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Table of Contents 2013 HOLIDAY GUIDE 1

Cool Toys for Kids

4

Featured Holiday Events & Shows

9

Holiday Treats

12

Featured Holiday & Winter Camps

17

Holiday Crafts

19

Holiday Gift Ideas

23

8 Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel with Kids

24

Celebrating Hanukkah

27

Holiday Parties

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Cool Toys for Kids

10 Unforgettable Toys that will Make Playtime Imaginative, Rewarding & Fun

Scribble Down by PlaSmart Scribble Down is a series of delightful activity packs in which colourful transfers can be scribbled on to themed backgrounds. They come in various designs featuring exquisite Clinton Banbury illustrations: Enchanted Castle, Fairy Cake Factory, Pirate Adventure, Dinosaur Encounter, and more. Designed to stimulate creative play for boys and girls, Scribble Down offers artistic fun for all ages. www.plasmarttoys.com

Switch & Go Dinos Jagger the T-Rex by VTech Jagger the T-Rex transforms from a super-cool construction crane to a fierce T-Rex in a few simple steps. Combined with voice recognition technology, this toy dinosaur is one of the coolest Switch & Go Dinos yet! Play in truck mode with a rotatable toy crane, mini-transforming bulldozer, and launcher-fired drill bit, or switch to dinosaur mode to see Jagger's animated dinosaur eyes and powerful stomping feet. www.vtechcanada.com

Bubbly Bunny by Cloud b The adorable Bubbly Bunny plays four soothing sounds: friendly giggles, forest breeze, an adorable lullaby, and calming ocean. This bubbly little friend even includes a velcro strap for easy attachment to Baby’s crib and features two sleeptimer options: 23 and 45 minutes. These friendly plush keep children company during the day and become the perfect sleep companions at night. www.cloudb.com

Barnyard Bingo by Fisher Price Fisher Price Barnyard Bingo Game is a chute dropping, barn-door popping game of animal matching bingo! Each time your child pulls the barn door lever, a colour chip with a farm animal appears accompanied by a fun sound and your child must match them on their bingo card. With the classic “B-O-I-N-G!” sound that children love, this game helps develop skills and fosters physical and hand-eye coordination. www.tcgtoys.com

Cahootie by TCG The classic finger-paper fortune teller game with a modern twist! Cahootie is the award-winning, imagination-building game that girls can play alone or with friends. Ask a question, and the Cahootie provides an answer by manipulating its shape. Cahootie comes in twelve collectible styles such as Best Friends Forever, Would You, Girl Wonders, Barbie, Truth or Dare, Monster High, and more! www.tcgtoys.com

Toronto4Kids 2013 Holiday Guide | 2

Cool Toys for Kids

10 Unforgettable Toys that will Make Playtime Imaginative, Rewarding & Fun

Despicable Me 2 Fart Blaster by Thinkway Toys For the rambunctious kids (and adults!) who love toilet humour, they won’t be able to get enough of this Minion gadget. Press the trigger to engage both light and fart sound effects. Switch to joke mode for a 20 second time delay and use it on unsuspecting victims. Available only in the Fart Blaster with banana scent, each fart emits the smell of the Minions favourite food, bananas! www.thinkwaytoys.com

HEXBUG Aquabot with Fish Bowl by Innovation First The HEXBUG® Aquabot is the first water-born HEXBUG micro robotic creature with smart fish technology! Powered by electro-magnetic propulsion, this swimming fish propels itself, swimming around, diving, and changing directions, to explore its environment. The colourful HEXBUG Aquabot with Fish Bowl offers kids the fun experience of having a pet fish, without all the messy clean-up. www.HEXBUG.ca

The Original DoodleArt by PlaSmart The Original DoodleArt, the intricate, black and white colour-it-yourself poster kit, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary by reviving the craze that many remember decorating walls, dorm rooms, and cafés in the 1970s and 1980s. The Original DoodleArt is a great way to spend quality time exercising your creative side in bright colour comfort. www.plasmarttoys.com

Lil’ Snoopy Tipping Treats by Fisher Price Watch Lil' Snoopy zip around the room! Lil’ Snoopy Tipping Treats Game moves around the room as players help find treats and put them in his dish before he tips over. Can you find all his bones and put them in his dish before he tips? Designed for the youngest age-grade, this game helps toddlers develop motor skills and encourages walking, thinking, and problem-solving. www.tcgtoys.com

