Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

Resolutions, the time is here. I plan to spend the next 2 weeks setting my goals in motion and resolving them to be a success. The last 2 years have given me 2 beautiful daughters, a home office and studio and a laid back rural life. The holidays offered me culinary sweet and savories that I did not refuse. I am a notorious snacker and procrastinator as always I was hoping to start something before the New Year but here we are. I am forcing myself to stick with it otherwise I will procrastinate my resolve away into oblivion and will be stuck, once again, hiding bashfully in a pair of pants all summer.

This is where I begin, you are my witnesses! I will become an advocate for a healthy lifestyle to my family and especially the 3 sprouts. I am particularly interested in showing them how to have a healthy self image, which can only be done by example. Phase one of my New Year plan consists of starting small and getting a good hold of a few healthy basics that are easy to overlook: Drinking plenty of water, sleeping well and starting the day right.

The human body is made of 70% water and can only survive a few days without it. Water flushes out toxins, brings nutrients to cells, and protects organs and tissues. Without water our bodies become dehydrated causing headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, lower your blood pressure and in severe cases; delirium or unconsciousness. A good rule to follow is the eight glasses of eight ounces (236ml) per normal day, more if you vigorously active. My water comes from the tap, even rurally I am happy with the monitoring of the water and Manitoba has strict policies on maintaining the supply.

I already try very hard to get a good nights rest. It is essential for me to function in my busy days as ambi-jobstrous person, with 3 children. I do on occasion find myself up very late, it's a perfect time to write, paint, or simply listen to a hushed and slumbering house. Rats can live anywhere from 2-3 years but studies have shown that with sleep deprivation their life span drops to a mere 3 weeks! Sleep helps us grow, keeps our sanity,  be alert and productive. If your mattress is a nightmare you can check out the Beautyrest line from Simmons for the start of a good nights sleep or this Quebec-made Essentia Dormeuse memory-foam mattress.

Breakfast is an important meal in my house but only the kids seem to eat it. I don't understand why I make it for them but not extra for me, it's silly. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast maintain a healthy body weight, have more energy through out the day and children are better students in both learning and behavior. A nutritious breakfast can be quick and easy especially using Health's Delight Shelled Flax Meal by Natunola sprinkled into a smoothie, yogurt, or cereal adding omega 3, protein, fiber and lignans.  
This doesn't sound too hard; I think I can manage these small changes of water sleep and breakfast. Last night I did go to bed late but this morning I started the day with whole grain toast and peanut butter.  A fine start to a new year.

When I was a teenager, I had a hole in my jeans. The hole was grand, beautiful and tatty and located on my knee, I loved it but it was a source of irritation for my grandmother. We would often have disagreements about the hole and one night my grandmother had the last word. My jeans and I spent the night at my grandparent's house and I awoke to a horrific sight. She mended the hole! She did not do this with a patch, oh no, instead she darned the hole! Even through the angry silent cursing of my 14 year old self I can still recall being amazed at the patch. The patch was darned with yarn it was as tight as any fabric could be, nearly the exact same color of my jeans. It looked like it could have taken all night, but she was a darning machine and I am sure only took her a few hours.

I used to watch her darn socks and small holes in various clothing with her darning tools while we listened to my grandfather's war stories. I am hoping I recall all her techniques as I darn for the first time in years, you see I have a hole in my favorite wool socks and I am not ready to part with them yet.

A darning we will go...

Darning is a technique used to mend holes and tears in fabric. Unlike a sewn patch, which produces a seam, darning rebuilds the fabric by using a running stitch thus creating a new seamless woven patch. This technique is ideal for places like the knee and heel where a seam could cause discomfort. Darning is not just used for repairing holes; it is a form of embroidery and can be used to create beautiful patterns on fabric, as seen here in the 10th century band from Africa.

