All the gifts to know about to look like a holiday hero this season
It’s that time of year again! If you are just starting your holiday shopping, or if you are almost done, I’ve rounded up a list of fun, interesting, cool items for kids of all ages.
As always, here’s a bit more about this year’s gift guide:
Simple. 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.
As always, the gift guide has grown with my own kids so I’m shopping for a 9 and 13 year old this year BUT I have nieces and nephews and kids in my life who are between the ages of 2 years old and 20 years old, so I get it. All ideas are needed.
As I mentioned, you can browse my previous gift guides too because there are some pretty stellar recommendations on there.
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!
ps: some of your Chapters purchases may be affiliate links – at no cost to you, I may end up with some extra coffee money! Thanks!
MyFUNvelope
(note: This was gifted to me to check out but you know I always include crafts on my list!)
STEM activities and hands-on crafts delivered right to your door for the special child in your life? Sounds pretty amazing!
MyFUNvelope offers a one-time craft kit purchase or a STEM/craft project monthly subscription service. The packages comes with new crafts each month to create, and the very first order includes a decorate-your-own pencil case with markers and scissors! They’ll love having their own mail arrive! Instructions are available in English and French.
To purchase: My Funvelope, beginning at about $19.99
Luggage
When my youngest was 5, my parents got both the kids small luggage for our upcoming Disney trip. It was the perfect gift. We are still using them, although I think the kids will need a bit of a bigger sized carry on in the near future.
A few tips when looking for kids luggage: I like hard shells, and ones that are for sure carry on. If you go too small, you’ll find they simply don’t hold enough so make sure it’s practical. And the wheels matter. Get a kind with great wheels so they can pull it through the airport! This makes a great gift for preteens and teens too!
Where to buy: Various location, but look at Heys – I really like their stuff!
Squishmallow stuffies!
I keep buying these as gifts because my daughter loves hers so much. They are soft and cuddly and the kids love them.
Where to buy them: I’ve gotten them at Winners, but you may find them at your local shop or Chapters too.
Grimm’s Wooden Toys
Every time Hintonburg kids posts a photo of Grimm’s wooden toys (especially the rainbow), I think that it would have for sure been under my children’s tree when younger. I love wooden toys, and the open ended opportunities these present are wonderful.
Visit Hintonburg Kids for details!
Star Wars Books for Kids
If you haven’t read through Jeffrey Brown’s sweetly created Star Wars books you are missing out. These are family favourites and make the perfect gift no matter your child’s age!
Where to buy: Chapters
Baby Gowns
Both of my kids wore baby nightgowns when they were first born and I loved them. It made for easy nighttime diaper changes, and since they were swaddled or wrapped, they stayed cozy. New versions have a tie off bottom keeping little legs warm. If you know someone who is expected or who just had a baby, introduce them to the world of gowns.
I love the look of this sweet and cozy set – and the slippers can easily be added to the gift list. My sister asked for these Padraigs with every baby she had!
Where to buy: Most baby clothing shops have nightgowns, but check out this set and the slippers at Hintonburg Kids.
Funny Mat
(note: This was gifted to me too but I love anything that encourages creativity! The travel set will be perfect on a plane too)
You know how you keep finding scraps of paper with drawings, writing, random colouring all over it? What if you had a way to reduce the paper use, but still encourage all of the fun creativity? That opportunity exists thanks to the Funny Mat. These large mats can be coloured or painted, then washed, over and over again with washable products making them perfect for the eco-conscious parent (or the parent who wants less mess!) Many sets come with washable markers too.
My daughter even took the travel kit with us to Montebello and was colouring in the car. I love that I can set the mat out on the table and she just colours away right before supper or when there’s a bit of quiet time.
Where to find them: Various locations, including Tag Along Toys on Bank Street and Fab Baby Gear, or on their website.
Portable Train Set
The kids always loved having a train set around, but this one from Melissa and Doug brings it to the next level because it’s portable! With all of our holiday and summer travel over the years, I’ve discovered that toys that are easy to pack up are my favourite, so this set looks like it would be a great way to grab it before a hotel stay, or visiting the grandparents.
Where to find it: Various, Tag Along Toys in Ottawa
Adopt an Animal
If you have a child who has been expressing their interest in animals, taking care of them, or worrying about animal habitats (this is a topic that comes up with my own kids from time to time), then consider adopting an animal. With a World Wildlife Fund adoption, they get a certificate and information about their animal, and some packages offer stuffed replicas. This is a great way to encourage their involvement and give a meaningful gift.
Left Right Centre
Most years, I like to include a game that our family has been enjoying (like Exploding Kittens which we still all love) but one that is the perfect game and gift all in one is called Left Right Centre. It’s an easy dice game that is great for kids and adults to play together. But be warned – it gets loud while you are having fun!
Where to buy it: Various places, look for it locally at Mrs. Tiggy Winkles
My final tip is this: I have found some amazing gifts over the years at local community craft shows, or bigger artisan, made-in-ottawa events. They are always worth checking out and supporting!
