5 Tips to Help You Have a Relaxed Holiday Season

Black Friday is just around the corner, and with it comes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As parents, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and stressed during this time of year. But fear not! In this blog, we will share 5 tips and tricks to help you have a more relaxed holiday season.

First, we'll explore the idea of keeping a stocked gift closet or tub for those last-minute gift emergencies. Next, we'll discuss the importance of preassembling a travel activity bag for your kids to keep them entertained on long journeys. We'll also provide you with go-to quick and easy family-friendly activities for gatherings, ensuring that everyone has a great time. Additionally, we'll delve into the concept of a budget-friendly gift bag exchange for extended family or friends, saving you money and stress. And lastly, we'll offer ideas for easy activities to have at the "kids" table, keeping the little ones engaged and happy. With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the holiday season with ease and enjoy a more relaxed and joyful time with your family and loved ones.

Tip #1: Stock a Grab and Go Bag

Traveling during the holidays can be a stressful experience, especially when you have kids in tow. That's why pre-prepping fun travel kits for your children is an absolute game-changer.

You can build a Grab and Go bag or Multicolor Toy Organizer that contains a variety of travel sized games, figurines, fidgets, and more to keep your little ones entertained and engaged during the journey. Having a ready-to-go activity bag takes the pressure off parents. It allows for a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. It eliminates the need to scramble for entertainment options at the last minute and ensures that your kids have stimulating and age-appropriate activities readily available. Additionally, creating a travel kit helps to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for your children, making the journey feel more relaxed and enjoyable. So, whether you're traveling by plane, train, or car, remember to pack a pre-prepped activity bag geared towards your child to make your holiday travel stress-free and filled with fun memories. 

TIP #2: Set up Quick Family Friendly Games 

When it comes to family or friend gatherings, having a repertoire of quick and easy games or table activities is essential for creating memorable experiences and fostering bonding.

Quick family games like Golf Pool or Egmont Wobbling Wall Balancing Game provide instant entertainment and can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Logic games encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills while keeping everyone engaged. Open-ended building block sets, like Plus-Plus or Magna-Tiles, allow for creativity and collaboration, inspiring imaginative play. Puzzles are another go-to choice, offering a fun challenge that can be tackled together. Having these activities readily available ensures that there's never a dull moment during holiday gatherings. They provide a break from the usual conversations and create opportunities for laughter, friendly competition, and shared enjoyment. These quick and easy choices guarantee that everyone can participate and have a great time, regardless of age or interests.

TIP #3: Plan Kid Table Activities

When it comes to the kids' table at holiday gatherings, providing a range of engaging activities is key to ensuring that they feel included and have a great time.

One idea is to set up an art station with a variety of art supplies like colored pencils, markers, and paper. This allows children to unleash their creativity and keep themselves entertained while the adults socialize. Open-ended building items, like Plus-Plus blocks or Keva Plank sets, are also fantastic choices, as they encourage problem-solving skills and imaginative play. Another option is to have toy animal and mythical figurines available, which can spark storytelling and imaginative adventures. Having these activities readily available for kids during gatherings is important for several reasons. Firstly, it keeps them occupied and prevents boredom, reducing the chances of disruptive behavior or meltdowns. Secondly, it provides an outlet for their energy and creativity, allowing them to channel their enthusiasm in a positive and productive way. Lastly, it fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging by giving kids their own designated space where they can engage in age-appropriate activities. By catering to the needs and interests of the younger guests, we create an environment that is enjoyable for everyone and ensures that the holiday gathering is a memorable experience for all.

Tip #4: Super-Secret Stocked Gift Closet or Tub

Creating a stocked gift closet or tub is a brilliant way to stay prepared for last-minute gifting occasions when you don't have the time to shop.

This organized space allows you to store pre-bought gifts that cater to a variety of ages and interests. When it comes to selecting toys and gifts suitable for multiple ages, consider timeless classics like board games and puzzles, art sets, blocks, and figurines. Books and stress relief items are also an excellent choice, as they can be enjoyed by both children and adults. To ensure your gifts are ready to go, stock up on wrapping supplies such as gift wrap, ribbons, and gift bags. Having a gift closet or tub ensures you're always prepared to spread joy without the hassle of last-minute shopping.

Tip #5: Budget Friendly Gift Bag Exchange

Finding a budget-friendly option that ensures everyone feels included can be a challenge when exchanging gifts with extended family, One great solution is to organize a generic gift bag exchange.

Each family member can prepare a gift bag specifically tailored to someone of the same sex, with consideration given to the total number of participants. If necessary, individuals can create a unisex bag or one for the opposite sex to accommodate everyone. To determine the gift order, numbers can be drawn, allowing each person to take turns selecting a bag. This adds an element of excitement and surprise to the exchange. Furthermore, participants have the option to trade or steal gifts, similar to a white elephant gift exchange. This creates a fun and interactive atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to find a gift they love. Versatile items like stress relief products, Project Genius Products, puzzles and games, or art supplies make great options for any age group. The generic gift bag exchange is a practical and inclusive approach that ensures everyone can participate while staying within their budget. It fosters a sense of shared enjoyment and allows for memorable moments during the holiday gathering.