Home Improvement News Bureau

Holiday Gift Assembly

Experts offer tips on how to pickup where Santa’s elves left off

THE MONEY PIT NEWS BUREAU – December 12, 2004:  If the words “some assembly required” send shivers up your spine at the holidays, experts say preplanning gift purchase assembly projects offers hope for tool-challenged adults.

 “The time to check your toolbox and test your assembly skills is NOT the night before Christmas, but that’s when most families find they are unprepared to put together the perfect holiday gift for their children,” warns Debby Robinson, nationally syndicated host of The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Tom Kraeutler, Robinson’s co-host on the program agrees.  Kraeutler, a father of three who has had his share of holiday assembly projects, says that while checking your list is important, it is even more essential to check twice for parts and directions for the toys you buy.  “No one wants to be up all night trying to put together a toy that is missing parts or looking for a 24-hour home improvement center to buy the right tool,” he said.

To ensure a smooth, stress-free assembly that would make Santa’s elves proud:
Kraeutler and Robinson suggest the following tips:

• Before you leave the store, check the box for the directions and parts.  There’s no time like the present to get what you need.  It is a lot easier to exchange it or get missing parts before you leave the store.
• Make sure you have all the tools you will need before you begin to avoid a last minute dash to the hardware store!
• Just in case, buy an assortment of screws, washers and nuts.  This could be a lifesaver if you’re missing one last part.  Also, pick up some all-purpose epoxy glue.  You could be a hero Christmas day if an overly excited child breaks his or her must-have gift from Santa right out of the box.
• Read the instructions; then read them again.  Really. It will save you time in the long run.  If you are putting together a toy with your child’s help, teach them to read the instructions as well.  Kids love to jump ahead and this is a great opportunity to teach the value of doings things step-by-step.
• When you are ready to begin, lay out all of the parts and tools ahead of time.  Assemble the toy on a hard surface – wood and tile clean up more easily, and parts won’t get lost in the carpet.  Get a clamp-on light or flashlight for lighting small spaces, and keep pets away to prevent parts from becoming chew toys.
• Don’t wait until the night before the big festivities to begin putting together toys.  Start a few days early and find a good hiding place.
• If patience is not your virtue for assembly projects, have the store assemble it for you.  Many stores will do this, especially on items like bicycles and larger sports equipment.
• Finally, don't forget to get the batteries!  There's no worse disappointment than a child getting a toy he or she can't play with because batteries are missing.  Plus by buying them early, you’ll avoid having to lay out a small fortune if you need to make a last minute purchase them at the only store open Christmas morning.

With a little prior planning and preparation, you’ll be sure your gift assembly projects will be completed stress free, ensuring a peaceful holiday evening and a pleasant holiday morning for the entire family.

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