You would need:

• Darning needle (a large eyed long blunt needle)
• Matching color and texture fiber to your project (matching wool fiber for wool socks, embroidery thread for a fine sock)
• A hard rounded object (such as a darning egg or mushroom, perhaps a lightbulb)
• Scissors
• Your wounded sock
  

The basics of darning seem simple enough:

1. Thread needle and use your darning egg or light bulb to expose the hole.
2. Without knotting the end of your yarn begin at one side of your hole (leave a ‘tail'), about 2 cm from the holes edge at both top and side. Using a running stitch (bringing the needle in and out of the fabric at even intervals in the course of one row) go up and down vertically until all the hole is covered. Cut thread
3. Thread needle again and work horizontally the same way as you did vertiacally, weaving your stitches over and under the stitching, alternating for each row until finished.
4. Weave your loose ends into the work.

 

 Things I learned:

• No matter how bad it looks it'll still feel comfortable
• Try and work as close to the last row as possible creating a nice tight fabric.
• Cats are not helpful with the project

Just in case you do not want to darn but still want to have Canadian-made socks to keep those wee foot digits cozy and warm this winter allow me to direct you in the right direction!

 

Baby Bamboo Socks by Bamboobino
Keep baby's feet cozy and dry with these ultra soft socks that are naturally anti bacterial and will wick the moisture from your baby's feet.

4 Season Technical Explorer Sock by J.B Field
A fabulous merino wool blend sock with anti fungal and bacterial properties, arch supports and more, perfect for a hiking adventure.

A Hug for Your Feet Socks by Kritter Knitter
This pair was given to me as a gift for my birthday a few weeks ago and I must say I am in love. I am also not ashamed to say that I stalk Kritter Knitters shop waiting for another perfect pair in the right color and size. Hand knit socks are truly spectacular!

Photo credits: willowcatstudio, J.B Feild, Kritterknitter, Bamboobino

Here is the last installment in my 5-part series on Canadian-made stocking stuffers from the Dollarama. Yes, that's what I said, you can find Made-in-Canada items that retail for $ 1.00!

If you missed the previous posts, you can read them here:

Part 1 (for kids)

Part 2 (for the pet lover)

Part 3 (for men)

Part 4 (for women)

Do you have a Mom-to-be in your family or circle of friends? She would certainly love these items!

   

In the picture above, clockwise from front left:

• Percara Baby Care Baby Oil (266 ml)
• Percara Baby Care Baby Powder (400 g)
• Premium Cotton Balls (100 units)
• Percara Baby Care Baby Shampoo (445 ml)
• Natural Concepts Baby Wash (444 ml)

So I hope this series has shown that buying Canadian does not always mean spending more money. But it always means spending money more wisely, as it contributes to our local economy, keeps jobs in this country and cuts down on our carbon footprint. Now that's a good deal!

I wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season filled with joy, peace, family and love!

This is Part 4 in a 5-part series about buying Canadian on a budget this holiday season.

If you missed the previous posts, you can read them here:

Part 1 (for kids)

Part 2 (for the pet lover)

Part 3 (for men)

So your shopping is done, but there are still those stockings to fill? And your wallet is almost empty? No problem, head for your nearest Dollarama and pick-up these Made-in-Canada items for the woman in your life (even if it's your daughter!). 

 

In the picture above, clockwise from front left:

• Oliva Soft Soap (145 g)
• Clean Nails Nail Polish Remover (200 ml)
• Delon Organic Hand Cream (354 ml)
• Scotties Supreme Tissues (94 tissues)
• Lypsyl (4 g)
• Bio-2 Shampoo & Conditioner (476 ml)
• Premium Cotton Pads (100 pads)
• Delon Face & Body Lotion (100 ml)
• Smart Fixx Hair Mousse (145 g)
• Canadiana Moisturizing Body Wash (500 ml)
• Chocolate coated almonds (75 g)

You see, it doesn't always cost more to buy Canadian!

Next, my last installment, stocking fillers for the Mom-to-be ...

Here we go again... part 3 of my blog series about buying-Canadian on a budget for the Holidays... Sounds like an oxy-moron? Read on...

Read Part 1 (for kids) here

Read Part 2 (for the pet lover) here

And now some Canadian-made stocking fillers for the man in your life. Keep him looking and smelling good, with a few snacks thrown in!

