With Thanksgiving Day officially behind us, the countdown to the New Year has most certainly begun! Christmas trees have already been decorated with care while Christmas lights adorn houses, streets, and buildings. Pumpkins and turkeys are being replaced by tinsel and mistletoe – and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday having just ended as well, the Christmas shopping season is also in full swing.

And so while planning all of your gift giving and holiday parties for the season, be sure to also plan some time with the family to enjoy the many festivities that are taking place all around the country. Even if you aren’t able to get away and travel out of town for the holidays, you can definitely take part in some of the holiday activities that are cropping up nationwide.

One such activity that is gaining momentum across the United States is the Christmas Market or, as it’s better known, the Christkindlmarket! These markets date back to 1545 when the first market was held in Nuremberg, Germany. Since then, the Christkindlmarket has been a time-honored tradition in Germany and Europe, and has made its way to the United States with an international flair that is coupled with regional/local additions.

One of the reasons that these markets are now so popular is the concept of tradition that surrounds the festivities. The markets also do a great job of providing a bevy of entertainment for every member of the family. Speaking of tradition and family-friendly entertainment, see if you can catch a glimpse of the Christkind at your local Christkindlmarket! What is the Christkind you ask?  Simply put, the Christkind is a fairy-like woman dressed in gold and white. With her golden crown, it is the Christkind that brings gifts to children in many parts of Germany. So in addition to spotting Santa Claus at the market, be sure to look out for the Christkind!

So be sure to share an international experience and a bit of the season with the ones you love by exploring a Christkindlmarket near you! The following list provides some of the top Christkindlmarkets in the United States. Santa Claus may indeed be coming to town but, before he does, be sure to paint the town red with your own festive travel plans to one of these magical markets!

Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of the most famous Christmas markets in the nation is held in Chicago, Illinois.You can get your Christmas market fix by traveling to Christkindlmarket Chicago, which opened Thanksgiving week and, now in its 19^th year, is the largest open air Christmas market in Chicago. The market will remain open until Christmas Eve this year, giving both travelers and locals alike ample time to sample its seasonal wonders. Christkindlmarket Chicago also caters to children of all ages, and has a plethora of activities available for children via its Kinder Korner.

In recent years, many other states have begun hosting their own Christmas markets. For markets on the East Coast, try the Christkindlmarkets being held in Baltimore, MD, Cincinnati, OH, Philadelphia and Bethlehem, PA, and New York City, NY. Arlington, TX is also hosting a Christmas market, as well as Georgetown and Denver, CO.

For full details, be sure to visit:

• Christkindlmarket Chicago: http://www.christkindlmarket.com/
• Other Christmas Markets in the US: http://www.christmasmarkets.com/USA.html

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

San Francisco has a unique take on the Christmas market tradition. Known as The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, the event is located at the Cows Palace Exhibition Halls. All 120,000 square feet of the event is designed to transport guests back in time to Victorian London. Actors dressed in period clothing help bring the magic and beauty of a miniature London town to life, complete with all of the fun and festivities that Christmas markets have come to be known for. As this fair is based off of the works of Charles Dickens, most notably A Christmas Carol, the fair also offers guests the chance to see staged productions of his work.

For full details, be sure to visit:

• http://dickensfair.com/
• http://dickensfair.com/entertainment

The post Get Your Seasonal Travel Fix by Exploring Traditional Christmas Markets! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

*BPT

The post How to shop for Cyber Monday deals appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With the shortest holiday shopping season ever approaching –  only 25 days in between Thanksgiving and Christmas – now is as good a time as any to start getting ahead on your holiday shopping list.

One of my favorite ways to get ahead is by taking advantage of Cyber Monday: the Monday following Thanksgiving where online retailers offer exceptional bargains to persuade customers to shop their sites. And it offers more than just sales! Cyber Monday lets you to beat the long lines, hectic parking lots, and holiday crowds by shopping from home, work, or my favorite – from bed!

