Gingerbread Girls' Gift Guide for Boys and Girls!

'Tis the season for toy gift guides, and the more of them we see the more we wanted to share our favourite toys to give.  It was no easy task, but our staff have each picked a few of their favourite things to give as gifts this Christmas.  

Many gift guides you'll find are laden with "hot" toys that are heavily marketed and in our opinion, just not that great.  We have high standards for toys and expect a lot of them.  We put a lot of time and effort into sourcing the best toys that we believe will foster imagination and creativity, and deliver play value far beyond Christmas Day.  Children learn through play and providing the proper tools to facilitate that learning is a privilege we take very seriously.  While having a lot of fun of course!

Nancy's picks

Puzzles are always a great gift idea and Pastime puzzles are especially fun.  They come in a variety of sizes and feature "whimsy" pieces in fun shapes in addition to traditional puzzle pieces.  Puzzle Store from Ravensburger provides a way to keep puzzle pieces sorted and secure and partially completed puzzles intact.  Folds flat for easy storage.  

Bunnies by the Bay is a new line in the store that features absolutely beautiful plush toys and infant accessories like these adorable and incredibly soft bunny booties.  We only wish they came in adult sizes.  

Calico Critters are always a hit.  Critters are poseable, and the Outdoor Sports Set has a variety of sports equipment for imaginative play.  We love that Calico Critters are appropriate for a broad range of ages increasing the play value.  The Stablemates Breyer Acres playset is another favourite with an awesome tractor and accessories for feeding and caring for the animals.  

Steph's Picks

Stomp Rockets are always a popular gift to get kids outside.  Send rockets soaring with just your body weight.  There are stomp rockets for small children up to adults.  We have a hard time keeping Foam Strike compound bows in stock they're so popular.  Made of durable and safe high density foam they can soar up to 100 ft.  

This Tournament Table Tennis game sits on top of a table to make any table into a ping pong table.  Comes with paddles and balls, it's a perfect family gift to get everyone in on the action.  

It may not be camping season outside but why not camp inside with the Pretend & Play Camp Set. Spark a child's imaginative side with this gift that is sure to please. 

Jada's Picks

Nurture children's explorative and curious nature with our geode kits.  There's a variety of different kits that will reveal the fascinating world of geology.  

Tranquil Turtles are a great gift for the littlest ones on your Christmas list.  Soft plush turtle projects calming wave patterns on the ceiling of a dark room.  There's also a variety of soothing sounds and music to make bedtime a little more pleasant.  

Pretend play is important to so many aspects of child development and Alex's Complete Kitchen Set is a great choice for children to cultivate pretend play.

Kate's Picks

Bath time should be fun!  Alex's Tub Island provides a floating roadway and vehicles for an enriching bath time experience.

The Very Berry Tea Set is absolutely adorable and made of tin making it safe for younger children.  Tea parties await!

Jellycat plush may just be the softest plush we've ever had in the store.  The Pink Tootle Tortoise is extravagantly soft and very huggable making it an excellent comfort toy.  

Melisa's Picks

We love Playmobil!  Incredibly detailed, high-quality playsets deliver value and years of use.  The farm is filled with all kinds of animals and accessories and is sure to be a hit.  

Hape's Gingerbread Baking Set is play food at its finest.  Made from thick felt, gingerbread cookies can be rolled, cut out, and "baked".  

Amaze 'n' Marbles might just be our favourite marble runs.  Build a marble run from these special wooden blocks and see where the included marbles end up.

Duplo's Read & Build sets combine Duplo blocks with a storybook that compliments the building set.  Perfect for the toddlers on your gift list.  

Megan's Picks

Babies need toys too!  The EarlyYears Owl Busy Buddy Blanket has lots of fun textures to explore and lots to chew on too.

The Giant Road Jigsaw Puzzle can be endlessly rearranged to provide a roadway for cars and trucks.  Puzzle pieces interconnect in many different ways so there's no wrong way to put it together.  

WOW toys are always a favourite.  Their slogan is "toys that don't break their promises" and it's very true.  These toys are built to last.  They are all friction-powered and are easy for even the littlest hands to get moving.  

Schleich is known for their detailed, hand-painted animals and what better place to store the animals than this wooden red barn.  It folds open completely for easy access to animal stalls and a loft.  It also comes with some animals and accessories.  

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There's so much more in store!  Come visit us and find unique, quality toys that you won't find anywhere else.