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.•
