Last updated on May 3rd, 2021 at 02:01 am

16 months into fatherhood, I barely remember what stressed me out in the beginning. The nights of worrying whether he’s still breathing, tip-toeing through the nursery to check his diminutive frame in the crib gave way to hoping he’d sleep in long enough that I wouldn’t feel the late night I’d just gone through. Gingerly changing his diaper like it was a delicate operation where I’d break my son with the slightest miscalculation soon became holding him firmly in place while I worked around his all-too-powerful limbs to change his diapers with the foulest of odours.
While the name of the game has changed and my fully mobile child keeps me plenty occupied with his antics, the struggles we face at each stage are a rite of passage for any Dad—a rite that comes with a hefty price tag.
Parenting: Things Done Changed
My relationship with my parents changed when I fulfilled their decades-old desire for me to procreate, opening up with many a tale of what it was like to raise me now that I’d proven myself adult enough to objectively handle the truth*.
Any parent raising babies in the ’80s can tell you the parenting industry wasn’t anything like it is now. Lite-Brites weren’t choking hazards—they were hours of fun. TVs were suitable substitutes for babysitters. Car seats were novel concepts. They didn’t fuss and fret like we do, a tech-savvy generation of parents overexposed to information, trying to pick out the nuggets of wisdom that’ll help us excel at raising our kids!
But it ain’t easy—you’ve gotta buy the right stroller. The right crib. The right swaddling blankets, bathtub, monitor, change table and dehumidifier. Any wrong decision could negatively impact your precious offspring forever.
Scare tactics aside, it is a very different world to raise children in, and an ever-increasing number of stores are understanding that it’s 2015, and parents are looking for great deals on the things they’re looking for (after exhaustive hours of research, of course)—often from their couch at home in those rare moments where the baby’s asleep, the chores done, and they’re not “on”. Companies have quickly realized that the very nature of consumer shopping has changed, and stores like Future Shop and Best Buy have stepped up their online offerings to give their diverse customer base exactly what it needs!
* Despite whatever my parents think, fair warning to any upcoming Dads — you don’t naturally mature once your progeny is born unto this world. I’m moderately less immature than I’d been a couple of years ago, but it’s largely because I’m too tired to even bother with the hijinks I’d usually get up to.
What can I say—babies are energy vampires!
Future Shop: Changing the Way You Think About a Tech Store!
Car seats and cribs aren’t the first things that come to mind when I think “Future Shop”. And Future Shop isn’t a new fixture in my life, either—when I started working at my Dad’s restaurant as a teen in the late ’90s and got my first taste of some hard-earned money, I went to Future Shop to get myself a Discman with anti-skip for those hours spent on public transit. When I got my first computer in 2004, tired of sharing with my siblings and in dire need of personal space to keep up with my LiveJournal ramblings, it was Future Shop I turned to for the desktop that graced my desk for several years. Over time, Future Shop and I have been steady bedfellows for video games, routers and many things tech that’ve enhanced my life… but as I grew and my lifestyle changed, so did Future Shop and what they offer consumers in a digital age.
While I don’t remember the stresses parenthood had for us in the early days, I do remember the hours spent poring over comparisons, wondering which features would win us gold stars in parenting versus those which would gain the scorn of our community, banished to the remedial parenting class for re-education. I remember racing across town to pick things up that we’d need, because some things you just can’t anticipate.
All this in mind, Future Shop and I have teamed up to hook one lucky winner up with a Father Starter Kit, filled with over $500 of great tools from FutureShop.ca to help point you in the right direction, because trust me—there’s no manual for parenthood, and you quickly learn to accept whatever help you can get!
The Father Starter Kit includes:
- Evenflo SureRide Car Seat Montery, $139.99
- Evenflo Playard, $149.99
- Lorex Care ‘n’ Share Video Baby Monitor, $159.99
- Lulujo Swaddling Blankets, $15.99
- Bert and Bratt Sterilizer, $49.99
While the challenges are different 16 months in, one thing’s definitely stayed the same — parenthood ain’t easy. Here’s hoping that CaseyPalmer.com and the $500 Future Shop Father Starter Kit (try saying that ten times fast!) can help make someone’s life a little easier!
