gifts Archives - A Little Bit of Momsense

Rebecca 4 Min Read November 23, 2022 No Reply

Give an Experience to Remember (at the NAC – with a discount!)

This post is a paid ad thanks to the National Arts Centre. All opinions are my own.

Read on to find out how to save when buying tickets at the NAC and give the perfect gift this holiday season!

Don’t worry if you are stressing out about to what to get that certain somebody on your gift list or if you are not wanting to add more stuff to your own family’s list. I know how hard it can be to find the perfect gift for some people, but there is a solution.

Experiences have become a wonderful way to provide amazing gifts that everyone will love without adding to a pile of ‘stuff’ that isn’t needed. Memories last so much longer than any item that comes in a box or bag (the Grinch has taught us a little bit about that!)

Give the gift of experience from the NAC

The National Arts Centre (NAC) holiday programming and ticket discounts for performances

Attending live musical or theatrical performances is truly wonderful. Our family has always loved going to the theatre. We love the arts and there is something so amazing about watching, listening and feeling a show come to life.

If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift, the National Arts Centre has just the ticket – AND a discount offer.

Save 15% at the NAC

Choose to gift tickets to a show that you think or know your recipient will love. AND if you buy tickets for 3 or more shows, you’ll receive 15% off. These ‘Create Your Own’ packages have so many options available. Browse the website to find all of the shows that can be included.

BONUS OFFERS: If you buy a subscription membership, you also get other perks like free ticket exchange, presale invites and more.

Gifts for Lovers of the Arts (or those who just appreciate a great show!)

Whether you are shopping for your in-laws, your siblings, or your BFF who would love a night out, you’ll find a performance that is just right.

In 2023, the line up for the NAC’s English and French theatres, Dance theatre, Indigenous theatre and more are filled with stunning shows.

For example:

The National Ballet of Canada presents Romeo and Juliet from February 2-4 (this is an all ages show, so the kids can go too!)

The NAC Orchestra Pop Series has a ‘Bond and Beyond’ performance (yes, that Bond. James Bond) on January 12-14.

Or check out the Reggae Roots on February 23-25 (this is another all ages show!)

Gifts for Families

If you are shopping for experiences for your own family or another family you hold in your heart, you won’t want to miss the 2023 family friendly shows that are coming up. Thanks to the KinderConcert and the NACO Family Adventures series, kids from ages 3 and up and experience the joys of these performances. There are MANY different shows (including ones I mentioned above that are all ages) that families can enjoy.

For example:

Mozart’s Flights of Fancy on January 15 (this show is for ages 3+! I love when little ones can attend too!)

Rhythm and Soul, Latin Style on January 21

Celebrate Africa on February 12

Also, on February 18 and 19 is an English performance of Alice Factory (a rhyming musical tea party with Alice in Wonderland!) This is a part of the Big Bang Festival that the NAC hosts so save the date because there are always many events and activities that weekend.

There is still more! Browse all of the family shows that are coming up!

Also, if you are buying for someone under 30 years old, tickets are only $15!

Discover more about what the NAC has to offer for families, including free toddler events, on the Arts Alive website.

Gift Cards are Available

Not sure about availability? I get it. It’s hard with family commitments and life events to know if a certain performance date can fit into everyone’s calendar. Not a problem! Get them a gift card so they can find exactly the event they want.

Grab your tickets before shows sell out and plan the perfect gift for the holidays!

Thank you for the National Arts Centre for being an advertiser on this blog.

Rebecca 3 Min Read December 12, 2018 No Reply

Create a WOW stocking stuffed with fun, unique and useful items

Shopping

This post is in partnership with blog advertiser Tag Along Toys

I love filling the stockings every Christmas. The kids receive one from Santa, and Andy and I fill each other’s.

It’s long been known that in our family, stockings are important. Sure, the kids are anxious to see what’s under the tree, but the stocking is where the real thought process comes into play. Items have to fit in the stocking itself, and coming up with the best items to drop in (including budget-friendly ones) are a challenge.

Here are some stocking stuffer ideas for you that are some of our go-tos for the kids. Then, keep reading to see a few items that I have found at Tag Along Toys for the stockings that I think kids will love! Some of them are going into our stockings too!

What to put in your child’s stocking

stickers (this is a great time to find special ones that are unique, or that are the theme for a fave game/sporting team/hobby)
art supplies – there is always a need for new markers and paint brushes!
Balls or pucks – road hockey balls, hockey pucks, tennis balls and badminton birdies fit well!
DVDs
Books or magazines
Personalized items for them – we tend to include hobby items like guitar pics
Nail polish (there are some great child friendly options!)
Stamps
Play food (I remember filling my son’s stocking when he was younger with this!)
mini figures
Stuffies (beanie boos are always a favourite!)
Play-doh
cards (sports cards, deck of cards etc)

Stocking Stuffers at Tag Along Toys

Holiday Playfoam

How cute are these? Both of my kids are getting this Playfoam this year. They’ll love how it feels!