As a mother of three and founder of the popular daily deal site, STEALS.com, I’ve dedicated my life to finding the best deals for both myself as well as my customers. Here are some of my favorite and most-useful Cyber Monday shopping tips I’ve collected from over the years, to help you save time and money this holiday season:

Make a List: Avoid approaching Cyber Monday like a shopping spree. Even with deep discounts, it’s likely that you’ll make purchases outside of your regular budget. In order to prevent this, I make a list of must-have purchases ahead of time to prevent over shopping. Knowing what’s on sale and what you need to purchase this holiday season, will help you stick to your budget and reduce impulse purchases on items you don’t need.

Pre-Shop: A lot of retailers are really good at making a full priced item look like a bargain. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, browse through online stores over the holiday weekend to learn more about all the sales promotions and prices available. My favorite tip for finding the best sale is to sign up for your favorite retailer’s newsletter or email list weeks before the sales begin.  It’s a good way to learn about special sales and to get the scoop on prices for Cyber Monday before everyone else!

Know The Rules: Each Cyber Monday offer has different guidelines about when it starts and how many items are available. Read the sale rules ahead of time to know when sales are running or if a better sale is scheduled for later or earlier in the day. Being aware of the fine details ensures that you’ll be prepared for when each sale is going to start – you wouldn’t want to sleep through the sale and miss out on a fabulous deal!

Prepare to Shop Quickly: Unlike in-store shopping, online shopping does not guarantee that the items in your cart will be there when you’re ready to check out. If you spend too much time at each site, your desired item may already be sold out. One thing I’ve noticed while shopping on Cyber Monday over the years, is that items heavily discounted will go fast! Once you see an item you want, it’s time to check-out to ensure it doesn’t sell out.

Keep an Eye on Shipping Times: When shopping online, one of your considerations will be how you will receive your order. Since many flash sale sites don’t have the items in stock, it may take longer for some sites to ship than others.  Always be sure to look into the ‘cut off days’ to see how long it will take for the item to ship. And even after you learn about your estimated delivery date, make sure you still have some leeway in between then and your family gathering – added time can still be tacked on due to the high volume of the holidays.

But don’t stop here. There’s plenty more ways to save on Cyber Monday this year and beyond – the more prepared you are for the holiday, the better chance you have of saving some serious money.

Jana Francis is the founder and president of Steals.com, a network of daily deal sites offering limited-time, hard-to-find discounts on the best brands for baby, kids, women, and more, with next-day shipping and fanatical customer service year-round. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and three children. www.steals.com

The post Cyber Monday Shopping Tips: How to Save Time & Green appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As a father of seven, I’ve had my fair share of holiday shopping with kids.  It’s never an easy thing, but during the holidays it’s a lot more difficult.  This time of year, you need to be extra careful and pay extra close attention.  The stores are busy and you’re likely trying to manage extra baggage such as coats and shopping bags plus the kids.

Here are a few tips for staying safe when holiday shopping with kids and babies:

1. Use a cart or stroller whenever possible. Contained children are the easiest to manage.  A stroller also gives you a place to stash your purchases.

2. Supervise bathroom visits. It’s very easy to get separated or have a stranger approach your child in a busy public bathroom.

3. Select oversized fitting rooms and bring your children inside with you.

5. Malls and parking lots are extra busy and dangerous during the holidays. Be sure to hold your child’s hand in parking lots and watch out for drivers who are not looking for pedestrians.

6. Remind your children not talk to strangers.

7. Make sure your child knows they must not act in an ill-mannered way by knocking things off the shelves or breaking anything. Also discourage them from going under the clothing racks as it’s dangerous and easy to lose them.

8. Wear your baby in a carrier, if possible, as you will be hands-free while knowing your little one is in a safe place.

9. Dress your children up in identical and easily noticeable clothing, such as tie-dye or bright colored t-shirts. In the event that your little one runs off, you will be able to show the security guards exactly what outfit he or she is wearing by referencing your other child’s outfit. 