Dreamz to Go Octo Prinkle by Cloud b Dreamy lites collection is a compact solution for soothing sleep no matter where bedtime lands and also a great décor for any bedroom. Based on the original Twilight Turtle, the dreamy lites collection comes in 6 fun colours that projects stars and friendly little fish blowing bubbles while illuminating in soothing colours. This little octopus eases fear of the dark and projects stars and fish with bubbles. www.cloudb.com


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Featured Holiday Events & Shows NOVEMBER City of Toronto Historic Sites Celebrate Kids during the Holidays! Nov. 1, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014 Various Locations Toronto, ON Visit the Website for Contact Information www.toronto.ca From fun-filled day camps to historic cooking workshops to cookie and gingerbread house decorating and special crafts for kids and families, there's something for you and your young ones to enjoy.

Annie (TYA) at YPT Nov. 11 to Dec. 29, 2013 Young People’s Theatre 165 Front Street East Toronto, ON 416-862-2222 www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca Everyone’s favourite comic strip heroine takes centre stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals – winner of 9 Tony Awards! After escaping the orphanage, Annie sets off in search of her parents. Some of Broadway’s most popular show tunes, including Tomorrow, It’s the Hard Knock Life, and Easy Street are featured in this Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) version of the renowned musical.

Ross Petty’s The Little Mermaid Nov. 22, 2013 to Jan. 4, 2014 Elgin Theatre 1889 Youge Street Toronto, ON 855-599-9090 www.rosspetty.com Ross Petty presents The Little Mermaid Ontario’s O-FISH-AL Family Musical! Petty is leaving behind the Brothers Grimm and entering Hans Christian Andersen territory through this classic story, but with a Petty pivot – his first-ever foray into the fishy fairy tale where anyFIN goes!

Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, 2013 Distillery Historic District 55 Mill Street Toronto, ON 416-364-1177 www.torontochristmasmarket.com Inspired by the Old World and influenced by the New, this free annual event captures all of the tradition, heritage and charm of a European Christmas Market, while showcasing hundreds of unique and local handcrafted products and family friendly entertainment.


Featured Holiday Events & Shows DECEMBER Fort York Frost Fair Dec. 7 to 8, 2013 - 10:00am to 5:00pm Fort York National Historic Site 250 Fort York Boulevard Toronto, ON 416-392-6907 www.toronto.ca Fort York celebrates the Winter season with a Frost Fair. Wander through the historic buildings of Fort York National Historic Site where Historic Merchants will be selling their quality merchandise – all inspired from the 18th and 19th century.

Breakfast with Santa at Casa Loma Dec. 7 to 23, 2013 Casa Loma 1 Austin Terrace Toronto, ON 416-923-1171 www.casaloma.org Casa Loma's Breakfast with Santa is back for its 8th year! Your children will enjoy a served breakfast, a visit with Santa, castle admission, self-guided touring, and the opportunity to enjoy our holiday production “Peter Pan.” Book early as this program always sells out fast!

Peter Pan at Casa Loma Dec. 7 to 29, 2013 Casa Loma 1 Austin Terrace Toronto, ON 416-923-1171 www.casaloma.org Peter Pan is visiting the Castle this December! Join Peter, Tinkerbell, and their old nemesis Captain Hook as they tell this classic Edwardian tale filled with drama, humour, and adventure.

Fairies & Pirates at Casa Loma Dec. 7 to 29, 2013 Casa Loma 1 Austin Terrace Toronto, ON 647-725-0707 www.casaloma.org Get your family signed up for this delicious workshop at the castle this Holiday season. Work with top pastry chefs and learn how to design and decorate a magical Holiday gingerbread house. Each child will have their own gingerbread house to assemble and decorate using candy, sprinkles, icing, and other yummy embellishments.


Featured Holiday Events & Shows Ice Age: A Mommoth Christmas 4D Dec. 7, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014 CN Tower 301 Front Street West Toronto, ON 416-868-6937 www.cntower.ca Celebrate the Holiday in the Ice Age at the CN Tower! Can a handful of prehistoric misfits really save the Holiday? Find out in this hilarious adventure featured in 3-D with added in-theatre effects that will transport you back to the Ice Age. For a limited time only!

Disney On Ice Presents Princesses & Heroes Dec. 20 to 29, 2013 Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON www.ticketmaster.ca See Disney on Ice Presents Princesses & Heroes at Rogers Centre where believing is just the beginning! High flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating, and lovable Disney friends are just a wish away! Join Ariel, Prince Philip, Sleeping Beauty's Aurora, Jasmine, and Aladdin. Watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Tiana all come true.

