Take the "Bah, humbug" out of holiday shopping

Back when I was just dating my now husband, I learned during our first December together just how much he hates to shop. He began his Christmas shopping on December 23, became frustrated after less than an hour, and landed himself at the nearest watering hole for beer and nachos.

I took over the shopping reigns that year and have been blissfully shopping alone ever since. But now we have young kids who want to go with me. Where can we go, so I can shop and they can be entertained? Coral Ridge Mall.



Photo courtesy of Iowa Childrden's Museum

 Located in Coralville, nestled right next to Iowa City, Coral Ridge Mall has it all and then some under one roof. I can shop at their 120 stores (yes, Target is one of them) and my husband can take our children to the Iowa Children’s Museum. There my family can have fun creating works of art, making a "pizza," planting a garden, or flying an airplane while I power shop.

Photo courtesy of Coral Ridge Mall

We can meet for lunch in the large food court and I can take the kids on the old fashioned carousel. The mall also has an NHL-regulation-sized ice arena. And, if they still need something to do, they have a 10-screen movie theater. When we are all done, we can relax at one of the many restaurants before heading home, or maybe stay the night in one of the many area hotels.

With the right location, the holidays can be merry and bright. Happy shopping!

What's your favorite holiday shopping tip?

Colleen Murphy, Iowa Tourism Office