Stress-Free Holiday Shopping – Avoid the ‘Black Friday’ Blues

By: Isabel Kallman
Founder of AlphaMom.com and VTech Advisory Council member

It’s that time of year again – break out the lights and prepare for the crowds, the holiday season is upon us. Holiday celebrations create hustle and bustle like no other time of year, and I know moms can experience bouts of anxiety that can be difficult to manage. However, there are simple solutions to combat holiday stress while still having fun throughout the season.

Preparing Makes Perfect

To-do lists inevitably become longer during the holidays. Prepare yourself by carrying a small spiral notebook and jot down your thoughts the moment they come to mind to ensure you never miss an important reminder. Dedicate a page to gift wishes your loved ones share, or record a list of ingredients for a new holiday recipe. Being equipped with a central spot for notes creates a hassle-free option for holiday organization.

The Sooner, The Better

Waiting for unconfirmed post-holiday sales may not be worth the cost of discovering your child’s wish list items out-of-stock. Gear up early to make the most of already available products and use both in-store and online resources to explore gift options. At Vtechkids.com, you can easily view appropriate toys for your child by selecting an age range, price point, brand name or favorite character through the product finder. Additionally, refer to reliable sources like Club VTech, to stay informed about learning tools for your child’s development year-round. Simply sort through the options, place orders on time and relax as your purchases are delivered to you.

Simplify the Sources

Filtering children’s exposure to products that may not meet family ideals can be a challenge. Instead of allowing your youngster to comb through product catalogs and Web sites independently, take a moment to look through pre-approved publications and select wish list items together. Discuss what criteria a selection should meet and describe the holiday morals and values your family follows.

Keep it Fun

During the rush of the holiday season, experiencing fun moments with your young ones can be the ultimate method for relief. Introduce your child to exciting online activities, such as those at Vtechkids.com, as you take time to yourself and gear up for the busy season ahead. Encourage your kids to browse the site’s promotions for innovative games and learning opportunities. Your kids can customize a Jungle Gym bedtime story and explore the V.Smile Brain Lab to discover engaging activities. Plus, you’ll find limited-time product discounts you can take advantage of before holiday shopping.