More adventures in shopping

Yesterday I took my children (all of them) Christmas shopping. And it was actually a good experience. Well, a mostly good experience. I mean, how good can it be taking five kids shopping? First we went to Deseret Industries, the local thrift store. I actually loaded up the bags and boxes that had been in the garage waiting to be taken to D.I., dropped them off first at the donation drive through, then took the masses into the store. I was specifically looking for BOOTS, since I can’t find the whole gosh darn box of boots. I’m getting tired of the kids going out to play in the snow in just their shoes and getting soaked down to their skin, then leaving wet shoes and socks scattered around the house. We seriously need to find that box of boots! Unfortunately, the selection of boots in pretty much nil, so we struck out there. The kids, however, had a great time finding presents (mostly stuffed animals) for each other. They all had cash in hand, since I had just paid them their allowance for the month, and they had a blast spending 50 cents or a dollar on presents for each other. Then they had to take turns sneaking up to the register and buying their purchases without the other kids seeing them. They had things stuffed in their jackets and all looked like some kind of shoplifters.

After that, we went to the mall. Yes, you heard me, the mall. I know I vowed to never take my children to the mall again, after our last horrific experience. But I couldn’t just leave the little one home alone, so he went with us. We had a little talk about the behavior I expected.

First, we went to Hallmark. With the coupons from magazines and this printable coupon here, we had 4 $5 coupons. I let the kids each take a coupon (well, except for Cole, who wasn’t buying anything in this store), and shop. Some of them needed a present for Mom, and I pointed out some suggestions of things that were just a little bit over $5. With the coupons, four of them were able to buy some nice little gifts for only a dollar or two. Score!

Then we had to go to Deseret Book and the game store. Much to our surprise, Deseret Book wasn’t there anymore, and in it’s place was Tai Pan Trading. Oooh! A store for mommy! The kids were getting tired by then, so we kept it short, not buying anything. I did let them go quickly into build a bear, but I wouldn’t let John go into the game store. That was where he turned into a horrible child last time we went to the mall, so we avoided that store.

All in all, it was a successful trip. The kids bought their gifts, and didn’t spend more than they had. And I didn’t lose my temper or my sanity. Hooray!