What about the fly, though?
In our house growing up, we had no mantel. My parents tacked the empty sockings to the bannister (which had been wound with fake pine garland.) When we woke up, they were no longer hanging-- they were laid out with the presents, splayed at the outer edge.
Fruit is also a traditional stocking-stuffer. We usually find a very nice apple, orange or pear in the toe, along with some other edible goodies (do the kids have little snacks that they like?) and little toys or trinkets.