Urban Suburban Mommy

Category Archives: Mommy Approved

My little Valentines

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What I do love about Valentine’s Day is doing something special for my boys. My mother used to sneak in – a la Tooth Fairy – and leave a Valentine’s Day present beside my bed. Valentine’s Day morning I’d find a little something special when I awoke. This is exactly what my husband and I love to do with our boys.

So what’s hot on the kid circuit this year for Valentine’s Day presents?

Beanie Boos

If your kids don’t know about Beanie Boos, then you’re about to rock their little worlds. I don’t know if it’s the extra-large glittery eyes, or what, but my kids are obsessed with them. Can’t go wrong with a little Beanie Boo. They come in keychain size, 4-inch size or even bigger, and are pretty inexpensive.

School Supplies

I don’t think there’s a child alive that hasn’t begged for a fun pen. They place them ‘just so’ at the check-out at toystores, at Target, at the drugstore. The kids beg and plead – and then destroy or lose them within two days. But they’re coveted and make a perfect special Valentine’s Day treat.

Heart-Shaped Spiderman

While I don’t like going crazy on the candy for Valentine’s Day, I have a hard time resisting these tins. My boys love them for hiding away their important little stones and lego guys and pieces of stuff. Might be Spider-Man, might be Star Wars, might be Minecraft  – or go Hello Kitty, Barbie or the traditional red box.

I Heart Mom shirt

Etsy has some pretty spectacular options, but the guy at the Tshirt store in the mall knows me by name and gets a kick out of the things I have written on Tshirts. My husband and boys have more than a few. I am a regular, and why not for Valentine’s day. Because of course they love their awesome mom. I’m sure these come in the ‘Daddy’ version too…

Red Egg Shakers

Egg Shakers are a great instrument. They keep the beat and are really fun to play with, so give the kids a gift of music and then have a morning dance party and shake it up with them! If you’ve never played with these, they’re exactly like eggs, only filled with sand or beads and very much like maracas, only without the stick or fancy painting.

Valentines Arts & Crafts

I’m not so crafty, or Pinterest-y for that matter, but I do like finding activities that we can do together. My boys actually like stitching, and I can see them going a bit crazy for this one! Part of the fun of Valentine’s Day is, after all, getting to have fun with the ones you love.

While the Tshirts come in at $22, my Tshirt guy does them for half that – and the keepsake tin with lollipops is $15, the other three choices are under $7. Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be about big showy presents, it’s about sweet little treats and lots of smiles.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Mama needs a new bag – which designer baby bag do you want?

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When I looked at baby bags for my first, I had no idea what I’d need, I just knew what I wanted. I’ll always kick myself for not buying the gorgeous supple leather baby bag at the Coach store when I was in Vegas for my babymoon, but I was afraid that such a beautiful bag sitting on my SUV stroller would just be a target at the park.

I should have bought the bag…

Instead, I was given an amazing baby bag by a very close friend. A Kipling bag, complete with insulated pockets, roll-out change pad and signature toy monkey. It was functional and cute. I think every mama deserves the right bag, it makes life so much easier!

Here are some drool-worthy baby bags, which one do you want?

The Thea Baby Bag Tote is lined, has lots of interior pockets, a removable change pad, stroller straps and loads of style. Available in 2 colours, Bark and Black, the pebbled leather is durable and supple. $550

Don’t you just love Kate Spade’s patterns? Love love love – though this bag comes in black too, for those that just don’t appreciate stripes. The Sasha Baby Bag is lined, has many interior compartments and has a good width and depth for storing everything a stylish mom needs on the go. The durable nylon has leather trim. Oh yah, and 14K gold plated hardware. $398

This one is just too cute! The little cherry pattern on nylon quilting is actually able to be laundered, as is the matching removable change pad. This is a comfy bag, with both over-the-shoulder and cross-body wearing options. Lots of pockets and a big interior give mama lots of storage – and the exterior pockets are perfect for easy access to a wallet and cell phone. $298

This one is pretty sleek and styling. Who needs a purse when you’ve got an MK baby bag? Both the cross-body and over the shoulder, there is a removable change pad and lots of exterior pockets. I love those exterior pockets. It’s just as hot in navy blue. $298

There’s nothing like a little bit of Italian luxury to make a mama go gaga. This nylon body carries it all, in a more compact bag. Available in both navy and black, we love the sheen and leather-reinforced handles. $1,340