Sesame Street Live Make a New Friend Dec. 27 to 29, 2013 Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 1 Front Street East Toronto, ON 855-872-7669 www.sonycentre.ca No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies!

Christmas Treats Trek at Toronto Zoo Dec. 26, 2013 - 9:30 am to 3:30 am Toronto Zoo Measowvale Road Toronto, ON 416-392-5929 www.torontozoo.com The Toronto Zoo is the place to be on Boxing Day! Join us to see what delightful seasonal treats await the Zoo's animals. Don't forget to visit Er Shun and Da Mao - it is their first Boxing Day in Canada! Bring a nonperishable item for the food bank. 1/2 price admission for everyone all day.


Featured Holiday Events & Shows Pinkalicious: The Musical Dec. 27 to 28, 2013 Living Arts Centre - RBC Theatre 4141 Living Arts Drive Mississauga, ON 905-306-6000 www.livingartscentre.ca Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jan. 4, 2014 Living Arts Centre - RBC Theatre 4141 Living Arts Drive Mississauga, ON 905-306-6000 www.livingartscentre.ca The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Favourites include the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud’s travels through the sky; and The Mixed-Up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature. The triple-bill show incorporates innovative “black light” staging techniques that highlight Morrow’s stunning puppets and props.


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Holiday Treats

Creative and Fun Holiday-Inspired Recipes for Kids

Reindeer Doughnut Bites These fun reindeer doughnut bites are perfect for Christmas breakfast! The best part is that they are a blast to make with the little ones. They will love adding the red nose and making fun antler shapes out of pretzels. Get the recipe at www.sheknows.com.

Santa Strawberries These little santa strawberries are almost too cute to eat. Almost. Filled with whipped cream, frosting, cream cheese, or anything else you have on hand, they’re as easy to make as they are delicious. Sure to be a big hit with the kids! Get the recipe at www.leannebakes.com.

Holiday Trees These trees are the perfect project for kids to create during the Holiday break. All you need to make this festive treat are ice cream cones, green frosting or candy melts, and your kids’ favourite candies and sprinkles for decorating. Get the recipe at www.myrecipes.com.

Traditional Gingerbread Men Cookies Christmas just isn't Christmas without gingerbread men cookies! A favourite Holiday tradition, spend time with and involve the youngest members in your family by letting them decorate these cute little guys. Get the recipe at www.myrecipes.com.

North Pole Cupcakes Simple and magical! These fluffy white North Pole cupcakes are super easy to put together. All you need is a cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, candy canes, some red candies, and “Santa’s little helpers” to assist you! Get the recipe at www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com.

Marshmallow Dreidels Why not make the celebration of lights even sweeter with edible dreidels! For an easy spin on the Hanukkah top, whip up these fun, kid-friendly treats. Marshmallows form the dreidels' bodies, chocolate kisses serve as the tips, and pretzel sticks act as the knobs. Get the recipe at www.hostesswiththemostess.com.


Holiday Treats

Creative and Fun Holiday-Inspired Recipes for Kids

Candy Cane Cookies It's a twist to make these fun cookies! Kids of all ages will want to pitch in when it comes time to roll the ropes of coloured dough for these cute candy canes. They can then help sprinkle crushed candy canes to top off this festive Holiday treat. Get the recipe at www.parade.com.

Marshmallow Snowmen Unabashedly sweet, create these cute Wintertime marshmallow snowmen with your kids for an afternoon of fun. They’re quick, simple, and everyone will have “snow” much fun making these! Get the recipe at www.recipe.com.

Kwanzaa Celebration Sticks Celebrate the colours of Kwanzaa with these fun edible sticks from pretzel rods, sprinkles, and melted chocolate. Alternatively, you can create blue and white sticks for Hanukkah or red and green sticks for Christmas. Get the recipe at www.spoonful.com.

Reindeer Cupcakes These dashing cupcakes pay homage to some of Santa's best-known helpers: Rudolf and friends! They also make a great baking project for little hands during the Holiday break. Get the recipe at www.spoonful.com.

Snowflake Oreo Cookies Make these beautiful and simple snowflake cookies with your kids using store-bought Oreos, marshmallow fondant, melted chocolate, and sparkling sugar. Little ones will have a blast decorating! Get the recipe at www.cakewhiz.com.