Good luck to all those who enter, and in the meantime, I’ll be readying myself for whatever comes tomorrow—for a father’s work is never done.
Adios amigos,
Disclaimer: Though I was compensated for this post, all stories and opinions are true—I really have been going to Future Shop since well before I was old enough to drive myself there!
Future Shop has been around as long as Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982), growing to become Canada’s largest retailer and etailer of consumer electronics.
If you’re looking for more of yours truly, track me down at my regular haunts on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Good luck!
135 replies on “Future Shop | Getting Geared Up for Fatherhood!”
I really like the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Fixed-Side Crib! Thanks!
Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller – Red/Black because my daughter is having twins.
I like the Munchkin LATCH bottle sets.
I love the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me High Chair
I really like the Levana Astra 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt this would give me such a relief knowing all the time the little one is safe!
This would be great for the fathers to empress the moms
I’m a giant nerd, so the Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt would definitely satisfy that and provide useful – that is if/when I have a kid. But I’m sure I know someone that could benefit from it juts as much!
I love the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier One – Black
I could definitely use one of those! Awesome giveaway. This would be so great to win for my cousin who is expecting and has nothing for baby!
so many awesome products ..love them all but my fave is the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Fixed-Side Crib!
The grow with me high chair looks like a great option for my son and out other baby on the way 🙂
I like the Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider
wow I never knew about this, holy I love the Levana Astra 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor, and some toys wow amazing
I like the Evenflo ExerSaucer Day At The Beach Activity Centre
like the stork craft 2 in 1 3 piece set
It is all incredible but I love the Levana Digital Video Monitor, They are so great, such peace of mind !
I love the phil&teds Promenade Convertible Stroller Bundle – Second Seat Included in black. Two young kids means this is a must
I love the Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider…very nice!
Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller – Red/Black it would be so perfect for my twins!!
My favourite item is the Stork Craft Portofino 4-In-1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib Changer in Espresso
I like the Evenflo Symphony DLX Concord Convertible Car Seat – Grey/Black. I didn’t even know that Future shop had baby stuff.
I love the Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle’n Swing – Brown/Green/White , so nice , thanks for the chance 🙂
Love the Ingenuity Seneca Baby Bouncer – Tan/ Multi-colour What a fantastic giveaway! Thanks!
WOW! The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Ride-On Toy is so cool! Now that’s definitely something I could see my Husband pushing little man in to the park! My Husband also changed our newborn delicately so afraid a leg on foot may fall off and getting him dressed in his early days, forget about it lol it would have taken him an hour to slowly navigate his little limbs into a onesie! But now he is a pro! Carrying him around like he’s a football and whipping outfits on and off for fun! All this beautiful confidence came with time and practice. My Husband and I play a little game called poop bomb. We hide stinky diapers is funny places so that the other comes across it (no, the diaper doesn’t sit there for days lol)! It’s always good for a laugh! I know, we’re weird but if you can’t laugh at a poopy diaper what can you laugh at!
Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Fixed-Side Crib
the Summer Infant Sit ‘n Style Booster Seat would be great
This Stork Craft Avalon Traditional 6-Drawer Double Dresser – Espresso is gorgeous and would go great in the babies room.
like the Levana Astra 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt
I really like the Levana Astra 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt
I like the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me High Chair –
I didn’t know they had so much ! This is awesome ! I am in love with the Evenflo ExerSaucer Mega Beach Baby! So cute !
Pretty snazzy that Evenflo FlexLite travel system!
I am Loving the Angelcare 2.5″ Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt & Movement Sensor (1100-A-CA-1GB) – =)
I’m so excited to have Baby Vita come. I can’t stop touching my wife’s (@pample_moose) belly.Read the reviews for the Lila baby monitor…looks like an essential item for our nursery.
