Here we go! It’s time for my annual Holiday Gift Guide for kids to help you find the most unique, fun, and special gifts for the kids in your life this year.
As always, here’s a little bit about my gifts guides (I’ve been writing them since 2010!)
This is a list of ideas that I’m sharing, from one parent to another, for those of your who need an idea for someone in your family, a friend’s child, a niece or nephew that is hard to buy for and so on.
There is no way to get on the gift guide unless I think the item is super neat/would be fun/I want to give to someone myself. That means it’s unsponsored. Some items are from my partners or have been given to me, but if they are here it’s because I think they deserve to be. I will also mention that.
The gift guide has grown with my kids and often feature items that I love for them, or have gotten them, but it covers gifts for toddlers, school aged kids, and teens. I shop for all ages every year!
I have also focused heavily on local shops, local makers, and Canadian options.
You can also browse my previous gift guides too because there are some pretty stellar recommendations on there. So many of those items are ones I still turn to as gifts, and ones that are still played with by my kids or the kids in our lives.
Please enjoy the guide, and as always, if you need some extra help, I am happy to be a little elf helper and provide you with even more suggestions – just drop me a comment, a message on social media or an email!
2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids
Bath bombs
Kids love feeling pampered just like we do, and a bath bomb is the perfect way to have some fun in the tub. Check out this sweet holiday themed set found at Terra20 (they offer curbside and local delivery), or order from Ontario company Whitby Soap Company (their designs look amazing!)
The Clay Date Kit
My daughter has had kits with clay that make little designs and dries before and she loves them. So I was thrilled to see a local version (The Clay Date Kit by Sprout Works Connection) show up at my favourite toy store Tag Along Toys (a blog advertiser, but also our family’s go-to toy store). Kids of all ages will love being able to mold and create with this kit – it comes with 24 colours and shaping tools! (I already got one for my daughter before sharing here 😉
Playfoam
I find Playfoam to be the weirdest stuff, but I have to admit it’s pretty cool. I attended a virtual toy fair a few weeks ago and this was a hot toy. We’ve had it show up in stockings in the past, and this kit with a case from Tag Along Toys is pretty neat. It doesn’t dry out, and I don’t find it as messy as Playdoh (although that’s also a big hit usually!)
Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Canada
I was a part of the Kickstarter for this book and it has arrived! It’s filled with Black Canadians who have been a part of our history, and present. It’s the perfect addition to our bookshelf for all of us to enjoy. You can get your copy at Chapters.
Girl Gang Strong Subscription Box (or one-time box)
I ordered a Girl Gang Strong box for my daughter at the beginning of the school year and she beyond loved it. I have another one coming as a Christmas gift. You can order it as a subscription, or purchase a one-time box or set. The boxes are filled with products and books to encourage self-love, find inspiration, and have some fun. It’s the perfect tween or teen gift.
Kokom Scrunchies
I ordered this beautiful scrunchie a few months ago and love it. They make for perfect stocking stuffers too! They are locally made by a very talented 9 year old!
Waytoplay Expressway
Playing cars brings me back to when my kids were little and we played so many games with villages and roadways and pretend things! And I wish I had a set like this expressway. There are various package sizes, but wouldn’t it be fun to create your own roadway anywhere in the house? Find them at Hintonburg Kids.
Emmy’s Earrings
Locally made earrings for sensitive ears (they use plastic posts), Emmy’s Earrings make perfect stocking stuffers or special gifts. They also have a clip on option for those without their ears pierced but still want to accessorize!
Pop Culture Shirt
So, turns out, teens are pretty easy to shop for when you have a shared interest in pop culture. My son and I are currently binging The Office, so this sweater (from PEI) hits the right notes.
Want more reference? Etsy is an amazing source for whatever show your kid is into. But I also created a custom button for him with a Parks and Recreation button from local shop Ifs, Ands, or Buttons.
This The Office puzzle is also happening for him (from local shop Hintonburg Kids)
B. Toys music set
My kids had a variety of B. Toys items, their cousin had this music set, we had the doctor kit (which is still used for pretend play by dd and cousins) and I love gifting their items. This music set is fun and can be found at Fab Baby Gear.
LEGO Tray
I love the look of these personalized LEGO trays from ETSY. Your child can carry their set up or creation from room to room, and you are less likely to step on all the pieces (not guaranteed though ha). The inserts are available in a variety of colours too.
Raven Reads
This is another subscription (so it could be a good idea to give to grandparents looking for special gifts!) but I came across Raven Reads and thought it looks amazing. There’s an adult version too, but the younger box is for children aged 9 and under and includes Indigenous books and gifts that you and your child can read together. This is a great way to build your library if you have young kids too!
123 Petits Pas Starter Kit
For wee ones who are learning French as a second language, local business 123 Petits Pas has put together an interactive starter kit with fun learning activities! There is a limited supply though.
Paint your own Wood Craft Kits
I think crafts should always be a part of a gift giving year. Locally burned wood outlines with paint pots for your child to paint their own bedroom decor are a fun activity! I ordered a small set in the Spring from Canoes and Creativity and loved it. I also ordered a set for my nieces!
Magnetic Book Marks
I love the cutesy nature of these book marks from a Vancouver company Craftedvan that I saw on Instagram. Both my kids would think these are great and they probably should make an appearance under our tree. They also have enamel pins (pictured here). Also, check out their googly eyed mystery packs!!