Santa Hat Cake Pops Make your Holiday treats extra festive this year with these tiny, but scrumptious santa hat cake pops! Bakerella also shows you how to create adorable reindeer and christmas tree cake pops as well. Get the recipe at www.bakerella.com.


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Featured Holiday & Winter Camps Alpha’s Discovery Club Holiday Camp 170 Ambassador Drive Unit #10 Mississauga, ON L5T 2H9 905-564-2511 www.alphasdiscoveryclub.com Alpha’s Discovery Club is an Indoor Playground and Party Centre in Mississauga, serving Brampton, Oakville, Milton, Georgetown, and Etobicoke. Alpha’s Discovery Club is the place to be during the Holidays. A balance of fun and interactive learning is the focus of Holiday Camp 2013. Our camp program combines social, educational, and physical activities that encourage children to develop to their own potential in a fun and safe environment.

Ceramics Canada Christmas Break Camp 385 Bloor St. West Unit 4B Oshawa, ON L1J 5Y5 905-728-6939 www.ceramicscanada.com Ceramics Canada offers half day and full day camp programs for school aged children loaded with creativity and choices, for Christmas Break. We're always pulling out all our best for participants. Projects will include painting, clay hand building, pottery wheel, glass fusing, and when time permits we will explore other art and craft projects. Various dates during the break. Please check website.

Christmas Camp at Horseshoe Resort 101 Horseshoe Valley Road Barrie, ON L4M 4Y8 855-835-2790 www.horseshoeresort.com Enjoy 4 days of ski or snowboard lessons over the Holidays to kick off your ski season! Teaching the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding, our Kids Programs aim to develop a strong foundation for children in a safe and fun environment. December 27 to 30, 2013. We also offer a New Years Camp from January 2 to 5, 2014.

Drop-In at the Clay Room 279 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4K 2X4 416-466-8474 www.theclayroom.ca Drop-in during the Holiday break! If you've ever wanted to create a unique personalized ceramic piece but didn't want to attend a long, structured pottery class, then the Clay Room is for you. Special hours during School Break (Dec. 20 to Jan. 6) - Monday to Friday, from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Let your child's imagination be sparked with us this Holiday.


Featured Holiday & Winter Camps Humber Arboretum Winter Camp 205 Humber College Blvd. Toronto, ON M9W 5L7 416-675-5009 www.humberareboretum.on.ca Join us at Winter Camp for a hands-on experience in the great outdoors by participating in programs such as: snowshoeing and tobogganing, crafts, nature walks, Chickadee, Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker feedings, fort building, and more. Our staff of Nature Interpreters will take you on expeditions through forests and meadows in search of unique learning experiences. There will be loads of fun activities! December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014.

Holiday Day Camps at the Science Centre 770 Don Mills Road Toronto, ON M3C 1T3 416-696-1000 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca Bring your 5 to 12 year olds to discover and explore at the Ontario Science Centre Day Camps through hands-on science activities and exclusive access to the exhibit halls. Your kids will have a thrilling, unforgettable, and educational experience with our knowledgeable and energetic Camp Counsellors. Jan. 2 to 4, 2014.

Pawsitively Pets Winter Camps 202 Parkhurst Blvd. Toronto, ON M4G 2G3 416-901-4776 www.pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com Pawsitively Pets encourages all children to explore their love of pets and animals. Working with animals is not only a great learning experience for children, it allows them to build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of compassion as well as enhances their imagination. Pawsitively Pets for Kids Camp Program for campers will be offered at our Leaside location over the Winter Christmas Break except for the Dogsledding Camp which is held at Albion Hills - 16500 Hwy 50, Caldeon.

Safari Science Winter Day Camps 1290 Speers Rd. Unit #6 Oakville, ON L6L 2X4 905-901-4848 www.safariscience.com 6 Days of Winter Break Camp! Oakville day camps offered by Safari Science are uniquely fun and educational. Each day camp has new things to learn and experience every day. This Winter break, the camps are all about animals, games, and crafting. Ratio is 1:7 with a minimum of 2 supervising staff. Call to register 905-901-4848.


Featured Holiday & Winter Camps Winter Break at the Fashion Academy 369 Grace St. Toronto, ON M6G 3A8 416-732-0139 www.thefashionacademy.ca In this one-week program, aspiring artists will learn the fundamentals of fashion, design, and styling. Packed with amazing design workshops, the Fashion Academy invites you to peek in side the world of fashion. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics from inspiration, illustration, to collection design.

