I do a stocking for DD and now for her DH and the new DGD. I try to put in things like socks which are often in a pack (like 6 pairs for $10) and then things like lip balm, candy, a new toothbrush. It comes to about $20 each but the biggest single expense is some socks and that's just such a practical item that I know they will need anyway. And, I try to pick up most items way before Christmas so I can fool myself into not counting it as a Christmas expense!
DD made a comment to me that her MIL had a stocking for her hubby (DD's husband) and said "you have to share that with _ _ (DD)" and it made her feel like she isn't quite 'family' since all the adult sons and the two young grandkids got a stocking and DD is the only in-law. (Money isn't an issue and DD does do thoughtful things for her in-laws so there isn't a relationship problem, either).
Last edited by michelled; 12-27-2011 at 05:17 AM.