get stuffier

Filed Under Stuff | December 1, 2008

We have so many great ideas for stocking stuffers that we’ve had to make this a two-parter. On Friday we had lots of ideas for babies, and today we’ve got ideas for babies and bigger kids too. We know we usually start the month off with a column from Jenny of Evolved Parenting and not to fear, it’ll be coming a bit later this week.

Crayon Rocks: Made of soy wax and tinted with mineral powders, these rock-shaped crayons are designed to help your child develop their fine motor skills. Hard-to-find, the only place we know carrying these is Alberta-based chop chop timber, which is sadly going out of business, so if you want these, order them soon.

Twinklebelle Moon Clips: Local company Twinklebelle makes these lovely clips that stay put in fine, toddler hair while adding a bit of sparkle and they’re packaged to minimize waste and maximize renewable resources.

Abeego Snack and Food Wraps: These reusable Vancouver Island-made food and snack wraps rely on hemp/cotton fabric infused with a blend of beeswax and plant extracts to keep sandwiches and snacks fresh. We’d suggest filling the snack wrap with little chocolates and treats before stuffing it in a stocking.

Safer Bottles, Sippy Cups & Feeding Accessories: Stockings are the perfect place to add new safe sippy cups or bottles and we’ve reviewed lots of them, so you’ve got your pick to choose from. Favourites of ours include Vite Stainless Steel Bottles from local company BILT and pretty much anything from another BC company, Watergeeks.

Ecotronic Eco Rocket: As a rule we don’t like toys that make noise, but this rocket (pictured) needs to be wound up to work, rather than using batteries, which sounds good to us.  The packaging is also biodegradable and free of parent-stumping ties and wires. And admittedly, you’ll probably want to unwrap this before stuffing it into a stocking as it’s on the large side, but that just means less shopping for you.

Old Maid & Go Fish from Kermode Kids: This Kamloops-based company has produced two beautiful card games, Go Fish featuring the wildlife of BC and Old Maid featuring BC birds. Perfect for teaching kids about the natural world around them, or sending to far-flung relatives who miss BC.

Little Stars Bedtime Cards: We must admit anything with the tagline “making bedtime better” stops us in our tracks, plus these are also a BC product, so what’s not to love? At the end of the day, when you’re running out of energy, use these cards designed for kids from three to six to help end your day with your tots on a peaceful and affirming note.

Our previous gift ideas include great personalized presents, gifts of experiences and more stocking stuffers. Keep an eye out for more holiday shopping ideas coming soon.

Still space in your stocking? Here are just some of the great stores – both real and virtual – we’ve profiled that we know have great stuffers. And you can always look in our archives for lots more great ideas:

• Raspberry Kids
• EIO!
• Green Planet Parties
• Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush
• Pebble
• Ashley York
• Lavish & Lime
• Granville Island Organix
• Granville Island Toy Company
• Natural Pod
• Little Earth