Every woman loves to shop but having children can hold you back from strolling round the boutiques and department stores of London looking for that next luxury item. Reminiscing of the days when you were free to spend bundles of cash followed by ‘ladies who lunch’ with your friends.

Trying to keep the kids occupied and enjoy quality family time together in the run-up to Christmas is never an easy task. Taking the kids shopping can conjure up nightmare thoughts of boredom, temper tantrums, and ‘Can I have this Mum?’ over and over again! But have no fear, you can turn this around to benefit you and your little ones at the same time.

A study by academics from Oxford and The Open University has found that shopping actually boosts infants’ happiness levels and the development of everyday skills. Researchers have said there is evidence of a “positive” link between shopping and the physical skills that children need to master in the early years.

A large-scale analysis of parental activities and the impact they have on children, found that more passive activities such as watching television and looking through picture books had “no discernible benefits”. By taking them shopping they are getting visual stimulation, getting out of the house and into a new environment and bumping into other families where social skills come into play. There does seem to be a connection between the kinds of activities that are taking place and the skills that are being developed. The key is to engage them when you are shopping, not dragging them behind you while you indulge in a fashion shopping frenzy.

Include trips that will capture their imagination and excite them. With prestigious stores such as Selfridges and Harrods offering exciting window displays plus kids workshops and activities, there is plenty to choose from. Consult individual stores as to whether they have a Santa’s Grotto this year. Taking them to see the big man himself will go down very well although you need to book in advance.

The magical kingdoms of Hamley’s and Lego Store plus toy departments at stores like Harrods and Selfridges, will give your children a chance to really enjoy themselves, also giving you a great chance to listen and observe them, compiling their ‘Christmas Wish List’ without them realising! And be wowed by the twinkling Christmas lights of Bond Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Oxford Street with many other locations also lit up for the festive season.