My mother used to do needlepoint and whatever else you call it every chance she got. My grandmother and all of my aunts spent a lot of time doing the same thing. There appears to be some real talent for it in the family.

Talent which seems to have skipped a generation, cos, I suck at it.

That said, I have managed to make a few of these stockings over the years. Yeah, they end up a bit scary on the inside, cos I don’t really know how to wrap a stitch up. And yeah, you have to be careful sliding gifts in and out of the ones I’ve made, cos they’ll get tangled and rip the threads out.

But hey, they look good on the outside and that’s all that matters.

There are plenty of cross-stitch stockings out there, but I really hated those when I was a kid. Impressive, to be sure, but not really what you’d call fun. Unless you’ve got an Alex P. Keaton at home, I recommend trying out felt appliqué stockings. Dimensions, Bucilla and Janlynn are just a few of the companies making them, and there is plenty to choose from.

The following would make great early Christmas presents for your favorite little boy or girl. They can be found in most craft shops, as well as online.

I'm 30-something years old, and even I'd like this stocking! What little girl doesn't love The Nutcracker and the famous Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy? This gorgeous stocking would thrill any little girl. And if she doesn't like it, you could always send it to me!

1 Sugar Plum Fairy, a magic wand, a flock of gingerbread men, lollipops, tons of candy canes - what more could she ask for? Apart from lots of gifts to fill it with, I mean...

Cost: 20 bucks

I was just telling someone how much I miss sledding, and this stocking makes me miss it even more. Even if your child lives in the sweltering heat of Texas, they can still pretend it's snowing with this stocking hanging by the tree. It's suitable for a boy or girl - and possibly even a mom or dad!

Note: There are a lot of sequins on this one, so you may want to keep an eye on any toddlers, as they'll have a nice little party trying to de-sequin the stocking.

Cost: 20 bucks

You might think this one's only going to appeal to little boys, but you're wrong! When I was a little girl, my favorite Christmas song was The Little Drummer Boy - so I would have loved having this for a stocking. It's also perfect for any child who loves to play soldier, or who loves to bang on the drums - which would be most little boys, I guess.

One of the simpler designs avilable, this one shouldn't take too long to complete. So if you're a busy bee and still want to fit one of these into your schedule, this might be the one!

Cost: 20 bucks

The snow's falling on Santa and his sleigh-full of toys as his reindeer carry him through the night. I'm not really sure why the lead reindeer doesn't have a red nose, but you can fix that easily enough, right?

Most kiddies have checked their window once or twice - even the older ones - in hopes of catching a glimpse of this exact scene. Classic Santa at his best! This works for boys or girls, especially the older ones who want a more grown-up looking stocking, but still have Santa in view.

Cost: 20 bucks

A quick glance at Santa's gear and you can be sure every major sport is covered with this stocking. This is a great pick for tennis players, ice skaters, football players, baseball players, bowling enthusiasts, basketball players and even golfers!

It's probably a little more masculine than feminine, but those ice skates look pretty girlie to me, so I think you'd be ok giving this to a little girl if that was her thing.

Cost: 20 bucks

-

I really do love these felt applique stockings and think most children will as well. Check out your local craft shop or buy them online for discounted prices.

xx Isabella