Fortnite Notebooks

I think you can tell what video game my son was into each year based on what little themed item he received in his stocking that year. This year, of course, will be this Fortnite notebook! The journal is a great pick too!

LEGO Minifigures

Always a hit. Plus, there’s something fun about opening the package to see which one you get!

Jewellery

A Mood Ring, or a bracelet, are perfect gifts to tuck into a stocking!

Calico Critters

Have your children discovered Calico Critters? My daughter has been playing with them for some time, and my nieces love them. They are tiny and come with tiny parts but I think that’s partly why they enjoy them – she sets up the little furniture in the living room that includes a tiny telephone and other accessories with joy! And, they are cute. The little character packs are great for the stocking.

Science Experiments

I love these mini science experiments. They are perfect to encourage the kids to experiment without committing to a larger activity.

Old fashioned fun

There was one year my son got a paddle ball and he was thrilled; and both the kids still pull it out to play with (although, admittedly, it wasn’t as popular as the cup and ball has been!)

Practical, but fun, items

Hair brushes, lip balm, and even socks can all be added into a stocking but they don’t need to be boring. You can find fun options to include!

There are SO MANY stocking stuffer ideas at Tag Along Toys in Ottawa. Browse one of their two locations (Bank Street, or in Kanata) and you’ll easily find amazing items to tuck in the stockings for a real wow effect!

One final question: Do you wrap the items in the stockings or no? (I am definitely on team WRAP THEM)

Rebecca 2 Min Read December 10, 2017 1 Reply

The Star Wars Fan Gift Guide

Shopping

For him, for her, for the kids, babies and Wookies in your life, I’ve rounded up some amazing Star Wars gifts that you’ll be excited to give and they’ll be excited to get.

Millenium Falcon Pool Floatie

Give someone the gift of the greatest ship in the galaxy for their swimming pool. You can pretend to be Han Solo or maybe even someone new who will fly the ship when The Last Jedi comes out!

Sphero BB-8

This is a WOW gift. It’s one that would make me anyone excited to receive. You get to control BB-8! Everyone needs this little droid rolling around, right?

Jedi Academy Books

For the little fan who wants more stories from a galaxy far far away, the Jedi Academy chapter books may be perfect!

Darth Vader Books

What would Darth Vader be like as a Father? One who raised Luke and Leia? This hilarious cartoon series explores that very thought. It’s funny, cute and a fun read for the entire family.

R2-D2 baby onesie

I wish I had put my babies in this. How cute would this onesie be on the baby in your life that you want to spoil (and teach the ways of the force to early on!)

Star Wars Make up

Yes, you read that right. You can choose your palette: The Dark Side or the Light Side, but also, check out the compact mirrors!

Star Wars Itty Bitty

I think the little Itty Bitty stuffed characters from Hallmark are too cute. Select your favourite character and tuck them into a stocking!

Star Wars Earrings

Star Wars Love Earrings

Local shop Workshop Studio and Boutique has a selection of Star Wars earrings like Darth Vader, Yoda and C3p0 (found online) but based on their Instagram, they may have other options in store! This is a great gift for someone who loves to add some flare to their own personal style and is a big fan.

A post shared by Workshop & Flock Boutiques (@workshopandflock) on Oct 30, 2017 at 9:29am PDT

Gifts for the Star Wars fan in your life via @bitofmomsense

Click To Tweet

What Star Wars item would you like to see under your tree?

Rebecca 4 Min Read November 26, 2016 2 Replies

Food Gifts to Give for Christmas

Food, Parenting

There is no secret that I love food. And getting food as a gift is something many of us love. I mean, chocolate is always a great idea, right?

This holiday season, if you are looking for an edible gift to give someone you love, here’s a list of a few items I would love to see under the tree. Instead of filling our homes with more stuff, I love the idea of giving something that can be consumed, shared and enjoyed by many.

Take a bite out of your holiday shopping list with these food gift giving ideas!

Cardamom and Cloves

Based in Ottawa, this is a subscription service that will mail the lucky gift recipient a selection of three spices each month that can be used in your their own kitchen creations or to experiment with the recipes provided. For $9 or less a month, this is a spectacular gift.

Top Shelf Preserves

I bought a selection of Top Shelf Preserves for my hard-to-buy for dad last year and they were a hit. I love the variety of pickled options (I will eat anything if it’s pickled I think!) and their chutneys will be a welcome addition to any holiday spread.

Prince Edward Island Preserve Company

Every year when we are on the Island we eat here and shop at the Preserve Company. It’s amazing and delicious. Their jams are heavenly, the lemon curd almost sinful and the tea is a staple in this house.

