As the holiday shopping season approaches parents will be wracking their brains about what to get their kids for Christmas. Hopefully they will have some hints. A wish list, a letter to Santa, or some subtle hinting will give them a rough idea of what their kids are looking for. However it can be still dizzying. How do you balance what they want with what you can afford. Also there is the fact that if you have a son and a daughter both will want different things depending on the fads and trends for the year. Here are some tips to help you make sense of it all as you get ready for the holiday shopping season.

If you are going to get a big ticket items keep the gifts just at that. If your kid is asking for the latest console or toy and it costs an arm and a leg, make that the main gift. If relatives are sending presents that just makes things easier. You invested in the one thing that they really wanted. Either way stick with it and if they are still pressing you. Remind them that this was the top item on their list and they had a choice of either that item or lesser gifts. However, the reaction will depend on the gift. Most times they will be happy you put in the money to get the one thing they really wanted.

For boys the trends are focused on video games. If you have already bought a console a much more affordable idea is to get them the latests games coming out. With gift cards you don't even have to deal with knowing the titles just give him the card and let him choose the game he wants. If he wanted a console, make sure to shop for bargains first. Some stores sell returned systems for major discounts. As for when you buy the console see if it comes with a game. If it doesn't try to get at least one game title that they have been wanting. If they want any more games. You can use it as incentive for good grades, behavior, or earning their own money. So getting extra games and accessories becomes the carrot that will make your New Year better.

For girls the trend is Disney products. Whether your daughter is a tween fan of the Jonas brothers, or watches the Hannah Montana show, they will go wild if you get the Disney Channel themed items and toys. Take time to pay attention to what your daughter watches or take a good look at the wish list. Of course there are some inspired choices. You can buy DVD's of their favorite TV shows if they are younger, or CDs of their favorite artists if they are younger. You will find yourself in a win-win situation.

A lot of younger children whether through what they learn in school or through the encouragement of Mom and Dad, come to believe in Santa Claus. If you have a child young enough to believe in Santa, make the occasion special. If your child wrote a letter to Santa, have him send one back. It can be an email or you can use a service online to order and make an actual Letter from Santa that your kids will enjoy.