Love Coach? They make it easy to keep it classy, even with dipes, wipes, nuks, bottles and burp cloths in tow. (And we hear Coach was Sarah Jessica Parker’s bag of choice). In both black and blue, it’s light and durable. It’s had a lot of thought put into the design and includes lots of zips, a stroller clip, wipeable interior and removable change pad. It’s not the one I almost bought, but it would have suited me just fine. $495

Silver is definitely not for just any mama – can you carry this off? It’s definitely a cool bag – this one’s for birthing baby rock stars! Loving the quilted pockets and exterior zips. Straps for cross-body and shoulder. Matching change pad. $435

The signature check on this chic baby bag makes it a great accessory for a mom on the go. Strappy and stylish, ample storage space – inside and out – gives mama lots of options. There’s a roll-out change pad, but forget about that, the gold hardware and sumptuous leather make it hard to resist. Except maybe that I need to be able to afford the diapers to put in it! $1,495

We’ve saved the best for last. It’s not everyone that can take a $10,000+ bag and stuff it full of butt paste and burp cloths, but there are more than a few A-listers that have counted on the Hermès Birkin Bag to fill the bill. Over the past few years we’ve seen Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Rachel Zoe, Katie Holmes – and of course, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian (whose Birkin is actually worth closer to $40,000) carry the coveted bags as an accessory to motherhood.

You may as well get a baby bag you love. This bag is going to be your constant companion for the next 2 years, and then add 2 years for every subsequent baby. Get the one that will stay on your shoulder, hold all your goodies – and make you look good while you’re at your busiest!

Best gifts for new parents and baby

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To be perfectly honest, there are always things you can get for baby. The usual – clothes, toys etc… But, the best gifts for new parents don’t have to be store bought. In fact, labour and love are the best things you can offer.

We compiled some gift essentials below if you want to think outside the box and really provide a meaningful gift beyond the norm.

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10 children’s books from our childhood that we love

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There are so many great children’s books out there. Of course it’s a matter of preference, but there are definitely those that stayed in our memories, and it’s a thrill to get to pull them out and enjoy them again as we share them with our kids. We’d like to share our faves with you, and we’d love to hear back on yours!

Urban Suburban Mommy Elisa shares:

We had a huge library of the Little Golden Books series, and then loads of big compilation books as well as some very sweet short stories. Our bedtime ritual always included a story – which was rarely told from a book. My dad had the most amazing imagination and would make up the most magical tales. Though they’re some of my most cherished childhood memories, there were times he read us books, and when he did, he did all of the voices too!

When the Beezles Got the Measles by Arthur Beckerman

beezles got the measles favorite childhood booksHands down, this is my absolute favourite book from my childhood. Anyone else remember this one? It was Beckerman’s only published work, ever. It’s out of print and worth $250+ in mediocre condition. I found this out while searching it out for my boys – and I was heartbroken. I thought it was gone forever – until last summer when it came up and my sister let me know she’d kept it!

 

Green Eggs and Ham By Dr. Seuss

green eggs and ham favorite childhood booksI think every kid remembers their feelings about the feel-good funny rhymes and nonsensical sensations of Dr. Seuss. You can pick any one you want, this one’s my most loved. I do great voices, my dad would have been proud.

 

 

The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson

hans christian anderson favorite childhood booksI actually hid this book, and it was years before I’d revisit it after my dad read us The Red Shoes. While some of the stories are lovely – The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina – The Red Shoes was most definitely not. I may still have nightmares about those dancing feet. Maybe not a favourite, but it had such a huge impression it had to make my list.

 

 

Aligator Pie by Dennis Lee

Aligator Pie favorite childhood booksSomething about whimsical rhyming has always thrilled me. I love the poems in this book. I loved when they were read to me. I love reading them to my boys.

 

 

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

charlie and the chocolate factory favorite childhood booksThis was the book that made me start reading. It didn’t have pictures. It was long and it was such a surreal, wholly enjoyable story that I had to read ahead and forced myself to figure out the words on each page. I can still remember lying on my bed, refusing to go out to play so that I could read just a few more pages about the Oompah Loompahs and Mike TV. I’ve read it to my boys. Twice.

(It’s killing me to limit my list to 5. Only 5? I’d have to mention: Goodnight Moon, Paddington Bear, Little Women, Little Mr. and Miss books, Charlotte’s Web, Peter Rabbit, Where the Wild Things Are or Anne of Green Gables!)

