The repeated slam of the back screen door last weekend reminded me that summertime is fast approaching. As the kids gathered around with all of their friends to “hang out”, I began to think about all of the “hanging out” we do during the Christmas season. All of the laughing, joking, and just plain connecting that we experience during the holidays should probably be enough to hold me over throughout the rest of the year, but for some reason it isn’t. Thankfully, I have found another way to feel close to my kids while they are out and about being cool with all of their friends. I get a head start on their Christmas shopping!
In my humble opinion, there are few things more enjoyable than shopping for Christmas gifts for kids. The mere anticipation of the excitement they emit when they open their gifts on Christmas morning is enough to get me into “kid-shopping mode” anytime of the year.
Last year, I have to admit; the Christmas season was tough. Due to a combination of an extremely busy year coupled with some unexpected expenses, I put off all of my Christmas shopping until the last minute. Take it from me- this is NOT a good idea- especially if you are shopping for Christmas gifts for kids. By putting things off you will not only find yourself stressed out like never before, but you will discover that all of the gifts you had hoped to buy are out of stock. What’s even worse; all of that spending comes out at once instead of being spread out conveniently over time.
Needless to say, I learned my lesson. As my kids run around the neighborhood, laughing and “hanging out” with their friends, I am kicking back in my lawn chair, equipped with a cold glass of iced tea, my Christmas shopping notebook, and of course my laptop, and I’m surfing the net to get my head start on buying Christmas gifts for kids. If you’ve decided to come along on my holiday shopping adventure, here are a few tips to help get things headed in the right direction.
- Check out the Off Season Sales: Now is an excellent time to find winter items like coats, scarves, mittens and boots at unbelievable prices. Scour the net for off season deals, and don’t forget- kids grow fast so plan to order items a size or two larger.
- Have the Kids Help: Kids can spend those rainy spring days doing some of their own Christmas gift shopping. Have them find items they want, bookmark the webpages, and make lists for reference. Doing so can save you valuable time later.
- Keep Your Receipts: You never know when the kids might change their minds about things they think are “cool”.
- Find a Good Hiding Place: A friend of mine hides Christmas gifts in her office at work. My mother used a large cedar chest with a lock. I have a special room in my basement where I keep gifts throughout the year. Wherever you choose, make sure it’s off limits so the kids won’t “accidentally” find their gifts.
How important do you think it is to start Christmas shopping early? How many gifts do you think each child should receive for Christmas?
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