GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -- Shopping centers are packed with the latest and greatest gifts for the holiday season, but that also means the parking lots are jammed with shoppers and distracted drivers.

Just days ago, a two year old in Littleton was hit and killed by a car in a parking lot, a reminder to parents to hold their children close.

Police are warning drivers and parents to be careful this holiday season.

"Parking lots can get pretty crazy. There's a lot of people out there, so be patient," Kate Porras with the Grand Junction Police Department said. "Look for those backup lights, look for cars that have their engines running, those types of things, and teach the kids to be aware of what's around them, too."

Holding your child's hand is very important when you're out in a parking lot, and police say if you don't have enough hands to juggle the kids and the gifts you buy, bring along a friend to help.

Police in Grand Junction have already started to see fender benders this holiday season in parking lots, but thankfully no one has been hospitalized.