Suburban Mommy Michelle Shares:

I absolutely loved listening to stories as a child. I still love reading as an adult, but definitely don’t have the time right now to do a novel justice.  Instead, I revert back to the joy of reading with my 4 year old and relish the look in his eyes – full of wonder and awe.

Like Elisa, I absolutely adored Green Eggs and Ham as a kid, and now it is so much fun to read it with my son. In fact, I definitely recommend investing in a set of Dr. Seuss classics.  Oh The Places You’ll Go with your child’s imagination…

Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban

I distinctly remember asking mom to read Bread and Jam for Frances over and over again. I loved this book!  I haven’t had a chance to dig it out of one of the boxes in my basement as of yet, but it is a perfect and timely book to read to my picky toddler. Like Frances, my son only wants to one thing – his vice isn’t bread and jam – it’s pasta.

 

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia is such a funny and loveable character. Her comedic domestic adventures definitely teach children to learn the subtle differences between literal and figurative speech. Amelia Bedelia is part of a series of great books, and I definitely recommend them all! I heard rumblings of the books being turned into a movie a few years back but have yet to see anything on the big screen.

 

Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Snowy day is such a magical and beautiful book.  In fact, Keats received the 1963 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in the book. You actually feel like you are part of a snowy day as you turn the pages. A dear friend bought this gem for my son as a birthday gift.  My son loves reading it and so do I!

 

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

Who doesn’t love a big red dog.  I actually remember reading several of the books from the series in French. Whether in French or English, the Clifford books are great.  Clifford has since been transformed into a television series.

 

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

My mom was the story teller in our family.  But I was actually introduced to The Neverending Story by my grade 3 teacher Ms. Bananazak (I think I spelled that right).  Every day, Ms. B would bring out a this stunning book and read a chapter to us, as we sat around in a circle.  I was completely captivated by this book.  I couldn’t wait for story time each day.  The Neverending Story was turned into a film which I did watch and enjoyed.  I was a bit scared and scarred by the Oracle. Regardless, this book is a must read!

(Like Elisa I could rhyme off a pile of titles because clearly I was a book nerd – loved Judy Blume’s Are you there God It’s Me Margaret, Gordon Korman’s No Coins Please, Shell Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, Dennis Lee’s Jelly Belly – yes I could keep going!)

What books would you recommend to add to the list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From tasty treats to fantabulous fun in the winter – what to do with snow and ice

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Winter is a tough season – especially if you live in a climate that goes sub-zero. Usually this means layers upon layers of outerwear as well as heaps of snow. While keeping a matching pair of mittens may be a lost cause in most homes, winter can have its own kind of fun.

In my neighbourhood, it is rare to see any kids outside after school. The hibernation period begins. But, as much as we are tempted to curl up in front of the TV and turn into vegetables, we need to try and be active and brave the cold. Here are some fun things you can do with the kiddies while embracing winter.

1. Make snow angels
Bundle up, slap on the ski jacket and snow pants – now jump into a fresh patch of snow and make your best snow angel. Arms and legs going. This is fun to do with kids at any age. This is a fun thing to do even without the kids, you just may have forgotten to try while you were busy being a grown-up.

2. Turn snow (clean snow) into toffee
Heat up some maple syrup in a medium saucepan for about 5 minutes (on medium). Pour into a measuring cup. Bring some popsicle sticks with you.

First rule – avoid dirty snow and ESPECIALLY, avoid the yellow snow, but after seeking out a nice, sparkling piece of fresh white snow, let your kids pour some maple syrup on top of the snow and watch it turn it into Toffee. Let them gather the toffee on the popsicle sticks and Enjoy!

3. Go tobogganing or snow tubing
There are so many different toboggans and sleds out in the market. Do your research but basically kids – even the little ones can thrill in swooshing down a hill at full speed. Always a good idea for the kids to wear a helmet. It’s great exercise and great fun!

Suggestion a) Make sure to have a cord tied to sleds, GT Racers, Krazy Karpets and snow discs, it makes it easier to pull them back up the hill.
Suggestion b) A little bit of wax, teflon or non-stick cooking spray will really up your speed.

4. Make snow glass

Take advantage of the fact that the whole world is your freezer. There are so many fun things you can do with this open-air ice box. Fill balloons full of water – get fancy and add food colouring! You can make a variety of different sizes. If you hang them out overnight to freeze they’ll form perfect globlets and oblongs, if you set them on the ground they’ll be rounder but have a flat spot on the bottom. When frozen just peel off the balloon. They make great yard decorations and simply mesmerize the kids. Keep adding to them over the winter.

