Don’t forget your batteries this Christmas!

I’m sure we’ve all been there on Christmas morning, the kids ripping open their presents, shrieking with excitement at receiving the toy they’ve been desperate for all year, begging you to open the box and let them play with it, only to realise that it needs batteries. If, like me, you have an old chocolate tin filled with batteries you’ll no doubt be feeling quite smug, “Just hang on a minute!” you’ll say, as you appear with said tin, brandishing it like a prized trophy, thinking you’ve single handedly saved Christmas with your battery stash. “What size battery does it say?” you’ll ask, waving around your standard AA’s, AAA’s, even some random square ones which nobody ever uses, only to feel a complete sense of panic when they read aloud a battery you have never even heard of and the crestfallen look of disappointment on your child’s face is like a dagger to the heart. So this year, I’m here to remind you, don’t forget your batteries. 

BuyaBattery.co.uk is a leading online battery store with a wide range of disposable and rechargeable batteries for all of your household and small business needs – making it the must-visit website to help power everything from TV remotes, toys and torches, through to hearing aids, thermometers, watches and car keys! They also supply to many trade and wholesale customers. This Christmas they have launched a campaign to urge parents to not only remember to buy batteries before the big day, but to actually remember to buy the right ones. A recent survey showed that 35% of parents forget to buy the correct batteries for their children’s gifts which leads to tears and tantrums on the big day – and don’t I know it!

They’ve shared some top tips to help save the day this Christmas:

1. Always read the box thoroughly beforehand to work out which kind of batteries you need and also how many.

2. Make sure the toys work before you wrap your gifts, this saves any disappointment on Christmas day.

3. Buy good quality, genuine batteries – long lasting power is key! Always look for advanced battery technology to give improved power and a better shelf life.

4. Buy extra batteries so you have spares incase family or friends gift your children battery powered toys.

5. In the weeks before Christmas have a battery amnesty – remove batteries from toys that are no longer used and separate dead or old batteries from those that still work.

6. Recycle your batteries – there are collection points in most supermarkets, DIY stores and even some clothing retailers. Never put your batteries in the bin!

7. Consider investing in rechargeable batteries, they are a much more eco-friendly choice.

8. Remember adult gifts may also need batteries so make sure you check all your gifts, not just the kids!

On that note I need to get organised, write a list of which batteries I need for which toys, and start the task of our very own battery amnesty. It might feel tedious at the time but on Christmas morning when I brandish that battery tin, it’s going to be a great feeling knowing that this year, at long last, I have it covered!

This post was written in collaboration with Buyabattery.co.uk and I have been compensated for my time.