Single parent buying guide

I think most of us can agree that being a single parent is especially challenging during the holidays. Between shopping, working, and still doing everything else to maintain your life daily, it can be a stress financially and physically. The pandemic has added an extra layer of stress on top of just trying to make ends meet.

I have always viewed holidays to be more for the kids but it’s about more than just spending money, spoiling kids with material objects, and what you get for Christmas. The holidays are about instilling in your children to appreciate all that they have and to be happy with what is given to them. It’s definitely hard work being a parent and drawing that fine line between spoiled and grateful. The holidays should bring joy and be spent with loved ones.

I have 3 kids. My oldest son is turning 14 right before Christmas so I have always had to plan and be prepared for his birthday before the holidays come around. It’s a major crunch for time and money but I try my best to make sure his birthday is not overturned by Christmas. He gets to enjoy both equally even though they are close together. My one and only beautiful daughter is 12 and my youngest son is 5.

My oldest kids usually ask for the same types of things like art supplies, games, clothes and of course electronics. They all have a tendency to change their minds and Christmas lists more than they change their underwear! So naturally the older they get, the more expensive their gifts seem to get. My 5 year old is definitely the easiest to shop for and is usually more amused with the box the gift came in.

Every year I try to give them at least a few things that they need instead of all wants. Like underwear, clothes, shoes and socks. I don’t know about you but in my household it always seems that underwear disappears and socks never have a match! So I like to get clothes and stocking stuffers at Walmart or Kmart. An extra added bonus for these two stores is that they have such a large selection of items for all of your shopping needs and they also both offer layaway so that you can make payments. Another benefit of layaway is that you have less gifts to try and hide up until you pay it all the way off and take it home for wrapping.

Another way to stretch funds this holiday season is to get or use your fingerhut credit card for larger or more expensive items on your list. The delivery is always very quick and you get the benefit of low monthly payments. The perk of not having to leave the house is especially beneficial now during this pandemic.

If you have creative children like I do, art supplies can get very expensive to replenish. You can find a wide variety of art supplies at Walmart, Kmart and fingerhut so that you can use layaway or payments to obtain them. Kmart has a lot less restrictions on layaway than Walmart if you can find one that’s still open so be sure to read the fine print before filling up that cart! My favorite spots for art supplies are hobby lobby and michaels. They tend to have more of a selection and better quality but these stores have higher prices usually unless you have coupons or there are deals going on. These stores also do not offer layaway but if your trying to find a specific artistic item they are where I look first.

You wouldn’t really think it but all the dollar stores usually have a variety of art supplies as well. The dollar stores are awesome for stocking stuffers and toys for my 5 year old. Most don’t notice but they also have electronics usually behind the register that are great for all ages and much better prices.

Last Christmas I had a lot more funds to work with and I ended up getting most of my shopping done at one store in particular. This year is more difficult but one of my favorite places to shop for my kids is 5 and below. They have fair prices and a huge variety of items for all ages. They have beauty supplies, games, art projects, games, electronics, clothes and much more to choose from. My kids absolutely love this store and I do too. I am able to get them more items because the prices are very budget friendly, even for single parents.

A couple cool websites for older kids are mindful souls and Ipsy. Or you can visit the minfulsouls shop in Cincinnati. My daughter absolutely loves makeup of all kinds. She is so creative and skilled in painting characters on her face or others. She goes through large amounts of beauty supplies but it is a great passion of hers and I intend on building her up and encouraging that talent she has. Ipsy is awesome because not only is it a surprise each month, it’s also a personalized variety of about 5 different items to try out. Plus you get a really cute makeup bag too! It’s under 15$ and your able to just buy one month at a time.

Mindful souls is something I have a subscription to personally but my oldest son has recently gotten very into similar things. The box each month has anything from crystals, oils, sage, incense, handmade items, and art projects like making your own wind chimes. It’s affordable and can be purchased one month at a time. It’s under 40$ a month for the subscription box but your also able to just buy one item of your choosing with no subscription. To me, the surprise part is awesome and fun.

Another way to spend less on gifts is to make them. You can make jewelry, paintings, cards, ornaments, blankets and pillows and more! Giving someone a handmade gift is more meaningful and memorable for the person receiving the gift. It will always make them think of you when they use it or look at it. And it’s also more fun and creative for you giving the gift you made instead of just shopping for an object.

Everyone celebrates Christmas differently and it for sure a struggle this year more than most. You don’t have to spend every last dime you have to make the season full of joy. By using a mixture of ways to give and buy gifts it allows me to give more and spend less. Utilizing what funds I do have with layaway, fingerhut, and stores with better prices. It allows me to spread more joy to my kids and nephews without breaking the bank. Spend less, enjoy the time you get with your loved ones and enjoy being a parent. You don’t have to spend a bunch to make others happy because a little goes a long way. That smile on your child’s face when they open their gifts is your gift as a parent! Seeing them smile is why you keep going everyday even if it was just a 5$ toy. Always holding onto those precious memories is what gets you to the next day, year and chapter of your life. Cherish them all! They will break toys, grow out of clothes but they will always have those happy memories of Christmas mornings with you!