Best Stocking Stuffer's for Your Tween Son for Christmas 2008

As kids get older they get harder to buy for. Stocking Stuffers are especially hard, because as any parent nowadays knows, "smaller" doesn't necessarily mean "cheaper". So, how do you fill their stockings with joy without breaking the bank? Here are some ideas:

ITUNES Gift Cards
If your child has an IPOD, then buying them an IPOD gift card is a wonderful idea. It's virtually clutter free, allows them to download songs without borrowing your credit card and can cost as little as $15. You can buy the gift cards at any Best Buy, Walmart or online at the Apple store.

Bakugan Battle Brawlers
These little action figures are tucked into a ball and pop open when they're rolled onto a game card. They're flying off the shelves left and right, but if you can find them - they're really affordable. You can buy a 2-pack for about $5 at Walmart, Target, Kmart or Toys R Us.

Video Games
Does your child have a gaming system? A Nintendo DS, Gamecube or Playstation? There are many games available for under $20. Some of the most popular this year are Guitar Hero, Mario Party and Dance, Dance Revolution. Singstar is also popular.

Upgrade their cell phone
If you child already has a cell phone, consider buying them a new phone or even some new great accessories to customize their phone. How about a new skin with their favorite sports teams logo? Or a new cell phone holder? How about new ring tones? If your child doesn't have a cell phone, now might be a good time to think about it. Most phones can be locked down to allow only selected numbers to be called and many phone plans will allow you to add a phone for a nominal fee.

Cologne
They're getting older and they want to smell good... even if they don't like taking showers. Bod makes some great smelling cologne in fresh smelling scents.

Movie Passes
Kids love to go to movies, but unfortunately, going to the movies isn't the cheap excursion that it once was. Buy passes so that when they ask to go to the movies, their ticked is already paid for!

Gloves
Kids are notorious for losing their gloves. No matter how many you buy, somehow you never have enough in the house. Buy a new pair and stick them in your child's stocking - he'll be ready to go have a snowball fight.

Fast Food Gift Certificates
We try to limit the amount of fast food we eat in our house. I've found that one good way of cutting back is to buy gift certificates every 6 months. Once we've used all our gift certificates - we're done with fast food for a while. Gift Certificates are a great way to make sure that fast food remains a treat and doesn't become "the norm".

Socks
Ok, so they're not "cool" or "neat" - but for some reason boys are always in need of new socks. My son has two feet and yet, most of his "pairs" of socks consist of only one sock after only a few weeks. Buy new warm, cozy socks and wrap each pair individually.

Grooming Items
Combs, deodorant, toothbrushes, shower gel... all of these items make your tween feel like he's growing up. If you can get your kid to clean up just by giving them a gift, it makes it all worthwhile!

Take some time and think about your son's personality. What does he like? What are his passions? If you find one thing that he loves... there are bound to be a million accessories that you can buy and use as stocking stuffers! Happy Holidays!