Now that we have Thanksgiving under our belts- loosened belts, for that matter- the Holiday season is fully underway. While that means, trees and cookies, family traditions, and friends, it also means shopping. And in my family, shopping has become quite the tradition of its own.
 
Before Thanksgiving dinner is even over you can find my cousins and me singing holiday songs, making gift suggestions, and plotting our Black Friday shopping route. Each year we consistently joke about dressing in matching track suites and carrying walkie-talkies so we don’t get lost in the chaos. But every year we wake up late, spend too much time getting ready, purchase few, if any gifts, and need a nap by the end of the day. Nothing says holiday quite like parking lot traffic jams and long lines wrapping around department stores.
 
Although we made significant improvements over last year’s wake up time, this year was really no different. So the countdown begins. We have approximately three weeks left to shop, and while I may have been adventurous on Black Friday, it took enough out of me to last the whole holiday season. So if you aren’t one for the long lines, holiday music, and arduous search for the perfect gift, here is my suggestion to you.
 
The Red Cross Online Store

Sports & Recreation First Aid Kit   ($14.00) - This first aid kit is perfect for any athlete in your family, whether they take the courts, field, or ice. This kit is available for pickup at the St. Louis Chapter Headquarters. 

Babysitter Portfolio First Aid Kit or Handbook ($10.00 each) – This first aid kit or handbook is a great gift for children, cousins, nieces or nephews- anyone ready to start babysitting. It is also available at the Chapter Headquarters in Creve Coeur. 

For everyone else, Vintage Red Cross T-Shirts , because the Red Cross tradition never goes out of style.
 
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
 
Lindsey Weber is an Intern with the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.