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10 Holiday Gifts for the Kids on Your List

A smart robot dinosaur, handmade animal necklace, colourful eco-friendly desk lamp + more gift ideas for kids of all ages

By Janet Gyenes /

Spoil your wee (and not-so-wee) ones this holiday season with these kid- and parent-approved finds

What gifts do you get kids that they won’t toss in the corner after 30 seconds? Or that are oh-so-practical (and predictable, like PJs) that eye rolling ensues? We’ve set our eyes on items you’ll approve of—and they’ll adore.

Here are our 10 favourite 2015 holiday finds for kids of all ages.



Hard Candy 12 Days of Beauty, $10

Makeup Minis

Indulge your budding makeup artist with these Hard Candy cosmetic minis. This beauty-focused take on the Advent calendar is the gift that keeps on giving with a dozen tester-sized items, like lip gloss and metallic shadows she can discover each day.

Available online at Walmart



Thierry Dragée Almonds, $19 per Tube

Top treats

Treat your teens to a more sophisticated sweet indulgence, like these sugar-coated almonds from Thierry. The made-in-Paris confections come in a trio of pale hues and the slim tubes are ideal for slipping into their holiday stockings.

Available in store at Thierry, 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver



Little Lux Zoe the Zebra Necklace, $32

Animal Charmer

We’re in love with this handmade necklace made by a father and daughter team. There’s nothing too precious about this statement-making necklace, which will withstand kids’ tearing about in the playground or rabble-rousing in their rooms. A pair of pink and black tassels and a bold star accompany Zoe on a twisted cord that won’t snap or get tangled in hair.

Available online at Redfish Kids 



Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Illustrated by Anna Bond, $35

a Cult Classic Made Over

We know: there are few things that will make kids relinquish their devices, but we bet this Lewis Carroll classic will be one. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which has been capturing the imagination of children since it was written 150 years ago, has been given a glorious update with illustrations by Anna Bond, creative director at Rifle Paper Co. This deluxe hardcover edition published by Puffin is sure to be a childhood treasure, with over 70 illustrations and delightful touches like a matching bookmark.

Available online and in store at Kidsbooks, 3083 West Broadway, Vancouver 



Native Union Monocle, $50

Mini Boom Box

Here’s a cool trick: transform your kids’ smartphones into compact boom boxes they can take on the go. Monocle acts as both a wearable speaker and speakerphone for listening to music or taking calls hands-free. They can even daisy chain up to ten Monacles together to create an amplified listening experience. Monocles come in an array of colours, including mint, coral red, brushed copper and slate.

Available online at Native Union



Granted Clothing Kids Campfire Vest, $130

Wooly Warmth

Bundle up your darlings in this super-cute campfire vest from Vancouver’s master sweater makers, Granted Clothing. We love the outdoor-themed pattern, reminiscent of carefree days camping, wandering in the woods and combing beaches. This chunky vest is hand-knit with care from 100 per cent wool (from free-range sheep), and it’ll keep your kiddies warm even when wet. It’s also available in other cool patterns, such as rocking horses and robots.

Available online at Granted Clothing



WowWee MiPosaur, $140

Robotic Beast

What kid wouldn’t want his very own robotic dinosaur? The MiPosaur might look like a big meanie, but that all depends on his mood—curious, excited or annoyed. This beast can be tamed using a free app on a smart device, or controlled with 10 different hand gestures. Kids can walk him on a virtual leash using the TrackBall, watch him dance and if another MiPosaur is nearby, he’s smart enough to sense it. Let the robot games begin!

Available online and in store at Chapters Indigo



Innit Baby Acapulco Chair, $250

SWEET SEATS

Can’t get your little ones to sit still? Get them one of these incredibly comfy chairs and we promise (hope!) that once they settle in, they’ll settle down. These classic chairs—which would work well outside or inside your wee one’s bedroom—are handmade in Canada by Innit Designs using vinyl weaving that’s both durable and flexible.

Available online at Vancouver Special



Mr Maria Miffy Lamp, $275

Story Time Spotlight

Miffy just might be Holland’s version of Winnie the Pooh. Based on a bestselling children’s book, Mr Maria Studio has fashioned the beloved bunny into a dimmable LED lamp. She’s a cute bedtime companion that makes story time extra sweet.

Available online at Design House



Credit: Opad

Flos Kelvin LED Green Mode I Table Lamp, $665

Light Bright

Bring some sleek, grown-up style to your kids’ bedrooms with this splurge-worthy desk lamp from Flos. The newest editions come in teen-friendly bright pink and copper, and sport adjustable arms and heads, so light can be directed where they need it. Even better: the lamp features a daylight sensor, so lighting adjusts naturally, eliminating glare. Plus, for your piece of mind, it’s energy efficient and, thus, eco friendly.

Available online at Opad and in store at Inform Interiors, 50 Water Street, Vancouver