Stocking Stuffers

Gifts have been left for children for centuries in stockings and shoes left by the mantle to dry. Although the need to hang stockings or place shoes by the fireplace is gone, the tradition of finding gifts in stockings remains.

Long ago, stocking stuffers consisted of fruits, nuts, candies or small toys like a hand carved top. Todays stockings hold a variety of items from expensive diamond rings to personal care products.

Not just for children anymore, holiday stockings are hung by the fireplace with care by the young and young at heart.

For all

Everyones breath will be wintry-fresh with Momints, the liquid-filled mint ($1.69) in holiday colors: red (cinnamon), green (winterburst) and traditional peppermint. On the Web: www.momints.com.

Add luxury to bath time with LOccitane Chestnut and Fig moisturizing products. Shower cream ($15) and extra-gentle soap ($5) are enriched with shea butter. On the Web: www.loccitane.com.

Include gift sets from Matrix in this years stocking. The Biolage Hydrating System includes hydrating shampoo and conditioning balm and the Amplify Volumizing System includes volumizing shampoo and conditioner ($15.95-$18.95). On the Web: www.matrix.com.

The John Denver Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits CD ($18.98) includes all the singers Billboard Top 10 hits. On the Web: http://www.johndenver.com.

Ray Charles sings duets with 12 world-class artists showcasing a variety of music styles with the legendary singer. Genius Loves Company CD ($18.98). On the Web: http://geniuslovescompany.com.

Never be in the dark with the Microlight ($9.99) keychain that shoots a beam up to 33 feet with a 15-hour battery. Clip to backpack for students or to a vest while walking. On the Web: www.inovalight.com.

For instant spot removal, consider the Magic BrushOff ($9). This reusable spot remover lifts stains from most fabrics without water or chemicals. On the Web: www.magicbrushoff.com.

Encourage the art of conversation and story telling with the Tootti Didya Know? ($7.95) card game. Includes four age group categories: kids, teens, adults and all groups. On the Web: www.didyaknow.tv.

For her

The Smooth and Silky Teen Shaver ($19.99-$24.99) by Remington has a cool design for a safe and close shave. On the Web: www.remington-products.com.

A purse size bottle of Ginger Essence Intensified ($12.50) fragrance from Origins comes in three savory scents combined with ginger: citrus-crisp lemon, lime and Bergamot. On the Web: www.origins.com.

Dont let that special gift be lost under the tree. Hidalgo stackable rings ($220-$3,785) come in sets of three, four or five rings from classy diamonds to fun sea life designs. On the Web: www.hidalgojewelry.com.

Eyewear cases can be both fun and functional with Eyeopener cases ($10) in funky colors from fuchsia to lime green. All are lined in black velvet. On the Web: www.wishingfish.com.

For him

Guys will find many uses for the Remington Precision PG-200 Titanium Personal Groomer ($19.99-$24.99). This 4-in-1 trimmer is ideal for beard, neckline, sideburns, eyebrows, nose and ear hair. On the Web: www.remington-products.com.

Spirit Antonio Banderas ($21.50 for 1 oz. spray), a new male fragrance, is the latest in the host of celebrity fragrances. On the Web: www.walgreens.com.

From grandfather to grandson, the MaxLife 369 flashlight ($19.99) will shine through as a stocking stuffer. Provides over 200 hours of light on one set of batteries. On the Web: www.stanleyworks.com.

For the runner, the Vapor-Dry Headband ($15) from Brooks Sports will protect ears from the elements. On the Web: www.brooksrunning.com.

The mens 143 Pro Series Gloves ($15) adds comfort to weight training. Gloves are made of leather and Lycra for durability and flexibility. On the Web: www.harbingerfitness.com.

Picture hanging is made easy with the line of StudSensors from Zircon ($9.95-28.95). The sensors locate studs through drywall to avoid guesswork. On the Web: www.zircon.com.

For kids

Look mom, no more cavities! The Crest SpinBrush toothbrush ($5.99) comes in 11 cool designs like Spider-Man, Dora the Explorer and fire truck with flashing lights. On the Web: www.spinbrush.com.

Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz ($16 for CD, $11 for cassette) by saxophonist Hayes Greenfield presents jazz versions of favorite childrens songs. This interactive CD lets children ages 2 to 8 embrace music with clapping, singing and dance. On the Web: www.jazzamatazz.com.

For entertainment on the way to grandmas house, parents and kids will enjoy the catchy combination of songs, poetry and storytelling by Zak Morgan. When Bullfrogs Croak ($15 for CD) is for children ages 7 to 10. On the Web: www.zakmorgan.com.

A magic carpet ride will thrill all ages with the Aladdin 2-Disk Special Edition ($29.99 for DVD, $24.99 for VHS) from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Rated G. On the Web: www.disney.com.