Having spent too long researching to find something for our loved ones, we thought we'd make the most of it and share the best examples to inspire you.

The first is a twist on the traditional christmas stocking from iconic British designer Jan Constantine. Jan has created numerous collections of Christmas stockings - we particularly like the Sequin Marching Guards Xmas Stocking from Jan's Classic Christmas collection.

It is made from the finest cherry red felt wool, which is hand embroidered with two marching Grenadier guards complete with bearskin hats.

The second is something completely different, a modern take on the christmas stocking from the great team at the Handmade Christmas Company. This Sidney Christmas Sack from their 2016 collection features a vintage style christmas stamp showing Santa's reindeer at the North Pole.

Each sack is handmade from the finest woven hessian and secured with thread made from jute.

Finally, because we know so many people enjoy creating handmade christmas stockings of their own, we wanted to include a stocking for those of you who are brave enough to make one yourself.

Bucilla make the premium christmas stocking appliqué kits on the market and develop new collections every year. This is the Candy Express stocking designed by Maria Stanziani. Bucilla kits come with detailed instructions and all the ingredients you need to create a loved family heirloom that you pass down to future generations.