Instead of balloons, use milk and juice containers and tetra-packs to hold the coloured liquid to freeze, and then dump out a perfect rectangle. Collect enough of them and you’ll be able to make a magical multi-coloured fort out of the colourful ice bricks.

5. Snow ice cream

Kids LOOOOOOVE to eat snow, and snow ice cream is fast, yummy and abundant. Best consumed on a sunny day, or inside with a cup of cocoa, it requires few ingredients and lots of giggles. In a glass or metal bowl mix a cup of milk (you can use cream or condensed milk for a more rich, decadent alternative), a quarter cup or so of white sugar, a teaspoon of salt and a few drops of vanilla. Once you’ve whisked milk, vanilla and salt together, dump in 8 cups of snow and keep mixing. If it’s runny add more snow until it’s thick and fluffy. Set in the cold for a few minutes (in the snow or your freezer) to allow it to set and dig in!

Suggestions: For chocolate use a quarter cup of cocoa powder. For fruit flavours use a quarter cup of jam. Once it sets add it bits of texture, like coconut shreds, fruit chunks, nuts, sprinkles or bits of cookie.

If you want to keep it simple, gather clean snow in individual bowls for each kid. Grab a pack of Kool-aid, sprinkle it on and call it a snowcone!

Winter never tasted so good!

*****edited to add: and then there’s this LOL:

snow lumps with glow eyes

 

Last minute gift ideas? Here’s mama’s wish list

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Here it is ladies (and savvy gentlemen), My “Mama’s wish list for 2015” so if you’ve got some last-minute shopping to do for that special mama in your life – or want to drop hints to him for that last special gift – you’ll want to read on for some inspiration!

These are the not-so-ordinary gift ideas that will break that mundane routine we sometimes seem to fall into. When used correctly, they will lead to intimate moments filled with enhanced details that will turn into lasting memories with your special someone. 

1.Vinyl:  There is something truly romantic about the sound of a needle making its way around a record. Make a list of your favorite contemporary or classical musicians.  Start a new tradition and begin to build a carefully curated collection of vinyl that your partner surprises you with each holiday season.

2. Wool or Cashmere Blanket:  There is no better way to spend the holidays – once the children are in bed – than to curl up under a fine cashmere or wool blanket with your love. It’s all about romance during the holiday season, so cozy up with a bottle of bubbly, turn on your favorite Christmas flick, and treat your skin to this soft sensation. Who knows where it could lead 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Art:  Art is such a special and personal gift to receive.  It is much more than a mere material possession. This will inspire thought, emotion, and conversation for all who come through your home. The eternal essence of bringing people together. Cover your walls with lasting memories from the holidays that your sweetheart surprises you with.

4. The Experience of an adventure:  I am a huge fan of giving and receiving the gift of an adventure.  It’s all about an incredible experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime.  For me an exciting adventure away would be heading to Big Sur, camping and surfing with my partner and roasting marshmallow after a long day of exploring the land.  What’s yours?

5. Constellation:  There are many wonderful constellation books out there for the beginner or advance star gazer. (Yes, we know there’s an app for that, but this is the kind of beautiful book that will get some milage.) With the hustle and bustle of our day to day lives, we often forget that falling in love has no end. Take time to be out in nature when the sun goes down, grab your cashmere blanket and your partners hand, as you gaze upon the stars and share each other’s stories. This will lead to laughter and kisses, and who knows, you may discover something new.

 

6.****** Bonus…..Tantric love oils….well we don’t need an explanation for this one, now do we!

AlissiaAlissia Marciano is an international fashion and wardrobe stylist, as well as, an on-air celebrity fashion host. Currently based in Los Angeles, she has worked and forged her talent around the world in such cities as Paris, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto. From guest appearances on Rachael Ray, to the countdown to the Oscars on the red carpet with E!, and co-hosting Look A Like and Sexy Girl,  Alissia is a prominent figure in the fashion industry and her success has earned her the reputation of a highly sought after international fashion and celebrity stylist. Beyond fashion and music, Alissia’s portfolio includes an extensive list of advertising clients including Diesel, ESPN, Nike, Acura, Orbit, and CAT. Her eclectic mix of femininity and rock n’ roll has graced the pages of such publications as L’Uomo Vogue, Neo 2 (Spain), Entertainment Weekly, New York Moves, Wonderland (Japan), The National (UAE) and Filler to name a few. In addition to her work in the industry, Alissia has two beautiful boys with whom she shares many wonderful adventures and creates lasting memories with, surfing and skateboarding being two of their favorite activities.

