As parents hit stores and sales for family Christmas gifts, local retailers are offering several ideas for little Midlanders searching for the perfect gift for mom and dad.

Some Midland retail stores offer a gift assortment that fit the trendy times as well as a young Midlander's budget.

Variety gives options to help accommodate diverse Christmas wishes and needs, said Kim Crandell, store manager of Bealls in Midland Park Mall.

"Moms and dads are different. Not every dad wants a tie," Crandell said. "Everyone is different."

Crandell recommends novelty items, such as car vacuums, tire gauges and a cooler with a built-in radio, for dad. Cosmetics kits, handbags and accessories make good gifts for mom, Crandell suggested.

The items are among various cost-effective gifts ranging from 30 to 60 percent off throughout early January in the store, she said.

Among the popular gifts for dad this year are casino-oriented gifts. Poker-themed TV game shows are the primary reason for the sought-after items, said Larry Chavana, store manager of J.C. Penney's department store. Dallas Cowboys attire is another popular gift ideas for dad this Yuletide season, he said.

Jewelry armoires, one of last year's best-selling items, are a good Christmas gift for mom, Chavana said. "It's something different," he said. "It's a one-stop place for your jewelry."

Watches and jewelry are some gift ideas suitable for both mom and dad. House slippers, flannel robes and pajamas make good gifts also because "they're comfortable," Chavana said. "They're just good gifts because of the weather."

Then there are the traditional gifts, like dress shirts and ties, good for dad. Cologne is another standby selection that makes a good gift.

"It's something that never gets old," said Priscilla Ramirez, a sales clerk in the men's fragrance department at Dillard's department store. Fellow sales clerk Brittany Roberts said cologne can help define one's identity. "That's like someone's signature," she said. "You know them by their fragrance."

Chrome, Givenchy Blue Label and the recently-released Polo Black rank in the store's top five best sellers. Burberry Brit and Hugo Energise round out the list.