Thinking ahead for Christmas shopping! #ChosenByKids
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me for Sverve. I will receive a free product and be compensated for this post.
I am so excited for the Christmas season to be right around the corner. If you're a regular follower of the blog, you know we recently became homeowners. We are more than excited to spend our first Christmas in our new home and create memories to last a lifetime. Joe and I are Christmas nuts and so are the kids! From the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ, to decorating our home, and shopping for gifts...it's a joyous time of year for us.
When it comes to making a gift list for our kids, we have tried to start following the guidelines of something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. I really like doing this, especially for their age group (1-7). The kids usually get two presents for each category. This helps us not only keep things even between each child, but stick to our Christmas budget very well.
With four kids, I also start shopping early. Between the end of summer and beginning of fall, a lot of great toys go on sale or on clearance. This helps me stay ahead of the game as far as being able to afford purchasing gifts.
This year, we will be visiting a Toyland event at a Wal-mart near us! Be sure to check out event dates and times so you can check it out at a Wal-mart near you. These events will feature some wonderful gift ideas for your children. I know we are more than excited to check it out!
I am so excited for the Christmas season to be right around the corner. If you're a regular follower of the blog, you know we recently became homeowners. We are more than excited to spend our first Christmas in our new home and create memories to last a lifetime. Joe and I are Christmas nuts and so are the kids! From the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ, to decorating our home, and shopping for gifts...it's a joyous time of year for us.
When it comes to making a gift list for our kids, we have tried to start following the guidelines of something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. I really like doing this, especially for their age group (1-7). The kids usually get two presents for each category. This helps us not only keep things even between each child, but stick to our Christmas budget very well.
With four kids, I also start shopping early. Between the end of summer and beginning of fall, a lot of great toys go on sale or on clearance. This helps me stay ahead of the game as far as being able to afford purchasing gifts.
This year, we will be visiting a Toyland event at a Wal-mart near us! Be sure to check out event dates and times so you can check it out at a Wal-mart near you. These events will feature some wonderful gift ideas for your children. I know we are more than excited to check it out!
Stay tuned for a toy review and our experience at the Wal-mart event!
That sounds like an awesome event. I can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's time to start thinking about Christmas already! But it is October now so it's getting closer.
ReplyDeleteI love your guidelines! I may steal that idea!
ReplyDeleteI like how you break down the category of gift giving! Very smart and probably saves not only thinking time BUT money!
ReplyDeleteYou are so organized and every year I say I'm going to be but it never happens. I am a procrastinator so I am usually still shopping Xmas Eve. I do plan to do better this year but we are not doing a big Christmas as usual because my daughter is due to have her twins on Christmas Eve so we are keeping it light and following her cue! Next year though when the grandbabies are here watch out I will be doing it up huge!
ReplyDeleteGiving is great. Being smart at giving, is even better! Congratulations on becoming a homeowner. I'm sure you will have a magical first Christmas in your new home.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see and hear about this event. I love the want, the need, wear and need idea. I am going to have to use this this year.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your home purchase! Last year was our first Christmas in our home, and it was so special! I LOVE Walmart, because I do all of our shopping online, and Walmart always has great options!
ReplyDeleteI had to miss a big toy event in NYC today. Events like this really do help you find those perfect Christmas toys.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the Toyland events. They sound like a great place to find all the hot new toys.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an event to attend. I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sounding event - I cannot wait to hear more about it :) x
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like fun will have to check to see if one is happening near me.
ReplyDeleteIt's always important to think and plan ahead for Christmas shopping!
ReplyDeleteI love that you include something to read when choosing gifts! I think everyone should do that!
ReplyDeleteThe stores have all ready put out christmas stuff with the holloween stuff and were stuck with oh so many optons that what makes shopping so difficult we have a budget we have to stick with in our fmaily so we have to pick up things early however were just excited about Wallmart's layawya plan that were going to take advantage this year.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's already time to plan holiday shopping! Yikes! I can't wait to hear all about the new toys at Walmart this year!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe xmas is getting near! How the year flies, my goodness!
ReplyDeleteGood idea for how to chose presents for your kids, based on what they need, want, ect. I don't have children yet but I do have a niece who I LOVE so I might check out the event for buying her presents this Christmas, it sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteI will admit I have not given gift giving much thought yet!
ReplyDeleteYup! I've been making my list and goodness it's getting long with such amazing review items! Can't wait to see this one!
ReplyDeleteI love your system for buying gifts. I had a similar system when my kids were younger. Sounds like you are going to an exciting event.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to your review!
ReplyDeleteWe do only a few gifts per child. I don't believe in buying a ton of stuff that is essentially forgotten a few days later.
Can't believe Christmas will be here so soon. I just love the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI generally do a lot of Christmas shopping year round. This year finances we rough with him finishing his last year of school and clinicals. I have a few things picked up now and I will be taking advantage of Kmart layaway for a few other things.
ReplyDeleteI understand that! My husband went back to school in May.
Deletethis is such a helpful and smart idea!
ReplyDeleteI love the guidelines you suggested : something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read, Now if I can just remember it all!
ReplyDeleteThis year has FLOWN by. I hate feeling rushed at the end, so I have already started getting them some things.
ReplyDeleteI love the tip about separating the gifts into categories. I'll have to try that! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think your kids will get you for Christmas? Hand-made gifts from my kiddos are my fave:)
ReplyDeleteI usually get pictures from them. But my hubby should take a hint and round up the kids to do something for mommy this year. I'd love to have little handmade gifts to hang onto. :)
DeleteLooking forward to the toy review!
ReplyDeleteI always plan ahead, so things will go smoothly!
ReplyDeleteI love your concept. Simple and everyone is happy. I love this time of year!
ReplyDeleteI love those guidelines for gift giving. Great idea! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about the review!
ReplyDeleteI some people also do similar gifting things, like "something for the soul, the body, and the mind." type thing.
ReplyDeleteI love those clearance racks for Christmas gifts, too!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great system! I just repeated it to my husband and he likes it too. With three kids we have to save money whenever we can.
ReplyDeleteThe year is going by so quick! Can't believe Christmas is almost here!
ReplyDelete