Exchanging Christmas stockings is one of the most enjoyable traditions of the holiday season. Neither too big nor too expensive, Christmas stocking presents are an opportunity to regale your favourite fella with little presents that can be unexpected, useful, or just plain fun! You'll sometimes hear it said that it's hard to find good presents for men -- but don't let yourself be persuaded that it's hard to think of presents that will please your partner or a male member of your family. Stocking fillers for men can be found in almost any store department or through an online gift supplier.

In many households, it's a tradition that holiday stockings are exchanged separately from the main Christmas gifts. In our family, we like to have stockings first thing on Christmas morning -- perhaps with a special breakfast or even a delicious mimosa! It makes a lovely start to Christmas Day with the giving and receiving of a few little presents, before the main part of the day gets under way -- whether it be getting ready for church, preparing Christmas lunch, or going out to meet family or friends.

Don't forget that stocking fillers are not major gifts -- they may sometimes even be things you have made yourself. There are loads of ideas for men's Christmas stockings. Here are a few ideas:

• Handkerchiefs or socks: people always seem to think that little things like socks, ties and handkerchiefs make boring presents! But I know several men who really like getting these useful little gifts in their Christmas stocking. After all, men go through these items regularly throughout the year. If you want to jazz things up a bit, why not choose something in an unusual color or a bold pattern. It will at the very least make a gift to remember!

• For more ideas in the clothes category, you could give a graphic tee or an item customized with your own logo or design. Does he enjoy movies or TV? If so, you might be able to find a T-shirt associated with that.

• Is your fella a foodie? You may be able to find all kinds of fun foodie items at your local gourmet store, from pickles, olives or nuts to specialty candy or chocolates. Or you could perhaps surprise him with a small bottle of his favorite brew. Everybody loves to celebrate Christmas with special food items -- so as the holidays approach you can often find special gift merchandise that will make a good choice

• Nowadays lots of men use skincare products. Many manufacturers have a line of men's grooming products, and a small tube of moisturizer or a luxury soap can make a very welcome gift.

• Clever gadgets make very popular men's gifts at any time of year. You might choose a travel alarm, remote control key finder, tire pressure gauge -- you get the idea. Keep an eye on the Christmas catalogs and lists of gift ideas in magazines and newspapers that start appearing in December for ideas and inspiration.

• Does your man like crossword puzzles, sudoku or general knowledge quizzes? At this time of year you'll be sure to find a compendium of his favorite brainteasers at your local bookstore. And if he enjoys reading, look for some of his favorite authors in the paperback section.

Remember that your stocking fillers can be inexpensive as well as ingenious. If you're working to a strict budget, why not visit your local dollar store to make a start? You may come across ideas you hadn't thought of before that could make a great basis for a wonderful Christmas stocking.