Star Wars: The force awakens – mama approved for older kids

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episode VII star wars the force awakens posterI don’t exactly know how many discussions I’ve had about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but it’s a lot. Like, A LOT. “Have you seen it?” “Didi you take the kids?” “Did you love it?” And I can honestly say, J.J. Abrams, you blew my mind.

My husband is a huge Star Wars superfan. His tattoo doesn’t lie. So when the release date for presales came, he harassed me into tickets for the first opportunity we could see it. Of course, that meant prime-time, 1.45 pm at the best screen in the city. It was a 3D, DBOX, UltraAVX, ATMOS experience. (I’m not sure what all of those mean, but the seats jostled us, the sound was incredible and the Millennium Falcon seemed to warp right at us!)

The movie is a bit violent for the littles. There are some scenes that could be  a little bit terrifying for the sensitive kid. I’m really not entirely sure that it was appropriate for my 5 and 7 year old boys to go see it, but it was never open for discussion. The superfan had them watch the first 6 Star Wars movies – sequentially – for the day that rivalled Christmas in its excitement and intensity in our house: The release of episode VII, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Kylo Ren and First Order Troopers (Storm Troopers) 3-D glasses were the best.

First Order Trooper 3-D glasses

First Order Trooper 3D glasses

Kylo Ren 3-D glasses

Kylo Ren 3D glasses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Star Wars Day (or December 19th, as you might know it) my husband had to work. He knew a few days before, and it was like someone had smashed the Christmas tree and his eggnog had curdled. Theatres were sold out. There were no great options left. But he insisted I take the boys. They needed to see it! One of our friends came with – it was a special day for him, he recalled in ’77 how his dad had taken him to see the original Star Wars. I realized then and there, it wasn’t just a movie, this was a memory, a rite of passage, an important moment for my boys.

And this is something only us 40-something parents will understand. We were the youngest group to be around to experience the original release in ’77. There may be younger superfans, but if you were born after the mid 70s, you won’t remember it on the big screen in 1977 or Empire in 1980 or Return of the Jedi in 1983.

As a happy ending to my superfan/husband’s plight, what can only be known as a true Christmas/Star Wars miracle, I won tickets from a local radio station for a VIP viewing the evening of the 19th  – a time he was able to go. And he noted that he knew The Force would take care of him. (Huge shout-out to Fred & Mel at 102.1 The Edge, you saved Christmas/Star Wars Day!)

***edited: just had to share the salaries of the actors in this movie HERE.

Tiny love mobiles

Live clean wash

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mom tested

I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I came across the “Live Clean” brand when I was perusing the baby aisle one day in my local pharmacy.  I absolutely love the brand  and the product is certainly true to it’s name. Want to know why?

mom tested

Here is the product overview:

A clinically tested, tearless formula that gently cleanses without drying. Leaving babies skin and hair feeling soft and nourished. Featuring a coconut based surfactant, Live Clean Baby is formulated free of harsh chemicals and preservatives. Made with purified water and enriched with certified organic botanicals of Chamomile, Lavender and Aloe, this unique formula rinses clean with a gentle scent to sooth baby. These baby products will make washing up a splash of fun!

Features:

  • 98% Plant ingredients
  • SLS free
  • Tear free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Pediatrician tested

The shampoo & wash smells absolutely amazing and what’s great about it is that I can use it on both my baby and 3 year old.  In fact, my 3 year old has dry skin and a dry, peeling scalp.  Ever since I started using Live Clean Shampoo and wash on my toddler, my son is no longer suffering from dryness.  I was so impressed with the brand that I wanted to do some additional research about the company and its other offerings.  What I learned is that the product is Canadian – so thumbs up again.  I also like supporting homegrown products.  I also discovered that the Live Clean brand has a series of products including skincare and products for adults.

I have extremely dry hair, perhaps because it is colour treated.  I have had a hard time finding a moisturizing shampoo so I decided to try the Live Clear Keratin Oil Shampoo.  Again, I love the scent and so far my hair is pretty soft with washings which is a bit of a miracle.  I definitely will be exploring the rest of the product line and will share any other additional insights.  Live Clean is available at Walmart and other retailers.

The jammies of our dreams!