 

In the picture above, clockwise from front left:

• Planters peanuts (125 g)
• Cookies & Clodhoppers (70g)
• Therapeutic Ice Gel (227 g)
• Cool Blast Deodorant (60 g)
• Max Endura Body Wash (350 ml)
• Percara Sports Hair Gel (475 ml)
• Thermo Comfort Insoles (one pair)
• Dentel Antibacterial Mouthwash (450 ml)
• Percara Shaving Cream (397 g)
• Anti-Smoke Multi-Scent Air Freshener for car (135 ml)
• Cott Root Beer (355 ml)

Unbeatable, don't you think?

Stay tuned for the next installment: something for her...

If you have not read the first installment of this series, please read it here before you continue...

In a nutshell, I am trying to deconstruct the myth of "I can't afford to buy Canadian". To this end, I filled 5 stockings with Made-in-Canada items from my local Dollarama. Here is the second one, which cost under $ 10.00 (taxes included), for the pet lover:

 

In the picture above, clockwise from front left:

• My Buddy wild bird seeds (1 kg)
• Pet Lovers' odour eater (227 g)
• Just for Me dog biscuits (340 g)
• Skeena cat food (156 g)
• Just For Me dog treats (170 g)
• Percara cat litter deodorizer (200 g)
• Rex Products dog treats (pigs' ears)

Surprised? Stay tuned for the third installment: stocking fillers for the man in your life...

Wouldn't it be wonderful if your milk jug magically refilled itself or every time you took a $20.00 bill from your wallet another would replace it? Sadly that does not happen, things get used and have to be replenished, repaired or replaced. My grandmother threw away very little; socks were darned, plastic re-sealable bags were cleaned and reused, and milk cartons were saved to start seedlings for the garden. In a time when environmental awareness is high and economic issues are on the mind, or maybe we just want to prevent a few wrinkles, a little saving can go a long way.

Saving Face
The sun's UV rays are a benefit to us; feeding our plants, providing vitamin D, and helping with skin conditions like psoriasis but it is also a main culprit of aging, as well as skin and eye diseases. Sunscreen in conjunction with sunglasses and a hat is our best defense against the fat old sun. KINeSYS offers sunscreen in Broad Spectrum UVA / UVB protection with the use of Parsol®1789 and Titanium Dioxide in creams, sprays and stick form. Made in Canada, even the bottles and labels, KINeSYS is free of alcohol, oil and PABA and is an animal, kid, and earth friendly company.

Energy
The use of non sustainable energies such as fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) as well as uranium (nuclear) will eventually become a chapter in a history book. We now have the ability to change where our energy comes from by using sustainable energy like solar, wind and biomass creating a better future for our children. Canada is per capita the largest consumer of energy and the 2nd largest producer of carbon emissions! I was surprised too, for more information check out the David Suzuki Foundation, you'll find easy ways to do your part.  Seek  applianceswith the Energy Star rating like this GE dishwasher that will only cost an average of $30 yearly to run. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They're 75 per cent more efficient than conventional bulbs. Compost your organic waste, recycle paper, plastic and glass, and dispose of your hazerdous household materials safely.

Thoughts for food
There is a huge trend with our food that is directing us to eat local, organic and in season. The focus is to reduce fuel consumption, support local economies and promote heath. The 100 mile diet was to be a one year experiment by Canadians Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon that inspired thousands to follow suit. The intent is to consume only that which is grown, raised and produced (with local items) with 100 miles of your home. Using this map, do you think you could live the 100 mile diet? If that seems little much this may be a little more forgiving. Simply in Season* by Mary Beth Lind, Cathleen Hockman-Wertalso also focus's on eating local as well as fair trade; "Each food purchase we make is like a vote for the way we want food to be produced-and for the world in which we want to live."