Winter Break Camp at 4Cats Arts Studios Multiple Locations across the Greater Toronto Area Visit their Website for Contact Information www.4cats.com 4Cats Arts Studio is a professional art studio for children ages 2 to 15. Kids learn about the weird and wonderful lives of famous artists and use professional quality art materials to create masterpieces inspired by each artist’s work. At 4Cats Arts Studios, kids get to work in a variety of mediums, taking inspiration from the works of famous artists. Sign up for Winter Break Camp at any of our 12 locations in the GTA!

Winter Break Camp at Living Arts Centre 4141 Living Arts Drive Mississauga, ON L5B 4B8 905-306-6000 www.livingartscentre.ca The weather outside may be frightful but inside the Centre is quite delightful! These fun-filled programs introduce children ages 6 – 12 to a wide variety of art techniques and materials. Sign up for one or more days, or come for the week! Each program is limited to 18 participant and runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm with supervised breaks and lunch. Camp runs from December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014.

Winter Break Camp at Mess for Fun 43 Martin Roos Avenue Unit #3 Toronto, ON M3H 5S4 416-736-7101 www.messforfun.com When school's out the most fun place to be is Mess for Fun. We take the worry out of what your children are going to do for FUN with their time off school! Mess for Fun is an indoor playground and ceramic studio. We offer a safe, spacious, peanut free, environment with a designated play area and ceramic studio. We offer an exciting and creative structured day for our campers. Daily activities include: yoga, crafts, ceramics, photography, art classes, media programs, and of course lots of play without worrying about the cold.


Featured Holiday & Winter Camps Winter Break at Wise Adventures 808 Britannia Rd. W Mississauga, ON L5V 0A7 905-782-8110 www.wise-adventures.ca Wise Adventures offer various camp programs during the Winter Break for children ages 4+. Camp includes many activities and different themes. Daily crafts, games, but we'll allow your child to focus on what they like most. Themes to choose from: Amazing Art, Lego Building, Science Hands on with Animals, Computers, and Academics. Winter Camp runs from Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013 to Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 (closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1).

Winter Camp at Children’s Art Studio Artscape Wychwood Barns 601 Christie Street, Studio #163 Toronto, ON M6G 4C7 647-808-8590 www.childrensartstudio.ca Dig in and get messy this Winter Art Camp at the Children's Art Studio! During this fun filled week, children will experience and harness the creative process by exploring a wide range of materials and methods including collage, watercolour painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Using literacy and art history, students learn about the great art masters while making art using story telling, factual information, and their own imagination! Camp runs from Dec. 30, 2013 to Jan. 3, 2014.

Winter Holiday Camp at Dagmar Resort 1220 Lake Ridge Road Ashburn, ON L0B 1A0 905-649-2002 www.skidagmar.com Dagmar Ski Resort has it all! Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross country... Come and check out our 17 runs, a varied terrain for all ages and all abilities. Sign up for a 3 or 4 day Christmas Camp. It's a great way to kick off the season! 4 Day: Dec. 27 to 30, 2013 or 3 Day: Jan. 2 to 4, 2014. Time slot:10:00am. Includes a 2 hour lesson each day and full day lift ticket, valid until 4:00pm. For ages 3 to adult. Discover the thrill of Winter!

Winter Holiday Camp at Gymalaya 2 Locations in York Region Newmarket & Vaughan Visit their Website for Contact Information www.gymalaya.com Gymalaya, York Region's newest gymnastics club, offers recreational gymnastics classes with state-of-the-art equipment designed specifically for young children. The kid size proportions of the equipment help motivate the children, enhance their performance, and increase safety. Sign up for our Winter Break Camp: December 20, 23, 27, 30 - January 2, 3. Full Day Camp and Half Day Camp available. For ages 4 to 10.


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Holiday Crafts

Make Holidays and Seasonal Celebrations Memorable with these 7 Festive Crafts

Holiday Gumdrop Pops Stack gumdrops, dot them with sprinkles and other candies in creative ways, and watch the colourful confections come to life as snowmen, Santas, and other icons of the season. Wrap the candy pops in cellophane bags, and then attach them to gifts or slip them into stockings. Get this craft at www.marthastewart.com.

Colourful Christmas Tree Ornaments Give your Christmas tree a heartfelt touch of homemade with these fun and easy ornament craft ideas. Raid your craft drawer to decorate the tree: make a flurry of snowflakes from buttons and popsicle sticks, and jazz up felt birds with sparkly sequins. Get this craft at www.parents.com.

