We're kicking off our holiday shopping with a list straight from Santa's workshop. Toy shopping should focus on delighting little ones (that's why we don't buy kids' socks — ever) and finding options that will spark their interest. The goal is fun, functional and durable toys that will be their favourite for years to come. These gifts are so good; even the elves will be asking you for advice.
Best toys for babies (0-24 months)
This has many imitators, but the original is worth splurging on for its high-quality construction and materials. Odelle is infinitely cuddly and will be their go-to stuffy until they move away to university. Available at
These chewable literary classics are safe and durable if storytime involves drooling, teething, grabbing, throwing, and general baby behaviour. Chewable books are available at .
Start them early on STEM with this . Ideal for babies who can sit up independently, playing with the round detachable 'atoms' helps with hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Available at .
Crawlers and new walkers will love to take this for a walk because music engages when it's pushed or pulled. There are 60 songs and phrases and three light-up buttons for them to experiment with for hours on end. Available at .
Babies born in the last few years will only ever come across a rotary phone in a museum. That is, unless you educate them with this that has been a classic baby gift for decades. This is a fun gift for babblers who can pick up the handset and "talk" to their friends. Available at .
Best toys for toddlers (ages 2-4)
For the toddler interested in participating in chores, this will have them sorting clothes, measuring detergent and setting a wash cycle, just like a grown-up. (Good practice for when they are teens.) Available at .
Want to help them burn their abundance of energy, even on the rainiest days? This is a safe indoor spot for them to bounce the day away. Available at .
This adorable is a peaceful and tactile toy with no small parts or batteries required. Plus, it's cute enough to earn a spot in the nursery. Available at
Give them a reason to love bath time with toys and games to keep them splashing, like a a Skip Hop pull and go , a (all tub-safe, of course) and (doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo) set. All are available at Amazon.
This is like a briefcase for kids. Outside is decorated with colourful numbers, letters, and math symbols. Inside is filled with different sensory activities like buttons, laces, snaps, Velcro and snaps that are entertaining and help develop fine motor skills. Available at .
Best toys for school-age (ages 5-7)
A has 100 LED lights, a light frame (which helps kids fold and carry it themselves), a rear foot brake and adjustable handlebars. They'll want to jump on it immediately, so make sure they have a helmet, too. Available at .
Vancouver-made are a double-duty gift: the handmade bar fizzles in the bath and releases a fresh scent, and there's a toy in the middle. Little ones can collect the whole set. Is there any better incentive for taking a bath? Available at .
If they're a little bored of colouring, expand on craft time with a by Melissa and Doug. With a built-in 50-foot-long paper roll and dry erase board, little ones can use chalk or markers to create their masterpiece, plus there are magnetic letters and numbers for when they start to learn the alphabet. Available at
Curious kids will love this , which includes 60 images (centred around botany and biology) that correlate with informational tidbits narrated by Bindi Irwin. Available at .
Best toys for older kids (ages 7-9)
Want to impress a kid obsessed with tech? This has plenty of features to make them feel grown-up, including calendar reminders, games, a camera and a changeable clock face. There's also school mode, so it doesn't distract them (or anyone else) in class. Available at and .
This has a USB port and Bluetooth capabilities. Use it for a sing-along party (with karaoke apps) or as a speaker/recorder. It has a four-hour battery life, so everyone gets a turn at singing "Levitate." Available at .
are always popular with younger children, and this fashionable has enough material to weave and bead eight bracelets, either to share or wear. Available at .
For kids who have a , there's so many games that are hours of fun.
For kids who have access to a video game console, there are a bunch of PG gaming options. For the Nintendo Switch, there's with loads of competitive games like skateboarding, surfing, karate and climbing with multiple charter options from Mario's world. Available at .
Minecraft meets Xbox: the game creates a magical world and a quest to beat the Arch-Illager (kids know who that is, even if we don't). Available at .
takes place in the familiar wizarding world of Harry, Ron and Hermione, with puzzles, potions and LEGO challenges along the way. Available at .
For more gift ideas for all ages, check out our .
