The holidays are just around the corner, so here are some gift ideas for your little (or big) ones!

Gift Idea: Melissa & Doug Play-Time Produce Set

Toddlers love to help in the kitchen, and you can get them started with this awesome realistic produce set. It even comes in its own crate so kids can pretend it came right from the farm!

Gift Idea: LEGO 3-in-1 Exotic Pet

LEGO has been a great gift for children—and adults—for decades now, and with the new 3-in-1 exotic pet line, your child can get creative and learn new things about these fantastic exotic animals.

Gift Idea: Barbie the Movie Doll

Based on the super successful feature film, Barbie has made a movie version of their iconic doll. If the child, teen, (or even adult!) in your life was a fan of the movie, or simply loves Barbie, picking up this collectable doll is a must.

Gift Idea: MINTiD Dog-E Robot Dog

This interactive dog walks, sits, sings, dances and does so much more simply with your child’s command. If your child wants a dog, or loves a companion who will dance and interact with them, this makes a great gift.

Gift Idea: Crayola Inspiration Art Case

This portable art case provides anyone from young children, right up to adults, all the tools necessary to express their creativity with colours and art. Every kid needs this epic art kit in their collection.

Gift Idea: GeoSafari Jr My First Microscope

This sturdy STEM toy magnifies everything by 8x so your budding scientist can explore all the little things in their world. Perfect for toddlers and young school-age children.

Gift Idea: Wild! Science My First Magic Science Show

If your kid loves magic and science, this would be a terrific way to allow them to experiment in a safe, fun way. This kit comes with tons of magic ideas—all with the science behind them explained. Get ready for them to put on a fun show!

Gift Idea: Hot Wheels Track Set

Generations of children have had hours of fun with Hot Wheels, and your child can too with their Track Set. This set allows your child to use their imagination and creativity skills to build a fun track to race their Hot Wheels cars on.

Gift Idea: Taco vs Burrito

This popular game was created by a seven-year-old and is fun for the entire family! This strategic card game is a must-have for all children and their families. It’s easy to learn and fun to play. Get your food fight on!

Lite-Brite

The ultimate classic art creator board is now bigger and brighter with an enhanced screen, even more pegs and four different light-up options! This gift is perfect for children, teens or adults, who like to be creative and make art.

Race to the Treasure! Board Game

Peaceable Kingdom creates fun, co-operative board games that families of all ages love playing together. Work together and strategize to beat the ogre as you race to the treasure in this fun board game.

National Geographic Geodes

Have your young scientist break open these geodes to reveal a variety of awesome crystals inside. The kit comes with a detailed guide so your child can learn all about the crystals they’ve received. Kids of all ages will love the process of revealing and learning about their finds.

Melissa & Doug’s Geometric Stacker

Match and sort these 21 colourful wooden pieces, and skill-building is just part of the fun. Rings, octagons and rectangles can be slotted onto the three rods, stacked on top of each other or lined up to compare shapes, sizes and colours. This first-concepts set is a manipulatives all-star!

Hape Pound & Tap Bench

Pounding sends the balls tinkling over the xylophone. Pull out the keyboard and the xylophone can be played solo. Promotes dexterity, hand-eye coordination and manipulation. It also introduces logic, matching, spatial relationships, critical thinking and an understanding of cause-and-effect. For ages 12 months +.

Folkmanis Animal Puppets

Imagination is the key to a healthy childhood, encouraging play and discovery to develop the skills necessary in life. Folkmanis has been making the most innovative and engaging specialty puppets in the world since 1976, delighting imaginations and winning nearly every industry, child development,and kid-tested award—many repeatedly.

Magna-Tiles

These original 3-D clear magnetic tiles inspire creative, open-ended play and are an educational toy for children of all ages. Engage young minds by fusing together math, science and creativity and spark hours of imaginative free play. Anything kids can dream, they can create!

