Just before the start of Spring break, we visited the Microsoft Experience Center to hear about tech tips & products for families, so they can have a less stressful Spring experience (whether staycation or travel).

Note: This posted was written in partnership with Microsoft Store. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Helping families have less stress?! As a mom of a teen son, I needed ALL THE TIPS and was literally outside the store before it opened. Ha!

To start I had some hands on time with a Surface Laptop device (#gifted) and a Microsoft Store staff member, who shared some perks of using this device including

• It's light weight so you can travel and stay connected to school, work, etc.
• It has great specs for watching movies or light video game playing
• Connect to displays and docks with USB-C® and USB-A.

And then I learned about the Spring Tips and Sales!

Microsoft Store’s Tech Tips for Spring Travel

Harness the power of intentional screen-time: Turn any long layover into an extended gaming session or transform your staycation into a gaming tournament for your kids while you catch up on sleep, hobbies, or work.

Scoop up a dedicated kid-friendly device on sale: To make travel as pain free as possible, scoop up an affordable, secondary family device for kids to watch movies/TV, play educational games or catch up on homework so they don’t have to use their parents’ expensive tech. Shop deals such as Store Spring Sale to save even more.

Stay organized to keep your cool: Microsoft tech can help you stay organized and make capturing memories a breeze so you can focus on your adventures and having fun with your family. Microsoft 365 provides access to Microsoft Store’s best personal productivity and protection tools all in one convenient subscription.

Practice your setup before you hit the road: Whether you have a toddler or a teen, kids thrive with knowing what to expect. Do a dry run of your kids’ tech setup to make sure you have everything you need, and everyone knows how to use it.

Expect the best, prepare for less: You never know when rain, canceled reservations or a stomach bug will throw a wrench in the most perfectly planned day. Be prepared with a fun backup activity you can do from anywhere. Download a karaoke app or a new game to make your vacation meltdown-proof.

Microsoft Store’s Spring Sale

The Microsoft Store’s Spring Sale runs April 7 – 20, with discounts on Xbox and PC games, PCs, movies and TV shows, and more! Learn more, visit - www.microsoft.com

• Save up to $300 on select Surface Laptop 5. Offer ends April 16.
• Save up to 33% on select Microsoft PC accessories, including the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub, Microsoft Modern USB-C Headset, and Microsoft Bluetooth® Mouse. Offer ends April 16.

• Save up to 60% on select PC and Xbox digital games, including Sonic Frontiers, Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Forza Horizon 5. Offer ends April 20.
• Save up to 50% on select movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter: The Complete 8 - Film Collection and Deadpool 2 - Movie Collection. Offer ends April 20.
• Save up to 50% on Windows apps including Dolby Access and Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023. Offer ends April 20.

• Save $10 on select Xbox controllers. Offer ends April 22.
• Save up to $300 on select Surface Pro 9. Offer ends April 23.
• Save up to $500 on select Surface Pro 8. Offer ends April 30.
• Save up to $500 on select Surface Laptop 4. Offer ends April 30.

Microsoft Store’s Activities

Since we were one of the first families in the store, we had extra time to see and enjoy a few things including


Seeing how Microsoft Store products fit into families lifestyles and activities, both during the day and at night.


Virtual and physically driving the one-of-a-kind McLaren Senna through the streets of Forza Horizon 5. This experience is FREE and open to the public!


Demoing the Surface Design Lab to learn how to personalize a Surface device type cover with a variety of unique designs that are lazer etched onto the front. This is simple to use and a great gift idea!


Ending our visit with some mom and son gaming in the Xbox Game Pass Lounge. Another FREE and open to public experience families can enjoy. There's lots more I'm going to share about this in another post!

Microsoft Store’s Perks

As Not sure which games to purchase or need help setting up a new console? Gamers (18+) and parents can use gaming checkout to have our product experts help configure and purchase Xbox consoles, games, accessories, or Complete. And make sure you never miss a deal on your favorite Xbox games by getting sale alerts on wish listed games.

Don’t forget to enter the Wish to Win Spring Sweepstakes! Send us your wish list for a chance to win an Xbox Series X, Series S, and games. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit -  https://aka.ms/WishToWinSpringSweepstakes

Shop with Confidence: Purchasing from Microsoft Store comes with the Microsoft Store Promise, with free 2-3-day shipping, free 60-day returns, our 60-day low price promise and flexible payment options.

Microsoft Store also offers free personal set-up and training sessions with a Microsoft expert to help customers make the most of their gifts. Customers can learn more and sign up for 1:1 sessions here.

Learn more, visit - www.microsoft.com