Purdys Chocolate

I want the salted caramel chocolates, let’s just put that out there. I got a couple boxes last year and I can never have too much. There is a huge selection online and a flat rate for shipping. You can get a lot of shopping done with just a few clicks. But I recommend wrapping everything right away so you don’t tempt yourself!

Wine Club Subscriptions

I’m counting wine as food. We are currently in a Wine Club with Ravine Winery and it’s amazing. It’s absolutely an indulgence for us but each month, two bottles of amazing wine shows up to our door along with an item from their pantry. Every so often their smoky Almonds are in the box and we have to fight over who eats the last one.

There are two subscriptions with Ravine (one has limited membership) but both offer discounts at the winery and delivery of wine to your door.

Another local Niagara winery to check out for their club is Chateau des Charmes. Their Adventurer Level wine club delivers two bottles of wine each month as well, one from the LCBO and one that you can only get at the winery. We love the grounds at Chateau des Charmes and this is a great way to introduce the wine lover on your list to more delicious Ontario wine.

Chocolat Favoris Fondues

Since writing about Chocolat Favoris this summer, our love for it has not waned. I recently bought the Advent Calendar to enjoy! They have a lot of gift giving options online or in the store, but gifting their fondues would be a fun, unique gift. They have some packaged up in festive boxes, or paired with their chocolates in gift baskets to make your gift giving even easier!

Festive Coffee

I will never turn away coffee as a gift, especially this time of year when we are entertaining so often. I love the festive Winter Harvest Blend from Ten Thousand Villages each year. It’s available ground or as beans.

No matter what gifts you decide to get, it’s always the thought that counts (as long as you don’t think about eating the gift ahead of time, you’ll be fine! 😉

Rebecca 4 Min Read April 25, 2016 2 Replies

Sweet Treats Delivered for Mother’s Day with Givopoly

Shopping

Givopoly: Easy gift giving from home

Long time readers will know that I love baked goods. Photos of goodies that I’m about to eat or bake are plastered all over this site and my social media sites all the time. The ongoing joke when we travel is that I will always be on the look at for a local bake shop to pop into.

It will come as no surprise when I say that if someone is giving me a gift, I will always happily accept baking. In fact, on Mother’s Day in years past, the family has specifically arranged for us to go to a bakery as part of my Mother’s Day outing. It’s perfect!

Maybe that’s why I love that Givopoly has so many local baking options for delivery. It could also become problematic for someone like me to just be able to click, order and wait for a treat delivery, but it’s extremely handy.

I have used Givopoly many times to deliver thank you gifts, sympathy gifts, Father’s Day gifts and more. The selection of locally sourced items is extensive – there truly is something for everyone!

Not sure what to get mom this Mother’s Day? This is where to start. You’ll be supporting local Ottawa business (or Toronto or Vancouver, Givopoly is now in those cities!) and be finding the perfect gift that any mother will love.

Givopoly gifted me with a gift certificate so I placed an order and the family was thrilled to see the goodies arrived. A dozen donuts from The Cake Shop were exactly what I was craving (and they were delicious!) plus, scones from The Scone Witch made for the perfect breakfast treat on a Monday morning. Even if you aren’t using Givopoly for Mother’s Day, think about goodies for your office meetings or next family get together.

Of note: Some items need a bit of time to be prepared (or baked), so while there are last minute options with Givopoly, you want to ensure that your selection will still be available when you order it. But don’t worry, their customer service is great and will be able to help you out with any questions you may have!

Here are five other gift options in Ottawa if you aren’t sure what to choose for Mom this Mother’s Day (although, seriously, get me the donuts!)

1-Flowers

Sure, they may seem like the boring choice, but honestly, I love flowers. They liven up any room and when they look as gorgeous as these ones do from Flowers Talk, they are hard to resist.

Simply Sweet

2- For the kitchen

I love cutting boards and feel like I never have enough. I have ones that I use daily, ones that I use for serving, and ones that just look amazing no matter what I need them to be doing. This one with the turquoise trim is gorgeous!

Wooden Charcuterie Board

3- Kronut

Okay, so instead of the donuts, I almost ordered these. I will accept these as a gift anytime.

Kronut Kraving

4- Beer

I love this little gift set. I got it for Andy for Father’s Day before and any beer loving mom will appreciate it too I think! We use that wooden container a lot!!

Local Craft Beer Gratitude Pack

5- Scones

It makes me feel very Downton Abbey to think about having tea and scones. They are delicious and I love how beautiful this entire gift set looks.

A Tinful of Scones

Do you have a favourite gift that you would love to receive?

Disclosure: Givopoly gave me a gift certificate to use their service and ply me with donuts. All opinions are my own.

Instant Search

Tag Archives:
gifts

Give an Experience to Remember (at the NAC – with a discount!)