Holiday Shopping Tips

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While Halloween has yet to arrive, Christmas is already on many parents' minds. With supply chain issues prominent, and experts recommending starting your shopping early, many of us have already started preparing for the holidays. But staying organized this far in advance is TOUGH. What are the best holiday shopping tips for getting deals this year? How can you get the best deals on Christmas toys? When should you ideally be shopping to ensure you get that hot toy? Here are some tips for how to keep yourself on track and get everything on your family's wish list this holiday season!

SHOP EARLY

Many experts are recommending to start your shopping now. It may seem early, but high demand and supply shortages may mean that hot toy won't be around later. While it may feel more advisable to wait for Black Friday deals, there are plenty available now (and no guarantee those deals will be around later, since high demand often means higher cost). ABC News offers some great tips for getting you the best deals, now, and recommends not waiting until Black Friday.

START A HOLIDAY WISHLIST ONLINE

Online wishlists, like this one on Amazon, function a lot like gift registries. They are sharable, track gifting so there are no redundant gifts (and kids get exactly what they want from everyone), and even offer the option to send thank you cards. We have been using Amazon to put together gifting lists since I was pregnant with my first, and continue to use them for essentials, Christmas, and birthdays.

Sign up for a holiday wish list on Amazon here!

SHOP UNIQUE GIFTS

Hot gifts fly off the shelf fast because everyone is searching for them. But handmade and unique gifts are an excellent option because they are special and you may be able to find great deals on beautiful products without the competition. You are also supporting small businesses, and who doesn't love doing that!

Find a great Handmade Gift Guide here!

DON'T JUST FOCUS ON SHOPPING FOR GIFTS

Supply chain issues aren't just impacting gift supply. They are impacting everything, and that includes decorations, cooking supplies, holiday fashion, and more. Be sure to stock up on these items early to make sure that you have everything you need for your holiday celebrations.

Find great recommendations here.

GIVE EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST THINGS

Experiences are a great way to bypass supply chain issues while also giving a meaningful and desirable gift! Some great ideas your children, partners, family, and friends are listed below:

• Museum memberships: Museum memberships are one of my favorite experiences. Most museums offer them, including children's museums, art museums, science museums, and many wildlife and nature conservation centers (though I encourage you to make sure they center engages in ethical practices). We have gotten tons of use our of our museum memberships!!
• Certificates to local attractions: Be creative; your only limit is what is available locally. Indoor playgrounds, indoor skydiving, pottery painting studios, white water rafting, theme parks, movie tickets, canoeing or kayaking trips, guided hikes,  and spa days are all popular options. 
• Class packages for an activity of interest: Gym memberships fall into this category for someone who loves fitness, but think broadly; there are classes for everyone. Does someone you know love painting? Get an art studio class pass! Yoga classes, private sports coaching, swim lessons, music lessons, and similar activities are also great ideas. 
• Give the gift of time: You don't have to spend much (or any) money to give a meaningful gift! Cook someone you care about a great meal, offer to clean a busy working parent's home if they haven't had time, babysit while a friend goes out on a date with their partner, or take someone you care about out to lunch.  

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DEALS ALL THE TIME!

Deals come and go quickly in today's market. Many companies have been offering early Black Friday deals for some time, so you don't have to wait to grab great products at a great price. To help all you busy parents, I'll be sharing lists of deals periodically, so keep an eye on my blog and social feeds!! (I've been sharing early Black Friday Deals that stick out to me pretty regularly).

Below are a few deals I've found; I'll keep this section updated as much as possible with highly rated products! Sales may vary, and deals may not last, so I can't make guarantees about pricing, but I'll be rotating products based on what is currently hot and on sale! 

Deals on Learning Resources Toys

We love Learning Resources toys in our home, and have a number in our toy collections. Check out all the great sales available right now!

Deals on Crayola

Crayola is one of our go to art supply brands, and there are  a number of great products on sale right now!

Ring Camera and Echo Bundles

Our Ring devices are an important component of our home safety and security, and for a limited time, a ton of their products are on sale!!!

You can find even more early Black Friday deals here!

Looking for more Holiday Inspiration? 

Visit my Christmas Guide for gift guides, crafts, activities, printables, and more! Plus, grab your instant download Letter to Santa!

Christmas Guide

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