I’ve been in the process of decluttering for months and now Christmas is around the corner.  So I want to be sure we’re getting (and more importantly GIVING) gifts that we can feel good about.  That’s why I created this “must have” family gift guide.

I don’t know about you, but we are also all toy-ed out!  We have 100 dolls (exaggeration but you get it) and countless toys, at the bottom of the toy chest.  So I wanted to help anyone else who feels their drowning in toys to find gifts that…

  • teach kids valuable lessons
  • promote creativity
  • protect the planet
  • make mealtimes fun 
  • encourage better eating

So I’ve spend the last few weeks consolidating this “must have” family gift guide – it includes gifts for the kids but also other loved ones (grandma, papa, partners, friends).  These are all gifts you can feel good about giving (and getting). 

Gifts for Kids!

MUST HAVE GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS

ezpz Happy Bowl

Price:  $25

I fell in love with the ezpz Happy Mat a few years ago, but the ezpz Happy Bowl is the new fave.  It’s an all-in-one bowl + placemat made from high quality silicone that suctions the highchair or table.  We use it for messier foods like pasta, soup, oatmeal and cereal. 

In Canada – GRAB THEM HERE!

Outside Canada – GRAB THEM HERE!

Other Life Lessons

A healthy mind = a healthy body.  So I’m a big fan of books that teach positive lessons.  I received this package from Other Life Lessons today, and I balled my eyes out reading the book “Why Mommy Works”.  With all the questions my kids are asking around death, “Why Someone Dies” couldn’t come at a better time.  And I have a feeling “Life’s Not Fair” is going to be a daily read. 

GRAB THEM HERE!

My Kindness Advent Calendar

My Kindness Advent Calendar

Seeing the bullying and other cruelty happening in the world, I’m on a mission to raise kids who are kind – to themselves and to each other.   We got the My Kindness Calendar from their Auntie and watching the kids have fun doing nice things for other people is so heartwarming.  Sienna drew a picture for Naomi and left it under her pillow as a surprise, Naomi wrote a ‘thank you for being my friend’ note to a classmate, we’ve donated gifts to other families, and so much more.  I think every family needs a My Kindness Calendar. 

GET IT HERE

Stainless Steel Utensils for Kids from Melissa & Doug

Toys. Ever feel like your house is overflowing with useless toys?  I do!  What if there was a toy that also had a function outside of playtime?  These food-grade utensils from Melissa & Doug are great for play kitchens, but also great for meal and snack times.  Small enough for small hands to food is easier to eat. 

In Canada – GRAB IT HERE!

Outside Canada – GRAB IT HERE!

YumBox 

With Sienna in her second year of school, I’m realizing that lunch boxes are a lifesaver.  All the little compartments are not only fun for the kids to eat out if, but also reminds us to pack all the things to keep our kids fuelled.  You want one like YumBox that is leak-proof and easy to open.  Because finding part of their lunch in their backpack ain’t no fun! 

In Canada – GRAB IT HERE.

Outside Canada – GRAB IT HERE.

 

ezpz Mini Play Mat 

Research shows that how we present food can make a big difference in whether kids will try it.  I love using the separate flower compartments for presenting colourful bites of food at snack time.  But this Mini Play Mat isn’t just for eating.  The compartments are also perfect for painting, sorting, beadwork and other crafts. It suctions directly to any flat surface, so their paints or pencils don’t take a tumble!

In Canada – GRAB IT HERE!

Outside Canada – GRAB IT HERE!

Natural Playdough by Little Larch

Little Larch natural playdough

Kids love to play and be creative with playdough. This playdough is made from all natural ingredients such as flour, arrowroot powder, salt, coconut oil, and cream of tartar. It is coloured with plant-based dyes such as spirulina & beetroot and lightly scented with essential oils that encourage calm & creative play.  It is non-toxic and made in Canada. The glass jars can be recycled or reused.

GRAB THEM HERE

 

Silicon Straws

These are the perfect stocking stuffer in my house.  You’ve likely seen one of my Instagram Stories with the girls slurping soup through their straws.  Bad manners?  Maybe!  But it’s how I helped these kids learn to like soup, and now they eat it like normal people – with a spoon!  These silicon straws are soft for younger children, colourful, and extendable.  They are also environmentally friendly.