10. Put a sticker on each child’s shirt listing your name and cell phone number in the event you get separated.  Have an “action plan” in place for what they are supposed to do if you get separated such as going into a store and asking a salesperson for help, finding the courtesy counter, finding a security guard, etc.).

11. Establish these rules in a quiet place ahead of time, so that your child knows what is expected of him once you’re inside the busy stores.

12. Shopping is not a lot of fun for little ones.  If you’re asking for their cooperation and patience, offer up a small reward if they are good such as a hot chocolate afterwards or visiting Santa. 

Good luck & happy parenting!        

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With Halloween under our belts and Christmas fast approaching (50 days to be exact), parents are staring one of their worst nightmares right in the face: holiday shopping. Want to skip the lines and ditch the early bird sales this year? If you’re new to online holiday shopping and not sure where to start your search, don’t worry… we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your favorite blanket and enjoy perusing AKA Mom Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Marketplaces’ from the comfort of your own living room (or bed—we won’t judge!)

1. New Egg: For all the nerds and techies in your life. It’s our favorite geeky paradise.

2. The Grommet: All the latest consumer goods at ridiculously low prices, plus free shipping on orders of $25. It’s a win-win!

3. Birchbox: In search of beauty gifts for a certain prima donna? Look no further.

4. Gilt: No need to feel guilty about shopping here! Get insider access to top designer labels for up to 60% off. You can thank us later.  

5. Uncommon Goods: The name speaks for itself: creatively designed merchandise at affordable prices. (P.S. this is where we learned that early candles were often eaten rather than burned). Don’t believe it? Check out the website for more fun facts associated with their merchandise.

6. One Kings Lane: The be-all and end-all of home décor marketplaces. From vintage pieces to modern finds for any home, we guarantee your online shopping cart will be overflowing. 

7. FireBox: Their most popular items include a pair of magical unicorn slippers, an underwater disco lightshow, a Star Wars Death Star cookie jar, and gourmet scented pencils properly labeled ‘Smencils’. We’re not kidding. And we aren’t sorry that we love it.  

8. Etsy: The ultimate site for all things vintage and handmade. Connect with artisan vendors from around the world whose craftsmanship goes into every unique piece, from handmade jewelry to homemade soaps, Etsy truly is the best online platform for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

9. Red Envelope: When it comes to finding the perfect present, Red Envelope has what you’re looking for. But don’t take our word for it, check it out today!

10. The Man Registry: Have an alcohol aficionado in your family? Or perhaps just a thirsty uncle who knows his way around a wet bar? Don’t we all? The Man Registry has personalized gifts from engraved beer pitchers to miniature whiskey barrels perfect for the man in your life.  

The post Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Generally speaking holiday shopping with kids is anything but pleasant and peaceful, but all parents know sometimes you’ve just got to bring them along. I’ve developed a few tips based on my years of experience as a daddy that are sure to help make holiday shopping with kids an enjoyable experience.

Involve Them: First things first, involve your child in gifting decisions by having them brainstorm a few things each different family member might like to receive for Christmas. This process will encourage your child to be thoughtful while also feeling included in the shopping spree you’re essentially dragging them along on. Your child will be excited to pick things out, and they’ll be thrilled to watch the excitement unfold on Christmas day – knowing they’re a part of the fun. In the past I’ve designated my children “Santa’s Little Helpers” – because Santa is just too busy and he needs a little help picking up a few goodies before Christmas.

Have Some Fun: Find ways to make shopping kid friendly. When you’re inside of a store you can play “Name that Tune” and your children can try and figure out what Christmas carol is playing on the loud speaker. Let your child have the final say on gifts for other people by allowing them to decide between two gifts (you’ve picked out) or deciding between two different colors, etc. Just get creative and don’t forget to smile and laugh; Holiday shopping should be a fun experience – not an overwhelming hassle.

Explain Rules Ahead of Time: You need to have some ground rules set in place prior to heading out to shop. Don’t go crazy, but make sure your child knows that the stores are going to be extra busy and that it’s extremely important they remain next to you, that they don’t talk to strangers and that they don’t behave in an ill-mannered way by knocking things off shelves or breaking anything. Establish these rules in a quiet place ahead of time, so that your child knows what is expected of him once you’re inside the busy stores.

