Originally written for the Live with Regis and Kelly Blog Here come the holidays! And that means toys for kids. But if you’re like the vast majority of people we’ve spoken to over the past months, you’re probably concerned about your budget. The good news is that it’s still possible to manage your budget and […]
Great Toys and a Great Holiday… Without Busting Your Budget Read More »
As the mother of two young children and recipient of many odd, duplicate, or “way too cute” gifts, I have become a “regifter”. There, I’ve said it. Whether regifting is your answer to a penny-pinched shopping season, you’re a chronic regifter, or if you truly believe some one else will covet the copper pumpkin potpourri
The Mannered Mom on… Re-gifting Without Shame Read More »
You Say Budget Like It’s a Bad Thing! As predicted, last weekend (the first weekend after the historic election) saw people going to the stores to make start their holiday shopping. With the uncertainty of the election season behind us, and the prospect that the economy is not going to turn around by magic over
Is the Economic Crisis Creating Happier and Smarter Shoppers? Read More »
Video games are everywhere. You’d think with all of this distraction and hype that parents would want to learn more about what was going on in these virtual worlds consuming their kids, but alas, the fact that they’re everywhere seems to have the opposite effect. Increasingly parents trust their kids to make appropriate gaming choices
The Mannered Mom on… Gaming Without Fear Read More »
One afternoon not very long ago, I got a frantic call from a mom who reached me through a series of mutual friends. “You’ve got to help me,” she said. “I will if I can,” I replied. “My son is in the living room, playing ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ and I’m worried about the violence in
He’s Playing…What??? Read More »
It’s back to school time and families everywhere are getting back into the swing of managing busy schedules and commuting needs. As you embark on your carpooling duties – or prepare your child to be a good passenger – there are some things you can keep in mind to keep things on time and at
The Mannered Mom on… Carpooling Read More »
Listening to the financial analysts we talk with, they want us to believe that it’s going to be a late holiday shopping season. It may, in fact, be just that. There are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas than last year. There are many reasons to put off shopping till the last minute, not
Strategic Shopping Read More »
I keep getting asked by everyone from Wall Street analysts to reporters to shoppers whether or not the toy industry is going to suffer in this downturn.
My answer: Not as much as other industries.
The Economy, Santa & You Read More »
Parents often focus on getting the “hot toy”, and if they don’t get it, in their mind, the holiday will be a failure. Often, the hot toy might not be the “right toy” for your child, as it doesn’t match their interests. And, if you positively, absolutely need to have that hot toy, but it
It’s really very simple: follow the age guidelines on packages when buying for your children. They are there for a reason! When my kids were young, it would drive me crazy, as members of my family would ignore age guidelines. I would hear “she is smart enough to play with” or that “they are so
Age Appropriateness Read More »
Parents and gift-givers always want to try to make every kid’s holiday wishes come true. Particularly in times of economic stress, parents want to make the holidays especially magical for kids.
Managing Expectations, Keeping the Focus on What Matters Read More »
It’s always a big dilemma. Do I do my shopping now or do you wait until after Thanksgiving when the bigger sales start
Buy Now or Buy Later? Read More »
