Satisfying Teens with Cool, Inexpensive Stocking Stuffers

Teens, without question, can be the most difficult group of people on the planet. Chasing each new fad and trying to find a true sense of personal style, teens are fickle and tough to please. Oddly, however, they love "stuff" and can be remarkably creative with just about anything. So, unless you are made of money, don't stuff those Christmas stockings with a surprise ipod or the keys to a new car waiting in the driveway. Instead, flood it with inexpensive, cheap items that they don't even know they need but will make them endlessly happy. Remember, the stocking is all about the little things.

Try a few of the following ideas to create a great stocking for virtually any teen. None will cost more than ten bucks, with most being far cheaper than that.

*Gift cards: A few bucks towards anything make a teen's life easier. Any time they don't have to pull those precious dollar bills from their own stash, they will appreciate it. Gift cards for gasoline, to MacDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, just about anywhere will do fine.

*Lottery tickets or scratch offs: Like the gift cards, these represent free money, which is music to a teen's ears. They'll race for a coin to start scratching off these cards in hopes of hitting big. They are cheap but can have a nice little return. These are a must.

*Candy: Sounds juvenile but teens love sweets. Don't pull the health kick on Christmas morning by putting an apple and some celery down in the stocking. Santa would even leave that on the plate. Throw a few bags of their favorite treat down in there and let them enjoy.

*Phone or ipod case: Protect the big money investments with cases. They are inexpensive and can save you money down the line. They can also serve as a nice little accessory for something more substantial under the tree.

*Chapstick: Winter is the season of lip abuse, so give them something to protect themselves. I have never met a person who enjoys chapped lips, so this is clearly a critical stocking stuffer.

*Underwear: Embarrassing? Yes. Needed? Yes. Role up a few pairs and shove them in. Doesn't everyone love the feeling of new underwear, especially on Christmas morning?

*Books or Magazines: Since hardcovers won't fit in a stocking, the paperbacks fit the budget. Buy one or two of your kid's favorite author's books or head to the local variety shop to grab a bunch of teen mags. Once the inevitable sugar low of Christmas morning hits, you'll all enjoy a little down time to sit and flip through the latest People or Seventeen.

*Seasonal Accessories: Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks...whatever keeps the body toasty in the cold winds of a harsh winter. If you are from a warmer state, try a cheap pair of knock-around sunglasses or some flip-flops.

*Personal Accessories: Never put these under the tree! These are major disappointments if wrapped up and boxed as if Santa's elves really made them. Instead, put lotions, creams, make-up, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, nail polish, mascara, head bands, scrunchies, etc. in that stocking. They'll love them there.

*DVDs: Teens are movie buffs, no doubt about it. Hanging around watching movies with friends is a constant, so give them a few to enjoy. Discount bins at Walmart or the pre-viewed section at Blockbuster will keep this budget friendly.

In the end, fill the stocking with lots of little things. Every person loves to reach in for more and more, so don't use the stocking as a place to slip one or two presents. Set a stocking budget and stick to it. Be cheap and creative. Your teens will love it.