This blog is brought to you in partnership with the City of Ottawa
Update for 2022: Are you looking for 2022 winter registration? Here’s the website! Registration begins December 5, 2022 (for swimming) and December 7 for non-aquatic.
Ready for swim lessons or skate-ski lessons? The City of Ottawa Winter programming is almost out!
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming registration dates for winter activities and arts:
Activities include swimming, skating, sports and more.
And for parents who are wondering about holiday break day camps for their school aged kids, there will be some opportunities to sign your child up for day camps that will have crafting and activities offered.
I also know many families are anxiously waiting for swimming lesson registration – remember that the swim registration is earlier than the other activities so mark it in your calendar!
The programs and activities have been developed and modified for a healthy and fun environment for you and your family.
All City aquatics programs and facilities have implemented COVID wise safety-protocols for a safe and fun environment to keep you and your family active. This includes no hands-on instruction, parental accompaniment for younger swimmers, mask requirements outside of the pool, and low-ratio programs that support physical-distancing measures. Visit ottawa.ca/recreation for more details on City safety protocols.
Staying active is important to you and your family’s physical, social and mental well-being. The City is currently developing more winter activities for you and your family that include virtual and outdoor fun. Stay tuned for more information in the upcoming weeks.
-City of Ottawa
TIP: If grandparents, aunts and uncles or friends are asking about what to get your family or the kids for Christmas this year, maybe a lesson or opportunity for a class is the perfect experiential gift to give!
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!!
Soon it will be December 1, and along with our tea, chocolate, toy, bath bomb advent calendars we have happening this year, we are continuing our family activity calendar too.
If you’ve been following me for some time, you may already know this is a long standing tradition. A 25 days of Christmas activities calendar. We have been doing a family activity calendar since our kids were toddlers/babies.
It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. Every year we update the list a little bit based on our own family’s plans, and as the kids grow. There are some that stick around every year because we love them, and others are there because to be honest, they are easy.
2020 is proving to be an interesting year to create this calendar since we aren’t really going very many places, but we know more memories will be made!
As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:
a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc.
b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.
c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters or a family visit. This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend.
What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar reflects the age and stage we are at now, but if you search ’25 days of Christmas’ on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then.
And again, I explain the singing:
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My son has requested these be removed but nope – they stay. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works!
As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!)
Write letters to Santa (FYI I have one believer likely on her last year.)
2. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it!)
3. Make paper snowflakes
4. Set up a special hot chocolate bar (hot chocolate bombs!!)
5. Visit Saunders Farm Light Drive Thru (I’m an ambassador this year!)
6. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
7. Sing Jingle Bells
8. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert
9. Decorate Ginger Bread Houses
10. Order toys to be dropped off at Toy Mountain
11. Decorate Christmas cookies!
12. Deliver Christmas cookies to friends and family (Porch drop offs!)
13. Sing Frosty
14. Make a list of ten things we are thankful for. Hang it where you can see it every day.
15. Make wreaths for your bedroom doors
16.Cumberland Village of Lights Drive Thru Experience
17. Play Family Christmas Charades
18. Make a donation to the local Food Bank
19. Go see the lights at Parliament Hill (listen to your parents tell the story about how they got engaged during Christmas time under those lights
20. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house
21. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
22. Go for a drive to see Christmas lights at Taffy Lane.
23. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
24. Unwrap one present (mom and dad get to pick which one)
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
While it may feel early to be talking about the holidays right now, I think 2020 is going to be different in how we approach everything, Christmas shopping included.
Because of concerns with postal delays, I think we will be having to ship our gifts across the country earlier than usual. Plus, we don’t want to be watching a tracking ID constantly if that one special gift is delayed, so I think we will see even more reliance on local shopping. Luckily, that’s a fave of mine so I’m happy about that.
I have been book marking upcoming markets and sales for makers and small businesses that I wanted to share with you. (I will also share anything especially neat I find in my upcoming gift guides!)
When I participated in the Spring Time Cheerfully Made sale, I loved browsing and shopping with multiple vendors and only paying one shipping fee to have it all delivered. Where you are scoring delivery or local pick up, mark your calendars to check out, attend and shop at one (or many) of these local markets.
Something I LOVE about buying gifts from markets is that every item is so unique. So I have no worry about someone already owning the item or it being picked up at a big box store by others. These are special gifts!
TIP: There’s no rule that says you have to shop these markets for gifts only. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself too!!
Save the dates on these upcoming local virtual markets. Shop from the comfort of your home. Shop early to ensure they get shipped on time. And shop knowing you are supporting local businesses! YAY! THAT puts me in the holiday spirit.
ps: While I am featuring markets that have gone virtual and are Ottawa based, many will ship across the country!
pps: I have included the Facebook pages for the events so you can click ‘going’ and get notified with updates!
Virtual (Local) Holiday/Craft Markets
Pride, Not Prejudice Online Craft and Community Fair
When: November 5-8
Not every market has to be holiday focused to be the perfect place to shop and find gifts.
Here’s a brief exert for the upcoming Pride, Not Prejudice Fair: “A chance for “social justice warriors,” feminists, queers, and other progressive folks to come together, support makers and artists within that community, and share resources.”
