Canadian Gift Guide

Last but certainly not least – especially when it comes to the all-important stocking stuffers – I’ve got ten fun and frugal gift ideas to put a smile on any child’s face this Christmas. Happy shopping!

Animal Lover Soap Set – $7 @ The Body Shop
Most kids either love or hate bath time, but at least you can make it a little extra fun with this pint-sized collection of adorable animal soaps in elephant, turtle, and rhino shapes + a body pouf to help ’em lather up.

Temporary Tattoos – $5+ @ Tattly
Designer-created temporary tattoos designed to add a serious pow to your body parts. With designs appropriate for little ones and adults alike, each tattoo comes in a two-pack (shipping is $2 extra). Who says permanence is more fun?

Assorted Bamboo Puzzles – $10.69 each @ Grassroots
With 18 different mind-bending designs and 5 different levels of difficulty, these eco-friendly puzzles are an educational addition to any child’s stocking. Rest easy knowing their playtime will be good for the mind and the planet.

Clementine Natural Crayon Rocks – $7.99 @ Grand River Toys
With no additives or dyes, these all-natural crayons can colour your world with a buttery soft texture and a full spectrum of rainbow shades. Bonus: the pebble-like shape fits well into tiny hands.

President’s Choice Old Fashioned Candy Canes – $2.99 @ Loblaws
What child’s stocking is complete without a candy cane? The good news is these artisanal canes are all handcrafted with fewer than five simple ingredients for an old-fashioned, lip-smacking treat. They come in five flavours as well, so each kiddie can enjoy their own taste sensation from Butterscotch and Gingerbread to Cherry and traditional Peppermint. Sweet!

Magic Gertie Ball – $9.95 @ Applause! Toy Store
I’ve already established I’m a lo-fi kind of toy person, which is why this relatively simple ball appeals to me I guess. The number of games you can play with a soft rubber ball are practically endless, but this one has a little something extra: like a mood ring, simply touching the ball with any part of your body actually changes its colour. Imprint your nose, your hands, your toes – anything! – and watch as it goes back to its original form.

Super Shiny Mini Series Pop! Sculptures – $10 each @ Kidrobot
Truthfully while I’ve catalogued this as a swell kids gift, Kidrobot’s sculptures are actually highly coveted pieces of miniature art by people of all ages (particularly designer-y types). Regardless – these balloon animal mini figures come in six different shapes inspired by birthday parties and days at the circus, and would make for a cheery addition to any little one’s desk or trinket shelf.

Sock Monkey Umbrella – $14.99 @ Grand River Toys
Find me someone that WOULDN’T want this amazing sock monkey-inspired umbrella! With stand-up ears, a tuft of yarn, and easy-to-open mechanism for the little ones, they’ll practically be begging for the rain (or slush) to come.

Got Milk? Magic Milk Straws – $3.99 each @ Scholar’s Choice
Want your little one to drink their milk (dairy or otherwise)? Turn it into an instant treat with one of these magical straws. Simply dip it into your glass and start sipping to unlock flavour beads in one of four yummy tastes – cocoa, strawberry, vanilla, or cookies & cream. Yum much?

3D Drawing Pad – $9.99 @ Kidding Awound
They always say the current generation doesn’t appreciate what the previous one didn’t have – like say, amazing 3D movies. Teach the tots some perspective with this nifty 3D drawing pad, complete with the ol’ skool red & blue paper glasses.

If you entered my ‘Good Tidings We Bring‘ contest already and you’d like a bonus entry, simply leave a comment below on your favourite kid-friendly stocking stuffer on this list. Easy peasy!