Stocking Fillers for Family

One of the most potent symbols of the season of goodwill, the Christmas stocking is certainly one of the highlights of the festive period – what better treat is there than waking up on Christmas morning, reaching to the foot of the bed and pulling out Santa's Christmas gift treats; and the fact that they're a taster of the many – or not so many - Christmas gifts to come makes the whole experience all the more sweeter.

Historically a repository for coins, fruit, sweets and toys, the humble Christmas stocking has a long and interesting history. Reportedly originating in a territory that was once a part of Greece, Christmas stockings were historically placed above a fireplace mantel as a receptacle for Christmas gifts from Saint Nicholas. Indeed, according to legend, the practice started after Saint Nicholas dropped some gold into the stockings of a nobleman's daughters, who had apparently placed them over the fireplace to get them nice and dry.

Of course, there are plenty of other explanations for this particular tradition, including one idea at stockings for Christmas gifts were introduced to the Americas by the Dutch – but then this idea claims that 16th century children from Holland used to leave their clogs filled with straw near the hearth as a tasty snack for reindeers. Whether this is true or not, who can tell?

And while it remains perfectly acceptable for ordinary socks to be used, there are plenty of custom stockings available to enjoy. Whether one prefers bows and bells, or something made from something renowned for being particularly environmentally friendly, there are literally hundreds of ideas to choose from. And if you don't have a fireplace in your home, there's no need to worry about it, as it's more than acceptable to place them anywhere - a firm favourite is definitely the foot or top of the bed.

But what to put inside? It's a sad fact that Santa isn't actually the one responsible for filling these little socks with stocking fillers – something that the kids will have to discover eventually. But maybe not this year – so it's important to pick the right set of Christmas gifts with care. If you're choosing gifts for children, sweets and chocolates are always a winner, but there is so much more for them to enjoy before they make their way to the assorted goodies under the Christmas tree.

Children with green fingers might like to spice up their indoor garden with a hot stuff chilli pocket garden, while others might like to take advantage of the season of goodwill by adopting a reindeer. And for those who like to play, there is always juggling, or a retro space intruders LCD game.

Older stocking filler fans might prefer other types of Christmas gift ideas – things that either compliment their profession, or their personality. Those with jobs that make it hard to escape from the desk might enjoy an executive marble run, or maybe something to relieve stress – the choice is yours!

And what about naughty individuals? Those children – and perhaps even adults – who don't necessarily deserve to find exciting stocking fillers when they wake up on Christmas Day. Well, according to tradition, should any children have spent the year being naughty, then Santa would give them nothing more than the Christmas gift of coal – a particularly rubbish gift if the child's is heated by nothing more than central heating.

But of course, we should remember that there are children around the world for whom Christmas does not involve the practice of placing a stocking out, in the hope that it will be filled by Santa with an assortment of exciting gifts and goodies. Indeed, in the Czech Republic, not only is there no tradition of putting out a stocking, but Christmas Day is of secondary importance when compared with Christmas Eve.

Whatever stocking filler you eventually decide upon, just remember to give them a gift that leaves them wanting more. Something that excites, but leaves room for the amazing Christmas gifts sitting in wait downstairs under the tree. And what if your family has never had a tradition of giving Christmas stocking fillers and treats? Well, it's never too late to start.