The holiday season is one of the best excuses to go shopping – and it’s already here! Some people start shopping months in advance, and that is wise of them because they don’t have to worry about finding the perfect gift at the last minute. But if this isn’t you don’t despair, because we’ve got you covered.

When shopping online, you have to consider shipping time. Canada Post does tend to be pretty busy at this time of year, so now is probably a good time to get started.

Remember how nice it was to be the center of attention, getting to unwrap all these gifts and feeling so anxious for the morning to come? When you become a parent, the winter holidays start to have a different meaning and you don’t really expect the same things you used to. It becomes even more fun to see the excitement in your kids’ eyes and watch them open one gift after another. But let’s not lie to ourselves, because it still feels pretty good to be given something. This is why we took all of you into consideration when searching through these online Canadian stores for the best gift ideas. This way, nobody gets left out and it just requires a few minutes and clicks of your time.

Here is what we came up with. And Vancouver moms, please do not forget to forward to your respective partners. Like we said, giving is great, but we all like to receive, too!

For the House

Room6

Special things for nice people.

Shipping: From $8.95, free shipping over $150; Pickup option in Deep Cove, BC
Payment: Paypal, Visa, Mastercard
Return policy: 10 days of receipt for exchange or refund
We like: The most gorgeous and unique selection of products ever! Take a look at their holiday selection for some beautiful ornaments. The overall design of the website is also very user-friendly.

For Little Kids

Cool Toys for Tots

Unique educational and fun toys for toddlers.

Shipping: Fedex rate based on distance and weight, from $16
Payment: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal
Return policy: Return within 14 days of receiving it
We like: Family run online store based in Edmonton with a wide choice of unique and quality toys. You can search by very specific categories (dress, up construction, trains, play kitchens, eco-friendly, etc.). There’s plenty to choose from. Not all of their catalogue ships from Canada so you might want to stick to these brands if you want your order fast and to avoid duty fees: Melissa & Doug, Imagiplay, Deux par Deux, KidKraft Canada and P’kolino.

For Teenagers

Cry Wolf Clothing

Limited edition, collectable, wearable and affordable pieces of art.

Shipping: From $7.29
Payment: Paypal, Paypal E-Cheques and Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express).
Return policy: Refund or Exchange within 30 days of receiving it
We like: We love the very unique designs of the whole product line; the selection of accessories is quite different from what you would find elsewhere and combined with the designs, they make perfect gifts. They have free backgrounds for iphones, ipads, etc using their own designs. We also love the gallery that shows pictures of their products in real life on real people!

For Vancouver Dads

Marquis Wines

Online Wine store sourcing premium wines in all price ranges.

Shipping: Only ship to BC. Average $25 shipping for a case. Free shipping in Vancouver if you order a case. Free shipping for gift cards.
Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Paypal
Insider Tip: Use coupon “Winedeal” to get 15% off your order (not on BC wines)
We like: Browsing their online store almost feels like you are at the actual retail location on Davie street. The selection of wine is very large and the website is very informative. Most of their product descriptions are actual tasting notes from the owners. Also, their community section is a very nice example of how you can use your online store to reach out to your customers. For example, they have a Youtube Video channel that allows them to share their daily experiences with their followers. Their “Staff Picks” page is also worth checking and their wine tasting events seem to book pretty fast.

For Vancouver Moms

Smart Box

Themed gift boxes (Adventure, Serenity, Charming Getaway, Gourmet Getaway, etc.).

Shipping: From $9.99. Current free shipping holiday promo with code CAXMASFSD.
Payment: Visa, American Express, Mastercard
We like: Great concept (pick a theme and let the person choose where and what). The beautiful packaging makes it look like more than just a gift card. You can easily search for the perfect box by selecting location and category, plus the website allows you to read through all of the guidebooks.

Capturing the Holiday Spirit by Giving Back

Because the holiday season is mostly about giving to people who really need it, here is a nice way to support a cause and give a very unique gift at the same time.

Making Magic Fund

Local online stores banding together to help.

How it works: 12 local online stores are working together to raise money. If you buy something from any of their shops from now until Sunday, December 11 they will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Adopt-a-School program, which benefits schools in Metro Vancouver. The participating businesses are:

• Apricot Culotte
• Bumblebee Toys
• dandelion KIDS
• Fill Your Own
• Giving Gifts
• Green Planet Parties
• Kippo Kids
• Maxwell Designs
• My Little Green Shop
• Onyx Containers
• Puddlegear
• Today I Ate A Rainbow

Plan Canada

International development agency for the improvement of children’s lives.

Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Amex
How it works: You place your online order and you can either send a free personalized e-card, gift card or have a free card sent to you that you can personalize yourself and give to the recipient. What is nice is that they actually match some of the donations that are made according to a ratio. Some of the gifts include goats, hens, library boxes, clean water as well as gift items like jewelry and plush toys.

United Way of the Lower Mainland

Charity that supports children and seniors in Metro Vancouver.

Payment: Visa, Mastercard
How it works: You place your order online and they send you a card with a picture and description of the gift. You can then personalize it. You have the choice between paper card, e-card or print-your-own-card. Some of the gifts include after-school activities, Help Line support and homework helpers.

Happy holiday shopping!

Emilie Sarkissian owns Apricot Culotte, an online store selling affordable European baby clothing. She carries previously loved baby clothing directly imported from France, and end of season baby clothing at up to 50% off retail value. To keep up-to-date on her latest news and specials, follow Apricot Culotte on Facebook.

For the Traveller

For the person in your life who loves to travel, check out Wanderlust, The Traveller’s Store. From travel accessories to luggage to guidebooks and maps, this store is fun to browse through when the travel bug bites. For your travel-hungry loved ones, this stop will surely result in some excellent gifts.

Wanderlust, The Traveller’s Store

www.wanderlustore.com | Twitter | Facebook
1929 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

For the Chef

For the person in your life who cooks you food that you can’t resist, stop by Call the Kettle Black. Not only will you find those standard gift ideas on every cook’s wish list, but you may even pick up some unusual or unique stocking stuffers as well for that hard to shop for friend or relative.

Call the Kettle Black

www.callthekettleblack.com | Twitter | Facebook
2294 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

For the Fitness Enthusiast

For the person in your life who is all about fitness, pick up a gift card at Semperviva Yoga. This is also a great gift for loved ones who want to get healthier or more fit in the new year. With locations all over Vancouver’s West Side, they have classes that agree with even the busiest of schedules.

Semperviva Yoga

www.semperviva.com | Twitter | Facebook
2201 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

For the Punctuality-Challenged

For the person in your life who is always late, remedy that problem by getting them a new watch at Watch It. This store carries sunglasses, wallets and other accessories in addition to watches in a wide variety of brands and at various price points.

Watch It

watchit.ca | Twitter | Facebook
2169 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

For People Who Love Your Kids

For the person in your life who proudly displays your kid’s artwork on their fridge, desk or dining room table, take your little ones to Cowboys and Angels. They can paint their own ceramics for a one-of-a-kind gift. The store also sells toys and has a portrait studio. So much potential for holiday multi-tasking!

Cowboys and Angels

www.cowboysandangels.ca | Twitter |Facebook
2003 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

A Holiday Gift That Helps

For the little person in your life who smiles from ear to ear during a good puppet show, pop into Craftworks and pick out a charming handmade smile-maker. From puppets and felt board stories to ornaments and advent calendars, this unique store has so much to offer. All products are hand sewn by adults with disabilities. Through participation in the Craftworks program they experience personal growth and earn supplemental income. How wonderful to help someone along with your holiday shopping!

Craftworks Society

www.3hcraftworks.com | Twitter | Facebook
2208 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

What about you – where are your favourite holiday shopping spots, on the West Side or anywhere in Metro Vancouver?

MacGillycuddy’s Children’s Consignment

I remember driving by MacGillycuddy’s all the time when I was a kid, since a friend lived only a few blocks away. It is clearly doing something right to have survived that long and the small store was buzzing with at least half a dozen shoppers when I was there on a Saturday afternoon. On my recent visit I found a huge selection of winter coats, rain coats, all sorts of boots, along with pants, sweaters and clothing of all types. The store, while small, was really well organized and neat and it was easy to find the sections for the sizes I was looking for. They also had a big selection of toys, books and games.

Classy Kids Consignment for Children

Classy Kids is slightly more spacious, but just as well organized. I was impressed by their large selection, especially of shoes and coats. I found the prices at both stores to be really reasonable and the quality of the merchandise to be very high. Both stores also had a few larger items for sale, such as cribs and strollers.

While consignment stores can sometimes be hit or miss, their regular turn-over of merchandise always draws me in. Add to that the fact that you never know what you’re going to find, and a stop at a consignment store is always an adventure. It doesn’t hurt that the deals are pretty good too, which is especially exciting when we’re talking about kids consignment and the ridiculous rate at which our little munchkins grow out of things.

