How to Make Gift-Giving Easier This Season

It's that time of year again. There is so much joy to be cherished during the holidays, but sometimes, it can be overwhelming. If you happen to be hosting, you may have an incredibly busy schedule. If you have little ones who want all the gifts, well, we feel for you, but you can make it through. We hope to take some weight off your shoulders with this short blog post.

The Swan - 10 Cards/Pkg (with envelopes)

HAVE YOUR CHILDREN MAKE A WISH LIST

It's hard for mom & dad to remember everything those little hands point out at the store, so let's put the kiddos to work. We recommend having your littlest draw what they want, your middle write down a list of all of the things they want for Christmas, & your oldest can compile a digital note with links/specific stores to their desired gifts. Remember to remind the kids:

1. Be as specific as possible (we know a dollhouse is on the list, but what color?).

   
   

2. Every item on the list may not be received.

   
   

3. List gifts in order of what is most wanted - to what can definitely be lived without.

   
   

Remind them a "wish" is simply a desire, & if they don't get a present that they wanted this year, tell them they can ask on their birthday, use their own income/allowance, or wait until next Christmas. After your children have completed their lists, have them give them you & you can plan your shopping.

EASY GIFT SHOPPING STRATEGIES

If you consider your shopping experiences as...

Organized Chaos

Write down a list for each shopping day according to which stores you plan to visit (either online or in-person).

Early Bird Energy

If you happen to have most of your gifts purchased, this is the perfect time to slowly begin to pick out some stocking stuffers. For the little ones, take them to a few stores & ask them what they like. When they are distracted with something else, sneak those stocking stuffers in the cart.

In-between Feeling Rushed & Having Time

In addition to making gift lists & finding time to get said gifts, we recommend setting up a shopping trip with friends. This plan is a win-win: Not only do you get a chance to catch up with your closest friends, but you can pick up some presents for the family, as well.

Hello, Deer - 10 Cards/Pkg (with white envelopes)

GIVING GIFTS TO KIDS

After all the shopping is complete (finally!) you can begin preparing your kiddos for Christmas day. Here are our tips to make gift-giving as smooth as possible:

Keep the Littles Prepared

Your kiddos will probably wake up early to open their gifts, but if you don't want to hear a knock on your bedroom at the crack of dawn, we suggest telling them when you plan on opening presents. If you wish, you can also tell them when they can expect guests to arrive or when you will head to a family member's house.

Initiate a Gift-giving Game

Everyone will be more than ready to open their gifts, but if your little ones bicker over who can open his or her gift first, have everyone sit in a circle: Get some dice, & whoever rolls the dice * receives the highest number can begin.

IT'S OKAY IF THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED

Life happens to happen, & it's okay if there is a meltdown or two or if your little ones are still learning to get along with other kids. Say a little prayer, & know that if everything went perfectly in life, we wouldn't be able to have some memories we can look back on now.