Cardboard Tube Christmas Trees You and your kiddos will enjoy making this cute and super easy Holiday craft. All you need is some toilet paper rolls, green and yellow construction paper, scissors, and markers, glitter, pom poms, as well as any other craft supplies your kids want to decorate their trees with. Get this craft at www.simpleasthatblog.com.

Snow Globe Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! This darling little craft is made from recycled plastic cups, or any other type of jar you have sitting around. Encase photos, crafty creatures, or Holiday trinkets inside to make a nifty tree decoration. Get this craft at www.parents.com.

Kwanzaa Kinara Create this meaningful Kwanzaa craft to celebrate African heritage and affirm the Holiday's seven important principles of family and community life. This elegant Kwanzaa Kinara is an illumination that warms the heart of this Winter celebration. Get this craft at www.spoonful.com.

Candy Cane Reindeer If you can keep your kids from eating the art supplies, these candy cane reindeer make a great craft! Help kids cover two plastic candy canes with yarn, and embellish with googly eyes, a pom-pom nose, ribbon, and bell to create an easy-to-make reindeer. Get this craft at www.scrapbooksetc.com.

Children’s Nativity Set The Nativity is such a lovely homemade project to create with your family this Holiday season. This beautiful children's nativity set is made with craft sticks and clay pots. The perfect way to remember the reason for the season. Get this craft at www.todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com.


Holiday Gift Ideas

We've Got Awesome Holiday Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List!

InnoTab 3S by VTech Learn, create, and connect! The InnoTab® 3S, the new Wi-Fi enabled learning app tablet, opens up a world of interactive game play and learning fun! Educational games teach reading, math, social studies, science, and much more. www.vtechcanada.com

Monopoly Despicable Me 2 Game by Hasbro It’s the classic fast-dealing property trading game of Monopoly, now with multitudes of minions! Gru is back with another evil plan and it’s up to you to collect Banana Bucks and own all of your favourite properties before he succeeds. www.hasbro.com

Fenigo.com This Holiday season, give the gift of the litter-less lunch! Fenigo.com is your Canadian source for eco-friendly lunch products. You can be confident that everything is safe, even the products made of plastic. Visit our website to view our extensive catalogue. www.fengio.com

Zoomer Interactive Dog by Spin Master Zoomer is playful, funny, and he'll steal your heart in an instant. Just like a real dog you'll need to teach him everything a puppy needs to know. Kids can run play and laugh as Zoomer excitedly wags his tail and responds to their commands. www.zoomerpup.com

Dagmar Ski Resort Gift Cards This Holiday season give the gift of skiing or snowboarding with a Dagmar Gift card. With 17 runs, 4 chairlifts, 2 magic carpets, and the incredible 4 Progression Terrain Park - from beginner to the advanced rider - it's the largest and most exciting ski resort in Durham. www.skidagmar.com

Furby Boom by Hasbro The all new Furby Boom combines physical and digital ways to play! Furby Boom has more than twice as many responses as the previous Furby, remembers the name you give it, has 5 new personalities to discover and, it’s hatching a new generation! www.hasbro.com


Holiday Gift Ideas


Personalized Storybooks Canada A company that offers unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you can personalize for your kids. When shopping on their website this Holiday season, use discount code SAVE20 on the checkout page to save on the purchase of personalized books and music CDs. www.personalizedstorybooks.ca

Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo by Playskool Big Hugs Elmo loves getting hugs, but he really loves giving them! After getting a hug from Elmo, little ones can pretend along with him, and even dance, sing, nap, and cuddle with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street pal! www.hasbro.com

Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Set by VTech Through pretend play, the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Train Set by VTech will turn your child into a little conductor! The motorized train on this train set choo-choos its way along the tracks and plays imaginative phrases or music. www.vtechcanada.com

Toronto Zoo Adopt an Animal Have a favourite Zoo animal? Adopt it! Your animal will still live here, adoption fees help us take good care of the animals, protect endangered species, and pursue on-going conservation efforts. Adopting an animal makes a totally unique gift. www.torontozoo.com

SNAILS Kids’ Nail Polish SNAILS kids’ nail polish is the world’s first 100% European made water soluble nail polish that is easily washable and made especially for little girls, with no harmful chemicals or toxic substances. Made in France. Try their gift packs. It’s the perfect Holiday gift! www.safe-nails.ca

Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll by Spin Master Turn a young girl's dreams into reality as they watch Flutterbye Fairies effortlessly dance through the air. Every enchanting flight puts the magic directly in their hands. Flutterbyes gracefully glide across the sky guided only by the hands of young girls. www.flutterbye.com


