The Daddy-Do’s of Christmas Shopping

Here is the scenario...it’s December and you have just a few Chistmas/holiday shopping days left and not a single gift purchased for your wife and/or children and not much money to spend. Panic is beginning to set in. So what is dad to do? Here are a few tips:

Make a list
Have your children make a list of their wishes but DO NOT ask your wife. Only through divine intervention are you to know what she is wanting. Mine says she drops hints all of the time. Really?

Even though it is a holiday, your wife still wants thoughtful gifts - not what every other woman is getting.

Know your sizes
Brace yourself! This will require a trip to the laundry room (on the sly, of course) and begin checking tags in shirts, pants and undies. Update your list with the sizes.

Determine where to shop
The mall, various offerings of super department stores (Target, Walmart, Sears, etc…), local boutiques are just a few of the standards however, it has been my experience that you will quickly become overwhelmed with the choices, thus the list. Know where the stores are and the best times to go to avoid the crowds. In addition, I feel about as comfortable, as a fish out of water at some of the boutiques so I recommend another outlet - the INTERNET!

Using the Internet will require that you not procrastinate any longer because the items will need to be shipped and there are deadlines. With your list in hand, you can quickly locate available items and then purchase them. Some sites will even gift-wrap.

What if your family has not been cooperative?
No lists, no hints, it is all on you. Here are a few of my recommendations that have been real winners and they can be purchased rather affordable.

Wife
Spa packages
Car detailing (cleaning, waxing, vacuuming and general car care)
Jewelry (lots of Great Deals online)
Travel (cruises, getaways)-For more information and tips, go here:
Hand-held technology (cellphones, cameras, digital photobooks, games)
Nice coats and or jackets—I tend to stay away from clothing, in general
Lingerie (think comfort - not sexy). CAUTION: Comfort can be taken to extremes. Comfy does not mean larger (i.e. granny panties). Comfort means soft, cozy, easy wearing.
Perfumes, lotions, etc… but do not get silly. Get the good stuff. I tend to stay away from packages of stuff and instead focus on specific items.

Teenage Daughters
Technology, games, phones, computers, and anything the guys want—they want it too.
Xbox 360, Wii, Playstation 3
Jeans, t-shirts, and cool clothing accessories (I am not sure what accessories are but they had better be cool)
Music gift cards (iTunes)- dad is just not cool enough to buy the CD that they want
Book series…I have had some success with this. I buy the whole series of books. My girls love reading Maximum Overdrive
Perfume and lotion
Anything on the top of their list
Games (board, card, interactive)- think "CatchPhrase"

Teenage Sons
Technology, games, phones, computers they want it too.
Xbox 360, Wii, Playstation 3
Music players with cool ear phones or ear buds
Wireless products (game controllers, remote control cars, remote
control planes, remote control helicopters)
UnderArmor clothing
Team logo sweats (preferably "hoodies")
New cleats, baseball gloves, balls, and sports equipment in general
Videos (movies, music, instructional (sports, guitar))
Cans of snack food (think flavored popcorn instead of spaghetti)

As I said earlier, these items have worked for me in the past. I cannot guarantee what will happen this year nor can I guarantee your success. Good luck, Dad!

Happy shopping!

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