Make Fun-Filled, Fat-Free Christmas Stocking Stuffers for All Ages!

Customizable Christmas stockings doesn't always have to be filled with candies, fruit and various other edibles. If you think of the stocking as a gathering net for small personal presents instead of a snack bag, the result is a personal gift full of smaller gifts. And it is more healthy for the recipient with zero grams of fat, salt and calories.

For the younger children, there are many choices that works well for both boys and girls. A few are sticker or coloring books and crayons, small animal replicas, night lights or flashlights, and DVD movies. Dress up or role playing accessories are great stuffers. Items like sunglasses, sheriff's badge, eye patch, gloves, scarves or bandannas are multipurpose and easy to find at most drug and department stores.

Nerf balls, Hot Box cars, Barbie dolls and other traditional stocking stuffer ideas can't be overlooked. Most are reasonably priced and the children will love them. When shopping for multiple kids, be sure not to buy two of the exact same item so the kids won't get them mixed up.

Many popular characters like Hannah Montana, Shrek, Cars, Elmo and Big Bird have a whole line of merchandise that kids go crazy for. If you are positive that you know their favorite character, then give stocking stuffers within that theme. One surprising idea for character gifts is Band-Aids! Here is a tip- shop at children specialty stores like Toys-R-Us. There are more chances of finding more characters and more stocking stuffer choices so that each stocking is personalized, even if giving the same character to multiple children. But if this isn't possible, K-mart, Wal-mart, and other large department sores is the second best bet.

Older children can be given a much more diverse gift list. Electronics and electronic accessories are sure bets in this digital age. Prepaid cell phones and everything from cell phone covers to cell phone minute cards is a great surprise for the young person (and older alike!) Earphones and mp3 players are must haves for most pre-teens and older, and a CD is appreciated. Flash drives, mouse pads and blank CDs are also helpful items to throw into the Christmas stocking.

While it may seem that the kids are addicted to electronics, there is much more to give. Scented candles, pocket knifes, jewelry, perfume or cologne, a diary, stationary, lip gloss or Chapstick are wonderful stocking stuffers that adds a personal touch. The coveted presents will be disposable cameras, Walmart Money Card Prepaid Visa card, cash, iTunes or Rhapsody gift cards, and McDonald or Subway gift cards. Hair pieces, combs and razors are also acceptable.

Young adults would love most, if not all, the gifts that are also loved by older children, especially gift cards, pocket knifes and cologne and perfume. But since adults do have the responsibility and freedoms that life brings, throw in a few more mature stocking stuffers won't be balked at. Tickets to a special concert, show or sporting event will be greatly appreciated. A subscription to their favorite magazine or one that relates to their hobby is a nice surprise. Don't forget those useful gifts like an electronic dictionary and thesaurus or a digital photo frame keychain, Walmart Money Card Prepaid Visa, books, and small handheld massager.

However, young adults do have their limits. Don't try to give a bundle of pencils, sunglasses, diaries, or combs and razors because they will probably not be overjoyed to receive them.

The option of placing a collectible Christmas ornament to memorialize this year's Christmas is open to recipients of all ages and gender. It is a tradition to begin, if you haven't already, as a way to preserve memories for future years. Keep safety and durability in mind when buying for a small child just in case the child decides to show it off or play with it. Hallmark, Walmart and K-mart have wonderful choices for collectible ornaments, but I recommend Hallmark because of the sentiment.

A small plush toy is a wonderful topper for the Christmas stocking. Other decorative toppers are flowers or big bows. Use your imagination and combine alternatives for the ultimate look.