Holiday shopping creates the perfect learning moment if you want to teach kids to be smart shoppers and that buying decisions should involve time to think and evaluate. That’s why it’s called holiday shopping and not spending.

Here are 7 timely tips to help you develop kids into smart shoppers:

1) Follow Santa’s lead: Make a list and check it twice.

Shopping with a list is more efficient, and keeps us on track…and on budget. Kids (and some adults) might even go so far as organizing by the envelope system. Just label envelopes, one for each person you want to give a gift. Put the amount to spend in each envelope, and on the envelope write individual gift ideas, prices and places to purchase. Then, when purchased, place the receipt in the envelope. Voila…you’re done with that one!

2) Remember, It’s the thought that counts.

Yes, gifts cost money, but putting a little thought into what Auntie Em likes means more than speeding down the aisles to pick up the latest and greatest. In fact, the giftees might be more impressed when you focus on something special for them than when you spend a lot of money. So when kids have small sums for shopping, encourage thoughtful gift-buying that stretches their money.

3) Detective skills prove profitable to make savvy shoppers.

Plan and strategize. Teach kids to be smart shoppers during the holidays and other times too – by comparison shopping and price checking websites or competitors. Dig for coupons and ads (newspapers, websites, store flyers) to find discounts and the best prices. Holiday shopping (and after) is a time to find discounts and sales. Actually, scouring the ads and planning the shopping trip can be half your fun.

4) Don’t by shy; be resourceful, speak up to teach kids to be smart shoppers.

Newbie shoppers (and most kids are) gradually acquire negotiation skills. Help your kids learn to interact with clerks. For example, don’t be afraid to ask:

• if there is free gift wrap (saves you time and money).
• if the retailer will match the price of a competitor’s ad.
• if there is a gift with a purchase.
• if another discount or coupon can be applied.
• If a floor model or “demo” is for sale at a reduced price.
• if the sales clerk can check the chain’s other stores if your desired item is out of stock. (Items can often be located and shipped free.)

5) Score TOP points: Timeliness, Originality, Presentation.

You don’t get many kudos if you buy several friends the same thing, are late in giving and/or don’t wrap the gift. Often it’s the little things that count the most, things that don’t cost you much.

6) And speaking of originality…Custom-made can be awesome.

Nothing says “I value you” as much as spending your time to make something for another person. Some ideas:

• Find a soup or cookie/bar recipe, buy the dry ingredients and make a mix. Fill and decorate glass jars and attach your recipe.
• Get a flower pot and plant an herb, flower bulb or seeds. Or, fill the pot with gardening delights (seeds, bulbs, fertilizer stakes, gloves, small tools, labels).
• Find interesting recipes and create a personalized recipe book, perhaps around a theme (like best cookies or soups).
• Collect special photos and arrange in an album or collage frame.
• Start or make a journal of “Memories with My Friend.”
• Find a basket or tin to fill with someone’s favs (teas, coffees, candy, lotions, sticky notes & pens, hair accessories, baseball cards).
• Crafty kids can create bead jewelry, weave a simple scarf, stencil bookmarks or book covers, paint bags or memory boxes (not recommended for the craft-challenged or very young ;).
• Make your own wrapping paper or cards to go with a purchased gift.
• Make home-baked goods (breads, candies, muffins, cheese ball, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn balls) using premium ingredients.
• Recycle something (dip candles by melting old crayons, collect pine cones and make a wreath, cut your garden herbs to make a potpourri, paint a flower pot or picture frame).

Not so crafty?

• Create a coupon book, redeemable for babysitting, yard work, kitchen clean-up hours, even hugs.
• Customize a calendar using a computer template (great way to remember birthdays and special times).
• If you plan piano or another instrument well, record your play and make a CD (what grandparent won’t treasure that?!).
• Make a tape recording as you read favorite storybooks (great to give young siblings).

7) Haste makes waste, especially last-minute shopping.

It’s frustrating when shelves are empty, crowds are rambunctious and time is running out to find a gift. Don’t try to cram in your own shopping errands so that it becomes a miserable experience or feels like a burden when your kids deliberate about what to buy.

Yes, you can teach kids to be smart shoppers any time of year!

Shopping is a great learning moment now, and any time. You want to impart that decision making involves time to think and evaluate. Have fun…and enjoy the journey!