How I’m Shopping Smarter this Holiday Season

With home improvements under way in our home and planning Minnie’s 1st birthday bash next month, I’m on a tight budget through the end of the year. But that doesn’t mean I’m skimping out on gifts for my family! If you know me, you know that I love a great deal, and I consider quality and value the most important thing about any purchase. That’s why this year I’m shopping smarter by relying on Walmart for the majority of gifts on my list, and I’m obsessed with how easy and convenient it is to get everything in one place!

First up on my list were a couple gifts for Narayan, who’s almost 5. He’s just started discovering video games and the world of gaming, so I thought the Forza Xbox Bundle would be a great way to keep him busy on days when he’s bored of playing with his toys, as well as have something fun to do with Dave. He’s also spending a lot more time in his room these days, watching movies and listening to music while he plays, and he’s been taking Dave’s portable speaker. So I know he’ll be really excited about the Bose SoundLink Color 2, which I got in his favorite color. Lastly, he’s been asking for a “real bike” aka one without training wheels for a while now, constantly telling me that “big boys don’t need training wheels,” so the Rock It EZ Build Kids Bike by Huffy is perfect, and it’s also his favorite color.

For Madina who’s almost one, I picked-up the Bright Starts Safari Beat Musical toy. I’ve been having so much fun watching her clap and dance to music lately, and she’s really into her brother’s drum set (which he hates letting her play with), so I think it’s the perfect addition to her toy collection. I still have my eye on a few more things for her, but this toy was definitely a must!

Aside from the Xbox Bundle that’s also a gift for Dave, I really wanted to get him the latte maker he’s been eyeing. He’s been a latte and coffee fanatic for years and has been wanting his own maker for a while, so the K-Latte was the perfect gift.  It’s exclusive at Walmart, it makes coffee and lattes in minutes, and it was less than $100! With our busy schedules, especially this time of year, anything that cuts down his morning routine and prevents him from having to wait in a line at a coffee shop is a major must-have!

Aside from great gifts at amazing prices, one of the major perks I’m taking advantage of is Walmart’s super convenient FREE Pickup Today* service, which makes my holiday shopping so much easier when I can simply order things online and as long as the order is made before 4 pm, I pick them up in store the same day! And for items that aren’t eligible for same day pick-up, I simply utilize FREE 2-business day shipping** on orders over $35, and they’re delivered to my door. Honestly, it doesn’t get easier than this! These are just a few of the things I scored at Walmart so far and I plan on checking off more items on my list in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this post.

*Free 2 Day Shipping is for eligible items only. A minimum $35 order is required. Available items ship within 2 business days on orders placed before 2pm, excluding weekends and holidays. Order by 12/20 at 2pm local time to receive by Christmas.

** Order online by 4 pm for free same day Pickup in store on eligible items. Order by 2pm local time on 12/23 for Pickup on Christmas Eve.