In Canada – GRAB THESE!

Outside Canada – GRAB THESE!

Bloom Brief by Bloom Kids Essentials

Another great stocking stuffer.  These undies are very soft and stay put no matter what your child is up to. They are offered in packs of twos or fours. You can also get sets with tank, undies, and boyshorts. These are made in Canada from 95% organic cotton with eco-friendly dyes & water-based inks. 
 
 
For other options – CLICK HERE

Kiwi Crates

I’m really trying to limit screen-time for my kids and instead create opportunities for them to be creative.  But it’s a lot of mental power coming up with things for them to do.  So I was overjoyed wen I discovered Kiwi Crates!  They deliver crates to your home every month with activities to entertain our children (different crates for different ages).  It’s like having Santa visit once a month!  I’m signed up for the Kiwi Crate (science and art activities) for Sienna and the Koala Crate (play and learn activities) for Naomi.  

GET IT HERE

My brother bought this book for the girls and we love it.  Dear Girl, is a remarkable love letter written for the special girl in your life; a gentle reminder that she’s powerful, strong, and holds a valuable place in the world. Boys also need a gentle reminder that they are cool, clever, compassionate, and one of a kind as they do in Dear Boy. Any girl (or boy) reading this book will feel that she’s great just the way she is.  An important message for our kids.  

In Canada – GRAB IT HERE!

Outside Canada – GRAB THESE!

Placemat Bundle for Picky Eaters

 

Getting our children to try new foods isn’t easy.  If they dislike the way it looks, feels, or smells, they will likely won’t put it in their mouth.  This game-changing placemat transforms children into scientists, so they learn to like food!  Parents are seeing some A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. changes in their child’s attitude at the table. The Digital Bundle includes Superpower Foods Placemat (you can print it over and over again) a Parent Guide (with simple step-by-step instructions), and Scientist Tracking Sheets (to record your child’s progress and identify new foods to try). 

GET IT HERE!

placemat for kids

Gifts for the “Big Kids” (aka mom and dad)

MUST HAVE GIFT IDEAS FOR ADULTS (partners, friends, grandmas)

Enough about the children!  The adults deserve a great gift too, and I have a few faves to share with you as part of the “must have” family gift guide.

5-Minute Journal

5 minute journal

Perfect for the stressed out or overwhelmed person in your life.  Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in all the things that are going wrong, that it’s hard to appreciate the good stuff.  This journal has been by my bedside for the past year. I love that it only takes minutes and helps be prioritize what’s important and go into the day with positive intentions.  I honestly sleep so much better and feel much less anxious when I have the 5-Minute Journal.

In Canada – GET IT HERE

Outside Canada – GET IT HERE

Himalayan Soapnuts 

Soapnuts

Perfect for the eco-advocates in your life (or anyone who does laundry!). For centuries, soapnuts have been used by people around the world to wash laundry and the finest textiles (wool, silk, cashmere.). Soapnuts are berries that contain natural soap that can also be used to make cleaning solutions for washing dishes, floors, and hair. They are non-toxic and better for the skin than other detergents in the market.  Not to mention reusable & biodegradable unlike most soaps.  Just pop them in a small fabric bag and throw them with your load of laundry.  

In Canada – GET IT HERE

Outside Canada – GET IT HERE

 
 

Stasher Sealable Snack Bags

Stasher bags

 
Perfect for the on-the-go gal or guy.  I bought these silicon “ziplock” bags for my trip to Italy (so I can refill with snacks for our hikes) and ended up buying them for a bunch of Christmas gifts.  These Stasher bags are the world’s first fully functional, self-sealing, non-plastic bag. They are 100% pure non-toxic platinum silicone. Unlike traditional plastic bags, Stasher bags contain no BPA, no PVC, and no latex.
In Canada – GET THEM HERE
Outside Canada – GET THEM HERE

 

Instant Pot, Duo

Perfect for the cook who doesn’t like to cook (or does!). I was haunted by Instant Pot for months – everyone had one, and most raved about it.  So I caved and added another kitchen appliance to my countertop. It’s a one pot meal in every sense (translation fewer posts and pans used).  Makes awesome rice, beans (no need to soak!), eggs, meats, stews, and soups. The Duo is the number 1 selling multi-cooker that combines 7 appliances in one, including Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, and Yogurt Maker.

