Top 8 Stocking Stuffers for 2009

In many cultures, St. Nicholas gets the credit for starting the tradition of stuffing stockings. According to one legend, St. Nicholas left bags of gold for three poor young women, which eventually led to the custom of filling stockings with toys, candies and other goodies.

If your family still hangs stockings by the chimney with care, here are some of the top stocking stuffers for 2009:

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Batteries

Batteries often are overlooked during the frenzy of Christmas shopping. When fighting the holiday crowds, pick up a variety of batteries and use these as stocking stuffers. AAA and AA batteries are used most often in MP3 players and other popular electronic items.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Wireless Mouse

Laptop computers typically come with a "touch pad" that lets you move the cursor around the screen with a fingertip. The computer geek in the family will greatly appreciate a wireless mouse. Compact and battery-powered, this kind of mouse is portable and plugs into one of the USB ports on the computer. Electronics stores such as Best Buy carry this product, but you also can find an inexpensive wireless mouse at discount stores like Target.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Liquor Miniatures

Most people can use a stiff drink during the holidays, which is why liquor miniatures are among the top stocking stuffers. You can find these small bottles of booze at liquor stores or purchase a wide selection from online vendors such as Mission Liquors.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Secure Data Card or Flash Drive

These days, just about everyone can use an extra secure data (SD) card for their digital camera, or a flash drive to use with a laptop computer. These storage devices are inexpensive, practical and fit quite nicely in a stocking on Christmas Eve. Target, Wal-Mart and other discount stores stock flash drives and memory cards at very reasonable prices throughout the year.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Forever Stamps

Postage keeps going up, which makes the Forever Stamp a practical stocking stuffer. A couple books of these stamps in a stocking almost guarantees a thank you letter in the mail.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Scratch-Off Lottery Tickets

Lottery scratchers are always good for a quick thrill, and, for about $20, you can stuff a stocking full of fun. Don't be a spoilsport, though, if the tickets turn out to be worth quite a bit of money.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Gift Cards

Because they are available in $5 denominations, gift cards from places like Starbucks and McDonald's are good things to stuff in stockings. Gift cards are reloadable and fit into purses or wallets, making them a thoughtful and practical gift.

Best Stocking Stuffers for 2009: Cash

Even when the economy is good, cash is the gift that keeps on giving. When stuffing money into a stocking, try to get creative. If a college-age son or daughter has to use the Laundromat during the school year, for instance, stuff their stocking with a couple rolls of quarters.

Resources:

Plump Stocking, "The History of the Christmas Stocking," Rebecca Roberts