Holiday Gift Ideas


Lovable Labels Gifts Lovable Labels provides personalized labels, tags, safety products, and more. This Holiday, we have gift ideas made just for you! Check out our Holly Jolly Gift Pack, Santa Sampler Gift Pack, Stocking Stuffers, Holiday Fun Stickies and Holiday Sweet Notes. www.lovablelabels.ca

Pokémon X and Y by Nintendo New Pokémon, a new storyline set in a spectacular 3D world, and dynamic battles instantly make Pokémon X and Pokémon Y two of the most highly anticipated video game titles of 2013. www.pokemonxy.com

Putting Edge Gift Card Give the gift of FUN this Holiday season! Purchase $30 in Putting Edge Gift Cards and receive an additional $40 in upgrades and savings. Putting Edge has multiple locations across the GTA. www.puttingedge.com

The Littlest Gift Boutique Shop with The Littlest Gift Boutique this season! We have gifts for everyone on your list. You may even want these gifts for yourself! (Free shipping on orders over $50 exclusive for T4K subscribers. Email [email protected] for more details.) www.thelittlestgiftboutique.com

Little Passports Little Passports is a global adventure where kids follow Sam and Sofia's travels around the world. Designed for ages 5-12. Personalized packages include an adventure letter, fun souvenirs, activities, and access to an online Boarding Zone full of games. www.littlepassports.com

Disney Infinity Starter Pack by Disney Take on the role of Sulley, the naturally gifted 'scarer'; become Captain Jack Sparrow, the sword-wielding pirate; or transform into Mr. Incredible, the world's best crime fighter. The Starter Pack is just the beginning, with infinite ways to inspire your imagination! www.infinity.disney.com


8 Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel with Kids Traveling with kids is tricky enough most of the year, but during the Holiday season, it can be even more complicated! We've rounded up our favourite smart, easy travel tips that will help keep your kiddos occupied for the long haul – and hopefully help you maintain some of your sanity along the way. 1. Fly during the week during off-peak times, and return a few days before the end of the Holiday break. 2. Travel light! You have enough lugging the kids around so it's always helpful to pack light. Ship some items (like gifts) ahead. Keep extra car seats and equipment at Grandma's house. Many companies offer rentals in major cities. Try: www.weetravel.ca or www.babygetaway.com. 3. Plan for delays so bring along extra snacks and travel toys for the kids. 4. Hit the public library for books, CDs, DVDs, and cassette books and stock up. 5. Load up with apps! Car games can be fun but after the 40th round of the ‘I Spy’ game, parents can definitely be ready for a break. Make sure to charge up all your gadgets (bring the charger with you) then load them up with apps that will keep a kid's attention (get some educational ones too). 6. Bring wrapped surprises. Finger puppets, squeezie balls, stickers, wind-up toys, magnets, and colouring books to keep kids busy when boredom sets in. 7. Pack the pillows and blankies. It’s important for the kids to have their familiar sleep time items from home. Don’t forget sleeping buddies. 8. Pack Sea Bands when you’re travelling. These acupressure bands really help quash the queasies without medication. If you must, pack some Gravol. Happy travels!


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Make Hanukkah More Special with these 12 Festive Crafts, Recipes & Activities

Star of David Mobile An easy Hanukkah craft project for the littlest family members, this Star of David mobile included on Spoonful, is perfect for the younger tots in the house who want to get in on all of the Holiday crafting fun. Get this craft at www.spoonful.com.

Tinfoil Hanukkah Cards Here’s an inexpensive and gorgeous way to create heartfelt homemade gifts for family and friends this season. These cool cards are a fun craft for kids of all ages. Each and every one is completely unique. Get this craft at www.scrumdillydo.blogspot.com.

Potato Latkes It's not Hanukkah without potato latkes! This year, why not try this lighter twist – egg whites instead of a whole egg; baked, not fried. Serve with applesauce, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Get the recipe at www.delish.com.

Recycled Cardboard Tubes Hanukkah Menorah A fantastic Hanukkah craft for preschoolers and younger kids, this gorgeous festive project can be easily made with leftover toilet paper tubes. This is one fun craft that gives younger tots the chance to safely “light” their candles each evening. Get this craft at www.creativejewishmom.com.

Favourite Hanukkah Recipes Food Network shares their favourite Hanukkah recipes. Ring in the festival of lights with roasted chicken, brisket, apple sauce, latkes, sublime doughnuts, as well as other traditional foods! Get the recipes at www.foodnetwork.com.