Loog Mini Guitar

More sophisticated, but still kid-worthy, a Loog mini guitar will help develop a lifelong love of—and maybe talent for—music! The ideal first guitar, the real-wood Loog mini has perfect intonation and three-string award-winning design. Includes flashcards with chord diagrams and full access to the Loog guitar app. loogguitars.com

Nat Geo’s Break-Open Geodes

Explore the crystal caves inside these naturally forming volcanic rocks. Crack them open and discover the beautiful minerals inside. Nat Geo selects only the best geodes collected from multiple mines around the world so you’re guaranteed to find fascinating crystals. Inspire an appreciation and love of nature with this extraordinary science kit. canadiantire.ca

Slothside Rock Climbing Holds

This set includes high-quality polyester resin bolt on rock climbing holds with a variety of shapes like jugs, crimps, pockets, pinch and slopers for a better climbing experience. Designed for easy gripping, these holds have a texture like real rock and are durable and weather resistant. slothside.com

To help you choose the perfect gift for everyone on your list—from the littles to the bigs—here is a comprehensive guide to this year’s have to haves…all from local businesses, to boot! To find out more about each business, please refer to the ads in this issue.

Freya Sophia Waldorf Store (Duncan)

Baby/Preschool: Beautiful, loveable Hoppa Fair Trade Waldorf Dolls from “Babylonia.” Made from 100% organic cotton, many to choose from for all ages. Starting at $12.

Children: Disana boiled wool jackets for Kids 6+. Beautifully designed for warmth and comfort. Many colors and sizes to choose from. 100% organic Merino wool/lining: 100% organic cotton. $248. Baby and toddler sizes starting at $110.

Juvenile/Teen: Dragon Boy Trilogy by Donald Sampson—our best selling novel for youths. Straw discovers that although an orphan, he descends from a long line of dragon keepers and has taken his rightful place caring for Star, although this is something he can neither prove nor ever tell the others. In this way, the boy enters into a secret apprenticeship under the careful guidance of the dragon. $25.

Adult: Biodynamic Combo. For the Gardener or the Farmer in your life: Purchase The Stella Natura 2020 Biodynamic Planting Calendar and the Biodynamic Gardening Manual by Monti Waldin together for $50. Inspiration and practical advice for gardeners and professional growers. Available separately or choose from other wonderful titles.

IMAX Victoria

Baby/Preschool: Squishmallows are the softest, cutest, cuddliest plush around. This line of loveable buddies is made from super-soft marshmallow-like texture and is washable. $8.99-$24.99.

Children: Honeycombs. Match bumble bee-themed symbols on hexagonal tiles and start to build your honeycomb. Work together to build one huge hive, or go head to head and crown the Queen Bee. $29.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Pixel Art. Create and proudly display eye-catching sequin images over and over again. The best new creative pixel art platform since Lite Brite. Insert pegs and hang sequins to create your own masterpiece. $55.

Adult: Authentic, licensed NASA equipment available for a limited time during “Apollo 11s” run at IMAX Victoria. Hoodies, Tees, mugs, keychains, bags, iPad cover and more. $5.99 and up.

Kool & Child (Nanaimo)

Preschool: Wow Toys. From My First Wow to Dexter the Digger, these toys are safe and age appropriate. They come with a vehicle and one or more chracters.

Children: Djeco Craft Kits. New to our store! Easy craft kits in envelopes (great for shipping). For girls and boys to create some fun.

Juvenile/Teen: Hacker “Cybersecurity Logic Game.” 120 challenges for beginner to expert. Play by yourself or collaboratively. This is “unplugged game play.”

Adult: Brain Master. Two player strategy game. The Codemaker chooses a secret pattern and the “breaker” tries to discover it using minium turns.

Lifestyle Markets

Adult: Gift Cards. Find the best stuff for your body and mind. With a vast selection of supplements, organic grocery and produce, full line of coconut products, non-dairy and meat alternatives, healthy meat and dairy, natural skin and body care and gluten-free products we have something for everyone on your list. We have so much to offer, you’d be crazy not to come check us out. Voted “Best Health Food Store” and “Best Nutrition Store in Victoria” for several years in a row.

Marmalade Books

Baby/Preschool: Baby Book or Picture Book Box. A selection of recently published books for ages 0-3 or 4-7, sent each month to your favourite little one. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Children: Early Reader Book Box. A selection of recently published books for children learning to read, delivered right to their door. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Juvenile/Teen: Middle Grade Novel Box. A selection of recently published books for confident readers aged 8-12, delivered right to their door. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Mini Pop Kids

It’s album Number 17 for Canada’s best-selling and longest running kid’s music group! Mini Pop Kids have officially released their newest takes on today’s hottest pop songs, including original track “Who You Are” — available now!

