If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you know I have an unhealthy passion for anything to do with makeup and hair, but what few people realize is that I also love clothes.
A lot.
There’s just something so satisfying about trying on a million pairs of jeans before finding the PERFECT PAIR that hugs your body exactly the way you want it to, you know?
And who doesn’t love trying on fluffy sweaters, adorable suede booties, and fashionable scarves and hats this time of year.
(Sigh…)
So I guess it’s no surprise that I literally screamed with joy when the whole Black Friday concept was officially embraced in Canada a few years ago, and while most of my SAHM friends would rather put a fork in their eye than take their littles ones to the mall with them this Friday, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
And neither would my 3-year-old daughter.
Want to know my survival tips for Black Friday shopping with kids?
Then keep reading…
1. HAVE A GAME PLAN
The week before Black Friday, I take stock of all the things I need want, researching what sales each store will be offering, compile a list of all the stores I want to go to, and create a map for myself so I can make my visit to the mall as efficient as possible.
2. LEAVE THE HOUSE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Two years ago, I decided to take my then 18-month-old to the mall when she woke up from her afternoon nap on Black Friday, and it ended up being the biggest mistake I’ve made as an adult. Not only was it IMPOSSIBLE to find parking, but I also had a hard time finding clothing in my size. So now I try to leave the house as soon as possible after my daughter wakes up.
3. PACK A BACKPACK O’ TREATS
The night before our Black Friday extravaganza, I always pack a backpack full of toys I know my daughter will enjoy playing with while we’re crammed into a tiny change room together. These are usually the toys I save for when we’re traveling by plane together, which means she doesn’t get to play with them very often, so they won’t lose their novelty too quickly. I also make sure my iPhone is fully charged and all of her favorite songs are loaded onto it, as well as a few new apps. This proves to be particularly helpful when we’re standing in long line ups. Trust me!
4. GIVE YOUR KIDS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
There are 2 things my daughter LOVES to do at the mall – eat a bag of popcorn and visit Mickey Mouse at the Disney Store – so I strategically space these 2 activities out so that she has something to look forward to. I usually save the bag of popcorn for last as I find it serves as a good distraction when her Backpack O’ Treats and my iPhone have both lost their novelty!
5. BECOME A RBC® AVION CARDHOLDER
If you REALLY want to enjoy your trip to the mall between now and December 31st (think: Black Friday shopping AND Boxing Day shopping!), the Avion Holiday Boutique is exactly what you need. Available for RBC Avion cardholders, the Boutique gives Avioners a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season by providing them with complimentary access to:
COAT & PARCEL CHECK:
Who doesn’t love that in the winter months??!
GIFT WRAPPING:
CONCIERGE SERVICES:
So, so helpful…
VIP LOUNGE & CAFE:
VALET PARKING:
This is, by far, my most favorite part of the Avion Holiday Boutique. I mean, really, who DOESN’T love complimentary valet parking??!
The Avion Holiday Boutique is RBC’s way of thanking Avioners for their loyalty, and it goes a LONG way in helping to make their holiday shopping experience fantastic.
Trust me.
I had the opportunity to attend the launch of this year’s RBC Avion Holiday Boutique, and it was nothing short of amazing. Not only did I get to go ALONE to enjoy a much-needed night out after a particularly stressful day, but I also got to scope it all out before I take my daughter this Friday.
And guess what?
She’s going to love it.
The location is en route to the Disney Store, so we can stop to recharge before saying “hi” to Mickey and Minnie.
The entire boutique is decked out in Christmas apparel.
The people that work there are so incredibly warm and welcoming.
There’s a live piano player.
There are beautiful white couches and chairs to climb all over.
And they even have children’s books!!!!
Yup.
This Black Friday is going to be our best one yet.
Interested in checking out one of the RBC Avion Holiday Boutiques? Of course you are! You can find them at:
1. Yorkdale Shopping Center and Square One Shopping Center (November 22nd to December 31st)
2. Halifax Shopping Center (December 1st to December 24th)
3. Coquitlam Shopping Center (November 22nd to December 31st)
Not an Avioner yet? No worries! You can apply today at one of the above-mentioned Avion Holiday Boutiques and start experiencing all of the AWESOME benefits of being an Avioner!
What are YOUR survival tips for Black Friday shopping with kids?
Did you know I have a Parenting board on Pinterest where I share all of the fantastic parenting tips and tricks I find on the Internet? It’s true! Click below to check it out!
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