VancouverMom.ca asked some of its favourite local merchants to name its top picks for the season. Joanna Mileos and her awesome staff over at Granville Island Toy Company offered up this list of Top 20 Gifts. And while we had girls in mind, most of these items would be appropriate for that boy on your list too.

VancouverMom.ca asked a few of our favourite local merchants to put together their list of top gifts for this holiday season. Leanne Kripp and Anne Leishman over at North Vancouver’s Jack and Lola told us what their top picks were for kids under five. They’ve also generously offered VancouverMom.ca readers a discount of 15% (some restrictions apply – see in store for details). Just mention that you’ve heard about the offer at the time of purchase.

Charitable gifts have gained popularity in the last few years, and can be an altruistic replacement for everything from department store wedding registries to corporate wine and cheese gift baskets.

Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom of Raspberry Kids, tells VancouverMom.ca her top picks for Christmas gifts for babies.

“I now get to buy girls’ clothes!” jokes Jack and Lola owner Leanne Kripp. The mother of three named the North Vancouver store after her eldest son Jack and “Lola,” the girl she never had.

The store recently celebrated its one year anniversary. Like many mom entrepreneurs, Leanne was inspired by her role as a mother to start her business.

Love Raspberry Kids? If you’re in Vancouver, check out the Raspberry Kids Seasonal Warehouse Hours! Raspberry Kids will be opening their warehouse doors so you can do some in-person shopping.

When I connected with Joanna Mileos owner of Granville Island Toys a couple of weeks ago, she excitedly told me about Main Street Baby, the new store she and husband Craig Hartman are planning on opening right beside the Granville Island Toys location on Main St. Get the scoop here!

If you’re looking to kick start your Christmas shopping or want to just find something unique and interesting for your kids, check out the Children’s Trunk Show – featuring mom entrepreneurs with locally made products from all over the Lower Mainland.

Despite the downpour the past Saturday, my husband and I, along with our two young daughters, ventured out to check out the Lusso Baby grand opening in North Vancouver, as well as purchase a birthday gift for my two-year-old nephew. The journey was well worth my trip.