Like most parents, you probably know exactly what to buy for one or two family members this holiday season. But what about the grandparents? The new baby down the street? The pool boy? (Just making sure you’re paying attention). Here are UrbanMommies’ ‘generational picks’ to get you through the busy shopping season. And you can get them all online, so you can spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time basting the turkey.
For Babies
Holt Renfrew has partnered with Missoni to offer these plush bear and elephant toys for babies, crafted out of their iconic prints in support of OrphanAid Africa. It’s definitely one baby item you won’t have to hide when company comes. $50; holtrenfrew.com.
For Toddlers
The Educo Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen is a wooden option to inspire little ones to earn their Michelin stars. The realistic knobs make clicking sounds and kids can check on what is ‘baking’ through the oven window. Be warned: it’s a top seller you’ll want to order early. $140
For Preschoolers
The new Hexbug Warriors Battle Stadium with Battling Robots is a huge hit in my house. It comes with an arena, is available in different designs and colours (all the better to entertain kids for hours) and is reasonably priced. It makes the perfect stocking stuffer. $20; Hexbug
For Tweens
The new Sifteo cubes are the coolest thing to hit tech since the internet. These motion-activated blocks with full-colour touch-sensitive LCD screens communicate wirelessly and respond to the proximity of players’ gestures during gameplay. (Channeling Big Bang Theory right now). Unlike many other games, kids have to use physical and mental intelligence while playing. $130; Sifteo.com
For Teenagers
The word ‘Teenager’ as almost synonomous with ‘Social’. There’s no better gift than technology they can use to keep in touch with friends, family, and (ahem) – Snap.
For Moms
I let the cat out of the bag. I actually told my husband that car detailing would be a better gift than diamonds. Whoops. So you should get mom that (for her stocking, of course). But for the real gift? Something fun. Like a Coach Legacy bag. Or a trip to New Orleans. Or hot sports gear. Not that we find moms easy to shop for or anything. $348, www.coach.com. (Provide links to other articles on UrbanMommies for each option).
For Dads
Finally, it exists! I may have to keep it for myself though. Sony has come out with the Cybershot 18.2MP with 20x Optical Zoom featuring wireless technology that allows you to share photos instantly on Facebook, email and Twitter. The only catch? You’ll have to tell him your Facebook password and you’ll no longer be able to hide those messages from exes. $449
For Grandparents
The ubiquitous photo mug and bottle of scotch are passé. At our house, we get creative and use fiverr.com. With endless options and fun ideas, the dreaded grandparent gift can be acquired with a click . We sent a digital image to one seller that was converted into a watercolour jpeg and purchased another ‘gig’ from an artist who drew the kids in ‘children’s storybook’ format. Add a funky Ikea frame and voila – a gift to cherish that won’t break the bank. $5 fiverr.com
For the Mailman/Pool Boy/Gardener
And you thought we were joking. Ditch the gift cards. This may sound odd, but who wouldn’t want a gorgeous festive Dish Soap? Method changes its designs based on the season, and the holiday designs are stylish and chic (not to mention eco-friendly). We wouldn’t want their hands to get chapped as they do the holiday dishes.. Method
Discalimer: Post sponsored by Wind mobile. As always, opinions are our own.
