Kids: Stockings that might upstage Santa

Chicago Tribune (MCT) - Stockings are the unsung heroes of Christmas. Maybe it's the coal hangover or the fact that they often contain socks. But never mind the past _ this is your year to turn the tide. Make stocking un-stuffing a highlight of Christmas morning with these gifts _ all around $10 or less, and all with an eye toward fun.

Ages 3-5

Building Books: Build a tower, knock it down and throw a couple of the "blocks" (actually colorful, educational books) in your bag for your kid to read in the car or a waiting room. $5.95 at Land of Nod, landofnod.com.

Totally Tape: 200 feet of tape. No scissors necessary. Enough said. $9.95 at klutz.com.

Egg and Spoon Race: Beanbag eggs and easy-to-grip spoons make for a hilarious indoor game during chilly months. $10.95 at ebeanstalk.com.

Ages 6-9

Harmonica: This real 16-hole version by Schylling will be an instant kid favorite. Parents, maybe not so much. $3.99 at Land of Nod, landofnod.com.

Deluxe Water Color Set: 21 vibrant, non-toxic paints in a carrying case that doubles as a mixing tray, plus a deluxe brush. Step aside, pale, wimpy watercolors. $5.95 at ebeanstalk.com.

Snickerdoodle cookie mix: Big kids can whip up treats with this ready-made mix and scaled-down wooden spoon. $10 at shop.stjude.org. All profits benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jump-rope rewind: Push a button and the rope retracts into the handles, making it easy to toss in a backpack. $5.95 at ebeanstalk.com.

Smencils: These pencils, made of recycled newsprint and scented with gourmet liquids, might make math homework a little more appealing. $6 for a pack of five at smencils.com.

Decorate-your-own piggy bank: Personal finance for the under-10 set. $8 at shop.stjude.org.

AGES 10-13

Snowball maker: What tween wouldn't welcome a little help crafting the perfect sibling-pelter? $9.95 at Land of Nod, landofnod.com.

Space food: Eat beef stew, chicken _ even ice cream _ the way astronauts do: freeze-dried. $3.95-$6.50 at Adler Planetarium's Infinity Shop or adlerplanetarium.org.

High School Musical 3" cards: Trading cards with movie trivia and actor photos, plus foil stickers and glitter cards for decorating lockers and notebooks. $1.99 per pack at Toys "R" Us, Target and Wal-Mart.

CD case calendar: Each month features a different work of art by a St. Jude patient, and the whole thing is shaped like a CD jewel case. (Prepare yourself for your kid to ask what a jewel case is.) $10 at shop.stjude.org.

Jeep Thrills video game: Hand-held racing game for Sony PlayStation systems that lets players choose from more than 30 outdoor courses to explore. $9.99 at Circuit City or other gaming outlets.

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© 2008, Chicago Tribune.