BlogFrog

We do stockings also and that is where we will put some of the things you mentioned. They kids love them and they have them while we drink our coffee in the morning before opening gifts :)

We do stocking every year as well. They are usually filled with fun things like mini notepads, pens/pencils, lipgloss, mini puzzles, etc. They each also get one candy bar or some sort of candy.

I LOVE stockings! I think I look forward to them more than the kids. We always do a fun toothbrush, candy (go figure), socks, and fun items we wouldn't normally purchase (spiderman socks vs white Hanes). We also include clues in our stockings which eventually lead our children to a larger present, normally a box of cereal. Another tradition our family has is that you are allowed to open your stockings as soon as you wake up. We open gifts under the tree with everyone, but stockings you are own your own. A few years ago my boys woke up at 2 am and opened their stockings! My husband came down at 4 to find them passed out next to a pile candy wrappers on the floor, lol!
Toni

Stockings are one of my favorite traditions at Christmas.  We didn't have a fireplace or mantel growing up so my mom would wait until we were asleep and put the stockings at the foot of our beds. As soon as I woke up I would wiggle my feet trying to feel if there was something on them.  I still remember that vividly.  We do stockings with our kids and hang them over the fireplace.  We usually put candy, small toys, and oranges in there.  I remember being a teenager once and my mom decided not to do stockings one year. I had a fit and decided to do it myself.  So I bought all the stocking stuffers for 7 of us, made them up, and put them at the foot of everyone's bed myself.  I just couldn't bear the thought of not doing them!

I did do stockings for my kids.  The kids always looked at their stockings last cuz that was where the good candy was and the ca$h.  
Don't think that the stockings go away :)  my kids are grown but still leave their stockings in my house and expect it to come back with the rest of our gifts.

Holly, that is a sweet story.  As a mom, it is hard to stop the traditions. Now I have 2 grands and we get to start all over again.

Yes, we do stockings.  My Granny is 85 and has embroidered all of our stockings.  I can't stand to think if she were to die before we're finished having kids!  We usually give them one big gift that doesn't fit in their stocking- just next to it or under it that is a surprise.  I love the idea of giving them clues to find their gift.  I think I'll do that this year.  I can't stand having candy around, but they do usually get some chocolate coins and a candy cane.  My girls love little lotions or bath gels.  My boys got little flashlights last year. 

We really don't have any stockings but I do plan on getting some eventually!

Stockings are a fun part of Christmas for the boys.  Can't say my own stocking is exciting as no one else fills it :o(  That might change if we burst the Santa bubble this year and get the eldest in on the stocking filling.

Part of the reason the boys love stockings is because they can open them when they (not ME) get up.

I'd better dig out the stockings soon so they don't get lost in the move.  I think I have a generic one to use for J.  My MIL made the other boys stockings. But with a late fall birthdate, I don't expect her to have one made for J this year.

Tara - I'm giving you the toothpaste idea, so you don't have to steal it.  I have one child who asks for band aids for each birthday and for in her stocking.

Thanks for the Michael's tip.  I'm going to have to check that out because I'm having some difficulties thinking of some fun things. 

I am blessed- love the clue idea.

Holly - My parents still do a stocking for my one unmarried (28 yrs old) brother.  Once were married it's up to our spouse.  :)