightens the excitement, and your kids will be thrilled no matter what they find in them. This is one of those times when presentation and occasion overshadow what they actually receive, so spruce it up with a little style and imagination and not so much clutter.
 
My point is: your kids probably aren't going to feel the loss if you skew a bit lean on their stockings this year. Do what you think is best, and what your budget allows for, and know that if you are enthusiastic, your kids will be too.

Kate