We do something similar in my extended family, except the gifts get wrapped.

Now that I'm flying solo I have to follow a strict budget for the boys...last year I found that there seemed to be nothing under the tree (slight exaggeration but not really)!! I know that it's not supposed to be about quantity but I know when I was little the best part was coming down those stairs and seeing all the loot spilling out from under the tree! The sorts of things that I used to put in the stockings were girft certs, novels, small clothing, small electronic toys, comics, deck of cards (this has become a little tradition), knick-knacks, craft supplies, toiletries, candy, a few pieces of fruit. All that stuff seriously adds up!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all the ideas on how to keep the stocking and have them be more reasonable!

Same here! I fill with goodies I've already baked and prepared for the Christmas day. Also fill with items I know the family will need. Last year I put in a set of new wooden spatula's for me. And in my dh's I put in a couple new ties for him to wear to work.

I think stockings for us are just that "extra" special thing that makes the day seem more like what I remember as a child.

Filling stockings full of "I wants" rather than "I needs" is where it becomes costly.

PLUS I love stuffing the stockings vs. wrapping little things

We have gone to only edibles in our stockings. The stockings are not a very big deal at our house either.