Money
It is impossible to get through life without it, we need it to live, for school, retirement, bills and the countless other surprises we encounter.
I can share with you ways to save a few dollars everyday and I make an effort to do this daily; brown bag lunch, driving the speed limit, urban public transport, car pooling, seal all the air leaks in your windows and doors, change your furnace filters every 2 months the list is virtually endless. One thing I am not very informed on is long term savings. When our son graduates from high school our daughter will have completed kindergarden, with our third child will be ready for preschool. Talks of his post secondary education and interests have also piqued my curiosity of how to save for the girls' future pursuits with the maximum gain. Canada's Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a great option to save for your children's education. In conjunction you could be eligible for a Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) up to a maximum of $7200.00 for each of your children. The RESP of today allows your children respite after high school and should they not return your money is not lost. Please check out the HRSDC site for a RESP promoter that is right for you

Certainly we all have our saving needs, it is something we are programmed to do. I saved pebbles and shells as a child and my daughter finds big stones and insists to bring them home. Humans save their cherished recipes, stories and memories. So keep on it people, and don't forget to save a moment and share with me what it is you save.

*Simply in Season by Mary Beth Lind, Cathleen Hockman-Wertalso Herald Press printed by Friesens Corporation Altona, Manitoba Canada

When I think of Christmas, I often think of snow and lights and decorations but I also think of wonderful Christmas goodies and treats.

Every family has their own special recipes for cookies and sweets that they make every year for the holidays. They are special and often evoke fond memories of mom or grandma in the kitchen baking and the wonderful smells wafting through the house during the holidays.

I would like to share a holiday recipe with you.  It has become a favourite of my family and I hope others will try it out and maybe it will become a favourite of yours too.

Here is my recipe for Gingersnap Cookies:

1 cup granulated sugar

¾ cup margarine

¼ cup fancy molasses

1 egg

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon ginger

A pinch of salt

Combine margarine and sugar and mix until well blended.  Add molasses and egg.  Sift and add dry ingredients.  Roll cookie dough into balls.  Take and roll in sugar to coat.  Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes.  Let rest on the pan for a minute or two before moving to a cooling rack to cool.

Just a little tidbit for you... there is molasses that is produced in Canada!  I use Crosby's molasses in my cookies. Crosby's is a Canadian company that has been producing molasses since 1879. Crosby's molasses should be easy to find in your local grocery store.

And in the spirit of buying Canadian, if you can, try to find locally farmed eggs and product-of-Canada margerine, flour and spices.

Let me know if you try this recipe! Enjoy!!!

Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons,  Crosby's and Tina Farthing

Jewelry is one of the more popular gifts to give that special someone at Christmas.  But did you know that there are jewellry options that are made right here in Canada?

There are several gemstones mined here in our magnificent country. One that we are all aware of is the diamond. But Canada also produces gemstones such as ammolite, topaz, garnet, opal, quartz and even sapphire to name a few. My colleague Joseph Wilburn wrote a really interesting post not too long ago on Canadian diamond mines.

Charm Diamond Centres is a Canadian owned jewellry store chain.  It was first opened in 1972 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Since then, it has spread across the country with stores in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.  It is Canada's largest independently owned jewellry company.  

Charm Diamond Centres offers many beautiful pieces made with Canadian diamonds. This ring, for example is very beautiful and would make the gift recipient very happy.

Ammolite is another gemstone popular in Canadian jewellry.  It is found in the Rocky Mountains primarily in Alberta and makes some very stunning and unique jewellry as well. Joseph also wrote about the uniqueness of Ammolite here.

Here is a pair of dangle earings made from Ammolite. They are very pretty and would make a great gift, don't you think?

Give the gift of Canadian jewelry and know that the recipient is receiving something truly unique to Canada.  Next time you are at the jewellry store, why not ask to see Canadian diamonds... you will be really pleased with what they have to offer!

Image sources: Charm Diamond Centres, The Shopping Channel

Gift shopping for a woman is, for me, as easy as Sunday morning. I am certain it is just because my shopping list over the years has predominately been women. The tides are turning though; I find my eyes pay more attention to the trends and fashions for men as my son gets older. I agree there are some ladies in my life that even after years of knowing them I still have no idea what to get them, or may have a hard time fitting their tastes in my budget, I guess that is what gift receipts are for... ; ) Here we go:

10. A purse, like shoes is an item one can never have enough colors or styles! KOKOban of Richmond BC makes some beautiful pieces in gorgeous colors. Designed to be classic and functional but trendy and feminine these stunning bags fit the bill.

