With the latest provincial orders in place until January 8, 2021 the holiday season is going to look very different this year. This is the year to slow down, embrace a simpler holiday season and spend some quality time with those in your household.
Since we will all be spending more time at home than usual here are some locally made festive activities to get your kids in the holiday spirit and to give them something new to do to.
1. Make your own Christmas ornament – Awesome Sauce Designs
These laser cut Christmas ornaments are super cute and are the perfect activity for a quiet December afternoon. They come in 9 different designs and are ready to be painted! They are made to order, so require a 3 to 5 day turnaround — make sure you order enough for your kids and yourself. Paint and paint brushes are not included.
Pricing: Single ornament – $8/each, 10 or more pieces: $7/each, 20 or more pieces: $6/each
Available for pick-up in Vancouver or can ship locally for $5 with Canada Post.
Order here >> [email protected] or on Instagram @awesomesaucedes
2. Pre-made cookie jar – Jars by Jodi
These jars are amazing — especially if you have young kids! Everything is measured out for you in a mason jar. All you have to do is add a couple basic ingredients most people already have (generally they only need an egg, butter and vanilla) and you are set. It takes all of the messy work out of baking cookies and the kids can help with everything. Also, the jar is super cute for gift giving. Fun, easy and delicious — a total win! These are available in two sizes: regular size for $14 and mini size for $8.
Order here: >> jarsbyjodi.ca
Jars by Jodi are also available at several Metro Vancouver locations, including Midtown Main in Vancouver, The Local Space in Langley, Artisan Gifts & Flowers in Coquitlam and Coastal Collective + Co in Pitt Meadows.
3. Felt Christmas tree – Ivy Handmade Design
This Vancouver-based business has created a fun and totally safe way for your children to have their very own Christmas tree. And the best part is they can decorate it over and over again, by simply re-arranging the felt ornaments. It is the perfect activity for young kids this holiday season and you don’t have to worry bout someone breaking an ornament.
Order here >> Ivy Handmade Design
4. Play dough and sensory kit – Novah + Skye Co.
These kits are such a great way to truly be present with your kids and have fun doing a hands-on activity with them. The sets include play dough and various accessories to have hours of fun with.
Order by email [email protected] or on Instagram @novahskyeco
5. Christmas Eve Box – The Wood Shack
This is something to order ahead and and save for Christmas Eve. It is one of the most special things I’ve seen. I love personalized things for my kids, so this is perfect. The cutest option of the box comes filled with adorable surprises for your kids, including fun Christmas activities. You can have your kids open it on Christmas Eve and sit by the Christmas tree and do the activities together. They also have the option to order the box empty and you can fill it with your own items. This is a great item you can re-use every year and fill it with your own special keepsakes and Christmas Eve traditions.
Order here >> The Wood Shack on Etsy
6. DIY cupcake kit – Pink Ribbon Bakery
This is the perfect activity to spend some quality time with your family, have some festive fun and best of all — have a yummy treat to eat at the end. Each kit includes 6 confetti cupcakes, vanilla buttercream icing, piping bag and tip, assorted colours of fondant, holiday sprinkles and 4 Christmas fondant cut-outs.
The kids will be available for pickup at Unit A5 – 5279 Still Creek Avenue in Burnaby on Sunday December 13, Saturday December 19th and Sunday December 20th (from 10 am to 12 pm).
Each cut is $30 plus tax and can be ordered via email at [email protected]
As an added bonus, the owner Sheila will be offering a free Instagram live tutorial. She will demonstrate how to make the melted snowman and wreath designs. Check it out at 4:30 pm. on December, 13, 19 and 20th @pinkribbonbakery.
Eliminating social gatherings and staying away from loved ones is tough, but I hope these activities will bring a little bit of excitement for your family.
I know this is hard. We don’t want to be doing this. We need to support each other.
~ Dr Bonnie Henry
