How to Christmas Shop With Kids

Sometimes there is just no way around it, you have to take the kids Christmas shopping with you. If you do, try to stay calm and more than likely you and your kids will come through unscathed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make a list. Before you go shopping, sit down and decide what you want to get each person on your list. Don't walk around the store trying to decide as you will get tired and so will the kids.

2. If you have to shop with kids, don't shop in a mall. Or if you need to visit a store in the mall, visit that one store by entering and exiting from a door leading to the outside rather than the mall itself.

3. The best places to shop if you have kids along are stores that have "everything" or the one stop shopping mega stores such as WalMart or Target. Not only do they have great buggies for the kids, but you can do most of your shopping at one go.

4. If you are going to be a while, stop in the food isle and get a pack of crackers for the kids to nibble on while you shop. Don't forget to scan the empty package when you get to the register!

5. Don't get upset if your child "drops" extras in the buggy. The best thing to do in this situation is to wait until your child is not looking and take the item out, but be sure to remove the unwanted items before you get to the register.

6. If the store has a self check-out, choose that instead of standing in a long line waiting. Kids love to help and this gives them the perfect opportunity and keeps them from getting too frustrated just sitting in the buggy.

Tips & Warnings

• Christmas shopping does not have to be the most frustrating part of the holidays. Keep a cool head and a calm temper and your children will follow suit.
• If you find that you need to shop with your children along, don't do it during nap time or near bedtime. Be sure your child is well-rested and well-fed to avoid unnecessary stress for both you and your child.