Parents who grew up with the infamous Mini Pops are now continuing the tradition with their own families with Mini Pop Kids Live! In storied tradition, Mini Pop Kids Live: The Bright Lights Concert Tour isn’t just an album or a show… It’s an experience for the whole family!

Momease

Baby: Padraig Cottage Baby Slippers are handmade in BC with pure wool. Dyed and crocheted by hand. Extra soft sheepskin lining and tough leather soles for long lasting comfort. The Baby Slipper has the elasticity to stay put without being overly constrictive on young growing feet. Newborn to toddler sizes. $34.99+.

Baby: Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Centre. Easy to assemble, with toys that can be positioned anywhere for baby, it features a 360-degree rotating seat that turns and stretches for bouncing. Discovery Window lets baby see their feet while they play. As baby grows, activity centre converts for easy cruising—ultimately becoming a clean, sturdy table for colouring, playing and more. $169.99.

Toddler: Farm Hoppers Bouncy Toy. Will keep your little one amused for hours—and wear them out for bedtime! These inflatable bouncy animals are whimsically fun, and brightly coloured with soft, easy-to-grip ears or horns for children to hold while they bounce around. Made from a high quality, BPA-free plastic, and can help with core muscle development as well as coordination skills while having fun. Pump included! $35.99.

Child: The Hape Toys Gourmet Kitchen. An all-in-one wooden kitchen that inspires mini chefs to cook everywhere and everything. Encouraging collaborative and creative play, the Gourmet Kitchen can be combined with the Hape Gourmet Fridge, food and other cooking accessories for the complete ‘mini chef’ experience! $159.99.

The Mothering Touch Centre

Baby: Oli & Carol Fruit and Veggie Teethers. We are really excited by this new line of natural rubber toys. Beautifully designed and look good enough to eat. Use them as teethers, sensory toys or even float them in the bath, there are no holes for water to get into to grow mold. The fruits and veggies are soft and easy for babies to grasp, safe to chew and soothing for sore gums. 4 M +. $24.99.

Baby: Fat Brain Toys—Whirly Squigz. Created to spark curiosity and creativity. One of the most popular toys is the Whirly Squigz. Stick’em, spin’em, whirl’em! Whirly Squigz are big, bright, and full of tactile fun. The suction cups stick to any smooth surface, making them perfect for home, travel, and bath time. Little ones will love taking this toy out for a spin over and over again. 10 M +. $29.99.

Baby: Cate & Levi Hand Puppets. Handmade in Toronto from premium reclaimed wool. The hand puppets are carefully crafted to bring you a soft and lovable toy or a gift that is responsibly made and environmentally friendly. No two puppets are identical, as each has a unique color combination. 0+. $24.99.

Preschool: Hape Stacking Music Set. Make wonderful music and explore melody and rhythm with this innovative set. Children can stack the differently sized blocks in any way they see fit, exploring music and shapes as they play. 18 M +. $49.99.

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Baby/Preschool: Mimi and Moo. Made in Vancouver, these organic cotton toys are too precious. From rattles to crinkle toys, the baby in your life will love these quirky creatures. $20-$24.

Children: Curious Kid’s Nature Guide by Fiona Cohen; illustrated by Marni Fylling. We love this book for its information and illustrations. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s hours of fun for anyone who considers themselves curious. HC. 85pgs. $19.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Learn and Colour the Northeast Pacific by Ricky Belanger. Explore the fascinating world beneath the waves with this gorgeous, fun and educational new colouring book. It’s sure to leave a lasting impression. PB. 42pgs. $25.

Adult: Goldilocks Beeswax Wraps. These beautiful wraps are made in Victoria using locally sourced beeswax. Give the gift of a healthier planet with this reusable alternative to plastic wrap. $12-$30.

TJ’s The Kiddies Store

Baby/Preschool: Skiphop Explore & More Sort & Spin Yeti. Meet Yeti, our interactive learning buddy. It has 3 stages: explore with lights and sounds, sort shapes, pop match and sort, and play—offers games to challenge your little one. $38.99.

Children: No Nasties Pretty Play Make Up Kits. 100% natural and plant based. Kits come with assorted shimmery eyeshadows, blush and lip balms. Reg kit: $29.99; Deluxe kit: $38.95.

Juvenile/Teen: Yumbox. Lundhes and snacking made easy with pre-portioned compartments. Food won’t touch or leak. Fun assortment of colours and sizes. $29.99-$47.99.