Also, it’s organized by Ifs, Ands or Buttons, a shop that I love. I’ve already started browsing!
Oh What Fun Happy Holiday Shopping Event with Cheerfully Made
When: November 5-8
I attended the spring Cheerfully Made market online and bought a lot of amazing items. They have a single shipping rate even if you buy from multiple vendors which I love.
Cheerfully Made has a shop in Almonte and you may have been to their holiday markets in the past so it’s so nice to see them going virtual this year.
Browse their online shop and you are guaranteed to find something to help you cross someone off your to-buy-for list.
Hosted by Freewheeling Craft, this event is happening over an extended period of time (November 26 – December 24) so even if you are a last minute shopper they have you covered.
I love that HoliYAY will plan for local pick ups and deliveries so you know you’ll be able to get your items in time for your special celebrations!
Over 200 vendors are coming together for the Ottawa Artisans Happy Holidays virtual market.
This market will offer a flat rate shipping fee across Canada, a local Ottawa deliver fee and FREE local pick up. This makes it super convenient to shop and ship!
PS: They currently have a series of giveaways happening on social media!
I wrote two articles about Halloween this year already.
In one for Mom Resource, I highlighted a few suggestions to switch up the Halloween plans this year. This was written before Ottawa’s own recommendation to not trick or treat at all, but it’s a national resource.
For SavvyMom, I wrote about activities that are happening right here in Ottawa over the next couple of weeks to get us in the Halloween spirit. One had to be removed because it was cancelled from the day I wrote the article to the day it was published. That’s how quickly things have been changing.
So what are we doing for Halloween around here?
Costumes remain a must. The youngest will be Carmen SanDiego (please and the eldest has decided to go as Burt Macklin lololol (we are watching Parks and Recreation).
While it will just be the four of us this year, and usually we decorate outside and make it a big thing to trick or treat (either around here or at my sister’s house) we are keeping things in our own home this year.
I’ll be setting up a haunted hunt for Halloween treats around the house and hopefully turning the basement into a not-too-spooky haunted house.
When the kids were little (preschool/early school age) I used to turn my son’s bunk bed into a haunted house and welcomed them into the darkened area to touch spaghetti brains and slimey grape eyeballs (remember that from our own school days?!). They’ve asked to do it once again. I’m thinking of changing it up a bit to incorporate the treats.
Now, maybe the treat hunt will be in the dark and they will have to use flashlights all over the house.
I still can’t make it too scary (my kids hate that) so it will hopefully put them in the Halloween mood without keeping them up with nightmares.
Yes, it will be different this year, as were other holidays and celebrations so far in 2020, but it will still be fun. And filled with treats. Treats that I will also enjoy.
The pandemic continues and while some things have started to open up, we are still all trying to keep our distance from everyone who isn’t in our bubble and we are wearing masks when we will be near others.
When I look back on these posts years from now, I wonder if I will remember all the feelings I’m having now. Some days I’m frustrated. Other days I am worried and anxious. Some days angry. Some days sad. And some days happy – there are moments of joy that I’m able to enjoy.
As you may have seen, writing hasn’t been easy lately. Neither is reading, or being productive. It’s a really difficult time, and yet, I find comfort in enjoying the nice summer weather, being with my family, and staying as safe and healthy as we can.
The weather makes a big difference, and we’ve been enjoying the backyard this year even more.
The kids are happy to not have school requirements and we are definitely treating the summer like a summer – lazy days, filled with outdoor time, screens, good food and fun.
Work has been my welcome distraction, and even though both Andy and I are working throughout the summer (he usually takes it off) from home, we are finding some sense of balance and routine and boundaries. I had to start focusing on the latter because I was turning to the computer far too often somedays!
As a family our time this summer is a bit different, as our activities have had to change, but we have been trying to focus on rest and we all know we need it. We are in a fortunate position to have us all at home. I do miss having a quiet house though
We were able to go visit our family in Southern Ontario for a few days recently. The trip was a bit different (it required us to de-bubble from my parents, to bubble with the 5 people we were going to see in Windsor) but it was such a nice time away, mostly spent at grandma’s house and outdoors.
It’s hard to believe the summer is almost over. That a new journey will begin (one that has my kids at home doing virtual learning while both Andy and I are working. More on that another time).
But the lazy summer days and gorgeous weather have been just what we needed.
this post is in partnership with the City of Ottawa, a blog advertiser
It’s Drowning Prevention Week and the City of Ottawa is sharing important messaging and reminders for people to help keep them safe.
This is not a typical year, and yet, many of us are trying to maintain some sense of normalcy, especially this summer (before the looming unknowns of another school year are upon us) and fortunately, given the nicer weather, many of our usual favourite activities can be done safely outdoors.
Parks and splash pads are open (which were a huge part of our summer each year for my kids, at every age and stage), and mini road trips are being planned by families all over the City.
Some beaches in the Ottawa area are open too (see their website for the list and to keep up with their safety recommendations) or families are playing in the waters at their cottages (rented or owned).
Here’s some important information the City sent me that I want to share with you:
Children under 12 have an increased drowning risk and need attentive supervision in and around the water. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years.