MacGillycuddy’s Children’s Consignment

4881 Mackenzie Street, Vancouver,  604-263-5313

Classy Kids Consignment for Children

3712 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver,  604-222-4035

Picture yourself last Halloween, running around with your kids, shoulder to shoulder with other last-minute shoppers, fighting for the last Spiderman costume. Now, picture yourself in front of your computer, mouse in hand, clicking around for 30 minutes and getting everything delivered to your door. That’s how simple it can be. Why not choose to experience only the relaxing and fun side of Halloween?

To help you out, we spent some time looking for the best Canadian online stores where you can find everything you need. The perk is you get to spend more quality time with your family at Halloween. You might also find some unique pieces that you can’t get anywhere else. What’s not to love?

Halloween Decorations and Tableware

The Party Monkey

Online party supply store.

Shipping: $12.95 for BC, no local pickup.
Return policy: 10 days return or exchange.
Payment: Visa, Mastercard and American Express
We like:

• The site is moderately user-friendly.
• It’s a local store.
• The site tells you how many pieces are left.
• They have a large selection.
• Great clearance section.

Discounts: Big anniversary sale in October.

Green Treats and Party Supplies

Green Planet Parties

Eco-friendly party supplies.

Shipping: From $12.95, plus a local pickup option in Port Moody or Vancouver.
Return policy: 14 days for return or exchange.
Payment: Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, money order and cheque
We like:

• The site is very user-friendly.
• Great product selection.
• Cute store design.
• It’s local and it’s green!

Handmade Masks

Her Flying Horses on Etsy

Quality handmade costumes for pretend play.

Shipping: From $2.50 (depends on item and quantity).
Return policy: within 5 days of receipt upon approval first.
Payment: Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express
We like:

• The site is extremely user-friendly.
• All the Etsy functionality, including customer feedback and filters.
• Clear pictures.
• Product originality.
• Custom items option.

Personalized Cards, Stickers and Tags

Honeybunch

Personalized gifts for babies, new moms, big kids, birthdays.

Shipping: $12.95 for BC.
Return policy: 21 days for return or exchange.
Payment: Paypal, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
We like:

• The site is very user-friendly.
• A wide range of products that can be personalized.
• Cute store design, with nice, clear images.
• Simplicity of the browsing.
• Great “search for a wishlist” function.

Promo Code: First time newsletter subscribers receive an instant coupon code for 15% off their first order.

Dress Up

Scholar’s Choice

Oldest and largest distributor of educational materials and toys in Canada.

Shipping: $10 or free for orders over $100 (Canada only).
Return policy: 30 days for return or exchange.
Payment: Visa, Mastercard
We like:

• The site is extremely user-friendly.
• Large product selection.
• Special member pricing.
• Ability to shop by theme.
• Birthday party registry.
• Dress-up packs.

Discounts: If you become a member for $10, you get 10% off and more on special days.

Pumpkin Pie

Super Delivery

Online grocery delivery with wide variety of brand names.

Shipping: $5 to $8 or free with purchases of $120 or more.
Payment: Cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard and American Express
User-friendly
We like:

• The site is very user-friendly.
• Grocery deals section.
• Wide selection of brands.
• Organic aisle.
• Flexible delivery time, including a same-day option.

Where do you do your online shopping for Halloween?

Emilie Sarkissian owns Apricot Culotte, an online store selling affordable European baby clothing. She carries previously loved baby clothing directly imported from France, and end of season baby clothing at up to 50% off retail value. To keep up-to-date on her latest news and specials, follow Apricot Culotte on Facebook.

Kids Clothes for Socially-Aware Shoppers

Smack dab in the middle of the Hastings Sunrise hustle, Little Earth is one of the best kids consignment stores Vancouver has to offer. Their motto is the family store that cares about the earth and you, and they fulfill that philosophy by selling gently used (plus some new and organic) kids’ clothing, toys, books and more. From newborn to size 6, this cute, neighbourly shop prides itself on a unique, earth-friendly selection of cool duds for children. Cloth diapers, baby carriers, non-toxic baby bottles, wooden toys – they’re all here, and a whole lot more, too.