GUYS I DON’T THINK I EVEN KNEW! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
But yes, the baby monitor is a SOLID investment 🙂
so many items to research or choose from! I’m overwhelmed!
I think I like the Lila baby monitor cuz it got good reviews?!
This is cute: Step2 Thomas the Tank Engine Up & Down Roller Coaster – Blue – Web Only
I like the Guzzie + Guss Goose Mall Stroller!
Maxi Cosi Piazzo High Chair – Teal Blue! I picked it as I like teal and I enjoy wheels on a highchair.
I love the play yard, it looks so complete!
I really like the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Fixed-Side Crib. Thanks for the chance to win a great prize package. We have a new addition arriving in June in the family.
I like the guzzie + Guss Connec+ +3 Stroller in blue
Love the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Activity Jumper!
I love the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me High Chair
I love the Ergobaby Urban Chic Baby Carrier.
Cosco Funsport Play Yard – Brown/Red/Orange looks great!
Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor looks awesome!
I like the Thomasville Kids Southern Dunes 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Dove Brown. It is versatile how it is a crib as well as a day bed and then a full size bed. It looks well made too.
I think it\’s fabulous that Future Shop carries so many items for babies. I am especially impressed that they sell baby carriers such as the Ergo Performance!
I like the Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Fixed-Side Crib – White
i really like the phil&teds promenade convertible stroller bundle would love taking the kids out n about in it
The Ford F-150 ride on truck toy.
The WubbaNub Yellow Duck Pacifier. Cute!
I LOVE the Thomasville Kids Southern Dunes 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in White!
My favourite is the Fisher-Price Rainforest Friends SpaceSaver Swing & Seat in White/Green
the Guzzie + Guss Goose Mall Stroller is pretty cool.
Future Shop has baby items!?!? I’m in love. I’d start with these fingerless gloves! Note that I wanted to leave the URL but WordPress won’t let me.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Thanks, Sarah — it’s actually a CommentLuv G.A.S.P. setting that prevents URLs from being added to comments. I made it a little more flexible — we’ll see how it goes 🙂
And I was just as surprised as you are! Good luck!
Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller
The Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller, Red/Black is perfect for my niece, she has a 19 month old daughter and 3 month old son. 🙂
I like the Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor
Cosco Funsport play yard looks like something I would like to have.
Love the evenflo playard
my fav product was the Fisher Price Grow With Me Highchair
I really like the Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor with Pan/Tilt technology…
my favourite item is this phil&teds stroller
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/phil-teds-phil-teds-navigator-v2-all-terrain-double-stroller-bundle-second-seat-included-black-navpr-v2-5/10296990.aspx?path=3444d2320e05a65fa07ab2175d93aed7en02
I like the Halo sleep sacks- they are so cute – thanks
Guzzie + Guss Lynx Full-Sized Stroller – Surf is gorgeous!
The Mountain Buggy Mini Baby Stroller would be my first choice!
I love the Evenflo Symphony DLX All-In-One Car Seat its on my list 🙂
My favourite is Phil & Teds Navigator V2 this would be my car
My favourite item is the Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider With Ottoman – White/Gray.
Perfect. Thank you!
The Levana Astra 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor looks like an essential product
How thoughtful to put together a special giveaway for Dad
The Safety 1st Trivecta All Terrain 3-Wheel Stroller in Red/Black sounds great.
The Baby Monitor is amazing!
I like the Levana Digital Video Monitor
I really like the VTech Safe & Sound 2.8″ Video Baby Monitor.
The fisherprice snugabunny cradle and swing!
The fisher price grow with me high chair
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/baby-einstein-baby-einstein-neighborhood-activity-jumper-kii-60184/10364300.aspx?path=7373aa68212c698eefa1078e9bfb9c12en02
I really like the D-Link Wi-Fi Only Video Baby Monitor (DCS-820L) – White. I think this is great! It would allow me to record and look at the pics later. I can even talk to my baby through the speaker!
