Black Friday means deals for shoppers, a good influx of cash for stores and, occasionally, some crazy stories. Encourage imaginative play by providing open-ended toys such as dress-up clothing, blocks, puzzles and simple craft projects. Also, consider avoiding toys with computer chips and other technology that can connect to the Internet.
Be Prepared
Whether you’re shopping for your children or the kids in your life, it’s important to be prepared. This means having a list of items you want to buy and a budget in mind. It also helps to know when stores will open and how long it will take you to get there. You’ll also need to be prepared for the crowds – and possible chaos – that may come with Black Friday. It’s not uncommon for scuffles and even stampedes to break out in the crowded aisles as shoppers compete for the same merchandise. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared with a way to entertain yourself and your children while you’re waiting for the sales to begin or while you’re in line. A book, an mp3 player, or a playlist of their favorite holiday songs will help to keep them happy while you wait. Similarly, a handheld game or coloring supplies will keep them entertained until they head home. This Nerf Fortnite-themed blaster is 50% off this Black Friday and would be a fun gift for any kid who loves the hit video game.
Have a Plan of Attack
Like parenting, Black Friday shopping can be a bit of a rocky ride. It involves waking up at crazy hours, braving crowds of people, and sometimes even getting into a fight. But the good news is that with a little forethought, discounts like those offered by Walmart Black Friday ad scan can be a great way to bag some bargains for your kids. It’s a gamble, and many people have made headlines for trying all kinds of sneaky things to get the best deals on toys. There’s been pushing and shoving, and strange things have happened, such as this guy who faked a medical emergency to cut in line. The best way to avoid this kind of disaster is to spend the weeks before Black Friday deciding the priority for each person on your list. Having a plan of attack helps you prioritize the most valuable items and avoid impulse buying that could cost you more in the long run. For example, if your little one desires that 60-inch flat screen, consider whether you can afford to buy it in November or if it would be cheaper to wait until closer to Christmas when the store is likely to offer the same deal.
Bring a Stroller
Toys are an important part of a child’s life. However, many kids are treated in hospital emergency departments yearly due to toy-related injuries. Young children are especially prone to choking because they tend to put everything into their mouths. That is why it’s important to make sure all toys are age-appropriate. Fortunately, manufacturers follow guidelines, and most new toys are marked for specific age levels. Whether purchasing toys for your children or gifting to others, check all toys for small parts, tags or string that could cause choking if swallowed. Also, avoid giving babies any toys with projections. Children under three should not play with stuffed animals with small bean-like pellets or stuffing because they can choke on them. Avoid giving children any hobby kits or chemistry sets. These toys can cause fires or explosions and contain hazardous chemicals.
For parents who want to take advantage of Black Friday deals but are concerned about the safety of their young children, a stroller is a must. A stroller allows a parent to shop without carrying their child around or risking them running off in the crowds.
Keep It Fun
As fun as it is to surprise kids with toys they love, you may consider limiting the number of new toys bought during Black Friday. After all, we have heard horror stories of shoppers trampling workers and smashing merchandise. And the last thing you want to do is teach your young children that they can have any toy they want if they get their parents to buy it for them. Before heading out to the store, spend some time digging through your kids’ toys and getting rid of any that have been outgrown or broken. Also, check the label on any new toys you purchase to ensure they are safe for your child. Look for toys that are marked flame-resistant/retardant or washable. Avoid any that contain button batteries (which can lead to tissue burns) or magnets. When purchasing art supplies, look for a seal that says ASTM D-4236 to ensure the materials are nontoxic. Stay away from squeak or musical toys that can be extremely loud and could damage hearing.
Be Prepared for Distractions
Tempting deals can distract you from your real goal: getting the kids a Christmas present. The eye-popping online ads, the excitement of joining the crowd, and the ready availability of plastic money are a recipe for impulse shopping. Be ruthless in prioritizing what you need versus want, and stay clear of the electronics department. Distractions can also be found in the form of other shoppers. While most people are pleasant, the occasional scuffle is not unheard of during Black Friday madness. The desire to be one of the first in the store can lead normally polite individuals to act aggressively. It is also wise to bring a GPS device or download a navigation app before heading to the mall. Traffic blocks are common on Black Friday, and many car accidents happen in parking lots outside stores. Rather than risk crashing your vehicle into someone else’s to get a spot closer to the front door, park at the back of the lot. It’s worth the extra walk to avoid distractions and potential accidents.
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