This post is sponsored by Baby Jogger. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Raise your hand if you’re tempted to do all your Christmas shopping online instead of going out to the stores?

It’s super convenient to stay home, right?

I have to admit, the busier my life has gotten as a mom, the more I just want to do all the convenient things. Shopping in-person is also a little stressful now with a little one, mainly because the parking can take a while and we only have so much time before Benj gets restless.

But I think the hassle is totally worth the memories made. And if you’re making the same doubting face Benji is in the first photo (Lol), I think I can convince you.

I’ve found the last two Christmas seasons that if we just plan our shopping around pre-planned events, like dinner downtown with the family or a meet-up to see the lights, we can make just about anything happen.

(Be sure to check out my Instagram stories today to see us in action, cruising around downtown Salt Lake with Benji in our Baby Jogger City Mini stroller.)

So before you decide to stay home and finish your Christmas shopping from your bed, check out the 8 things I look forward to each year about Christmas shopping in-person that you just can’t mimic by shopping online.

1. The smell of toasted cinnamon almonds! I drag Matt and Benji to the mall every year just for the smell, even if we don’t have anymore shopping to do. The smell alone gives me all the nostalgia feels and I love the taste, too. We can devour a half-pound bag in about 5 minutes flat.

2. Christmas music playing loudly in the background to the hustle and bustle of people shopping. I love to stroll past the water fountain at our downtown mall because it’s choreographed to the music like a mini Bellagio (see my IG story!). Benji is always enthralled.

3. Seeing the beautiful sights and decor with Benji. You don’t realize until you’re a parent that the stroller makes all the difference in your confidence to venture outside with your little ones. Several of my friends have this exact City Mini stroller from Baby Jogger and we all rave about it. It’s easy to make tight turns through crowds of people, it’s super light and portable (I would absolutely travel with it), the UV 50+ shade canopy is awesome for blocking the cold wind, and I love that I can fold it up with just one hand. It has several recline positions, including almost flat, if you’re out for a while and your kiddo gets sleepy. It’s also more affordable than other stroller models ($259.99) and would make a great Santa gift for yourself for Christmas (am I the only one who still does that?) so you can get out more in 2018. See more stroller highlights here.

4. The crisp air makes bundling up so fun and the hot cocoa even more appealing. Matt and I especially love stopping for steamers (steamed milk) from a local coffee shop on the way home. My favorite sweetener to add is a light touch of amaretto.

5. Festive outfit twinning with Benj. How cute are his little boots? I really didn’t think I would love matching my clothes with his as much as I do. (Just wait til you see the Christmas sweater we got for him! Ok here’s a hint.)

6. Twinkly Christmas lights. Every year since I was a little girl my family would go downtown to see the Lights on Temple Square. If you’re ever in Salt Lake City during the holidays, it’s a must-see. It gets a little crowded on weekends closer to Christmas, but the amount of lights on all the trees is pretty incredible. Photos don’t do it justice—but check my IG and Instastory anyway. This might be one of my most nostalgic memories and one of my favorites to recreate. It’s also where Matt proposed to me almost 10 years ago.

7. Picking out candles and lotions and finding that fresh new scent that I can’t wait to wear all year. I love being that person who walks into a room and everyone goes, “Someone smells really good.” The thing I love even more is enabling someone else to be that person by gifting them the best lotions and body sprays for Christmas! Bath & Body Works or Victoria’s Secret are my go-to’s. I also love giving and getting new candles from Anthropologie to cozy up our homes for the holidays.

8. Going back for more the weekend before Christmas. ? Lol. There’s always that last-minute gift I forgot about! But even if it’s a quick trip to the mall without Matt, I just put Benji in our City Mini stroller and we whip around town like superheros.

Getting out and breaking the daily routine is where the memories are made! You’ll always remember one Christmas from the next if you don’t let the inconvenience of dealing with the crowds stop you from enjoying the festivities and little moments with your family.

What are your favorite things about Christmas shopping in your city?

 

Merry Christmas!