Stumped!

I am stumped this year. My nephew has a huge stocking that my Mom made him and we always fill it for Christmas Eve. The problem is that, now that he is a teenager, it is getting harder. I have been racking my brain to come up with a way to fill the thing without loading it down with tons of candy that he won’t eat. Any suggestions?

While it was wonderful for your Mother to give such a big stocking to your nephew, it can be hard to find those little items for teen boys. A few great pairs of fun socks or funny boxer shorts will take up the room in the toe and cut down on the amount of other things you will need to buy. Magazines are also a good space taker and can entertain for hours. In terms of candy, look for boxed candy like is purchased at the movies. You can find it cheap at your local big box pharmacy and it comes in unusual and teen friendly types. Bags of nuts are also good and take up space, as do fancy chips or snack mixes. Old fashioned, glass bottles of soda are a hit with teen boys. Gum and breath mints are also always appreciated by teens. Remember to think big. Jumbo candy bars, ice scrapers for his car (if he drives), calendars that mirror his interests, hats and gloves will all take up space. Fortunately, as teen boys age and become more difficult to buy for, they also generally want less. I am sure that he will be thrilled with anything that you choose to purchase. Merry Christmas!