9. Wall decals are a genius idea for wall décor. It gives your space a designer look without being concerned about damaging to your wall. These decals are a fabulous idea for either apartment living or long term decor. Valerydesignwrks of Edmonton has Fleur de Cactus as well as, my favorite, Bouquet.

8. Brian Bailey, born in rural Alberta, he is now known for designing a sophisticated urban women's sportswear collection. Even though he has dressed Ophra and Celine Dion he is still offering his beautiful designs to Canadian women via the shopping channel. I am absolutely in love with Brian Bailey's Lauren Dress.

7. It isn't often when walking in circles is a good thing unless, of course, it is "Walking In Circles" by Artisan Impact. Living and working in Montreal these 2 designers create gorgeous jewelry from of gold, silver, stones and gems. Artfully crafted with an air of the middle east any of their items will be a gift cherished forever.

 6. Winter cold and winds are hard on the skin, leaving it dry and chapped. Canus Goat's milk/Lait du Chevre is made of fresh goat milk which is known for its moisturizing and antibacterial qualities. Their line consists of 6 different collections of bath, soap and other personal products including a baby collection  I highly recommend.

5. After finding, fixing and renaming his hand built 30'-long sailboat Karmananda, Alex Tilley failed to find a hat to match the craftsmanship and quality of his boat. Several months later they had some hat prototypes to test and the rest is history. Today Tilley Endurables not only sells fine hats like the Tilley Fedora but a whole collection of travel clothing that is stylish, comfortable and easy to care for during any adventure.

4. I imagine myself sitting in bed with my sketchbook,  a cup of coffee, and the music of Feist all wrapped up in a cozy down duvet, maybe the house is empty for a few hours too, oh the stuff of dreams. Cuddle Down Products have just that, duvets, featherbeds, pillows and more. All of which would give anyone their much deserved beauty sleep. Just visit their site to find a retailer near you.

3. LaCanadienne manufactures shoes and boots, like Marlena, from genuine shearling and other fine materials, paying close attention to design and style while practicing quality old world craftsmanship. Their plant is in the heart of Montreal and this company not only is passionate about their boots but is equally so about the work environment for their employees and our planet as well.

2. Give the woman on your list a luxurious place to kick up her feet in Hauser's Jane chair and half! Hauser was first established in 1949 by John Hauser, who created ornamental wrought iron fixtures. Hauser is still a private company run by 2 generations of the Hauser family. They have a vast selection of cast aluminum, wicker and teak outdoor furnishings as well as a beautiful indoor furniture line.

1. Dace Moore launched her career in 2002 and is now carried in over 60 stores in North America and will be debuting in Japan soon. As a young girl Dace always had a flair for fashion and eventually returned to school. Her fashions are clearly DACE with their classic but fun feel. Her 2008 fall line holds this beautiful Morgan Coat, a fully lined wool wrap coat, sure to warm the heart of the gift receiver.

Happy holidays!

I have to admit something: I have a love-hate relationship with the dollar store...My local Dollarama is a source of conflicting feelings which I'm forever struggling to reconcile. On one hand, I am turned off by all the knock-offs and low-quality imported products found on their shelves. Toys don't last more than an hour, and scotch tape does not stick! On the other hand, I must admit how practical and affordable some of those consumable items are: gift bags, party & scrap-booking supplies, activity books for kids, etc.

A few weeks ago, I found out something amazing: there are Canadian-made products at Dollarama! And they retail for $ 1.00! Can you believe it? I could not either. When I shared this juicy piece of information with Jessica Brown of the CBC, during our interview of November 24th, she was so surprised she mentioned it in her news report! Watch it here.