I also love the VTech 3-In-1 Learning Zebra Scooter!
I like the Thomasville Kids Southern Dunes 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – Dove Brown
I love the Step2 2-in-1 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Ride-On Toy – Red
I like the Halo sleepsacks. They look cozy.
I love the Fischer Price grow with me highchair
I’m pretty sure my husband loves Future shop just as much. He always seems to have an errand that involves stopping by Futureshop.
I liked the Storkcraft Nursery crib. Very timeless.
I like the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me High Chair
I love the Broyhill Bowen Heights 4-in-1 Convertible crib.
The Ergobaby performance bundle of joy baby carrier
I love this change table. http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/south-shore-south-shore-cotton-candy-changing-station-sumptuous-cherry-3456333/10298152.aspx?path=08fb67fdf9d2eff21df3fdf2efaa33aaen02
white nursery dresser
I really like the Summer Infant Bentwood High Chair – Dark Brown
I like the mountain buggy nano stroller
I like the Summer Infant Bentwood Booster Seat – looks nice and would save space!
What a great item for a new mom/dad… or even at grandmas house! Bert & Bratt Portable UVGI Light Sterilizer would be really useful
My favorite item is the Fisher-Price Rainforest Friends Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing
The Evenflo FlexLite Santa Few Stroller
I really love the Thomasville Kids Southern Dunes 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – Dove Brown
phil&teds Navigator V2 All-Terrain Double Stroller Bundle – Second Seat Included – Black
It is all about safety so I choose the “Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5″ Digital Video Baby Monitor”.
One of my favourite items is the Summer Infant Video Monitor. I think they are amazing. I would have loved a video monitor.
Love the Xbox One 1TB Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle!
I like the Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags
Hey Casey, I had to find something that would look good in Grampy’s Man Cave, so I chose the Grow with Me Playard, so gramps can have some one on one time with baby while he’s wathcing the game! 🙂
I love the Loren care n share video baby monitor!
The Safety 1st Advanced Solutions No-Touch Temporal Thermometer is a fantastic idea, it is definitely one of my favorites & most needed items!
My fave item is the guzzie + Guss Connec+ +3 Stroller
I like the mountain buggy duet
any of the aden and Anais bamboo stuff – so soft
I really like the Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider
I really like the grow with me playpens!
Safety 1st Advanced Solutions No-Touch Temporal Thermometer (TH059)
I have been entering and tweeting away and not once did i see on this site that it was canada only till I read the pin I was trying to pin but thats okay you will just have to get rid of all my entries
Apologies, Amy — on the widget itself, it says “Open to residents of the Canada 18+”. Sorry for the confusion.
here is the link to my favourite monitor
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/angelcare-angelcare-2-5-video-baby-monitor-with-pan-tilt-movement-sensor-1100-a-ca-1gb-grey-1100-a-ca-1gb/10363194.aspx?path=f181a96f903e1123c104f7f09fdc26f5en02
phil&teds Navigator V2 All-Terrain Double Stroller Bundle would be awesome!
Like the Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me High Chair – Brown
looks like high quality and easy to use, sturdy looking too.
Maxi Cosi Piazzo High Chair – Teal Blue
Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller! I completely want it 🙂
My fave item would be the Evenflo Playard
Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Ultimate Playard is my favorite because we camp a lot and it would be so useful.
I like the Karibu Cushioned Potty Seat – Green!!
I love the guzzie + Guss Connec+ +3 Stroller with the striped pattern!
Maxi Cosi infant car seat.
I like the Phil and Ted Navigator stroller.
Safety 1st thermometer
Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller
I also love the Phil & Ted’s Navigator V2 All-Terrain Double Stroller Bundle – Graphite.
I love the Stork Craft Custom Hoop Glider.
phil&teds Navigator V2 All-Terrain Double Stroller Bundle
Munchkin latch bottle set