A good stocking mixes three kinds of items: something fun, something useful and a treat. Useful items such as phone accessories, lip balm, cozy socks, mini flashlights or good pens get used long after the holidays.
Keep size in mind. A standard stocking is about 18 to 20 inches long, so long or heavy items may not fit, and heavy stockings can pull a light holder off the mantel. Wrap a few items for the fun of unwrapping, and put the smallest ones in the toe.
Set a per-stocking budget so siblings get roughly the same amount. Buying small multipacks and splitting them across stockings keeps costs down. Shop for stocking stuffers early, before small items sell out.
For kids, check age labels on small toys, since small parts are a choking hazard for children under 3. Need stockings or stronger holders? See our Christmas stockings guide, and browse gifts under $25 for more ideas.