So I challenged myself to the following: in these uncertain economic times, when everyone is trying to reduce their spending, could I fill some stockings with inexpensive Canadian-made items from Dollarama? Well, after spending an hour and a half looking at product labels with my 11-year old son Nicholas (what's the big deal with child labour anyway...;-), I came up with enough supplies to fill 5 different themed stockings, all under $ 12.00 each (taxes included!). I thought this nifty fact could be of interest to others, so this is the first post in a series of 5 detailing the contents of each stocking.

Let's start with the kids' one, of course!

 

In the picture above, clockwise from front left:

• Sandy Lion stickers (27 stickers)
• Choco-Paradise macaroons (130 g)
• Caillou bubble bath (500 ml)
• Kids 2-in-1 Cherry Splash shampoo (444 ml)
• Caillou hand-soap (237 ml)
• Hershey's mini OhHenry (130 g)
• Disney honey graham cookies (80 g)
• Bubble King giant gumballs (5 pieces)
• Comet chocolates "Santa's Parade" (33 g)

I bet Santa will be happy to hear about that!

Next chapter: the animal lover's stocking.

Blog post written by: Sam Title

 

Consider this scenario:

You go nuts this year trying to figure out what to buy your sibling for the holiday season. You’ve combed the whole city – and several others, thanks to the Internet – for something you’d like to be the “perfect gift”… only because the floral hula girl tie (but it was silk!) just didn’t cut it last year. Heck, you might’ve spotted it on the butt of his kid’s jeans posing as a patch. (But it was silk!)

Not this year, dagnabbit! You’re bound and determined NOT to let that happen again… with anyone on your list. Yet, it’s never an easy task trying to figure out what to put on your kilometer-long holiday gift list.

Here’s a good suggestion for some original gift giving ideas!

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, there’s a better than average chance that you’ve heard of the One of a Kind show. It happens in other North American cities as well, but my budget only permitted me the chance to visit Toronto’s. It’s a fantastic time to check out and sample Canada’s up-and-coming artisans and entrepreneurs.

This year’s holiday season show (November 27 – December 7) was chock full of nick-nacks, doo-hickies and watcha-macallits fit for even the most discerning of siblings (did I mention it was silk?!). I wanted to put together a list of terrific items to add to your list, but I collected too much information for it all to be included here.  So I’ve pared it down significantly to feature the ones I felt were some of the more original, “rarely seen before” types of items.

So here’s my list (in no particular order) of suggestions for your lists:

Artech glassblowing studios

Thirsty for some really nifty glassware? Check out the reclaimed/re-blown soda pop bottles for – what else – soda pop! Or have a gander at the reclaimed/re-blown beer bottles (some Canadian ones too, ‘natch!) for your holiday suds. Very cool! Nuff said!

 

The Candi Factory

If ties aren’t your thing, maybe underwear is. If someone you know enjoys wearing artsy undies check out Candice Levine’s collection at The Candi Factory. Her lines are made locally (Toronto) and ethically and are available in all sizes for both women and men. Try wearing unmentionables you'd love to mention.

 

Poupées Raplapla

Some of you might remember the Raggedy Anne dolls (do they still make those?). If you do, have a look at this little gem from Montreal. These limited edition dolls are made by Erica Perrot, a former costume designer and sewing instructor, according to her, their smiles never fade! Now that’s value add.

  

Admiral Road

Founders Amy Ballon and Danielle Botterell decided mothball their business suits and 80-hour Bay Street work weeks to provide some…ahem…coverage with their line of personalized or non-personalized fleece blankets. Everyone from newborns to the biggest of kids (adults) can enjoy these products… especially through a Canadian winter. Brrrr! Bundle up on Admiral Road.

Do yourself a favour…beat the rush and don’t wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping. You might have to settle for a Hula Girl tie… silk if you’re lucky!

Were you at the One of a Kind show this year in Toronto/Vancouver? Did you see any cool and unique items to give as a gift? Let us know.

The Holidays are such a wonderful time of year, a reason to take it easy and enjoy the people you care about. The lure of the mall’s convenience is enticing with its ready made gift baskets and gift wrapping services but it’s isn’t always as meaningful. Sometimes the gifts that mean the most are the ones that are created from the heart or last well beyond the Holidays.