Water safety tips for children and families:
Stay within arms’ reach of children under five
Stay On Guard! Supervision of children and non-swimmers is key
Always swim with a buddy
Alcohol and water don’t mix. Don’t drink and swim. Don’t drink and drive your boat
Always wear a lifejacket when you are in a boat
Take swimming lessons – (please note City of Ottawa Swim Lessons are running again so parents can sign up now)
Swim in lifeguarded areas
When it comes to bodies of water – be aware that even if you have been in that water before, it may have changed. Be aware of currents, rocks etc.
Safety around water entry
The Lifesaving Society teaches strategies for safe water entries. This one is a great way to teach your children about water safety through enforcing these steps each time you are heading near water.
Remember this:
Stop! Look! Listen & Stop! Look! Go Slow!
They STOP before entering the water.
LOOK around to see if there are any hazards around the water and to make sure you, or another responsibility adult who they know, are right there within arm’s reach.
LISTEN for the adult to tell them they can enter the water. Make sure that the adult always enters the water first, protecting the child from any water drop offs or deep-water levels.
After the kids have outgrown the ‘younger’ TV show cartoons like Super Why! or Paw Patrol (for kids these days), you’ll eventually enter into this funny TV show age where they’ll want to watch something with a bit more plot but when they aren’t quite ready to sit down with you and your prime time shows yet.
Although we have been big fans of superhero cartoons in the past (and probably at a younger age than necessary), as my kids, my daughter especially who loves watching TV (like me), have been looking for serialized shows to watch. While the kids have some shows they watch by themselves, I enjoy finding series to watch with them.
The good news is there are shows that won’t make you want to throw the TV out the window and that really are enjoyable. Not all of them may be your child’s first pick maybe, at this pre-teen age they have varied interests, but luckily for me, my daughter and I tend to have similar tastes.
What are some shows currently on TV or Netflix that you can watch together? Here are my current recommendations:
The Dragon Prince
Binge worthy content with action, intrigue, humour, love and more. Put this on your list to watch first.
Carmen San Diego
Come for the reminder of how much you loved the game (and game show) as a kid yourself, stay for the characters and story telling.
Free Rein
It’s set in England and is kind of like a teen soap opera/teen mystery show that focuses on friendship, love, horses, adventures, family and more.
Nailed it!
Reality TV isn’t necessarily my favourite thing, but this cooking show brings joy and laughter to my daughter so it’s fun to join in and watch it together.
The Letter for the King
When I first started drafting this post a few months ago, there wasn’t a show called The Letter for the King. This was a recent binge watch for her and I and we really liked it.
Merlin
The special effects are ridiculous and at times the plot completely unbelievable – but what would you expect for a show about magic and lore. It’s still worth watching (I had watched this years ago when it was out, so I was happy to re-watch with my 11 year old!)
this post is in partnership with the City of Ottawa, a blog advertiser
Birthday celebrations in Ottawa have certainly looked different in the past few months, and even with some of the province opening back up birthday celebrations are still going to not be the same just yet.
The City of Ottawa is offering a virtual personalized message from Dexter the Dinosaur as a fun way to celebrate with your kids!
You simply have to contact them 48 hours in advance of the message.
To arrange for your message, contact the Ottawa Recreation and Culture Facebook page (I highly recommend following the page – they offer information about what’s happening in the City, activities for kids and more!)
If you’re not on social media and want a birthday message from Dexter, email them at rcfssocialmedia@ottawa.ca!
Dexter is also hosting dance parties as well. All of the information can be found on the Facebook Page!
For those of you planning special birthday surprises for your kids during this time, I’m thinking of you. I know how special these celebrations are, and we are all missing them but I know many parents are working hard to create that little bit of extra specialness this year.
This past week I’ve been doing a lot of reading and listening regarding race and anti-racism and I wanted to also share with you some resources I’ve been reading.
This is long overdue and for too long many of us haven’t taken action or really learned/listened because of our white privilege. It’s taken me too long. I have work to do.
And it’s up to us to do this work.
As a parent and a parenting blogger, I wanted to share a few of the links that I’ve been finding along the way that you may find helpful too.
This is just a start. And so many people have already been doing the work and have been sharing it. If you aren’t finding the resources to get educated, it’s time to google it and research. Spend the time. This isn’t an overnight, one-post-and-done thing.
This blog, and myself, needed to say something. Black Lives Matter. Talking to our kids about race and our white privilege is a must but it goes beyond that. I’m committed to learning more, supporting more, sharing more and doing more as a white parent.
You may have seen articles and posts from The Conscious Kid on Instagram. But they also have a Patreon page to access their resources and work. (I’ve paid to become a member and there are so many great resources!) If you aren’t familiar with them, here’s a great post to start with
Pregnant Chicken has an article that is especially good for parents of younger children and includes book lists and other suggestions.
PS: If you have the means, one action we can take action to donate. There are many, including ones in Canada. Take the time to research and give. Local Ottawa Organization Colours of Mama has a list that you can start with.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website for personalization, advertising and to analyze usage. By using this site, you agree to this.continueWant more info? Read our privacy policy.