DIY Dreidels These dreidels may be quick, but they’re also pretty! Made using long strips of colourful paper, glue, and toothpicks, these dreidels may take a little patience while waiting for the glue to dry, but we promise that the end result will be totally worth it! Get this craft at www.matzosoup.com.



Make Hanukkah More Special with these 12 Festive Crafts, Recipes & Activities

Spiced Apple or Pear Fritter Doughnuts These spiced fritters are made by dipping apple or pear rings in a simple batter and frying them in canola oil, making them perfect for Hanukkah festivities. While jam-filled doughnuts are more traditional, using fruit is a healthier alternative. Get the recipe at www.babble.com.

Dancing Hanukkah Characters Craft Here's a super cute idea to add some cheer to your home this Hanukkah... dancing dreidels, doughnuts, menorahs, candles, and oil flasks! You only need a few simple supplies and everyone can have fun creating their own dancing characters. Get this craft at www.creativejewishmom.com.

Wooden Menorah Craft Your little one will love making a menorah they can “light” each night. Made out of wooden spools, pencils, and erasers, this craft is perfect for a kid-friendly Hanukkah countdown! www.parents.com

Hanukkah Sugar Cookies These decorated gluten-free sugar cookies with royal icing are the perfect festive treat for any Hanukkah celebration. Kids will love helping in the kitchen and decorating these cookies! Get the recipe at www.glutenfreecanteen.com.

Edible Memory Game Made using stickers, decorative paper, glue, and flat-bottomed candies such as Hershey’s Kisses, mint patties, or Hanukkah chocolate coins, this cool matching game is easy to create and a great boredom buster. Get this craft at www.scrumdillydo.blogspot.com.

Sugar and Spice Noodle Pudding As classic comfort foods go, it's hard to beat noodle pudding, also known as kugel, at Hanukkah. This sweet version, flavoured with apples, raisins, and cinnamon will be a favourite any time of year. Get the recipe at www.spoonful.com.


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Holiday Parties Fairyland Theatre Toronto 1183A Finch Ave West Unit 2 Toronto, ON M3J 2G3 416-663-1700 www.fairylandtheatre.com This Holiday season, invite Santa to your home! Fairyland Theatre has more than 10 years of experience organizing Holiday events for children in the Toronto area. We have a wide choice of interactive programs and characters for kids of all ages. Our performances are unique, bright, and emotional. We also have a great musical and video arrangement and naturally involve every child into action.

Fiesta4Kids Inc. 357 Edgeley Blvd. Unit 12 Vaughan, ON L4K 4Z5 905-738-5437 www.fiesta4kids.com Fiesta4kids is a one stop shop for all your party equipment rental needs! We are thrilled to serve you with your small or corporate event. We have the best party supplies for Holiday parties and events. At Fiesta4Kids, we are always looking for the latest games and the newest ideas to create great parties just for you! Our friendly team will help you in making your event an unforgettable adventure.

LootPress.ca Online Services Servicing the Greater Toronto Area Toronto, ON 416-887-2687 www.lootpress.ca LootPress.ca provides party fun with paper-based products that are personalized just for you and are easy on the Earth. Just in time for the Holidays, we have stocking stuffers, personalized gifts, party banners, party supplies, and much more — all ECO-FRIENDLY and with FREE DELIVERY (right to your door!) in the GTA. Shop online at: www.lootpress.ca. Happy Holidays!

Right Choice Children’s Entertainment Servicing the Greater Toronto Area Toronto, ON 416-931-5437 (KIDS) www.rightchoicechildrensentertainment.com The Holiday season is here! Right Choice Children's Entertainment is your one stop shop for all entertainment services. We always keep our customers satisfied and provide nothing but the most high quality services while also providing very competitive prices. To receive a quote, visit our website and fill out the mailer form on our contact page.


Holiday Parties Woody Wood Chuck’s 4466 Sheppard Ave. East Scarborough, ON M1S 1V2 416-298-3555 www.woodiewoodchucks.ca This year, why not host your Holiday party at Woodie Wood Chuck's! Woodie Wood Chuck's is a family based business that provides a safe, secure, dynamic, and friendly environment for kids and adults alike! The indoor amusement centre operates 365 days a year. Over 70 video games and rides, a large soft playground unit with many activities from climbing tubes to slides. We offer a wide variety of food and beverage selections in our menu. We offer lots of excitement and fun! Visit our website for more details.