Kids Consignment: High Quality Gear at Lower Prices

The atmosphere in this kids consignment store is bright and light, with wood floors and a simple design. New owners Lara and Kerstin are smart and selective in what they carry and super helpful with whatever it is you need to find (or just find out). We often see smiling co-owner Lara working there with her baby boy in tow. Another perk is there’s a nursing room and small play area at the back of the store, so you can feed and entertain your kiddos while you check out the well-stocked racks and shelves. They have kids, so they know how to make a store kid-friendly.

For Newborns and Bigger Kids Alike

Among the new items, you’ll find favourites like Babylegs, Tuffo rain gear and one of my all-time favourite baby gifts, Padraig booties. Expecting a baby? They’ve got some used maternity clothing as well.

Check back in the store often, because like all kids consignment stores, there’s an ever-changing selection of duds here. They also accept consignment items by appointment, so if you’ve got some good gear you want to clear out, give them a call to bring them in.

Little Earth Children’s Store

www.littleearthvancouver.com | Facebook
2643 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Fresh Local Food

You say farmers’ market and I think incredible fresh produce. The highlight of the Kits market for me is always the produce stands with amazing displays of fruits and vegetables – some organic, some conventional. The variety of local food available changes as the season progresses, but I’m never disappointed in what can be found. Many vendors also sell secondary products made from their crops such as dried apple slices, preserves, pickles and honey, to name just a few.

For those of us who strive for a little balance in our lives, its not all radishes and rutabagas at the market. There are always a few local baked goods businesses (some specializing in gluten-free or organic goodies), selling breads, muffins, cookies and other yummy treats.

It’s no coincidence that I often arrive at the market hungry, so that I can sample a little of what the food truck scene has to offer.  On a recent trip, there was a vendor selling delicious tacos, another crafting decadent crepes and even a guy with a fancy cooler equipped bike selling fresh fruit ice pops. And there always seems to be a line worth waiting in at the coffee truck.

For the Kids

Spending some time at the farmers’ market with your child is a great way to start a conversation about local food and where your lunch comes from before it arrives on your plate. Living in the city doesn’t often give rise to many opportunities to talk about this, but a visit to the market is a natural way to raise the topic.

If your child is more about experience than conversation though, there is plenty at the market to keep him or her entertained. The busker playing live music often captivates my daughter’s attention, and the face-painter always seems to be kept busy. If the crowds of the market or the monotony of shopping get to be too much for your little one, the edge of the market borders right onto a great playground where he or she can burn off some energy.

More Reasons to Go

The market is not just about fruits and vegetables.  Every week there is a variety of vendors selling locally made jewellery, soaps, stationary and more.  I also recently saw a table with two master gardeners, ready and willing to answer all your gardening questions.

Some vendors seem to be at the market every week, while others may only be at the Kits location occasionally. You can sign up for a weekly email at www.eatlocal.org to receive a list of which vendors will be at the market for the coming week. Reading it will whet your appetite for all the local food in your future.

If you haven’t visited one of Vancouver’s farmers’ markets this summer, you still have time.  The Kitsilano Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm until October 23, 2011.

Kitsilano Farmers Market

www.eatlocal.org | Twitter | Facebook

2690 Larch Street at West 10th Avenue, Vancouver

French Café

Come for a delicious fresh-made coffee (no drip here) or hot chocolate made with melted chocolate and hot milk, served in the French way in a small bowl. You can sit and relax on the sunny sheepskin-lined bench in the front window, enjoy a tasty flat bread creation and soak in the old-world ambiance of the café. They have a few choices if you’re a pastry lover and, being a French café, you won’t be disappointed. Their pain au chocolat is the best I’ve eaten outside Europe. It’s moist and buttery with just enough dark chocolate in the centre.

Friendly Vancouver Restaurant and Market

Not only is Marché St. George a beautiful place for people watching but everyone who comes here seems to be friendly, so you’ll likely strike up a conversation with one of the many locals who frequent the place. There is always a constant stream of people buying groceries and stopping by the café for a snack and a drink, but the place just far enough off the beaten path that it never feels crowded. Despite the extremely well-organized, stylish atmosphere, it’s a very welcoming place, and it’s pretty kid-friendly, too. The owners Pascal Roy and Janaki Larsen have placed a box of wooden toys and a shelf of books in the shop for their toddler Lola to share with any other little children who stop by.

Visit Marché St. George online to see updates on new offerings, learn more about their products, read event announcements and find some recipe suggestions, too.

