Ensuring your Toy Shopping is Right On Target!

It's that time of year again! It's time to gather your lists, check them twice, and figure out who has been naughty or nice! ;) Whether you are the type of person who loves Christmas shopping or cringes when it is time to head to the stores to shop for your little ones (the crowds don't' help!), there are some simple things you can do to make your experience fun and stress-free!

When it comes to my Christmas shopping, I'm usually a procrastinator. With a busy year like this one has been, it doesn't make matters any easier. This year I tried to get a bit better and do some early shopping (back in July), but realized once mid-November hit that I hadn't done much more than that. So this past week, I have been scurrying around, making lists, and starting my shopping before I'm too late!

When I start my shopping, I usually have an idea of what I'm looking to buy. I have specific criteria I usually follow, especially for my daughter, to make sure the toys I buy are developmentally appropriate. I do a lot of my shopping online (to avoid the craze in the stores and save a bit of money) but I do some in store to try and to try and keep some purchases local. Either way, I have a general idea of what I'm looking for going in, but figure out the exact item I'm going to buy once I'm online or in-store.  I am an planned impulsive shopper - 1/2 and 1/2!

If you are looking for some toy ideas for your little one's this Christmas that are developmentally appropriate and a whole lot of fun, be sure to check out Fisher-Price's Joy of Learning Playtime Guide. You'll also learn about fun playtime activities, playtips and other helpful information!

If you are using the Joy of Learning Playtime Guide to help you decide what to buy for all the little one's in your life, you'll notice that it is categorized into the 3 Pillars of Development. This makes it even easier for your little ones to expand on different developmental skills and for you to understand the toys you are buying and how they help your children. This will help you feel confident that the you are buying toys that are appropriate for your children and ones that they'll love!

Are there any special things you do when planning your Christmas toy shopping to ensure the toys you buy are age and developmentally appropriate, and a hit with your kids?

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

How-to: Successful Shopping for Toys this Holiday Season!

The holiday season is quickly approaching! That means if you haven't already, it is time to start researching the toys you will be buying for the holidays for your children and other friends and family!

Researching toys before you buy them is a great way to avoid disappointment later on! It is so helpful to learn from other moms and dads what toys their children enjoyed, any difficulties they had, and their personal thoughts on them! I have always been one to research nearly everything I buy and around the holidays it is no exception!

When you are planning for the holidays, keep this process in mind:
1) Research the hottest toys this season, keeping in mind your child's wish list. Thorough research and keeping in mind your child's interests will ensure both of you are happy on Christmas morning, and for months to come! Check out sites like Fisher-Price to read toy reviews from real parents!

2) Make a list of your top toy must-haves. Make sure to include a back-up list in case the toys you plan to buy are not available due to demand! If you are a procrastinator like me, this can easily become a reality inching up closer to Christmas. If you provide your child's wish list to other family members and friends, make sure that you have taken off the items you plan to purchase to avoid unnecessary duplicates!

3) Search online and in flyers (and catalogs) to find the best deal. Planning ahead will make holiday shopping faster, easier, less stressful, and can save you money! Websites like webSaver.ca may partner with well-known brands such as Fisher-Price to offer you great coupons to make your buying experience even better!

4) Gather your list of things to buy (and where to buy them), along with coupons, and head to the stores to take on the crowds! Remember to stick to your list and have fun!

Celebrate & Save with Fisher-Price this holiday season!  Make sure to check out webSaver.ca for a complete list of Fisher-Price/Mattel toy coupons. These coupons range from $5-$15 off and expire December 31, 2012, which makes them perfect for this holiday season! Make sure to plan ahead and order your coupons before these offers run out; this promotion is only available until November 30, 2012!

We have a number of the toys offered in the promotion in our house and Lyla loves them! If you are planning your child's wish list, make sure to check out my My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘N’ Swing Review, Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy Review, Stand-Up Ballcano Review, and the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo Review to see what we thought of these great Fisher-Price toys!

Our personal favourite is the Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo, which features a fun musical train with three of your favourite Disney Baby characters!  This great train offers musical fun (with hits from the movies) and hours of enjoyment for your little one!

Hopefully this is a great start or chance to re-organize your thoughts for this holiday's toy shopping! What tips do you have leading into the holiday shopping season?

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