Canadians, GRAB IT HERE. (and the amazing reviews!)

In the US, GRAB IT HERE.

Joco Reusable Coffee Cups

Joco reusable coffee cup

Perfect for the coworker or friend who frequents coffee shops. Single use containers proliferate all over the planet in the staggering amount of 600,000,000,000 per year. 600 Billion!  That’s a lot!  These BPA free cups are a great replacement to disposable coffee cups. They are available in standard barista sizing; 8oz, 12oz or 16oz.  Not only are they environmentally friendly, but also dishwasher & microwave safe and come in a variety of colours.  

In Canada – GET IT HERE

Outside Canada – GET IT HERE

Energy Reboot for Busy Parents

Perfect for the tired parent. I was noticing that many parents (who wanted my nutrition help for their children) were putting their own self-care on the back burner.  There was no time for them.  So I created the 28-day Energy Reboot for Busy Parents (online program) to give you QUICK & EASY health-boosting tips that take no more than 5 minutes a day.  BONUS: it also includes a 2-week energy-boosting meal plan with quick recipes that will have you salivating.  The 28 day habit-changing program starts in January, but you can go at your own pace! 

GET HEALTHY HABITS HERE!

**USE CODE “REBOOTME” TO SAVE $200**

4 Ocean Bracelets 

4 oceans
 
Perfect for the fashion savvy and eco-minded.  My husband and I recently bought the 4ocean bracelets for the whole family as we’re working hard to teach them about how our purchase decisions affect the planet.  I wear mine every single day.  These bracelets are made from recycled materials to remove plastics from the ocean.  With every bracelet purchased, one pound of trash will be removed from the ocean and coastlines. Purchasing these bracelets will also guarantees sustainable, living wage jobs for artisans in Bali, Indonesia. 
 
 

The All Day Bliss Bundle by Amoda Tea

"must have" family gift guide

Perfect for the tea lover. This bundle has two blends; one for boosting energy (raw cacao, maca, reishi, matcha, true cinnamon, pink himalayan salt), and the second for calming & relaxing (turmeric, fennel, reishi, ashwagandha, true cinnamon, ginger, anise seed, black pepper, monk fruit extract).  There are no artificial flavours or sugar added.  You can also gift a monthly tea box subscription. Your monthly selection can include blends with or without caffeine.

GET IT HERE

Lodge Cast Iron 

"must have" family gift guide

Perfect for the chef.  As you probably know, Teflon is quite toxic.  Yet most pans are coated in this stuff and ceramic or alternative cookware contain other chemicals.  So personally, I feel safest using stainless steel and cast iron for most of my cooking.  Lodge cast iron pans are the best quality (and they are pre-seasoned).   P.S. did you know that iron deficiency is associated with low appetite?  And that 1 in 8 toddlers are iron deficient!  Cooking in cast iron periodically can help boost those stores.  

In Canada – GET IT HERE

Outside Canada – GET IT HERE.

Other sustainable gift ideas are: 

  • Used books
  • Plants
  • Homemade baked food
  • Homemade jams & preserves
  • Subscriptions to online magazines or newspapers
  • Vintage items: décor or garments
  • Experiences: live shows, musicals, or concerts
  • Photos: a picture frame or a DIY photo album 
 

Tips when online shopping to save on shipping cost & times and reduce waste: 

  1. Some online stores offer discounts for first time buyers when they sign up.
  2. Buying from a single online source can be a good idea to save on shipping and reduce packaging.
  3. Picking-up orders is sometimes available if you are shopping from a local store.
  4. Check shipping times & policies to avoid disappointment if items are not delivered on time.
  5. Check with friends and family if they want to order from the same store.

I hope this “must have” family gift guide gave you some ideas to work with, whether it’s for the holidays or birthdays or any gift-giving occasion.  What gifts are you giving?