For me, one of the best parts of my Christmas morning is spent examining the contents of my stocking. Having had Christmases where stocking gifts actually brought more enjoyment than those buried under our tree -- the keys to my car, my favourite fountain pen -- I am now a firm believer in the adage `big things come in little packages'. And this Christmas apparently, so are our department stores. For those households which hang stockings, finding stuffers should prove to be a relatively easy task if they begin with those offerings at H.A.

& E. Smith's Ltd., Trimingham Bros., or A. S. Cooper & Sons Ltd. Although Trimingham's still offers fine dining ware, elegant and casual clothing and a variety of quality household goods and furniture, what's really standing out this Christmas are some of the department store's lesser-known items.

A wide selection of cookies and shortbreads are available on the third floor of the main store, accessible either through its Front or Reid Street entrance. Inexpensive, easy to wrap and good tasting, any selection is sure to be welcomed by adults and children alike.

An array of purses, wallets and handbags by Coach -- designers of fine leather goods for over one hundred years -- are available on the second floor.

Although they won't fit into a conventional stocking, most women would still appreciate the sentiment if anything made by Coach was placed underneath.

For a really unique stuffer, consider the microwave slipper. This snug-fitting sock packs a heat pack which fits in a special pouch. When removed and placed in the microwave, the pack can then be heated and the promise is that it will keep one's feet warm for approximately one-and-a-half hours. This novelty item, priced at $19.50, is found in the hosiery section off the Reid Street entrance.

Another useful gift idea, also priced at $19.50, is the `Twirly Towel', which promises to be a cure-all for those who have a hard time keeping the towel on their wet head after they emerge from the shower.

A number of great gift ideas can also be found through a quick perusal of Trimingham's `Nautica' and `Tommy Hillfiger' clothing lines. Each offers classic clothing with just the perfect touch to make it stand out above your basic sweater, jeans or shirt.

For those on your gift list burdened by stress, the `Knockout' is the perfect answer. This little gadget, located near the Front Street entrance on the lower floor, is shaped like a miniature punching bag and conveniently sits on a stand which can be placed on one's desk.

For what could be the perfect Bermudian gift, there's a variety of barometers available for sale. These tasteful weather instruments are great gifts and are representative of a wide price scale with everything from the top-of-the-line at Something to place in every stocking, be it big or small `Grateful Dead' lovers -- and also lovers of great ties -- might find the perfect gift in a limited line of ties created by the now-deceased leader of the famed rock group. Boasting designs made shortly before Jerry Garcia's death almost a year-and-a-half ago, the line is said to be one of the fastest moving in the United States. The ties are located in the men's department on the ground floor.

Boxers easily fit into Christmas stockings and are always popular with men and women. In addition to the silk variety, Trimingham's offers the `Joe Boxer' brand.

The Blackburne tennis racket, a steal at $299, is available for those interested in seeing someone else's game improve.

And for those wanting to pass on a taste of Bermuda, there are glass gifts made by the Bermuda Glassblowing Company and Peppercorn Pottery by Professor and Mrs. Pipper Peppercorn.

In H. A. & E. Smith's Ltd., accessible via Reid, Front and Church Streets, there's also a wide selection to brighten the smile of the stocking opener.

The original Swiss Army Knife made by Cross, is a handy gift whether a Boy Scout or just a want-to-be. The selection may be examined in the store's handbag section.

For those wanting to work out but finding it difficult to get away from the desk, the Power Squeez handgrip exerciser could be right on the money.

Is there a golf-loving chess player on your list? How about a handmade chess set based on historical More unique gift offerings...

it's a steal.

For $24, you could save a loved one from forgetting important details forever -- $1750, on down.

`Grateful Dead' lovers -- and also lovers of great ties -- might find the perfect gift in a limited line of ties created by the now-deceased leader of the famed rock group. Boasting designs made shortly before Jerry Garcia's death almost a year-and-a-half ago, the line is said to be one of the fastest moving in the United States. The ties are located in the men's department on the ground floor.

Boxers easily fit into Christmas stockings and are always popular with men and women. In addition to the silk variety, Trimingham's offers the `Joe Boxer' brand.

The Blackburne tennis racket, a steal at sfsd, is available for those interested in seeing someone else's game improve.

And for those wanting to pass on a taste of Bermuda, there are glass gifts made by the Bermuda Glassblowing Company and Peppercorn Pottery by Professor and Mrs. Pipper Peppercorn.

In H. A. & E. Smith's Ltd., accessible via Reid, Front and Church Streets, there's also a wide selection to brighten the smile of the stocking opener.

The original Swiss Army Knife made by Cross, is a handy gift whether a Boy Scout or just a want-to-be. The selection may be examined in the store's handbag section.

For those wanting to work out but finding it difficult to get away from the desk, the Power Squeez handgrip exerciser could be right on the money.

Is there a golf-loving chess player on your list? How about a handmade chess set based on historical characters involved in the history of golf? At $170 it's a steal.

For $24, you could save a loved one from forgetting important details forever -- lasts -- with a Reminder Watch. The message recorder operates without tape and is perfect for telephone numbers, shopping lists, appointments, directions, school notes and any other item one is prone to forget.

Another novelty idea is a series of books for the bathroom -- The Bathroom Trivia Books I and II; the Bathroom Golf Book and the Bathroom Guest Book which actually invites people to sign in and provide detailed answers concerning the nature of their visit.

For the collector, there's a host of Jack-In-The-Boxes, ranging from $24 to $51; and many lovely collector's porcelain dolls, each with its own dress and name, beginning at $42.

For pasta lovers, there's a selection of decorative gift packages of Matt Man's homestyle pasta attractively arranged in baskets, packages and bottles from $7.50.

At Cooper's, the options are no less rewarding.

For the professional chef -- or the home with dull blades -- there are knives by Wusthof Dreizack to meet every occasion.

Double-header flashlights are perfect for those walking where they are unsure of the terrain. The $35 light places a beam directly in front of you and also on the ground before your feet.

A wide offering of Loads of fun with 3-D puzzles! Christmas Day as might the Impossibles series of puzzles which enclose a hidden 3-D message only able to be viewed on completion of the puzzle. Both cost $29.95.

At $19, a mug warmer is perfect for the busy executive who loves his coffee but can never find the time at work to sit and drink it before it gets cold.

The Men's Club provides d in the line of clothing. Whether it be a dressy or casual occasion, with names such as Polo, Fila and Liz Claiborne for men, how could anyone go wrong? For competitors in, or followers of, Bermuda's fitted dinghy competition, a handcrafted replica of `Contest', the Royal Bermuda sloop is sure to be cherished. At $995, it's to be found in the Men's Club, located on the third floor.

For those lovers of the animal kingdom, there's a selection of handcarved panthers, tigers, pigs, and other animals in delightful prints which serve as coasters, door stoppers and of course, statues as they decorate the home.

PHOYO Endless ideas! Trimingham's `Knock Out' is a real stress reliever H.A. & E. Smith's Ltd. offers Matt Man's Pasta Visit A.S. Cooper's for `Impossible' puzzles Trimingham's ties created by musician Jerry Garcia Swiss army knives from H. A. & E. Smith Ltd.