Marché St. George

www.marchestgeorge.com | Twitter | Facebook
4393 St. George Street, Vancouver

How to Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping

Hit the sales. Especially when shopping for school supplies and stationary, the best deals to be found are in the peak of back-to-school season at big-box stores. If you have a few specialty items you want to buy, like beeswax modeling clay or natural paints, pick those up separately at specialty stores, but when you need 50 plain yellow pencils, hit the chain stores and stock up for the year. Remember to bring your child’s supply list!

Involve kids in budgeting and shopping. Older kids especially can benefit from working within a set amount and choosing clothes that fit in the budget. This is a good way to accommodate the tween who suddenly needs to have designer clothes. They will have to choose between having a few new outfits or only one new pair of expensive jeans in order to work within their budget.

Seek out secondhand clothes As kids grow older and more active, it gets harder and harder to find good quality secondhand clothes, but it is still possible. Check consignment shops like Wee Ones Reruns or Little Earth, and scour the thrift stores. Accept offers of hand me downs. Even if kids won’t wear them to school, having secondhand clothes for messy play and doing art at home can extend the life of their good school clothes.

Budget for durability. In today’s fast-paced fashion world, clothes are often designed to be worn for one season before going out of style or wearing out. It can be difficult to find good-quality clothes that are designed to last, but do your best to buy the highest quality shoes, coats and boots you can afford for your child. Staying warm and dry is important, and better quality clothes will stay in good condition longer and can be passed on to siblings or younger friends.

Choose only one extra-curricular activity. Not only is having a child in dance, piano and soccer much more expensive, it’s also consuming all of the child’s time for play, exploration and family time outside of school. Slow parenting, a spinoff of the slow food movement, encourages reducing the number of activities that children are part of, and the benefits go far beyond your budget.

Staying on budget when it comes to shopping for your kids can be a tricky thing, especially if they are at your side pleading, “Come on, Mom! I can’t wear that.” But being honest with kids about money, budgeting and spending carefully is a valuable education in financial responsibility that will serve them well for years to come.

What about you – do you have any tips to share for keeping back-to-school shopping on budget? Let us know in the comments section!

Excitement galore

A visual extravaganza was before us: a glittering princess castle, beautiful translucent trees lit up with changing Disney graphics, towers of Disney figurines, and a theatre displaying clips from popular Disney cartoons. A blue, sparkling pixie path weaved its way throughout the themed “neighbourhoods.”

The mission of the Disney Store is to deliver “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day.” Let’s be honest, the store is also designed to send parents into a reverie of Disney nostalgia.

Several other mommy bloggers and our children were given free reign to experience the new and improved interactive Disney Store and it was a pretty unforgettable day.

Staff members greeted us with a level of enthusiasm that made me think they might combust into Mickey Mouse at any moment. The employees guided us through the various neighbourhoods and helped us keep an eye on our kids as they slipped through tunnels, disappeared behind piles of stuffies and zoomed cars along the pixie dust path.

Interactive store

Popular amongst the little boys was the Disney-Pixar Cars station. The kids were able to custom build their very own hot rods! The girls loved the Disney Princess Castle where, with the wave of a wand, the Magic Mirror came to life to tell the story of their favorite princess. My son parked himself in front of the Disney Store Theatre. We chose a cartoon to watch and a drawing table was set up for colouring Disney characters.

On a daily basis, The What’s New Board posted outside the Disney Store will let families know when special events are happening such as story-telling, drawing classes, trivia games and much more.

Grand opening on April 16

The Disney Store officially opened on April 6 but the Grand Opening Ceremony is April 16 at 10:00 a.m. The first 500 guests at the opening ceremony will receive a free gift. At noon, none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse will make a grand appearance at the centre court outside the Disney Store for pictures!

Michelle Gadd is a wife, mom and the creator of Elasticpantcity.com, a blog dedicated to examining how motherhood has shaped, stretched and influenced Michelle’s lifestyle.

Looking for a little eco-inspiration? You’ll find out about community gardening in Vancouver, as well as how a family can survive being without a car – at least part of the time. We’ve also named our 30 top green picks, as well as listed 50 activities for you to do with your family. Be sure to visit VancouverMom.ca in the upcoming weeks for more ideas on staying green!

• Active Baby
• Apricot Culotte
• Coco and Tini
• Dr. Ayla Wilson, ND
• Emily Press Labels
• ethicalDeal
• Giving Gifts
• GoGo bags
• Green Bean Baby
• Hip Baby
• Kinderel Baby Gear
• Little Haven Style and Gifting Co.
• Lusso Baby
• My Little Green Shop
• New and Green Baby Co.
• Pajo’s Fish and Chips