Taking young children along on a shopping excursion can be a major musical production number at the best of times, but when trying to get your holiday shopping done, it might seem you’re doing more damage control than buying presents. Especially if your children are under the age of seven, department stores decked out for Christmas, complete with a constant soundtrack of Christmas carols and songs, can feel like big fun inviting playgrounds. For this reason, some parents of young children block out a number of hours to do their Christmas shopping and hire a babysitter or “volunteer” a grandparent to watch the kids while they are at the mall. If this isn’t an option, there are some simple coping devices and planning strategies that you can use to make shopping around Christmastime easier on you and your children. 

Decide what you want to accomplish and let your child or children know in advance. For example, particularly if you have a lot of people to buy presents for, you might want to divide you Christmas list and shop for only three to four people at a time. 

Check your local listings for shopping malls that offer drop-off services like activity play areas or storytimes. These drop-off services are generally supervised by certified caregivers. 

Limit the shopping trip to a specific amount of time. Make a decision before leaving the house how long it will last. 

Map out where you have to go in advance. Limiting the number of stores and geographical areas you have to go will save you traveling time, gas money and having to keep putting them in and getting them out of the car. 

Their attention spans are shorter than yours. Don’t forget to take along a diaper bag or tote bag filled with a small selection of toys, a baggie of animal crackers or other types of snacks and a sippy cup with water, one for each child. Having them eat a little something at regular intervals and keeping them hydrated not only gives them something to do, it can also help ward off tantrums and bouts of crankiness. 

Plan a time to recharge your batteries and give your feet a rest. A hot beverage and a bite to eat will help you tolerate the crowds better and deal with any kid-related issues that come up.

 Give them a “stick” and a carrot. Before the proposed jaunt to the mall, tell them that if they don’t behave, there will be consequences. Outline the punishment for bad behavior up front. However, if there are no tantrums or other miscellaneous episodes, they will be treated to a trip to the ice cream store or supper at a favorite hamburger place. 

Christmas shopping can be a stressful time even without the kids along. Make the time spent at the mall a fun adventure, worthwhile for both you and your children.