How do you prepare for the holidays?

When it comes to planning the gifts I'm going to purchase my loved ones for Christmas, I like to do a lot of research.  I research online, often reading other blogs to find out what other Moms thought of particular items.  Then, once I've decided what to buy, I do a bit more research to find out where to get the best buy!

I used to do all my shopping in local malls but now, I like to do a lot of my shopping online.  I find it so much easier, especially this year with a little one.  I like not having to brave the crowds or rush around to grab sale items (although, I have done this many many times before).  Because I do a lot of my shopping online, I do have to plan my time accordingly to account for shipping times, making sure that the items on my loved one's wish lists arrive in time to place under the tree. 

After a little bit of research for Lyla's first Christmas wishlist, here are a few Fisher-Price items that made it on to her list:

Fisher-Price - Miracles and Milestones Musical Activity Dashboard

 

 

Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy

Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™

Newborn-to-Toddler Portable Rocker

Being a first time Mom, I wasn't 100% sure what the best toys would be for her at this stage and upcoming stages.  I made good use of the FisherPricePlay.ca's Toy Finder when creating her 1st Christmas list.  Did you know that Mattel has something similar?  The Mattel Gift Finder is great if you are wondering what to get for your own kids, or for nieces, nephews, etc.  The Mattel Gift Finder makes buying gifts that kids will LOVE a little bit easier!  All you have to do is visit http://mattel.ca/giftfinder/, enter the child's age and indicate 'boy' or 'girl', to get a list of suitable toys.

Another exciting announcement for this holiday season - If you are a hands on kind of shopper, you'll love this!  This year, Mattel has partnered with professional organizational guru Tarra Stubbins. She has been named Canada's Holiday Helper and will be providing gift giving advice to you, online this holiday season! She's going to be sharing ideas on how to stay on track this holiday season, including tips on how to save and manage your time!

Finally, Mattel will be placing holiday helpers at various stores across Canada this season. The Mattel holiday helpers will be there to help you find appropriate toys for all ages.

Mattel Holiday Helpers will be at the following Winnipeg locations to serve you:

November 24-25 at Sears Polo Park

November 26-27 at Zellers (35 Lakewood Blvd.)

December 1-2 at Real Canadian Superstore (215 St. Anne's Rd.)
December 3-4 at Real Canadian Superstore (1385 Sargent Ave.)
December 8-9 at Sears Garden City
December 10-11 at Sears Kildonan Place
December 15-16 at Zellers Kildonan Place
December 17-18 at Zellers Grant Park

To avoid disappointment, you may want to call the location of your choice to confirm the date and times that Mattel Holiday Helpers will be available to help you.

So, there are a few ideas to help get you started with your holiday gift giving this year.  Hopefully, these ideas will help make the season a little more merry and a lot less stressful!  Happy Gift Giving! :)

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.