Make Time for Break Time: If your child is acting out or throwing a tantrum they might be overwhelmed, hungry or tired. Make sure you make time to take a break. If possible, take a break in a quiet place where your child can have a snack and maybe even a nap. I’ve also taken my kids to visit Santa on a break when shopping in the mall. Visiting Santa is a great end-of-the-day activity, too as kids will look forward to this, and it can even encourage a bit of extra good behavior when you’re heading into the late afternoon hours!

Include your children in the holiday shopping this year! Don’t forget to lay the ground rules ahead of time, but encourage laughter and fun, too!

Happy shopping!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Holiday Shopping with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Mom Expert Vera Sweeney Shares Her Favorite Online Tools to Make Holiday Shopping Easy for the Whole Family

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to take a break and spend time with close family and friends. That’s why it’s important to avoid getting caught up in all the  holiday  shopping mayhem and the stress that goes with it. In a recent TOTSY.com survey of nearly 2,200 moms, three out of four moms said they hated having to play NASCAR driver to find a spot in the mall parking lot for some last minute shopping to find the perfect gift! So it’s no surprise that online holiday shopping hit record sales at over $37 billion last year.

Here are some essential online resources from mother, wife, mom expert and founder of I’m Not Obsessed Media, Vera Sweeney:

1. Online wish lists are mom’s new best friend.

Moms are usually inundated with endless phone calls from aunts, uncles and grandparents asking what the kids want for the holidays. Luckily, technology is catching up and there are online wishlists that can help save you time. One of the best wishlists I have seen is offered for FREE by Tykoon.com.   Kids & parents select their most wanted items from the 100% kid-safe Tykoon Store. Links to wanted items can be sent directly to family members through the online and iOS app for easy purchase and delivery from Amazon.

2. Work the private sale sites.

Private sales sites have become a mainstay in the way moms shop because they offer fantastic Black Friday level discounts…ALL THE TIME. These limited time stores offer lower prices but can have longer shipping times so get started early. One site I use a lot around the holidays is TOTSY.com, which offers up to 90 percent off retail prices for products for kids and grown ups! They also give you access to great quality products and brands that can be hard to find at big box retailers for that unique and perfect holiday gift.

3. Bloggers just might be moms’ little helpers for the holidays.

Every year, it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, along with the deals that will help you stretch your budget. Luckily, there are hundreds of bloggers already doing your homework for you! I love to gather up all the awesome products, deals, giveaways, discounts and contests I come across and share them online with readers of my blog, so come by and take a look at Lady and the Blog. Keep an eye out for my flash giveaways and contests where you can win great gifts and gift cards to help out with your Christmas budget.  

4. Online stores are a must if you want to save time and avoid lines…but look for ones that are truly special.

Sure, we all know most stores have online sales for Cyber Monday but there are so many amazing products that don’t get carried in mass retailers. Luckily you can find them online at specialty web retailers. One site I like is Oompa.com, that sells safe, quality and unique baby toys from around the world. Their ‘naturally brilliant’ selection includes brands like Green Toys, who produce a line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. 

 

###

About Vera
Vera Sweeney, mom, blogger, social media influencer and New York resident, is the founder of LadyAndTheBlog.com. She is considered one of the top female digital influencers in today’s social media space. Her lifestyle and parenting brand helps busy women stay on top of the latest trends in fashion, food, family and travel. Some of Vera’s recent accolades include being named “Top 50 to follow in Social Media” by Restaurant Business Magazine (2012), Babble’s Top 50 to Follow (2010, 2011), and “Top 5 to Follow on Long Island (NY) by Newsday. She has been featured on media outlets including CBS News, Fox 5 News, E! Entertainment, Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, The NY Post’s Page Six, and the Rachael Ray Magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @VeraSweeney and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/inomommy

The post TIPS ON HOW TO SIMPLIFY HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR THE FAMILY appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.