It’s December 23rd, and you suddenly realize you have not done a single bit of Holiday shopping all year. Instead of panicking, take a deep breath, be thankful we live in an age of technology, and keep reading! There are more options today than there ever were for the last minute shopper. Before getting into some gift ideas, let’s go over some of the best ways you can approach your last minute shopping list.

Option #1: Local bookstore

Although they are harder to find these days, locally-owned bookstores are great places to find quick gifts for children. Not only will you be supporting an independent business but you can often find books you may not find at other large retailers. Pick up a copy of one of your favorite childhood paperbacks, or select one from NPR’s 100 Favorite Books for young readers. Suggested item: This Old Truck $17.95

Option #2: Local toy store

Independent toy stores are ideally suited for the last minute shopper. Their selections are just as good if not better than what you can find at any superstore chain, but also offer some things you won’t find anywhere else. Many offer unique handmade products made by local craftsmen as well as rare toys that are difficult to find elsewhere. The best reasons to visit a local toy store though, are the holiday decorations and music playing inside that remind us of what the season is really all about.

Option #3: Physical gift cards

One of the best choices for gifts this year is a gift card. Local pharmacies offer a wide variety of gift cards that can be used at online retailers, specialty stores and even restaurants. With so many families spending more time at home this year, giving the recipient the choice of what movies to watch or what winter sweater to order may be the perfect gift. Make sure to check store hours as many locations will close early on Christmas Eve.

Option #4: You can’t go wrong with something yummy

Sometimes the best last minute gift is not a traditional one. Does your child have a favorite pastry or cake? Maybe there is a custard pie with their name on it at your local bakery. If you are like me, you know of at least one little one in your family who would easily choose a present that goes into their belly rather than under a tree.

Option #5: Surprise, it’s December 25th!

For those that woke up in a cold sweat at 6am on Christmas Day wondering if a frozen burrito from the local gas station would pass as a last minute gift, you still have options! Last but definitely not least on the list are electronic gifts. In less than 5 minutes, you can hop on a computer and email a gift card or purchase a subscription for your family streaming service or app. We recommend the Hellosaurus: Interactive Shows app on the Apple App Store $17.99 (3 month subscription)

If you have any last minute gift shopping tips, we’d love to hear from you. Post your suggestions on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

This year, all families have spent more time at home than in previous years. This has forced many parents to become masters in the art of gift hiding. Whether you live in a farmhouse in the countryside or an apartment in the big city, these tips should help you get through the struggles of keeping your little ones guessing before the day you are ready for them to open their gifts. Keep in mind that as with most difficult tasks, preparation is key.

Tip #1: Figure out your size needs
A smaller gift gives you more options, but if you have a larger object, consider if you have any empty boxes that an appliance or tv arrived in as a hiding spot. The attic or ceiling crawl space is also a great place to put larger items, just make sure you don’t leave a ladder right next to the access point.

Tip #2: Postpone the gift wrapping
If you have shiny green and red holiday wrapping on your gift, chances are it will be easier to spot, even if hidden well. Consider not putting any wrapping on until closer to the actual day of opening, or just use some brown kitchen paper and just before giving put a nice ribbon on top.

Tip #3: Study your opponent
The pantry or tv room is probably not the best choice, think of places your child very rarely would have access or interest in. A box in your home office filled with receipts, or a dusty trunk of family photos would be great for hiding. If your child doesn’t share your taste for music, try hiding your object under a stack of old Billy Joel cds.

Tip #4: Think outside the box (house)
What if you have a small house or apartment that doesn’t offer many hiding options. Sometimes outside is the best choice, like the trunk of your car or a tool shed. If you have a trusted neighbor, letting them hold onto the gift would be an almost foolproof way to hide it, but I recommend you attach a card with the recipient’s name on it so that it doesn’t get mixed in with the neighbor’s gifts.

Tip #5: Avoid damage
You definitely want to avoid risky hiding spots such as ovens, freezers, washers and dryers. You are very likely to end up destroying the very gift you had spent so much time keeping safe.

Tip #6: Hide it well, but not too well
The only things worse than damaging your gift would be completely forgetting where you placed it. If you have hidden multiple items, make a list on your phone of where you put everything so that you aren’t suddenly giving out gifts in March to some bewildered children.

Tip #7: There is no shame in defeat
Remember that this is all in good fun, and given enough determination children will likely end up discovering the gifts no matter how well you hid them. Be prepared to accept defeat and still share a good laugh with your family.

We hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday, and make this a memorable season of giving. We would love to see what creative hiding places you have come up with. Share photos of your most clever spots on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub.

The King of Spain’s daughter
Came to visit me,
And all for the sake
Of my little nut tree.

Her dress was made of crimson,
Golden was her hair.
She asked me for my nut tree
And my golden pear.

I said, “So fair a princess,
Never did I see.
I’ll give you all the fruit
From my little nut tree.”

I had a little nut tree.
Nothing would it bear,
But a silver nutmeg
And a golden pear.

The King of Spain’s daughter
Came to visit me,
And all for the sake
Of my little nut tree.

I danced over the water,
I skipped across the sea,
And all the birds in the air
Couldn’t catch me.

I had a little nut tree.
Nothing would it bear,
But a silver nutmeg
And a golden pear.

The King of Spain’s daughter
Came to visit me,
And all for the sake
Of my little nut tree.

Her dress was made of crimson,
Golden was her hair.
She asked me for my nut tree
And my golden pear.

I said, “So fair a princess,
Never did I see.
I’ll give you all the fruit
From my little nut tree.”

I had a little nut tree.
Nothing would it bear,
But a silver nutmeg
And a golden pear.

The King of Spain’s daughter
Came to visit me,
And all for the sake
Of my little nut tree.

I danced over the water,
I skipped across the sea,
And all the birds in the air
Couldn’t catch me.

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