Victoria Bug Zoo

Baby/Preschool: Finger and hand puppets. From one-finger ladybug puppets to whole-hand hermit crabs, our arthropod puppets will make you wish you had more fingers. $4-35.

Children: Bug Collecting Kits. Inspire a future field biologist. Various collection kits include nets and other collecting devices, binoculars, magnifying glasses and viewing containers. $5-10.

Juvenile/Teen: Starter microscope sets. For the budding young scientist, a first glimpse through a microscope can reveal a world of wonder. $15.99.

Adult: Attracting Beneficial Bugs to your Garden by Jessica Walliser. This refreshing book delves into the fascinating relationships between insects and plants and will help you make your own insect-friendly garden. $31.95. 240pgs.•

To help you choose the perfect gift for everyone on your list—from the littles to the bigs—here is a comprehensive guide to this year’s have to haves…all from local businesses, to boot! To find out more about each business, please refer to the ads in this issue.

Freya Sophia Waldorf Store (Duncan)

Baby/Preschool: The Gerda Muller Seasons Gift Boardbooks. This charming gift box collection are beautifully illustrated with no words, full of seasonal details. A best selling favourite for the young featuring four books—spring, summer, autumn and winter. Illustrator, Gerda Muller. $42.

Children: Hoppa Waldorf Doll. This lovely collection of Waldorf dolls are handmade, fair trade, loving crafted from organic cotton. Many to choose from, boys and girls. Other soft dolls and toys for younger children also available. $60 for medium dolls, $95 for large.

Juvenile/Teen: D’aulaires Book Of Norse Myths. The Norse myths are some of the greatest stories of all time! A classic award winning, beautifully illustrated collection filled with adventure, struggle and charm that is suitable for all ages but particularly those approaching their teens. Ingri and Edgar Parin D’aulaire. $33.95.

Adult: Engel Wool Fleece Jackets. Yes, wool fleece. Not polyester. The most beautiful coats ever. So comfortable, warm, stylish, and durable—the wool is thick but lightweight, extremely warm and windproof. Comes in several colours, men’s and women’s. (Women’s $200, Children’s $148, Men’s $225).

IMAX Victoria

Baby/Preschool: Squishmallows are the softest, cutest, cuddliest plush around. This line of loveable buddies is made from super-soft marshmallow-like texture and is washable. $8.99-$24.99.

Children: Honeycombs. Match bumble bee-themed symbols on hexagonal tiles and start to build your honeycomb. Work together to build one huge hive, or go head to head and crown the Queen Bee. $29.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Pixel Art. Create and proudly display eye-catching sequin images over and over again. The best new creative pixel art platform since Lite Brite. Insert pegs and hang sequins to create your own masterpiece. $55.

Adult: Authentic, licensed NASA equipment available for a limited time during “Apollo 11s” run at IMAX Victoria. Hoodies, Tees, mugs, keychains, bags, iPad cover and more. $5.99 and up.

Kool & Child (Nanaimo)

Preschool: Playmobil 1-2-3 Advent Calendar. Open a window every day from December 1-24 so your child can make a Christmas scene to play with. $32.99.

Children: Joki. This cozy hanging tent/chair is a great place to find solitude and de-stress in your own quiet world. $189.99.

Juvenile/Teen: Harry Potter Perplexus. With 70 obstacles to manoeuvre your little metal ball through helps with concentration, hand eye co-ordination and patience. $54.99.

Adult: Ravensburger “Escape” Puzzle. You need to solve all the mysteries and find the “last” puzzle piece to escape. $24.99.

Lifestyle Markets

Adult: Gift Cards. Find the best stuff for your body and mind. With a vast selection of supplements, organic grocery and produce, full line of coconut products, non-dairy and meat alternatives, healthy meat and dairy, natural skin and body care and gluten-free products we have something for everyone on your list. We have so much to offer, you’d be crazy not to come check us out. Voted “Best Health Food Store” and “Best Nutrition Store in Victoria” for several years in a row.

Marmalade Books

Baby/Preschool: Baby Book or Picture Book Box. A selection of recently published books for ages 0-3 or 4-7, sent each month to your favourite little one. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Children: Early Reader Book Box. A selection of recently published books for children learning to read, delivered right to their door. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Juvenile/Teen: Middle Grade Novel Box. A selection of recently published books for confident readers aged 8-12, delivered right to their door. Add a personalized note. Curated by a local children’s book expert. From $27.95.