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Pajamas

image001I have tried many a sleeper with my boys, and my vote goes to the ‘Pekkle’ brand, which I have only ever purchased at Costco. I did a little digging, and it looks like you can also find the brand on Kijjji, Ebay and some other smaller retailers and second hand shops. The brand is somewhat exclusive to Costco – and let me tell you they are worth your membership card.

Most of the sleepers that I have purchased – like the Carter’s brand – almost always shrink in the wash. The Pekkle brand has minimal – virtually no shrinkage –  when you wash them. The colours don’t fade and then are made of amazing fabrics which definitely last. My first son had many Pekkle sleepers that were passed down to his cousin and are now being worn by his little brother, and they still are in great shape!

The sleepers are generally available in a variety of designs and colours for both boys and girls. They are lightweight and are also easy to fasten. The sleepers are usually about $7.99. If you’re lucky, sometimes you can find them on sale at Costco which is seriously the time to load up your cart.

Loving the Pekkle brand for value and great quality.

This holiday’s hottest gifts

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You never know if you’re going to get the greatest gifts ahead of time or race around on December 24th trying to finish your list. My husband likes to try to predict the year’s hottest gifts and get me to buy them early. They’re usually things his inner 12-year-old boy is pining for, and, thank goodness, he’s usually right.

Don’t get stuck hitting Craigslist and paying 25 times what that toy is worth because you’ve left it too late. And if you are shopping for those nieces, nephews and family friends that are outside your comfort zone, here are a few gift ideas – both traditional and unusual – to get you to the check-out just a little bit faster.

Collectible cards:

If you know that they’re into it, you can’t go wrong with trading card games and their accessories, like cases and carriers. Pokeman, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic Cards are all fairly safe options. These all come in various editions and packs, so you can get anything from a $5 stocking stuffer to a $50 or $100 set.

Sports cards are a great option for the little athletes on your list. If you know which sport they love, you can start up their collection. The gift you get them could end up being worth big money a few years down the road. You can either pick a trading card company like Topps or O Pee Chee, or you can go to a collectible card shop and purchase a specific card with value that you know is sure to increase. This lets you spend exactly the dollar value you had in mind because they vary so widely in price, from a up-n-coming star to a sports icon. Go for a Michael Jordan or a Gretzky rookie card if you’re looking for a big gift.

Pocket toys:

This year Shopkins are looking like one of the hottest gifts out there. Those cute little ordinary retail items come to cartoonish life, and they mean the world in the schoolyard. Individual characters are great stocking stuffers and only run a couple of dollars – or make it the big gift with a set or pack for $20-$30.

Star Wars:

Anything Star Wars. With The Force Awakens hitting theatres the week before Christmas, and pre-sales proving that this long-awaited sequel has fans with an appetite for all of Disney’s merchandise to collect and enjoy, you can pretty much pick anything and you’re sure to please. From Light Saber tooth brushes that glow, to 4-foot Darth Vaders and $300 Millennium Falcons, there’s something for every price range. Some of the most desirable items are from the newly issued Black Series. Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma were sold out in mere hours, but keep your eyes out for shelves to be stocked, those are hot tickets.

LEGO:

There are incredibly complicated sets, mini sets, sets with licences characters and sets that come without instructions for your little Master Builder. You can buy little lego figures, specialty pieces, vintage sets, and pretty much any child will know what to do right out of the box. As an add-on, get slippers for the parents. Those horrible little blocks kill when you step on them – like no other pain I know. But my kids and my niece get lost in LEGO. Yes, niece. Don’t skip the girls on your list. The great thing is, sets run from a couple of dollars to a couple hundred, making it easy to stay on budget.

A garden:

It’s not all about the toys. Give a kid the gift of gardening and growing. AeroGardens are big fun because they produce food that can be consumed. Kids really love being part of that – and that’s a hugely important lesson. We’re a society that’s become very disconnected from our food, this one’s a gift that gives such a great lesson. They start at around $60. If not an AeroGarden, consider a pot with seeds for growing plants and flowers. You can even give a starter kit so that they can start seeds in the late winter and have seedlings that can be ready to plant in the garden come spring! Planting sets can be quite inexpensive. And then, there’s always Chia Pets!

Experiences:

There are a lot of things you can give a kid, but giving them your time really is the coolest gift. For a niece, nephew or child of a friend, that gift of time can be a double-header – you take the littles and those parents get some always welcome free time! You know how much your kids would love that favourite adult in their life to spend time with them. Take your lucky little one to the zoo, a museum, a movie, a waterpark, a sporting event or to a play.