Every year it’s the same offer! First of all, all of us parents have to figure out what the latest and greatest toy our kids want is, only to often find out that we did it too late. They are out of stock or we have to buy them fast at a premium.

We didn’t have time to shop around for the best deals. Worse yet, we run out and buy the wrong toy, a toy that is inappropriate for our child’s age, or we choose a superior toy, but not the one our little terrors were looking for.

It doesn’t have to be this way, if we start a little earlier, read some product reviews and get some price comparisons, not only can we have the pleasure of seeing our little ones’ eyes light up on Christmas morning, but we can save a fortune. in the process. Running to the toy store on Christmas Eve with a fistful of money just won’t produce the desired result.

Luckily for us moms and dads, today we have the Internet. We can spend a few minutes at home in the heat and do a little surfing. Hey, we’re pretty smart, we can get the right toy, at the right price, and deliver it in plenty of time to add some bows and decorations before the holiday season really takes off.

If you know your little darling has his or her heart set on a particular toy, don’t delay in thinking that prices will drop. Toy stores are more likely to sell out quickly on any popular item and you can’t find it for love or money, so don’t get caught up.

Start planning your toy gift now, make a list of who you need to shop for, and write down anything they might mention they’d like. Check out a few review websites and look for free shipping deals and general pricing. If you order early, your gifts won’t get stuck or delayed in the Christmas mail either. Then you can also take your time to wrap them.

The result of a little forethought is that you’re less stressed, the kids are smiling and squealing at you on Christmas morning as they unwrap and you might as well have saved yourself a penny in the process.