Momease

Baby: Padraig Cottage Baby Slippers are handmade in BC with pure wool. Dyed and crocheted by hand. Extra soft sheepskin lining and tough leather soles for long lasting comfort. The Baby Slipper has the elasticity to stay put without being overly constrictive on young growing feet. Newborn to toddler sizes. $34.99+.

Baby: Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Centre. Easy to assemble, with toys that can be positioned anywhere for baby, it features a 360-degree rotating seat that turns & stretches for bouncing. Discovery Window lets baby see their feet while they play. As baby grows, activity centre converts for easy cruising—ultimately becoming a clean, sturdy table for colouring, playing and more. $169.99.

Toddler: Farm Hoppers Bouncy Toy. Will keep your little one amused for hours—and wear them out for bedtime! These inflatable bouncy animals are whimsically fun, & brightly coloured with soft, easy-to-grip ears or horns for children to hold while they bounce around. Made from a high quality, BPA-free plastic, and can help with core muscle development as well as coordination skills while having fun. Pump included! $35.99.

Child: The Hape Toys Gourmet Kitchen. An all-in-one wooden kitchen that inspires mini chefs to cook everywhere and everything. Encouraging collaborative & creative play, the Gourmet Kitchen can be combined with the Hape Gourmet Fridge, food & other cooking accessories for the complete ‘mini chef’ experience! $159.99.

The Mothering Touch Centre

Baby: Oli & Carol Fruit and Veggie Teethers. We are really excited by this new line of natural rubber toys. Beautifully designed and look good enough to eat. Use them as teethers, sensory toys or even float them in the bath, there are no holes for water to get into to grow mold. The fruits and veggies are soft and easy for babies to grasp, safe to chew and soothing for sore gums. 4 M +. $24.99.

Baby: Fat Brain Toys—Whirly Squigz. Created to spark curiosity and creativity. One of the most popular toys is the Whirly Squigz. Stick’em, spin’em, whirl’em! Whirly Squigz are big, bright, and full of tactile fun. The suction cups stick to any smooth surface, making them perfect for home, travel, and bath time. Little ones will love taking this toy out for a spin over and over again. 10 M +. $29.99.

Baby: Cate & Levi Hand Puppets. Handmade in Toronto from premium reclaimed wool. The hand puppets are carefully crafted to bring you a soft and lovable toy or a gift that is responsibly made and environmentally friendly. No two puppets are identical, as each has a unique color combination. 0+. $24.99.

Preschool: Hape Stacking Music Set. Make wonderful music and explore melody and rhythm with this innovative set. Children can stack the differently sized blocks in any way they see fit, exploring music and shapes as they play. 18 M +. $49.99.

Pumpkin Pie

Baby/Preschool: KicKee Pants Bamboo Sleepers. Celebrate winter in these bamboo sleepers and matching layette. Limited edition prints, featuring their latest Winter Celebrations. The Perfect Christmas pj’s. $38.99.

Children: Ambler Wool Hats. Keep your child’s head warm and cozy all winter in these hand knit hats made in Peru. This B.C. brand uses designs inspirted by our outdoor wilderness and cutest animals. $31.99 & up.

Juvenile/Teen: Djeco Puzzles. Beautifully illustrated, quality made cardboard puzzles. Sizes suitable for first puzzle makers to adult. $19.99 & up.

Adult: Little Blue House Christmas Ornaments Socks. Why give them just plain ol’ socks when you can give these fun Holiday Ornaments socks for adults tucked in a cool tree ornament. $10.99.

Victoria Bug Zoo

Baby/Preschool: Finger and hand puppets. From one-finger ladybug puppets to whole-hand hermit crabs, our arthropod puppets will make you wish you had more fingers. $4-35.

Children: Bug Collecting Kits. Inspire a future field biologist. Various collection kits include nets and other collecting devices, binoculars, magnifying glasses and viewing containers. $5-10.

Juvenile/Teen: Starter microscope sets. For the budding young scientist, a first glimpse through a microscope can reveal a world of wonder. $15.99.

Adult: Attracting Beneficial Bugs to your Garden by Jessica Walliser. This refreshing book delves into the fascinating relationships between insects and plants and will help you make your own insect-friendly garden. $31.95. 240pgs.•