Coupons for the Year
Many of us are always in a hurry and often regret the lack of fun time we have to spend with our favorite people, especially our kids. I know children often create coupon books for their parents, grandparents and other family and friends, but what of moms and dads creating coupons for their kids? How magnificent an idea that is! Using your computer or paper and pen create little coupons that include things like; backwards supper day, movie night, free rides, get out of chore night, hooky day, let’s make cookies, out for ice cream, to the zoo and whatever else you can imagine that your child would love!

Gift of the month
We are all familiar with item of the month clubs; I have come across dessert, fruit and tea of the month! Personalise the concept to let someone know they are worth the time and effort every month. Base your treats around the seasons and months; think of soup for January (Canadian Living have some amazing soup recipes), heart shaped cookies for February, Green tea muffins for March and so on.

Family Gift
The family gift is a wonderful way to get everyone all together in the same room at the same time to play, talk and reconnect. A perfect reason to put the remote down, turn the computers off and enjoy each other. Game maker Gladius has a classic like snakes and ladders and something new like Nature Enjeux. In fact making a weekly game night will keep your family happy and strong.

While we are spending time making our homes and loved ones happier places and people, take this gift of time and thoughtfulness and spread it to your community. There are so many ways to make an impact on the world, even your little corner. Donate old blankets to local animal shelters or knitted scarves and mittens as well as unused coats to keep someone warm. Take your children to drop off toys to the local toy drive and pass to them the true meaning of this holiday season; a spirit of joy and kindness that we should carry with us all through the year.

Happy Holidays!

Images sources: willowcatstudio, gladius

10. Ocena makes these brilliant Sleeping bags that are waterproof and can be used throughout all 4 seasons. Great to bring it camping, to watch a parade, on a sleigh ride, in the stroller and everywhere else you go! They come in blue and red and are recommended for newborn to 3 year olds.

9. Hats are such an important part of a child's wardrobe; keeping their heads and ears warm in the winter and shaded in the summer. Loopy4ewe makes hip crochet hats in several styles and lots of colors. Should you require a custom order she will be happy to accommodate and you'll be amazed how fast you'll be wearing that hat.

8. A bib is designed to keep your baby's clothes clean, but Paisley Baby makes some of the cutest bibs that you almost don't want to use them! These Terry Bibs are beautifully sewn in classic and whimsical fabrics of 100% cotton print and 12 oz. white towel terry. Be sure to check out her other styles as well.

7. WhatSewEver's Dragon is cute but certainly fierce enough to keep your baby happy and feeling protected. This Plush toy is made to order allowing you the joy of picking just the right color, the line also includes a whale, monkey, octopus, pig, and a bunny!

6. The onesie, an essential item for baby keeping her cozy and warm in the winter and protected from the sun in the summer. Here are some delightful and unique designs from Trick and Titch, and the Latte onesie found at Apples n Oranges.

5. Bamboo is said to be one of the best eco fibers to use, a sustainable product that grows naturally on half the planet in both hot and cold climates. Bamboo also has some antimicrobial properties, keeping the cloth cleaner and safer to use even after multiple washings. Simply Baby has their baby's bamboo blanket that is certain to keep baby happy and warm.

4. Wrap the kids up this beach robe by BambooLily. It is described as a cashmere like robe that's great for baby's sensitive skin. Bamboo naturally filters out UV rays and is anti-bacterial making it perfect for cottage fun, dips in the pool and bath time too!

3. Building and stacking toys are so important to the development of fine & gross motor skills, spatial thinking and hand-eye coordination. Made by Ukoonto these wooden building blocks are made of new recycled natural hard maple.

2. Baby Confort has been designing and manufacturing quality baby bedding sets for over 30. Their product line includes selections in organic cotton and Bamboo with wool filled bumpers, as well their famous Moses blankets!

1. Babies Award Jacket Canada By Roots is still one of the cutest sport jackets around. Made of 100% Melton Wool body and leather sleeves will prove to not only keep your baby warm but one day their babies too.

Photo credits: MadAboutColor, PaisleyBaby, WhatSewEver