Is there ever a bad or wrong time to start your holiday season shopping?  Of course not.

The idea is to do your shopping when it’s most convenient and when and where you find the best deals.  Equally important is establishing an up-front budget and sticking to it – assuming, of course, you care about such “little” details.

Well, here are a few more tips to the wise, especially when little ones occupy a big chunk of your holiday, birthday, or any other shopping list.

I want it! Ok, if the kids are saying I really want THAT, well, that’s a big hint! So keep a list of their wants and, every now and then, show it to them so they re-prioritize or even have you purge a list item or two, especially aftern you give them “We don’t always get everything we want” speech.

I need it! The practical present may not be as glitzy as the fun presents, but if it’s something they’ll get a lot of use out of, it will be appreciated. Clothing, sports equipment, a hobby related item, or accessories are always useful!

I’ll read it! If you know the types of books they like to read, go for it! But you can also consider a magazine subscription, a bookstore gift card, or an electronic book reader. Magazines are a double gift because kids love mail, and something coming to their home every month truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Let’s do it! A family gift is one that makes the whole family happy. Gifting a family with a membership to a museum, tickets to an event, movie tickets, craft items, or something simple like board games for game night are all presents the whole family can enjoy.

I’ll remember it! Giving a keepsake item is gift that lasts a lifetime. Ornaments, photo albums, or a family heirloom are all wonderful ways to pass on memories, and family traditions. You can also make items such as a handprint picture from the child, photobook, or picture frames.

You know who else loves the holiday season?  Grinches, aka household burglars.  So what better time to get yourself a gift:  a brand new security alarm system to help you keep what’s yours, and keep would-be intruders out.  For more information and a free in-home consultation, contact Now Security today.