One of my tasks is filling the Christmas stockings for the kids.  I think this is one of the most frustrating tasks because I can’t complete it ahead of time when the kids are gone.  Instead, I have to be 100% certain that they are asleep on Christmas Eve before I begin – in this household, this is difficult.

When I was a child, our stockings were stuffed with nothing but candy.  When I became a mom and realized how expensive all of that candy was, I thought it was the craziest thing ever!…

“So, I am going to spend over $100 on candy? No Way!”

I have more of an 80/20 rule.  For me, making the switch to 80% gift and 20% junk was an easy one.  I just couldn’t come up with any benefit in spending that kind of money on candy.   Instead I opt for the following:

1) New toothbrush and their own toothpaste.  I know, what every kid wants right…. actually, it can be.  Every child loves to have a toothbrush and toothpaste for their favorite character.  My toddler is getting a Jake & the Neverland Pirates toothbrush this year, while my eight year-old daughter will receive a Justin Bieber toothbrush. Would you like to know the best part?  These were actually ON our children’s Christmas list; they picked them out!

2) For the Girls – something for their hair.   This could be something as simple as a new bow for your little girl, a brush for your tween, or a great flat iron for your teenager.  I was blessed to win this gift for both of my big girls this year, my youngest will receive a Lila Rose, “A Horse Named Rose”, Flexi Clip; and I won a slouchy cap for my tween daughter.   Baby girl will receive a few headbands that I made out of old t-shirts.

3) For the Boys – something manly. My oldest son has loved Axe products since he was really young.  I cannot afford to keep up with his wishes year-round so we purchase them for his stocking instead.  When it runs out, it runs out. My toddler boy will also receive bath products specific to him.. just not as manly.

4)  Something small and fun.  Sometimes this is a MP3  or app store download allowance, other times it is a wooden puzzle.  This year, we have opted for traditional toys with a new twist from Yomega:

My oldest will receive the Star Wars Yo Men! Yoda Fireball Yo-Yo & Action Stand.  He watched his first Star Wars movie this month and finally understands what all of the hoopla is about!

The stand is very durable.  Much thicker plastic than I expected it to be. Everything is sturdy, except for the lightsaber that does bend and is flexible.  I was able to move the saber about without breaking it.  Take it out for play or keep it as a collector’s item, either way, the recipient will be pleased!

My oldest daughter will receive the Yomega Brain.  Not to be outdone by her older brother, we are certain she will be able to give him a run for his money very quickly! Should we tell him her yo-yo has a centrifugal clutch?

Our eight year-old daughter will receive the Kendama Pro!  I am certain that she would not enjoy a yo-yo as much as the oldest two.  We think she will get a kick out of this toss & catch game while working on her balance, coordination, and focus at the the same time. (Yes, I am always thinking ahead…)

Let there be candy:

The rest of the stocking will be filled with candy that is carefully selected for each child.  My bigger bunch that are proud to be nerdy chic received cute boxes of nerds. My fun and loving daughter will enjoy a box of goodies that can be converted into her own candy house. And the tiny bunch are getting the cutest lollipops I have ever seen and some mini m&ms.

What does Santa fill your stockings with?

*Disclaimer:  I received complimentary toys from Yomega in return for this post. No monetary compensation was given.  All opinions expressed herein are my own and are not influenced by the developing company and/or their affiliates in anyway.

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