Make their eyes gleam with excitement!

Kids deserve kudos for the resilient way they are handling the pandemic these days. Whether they’re back to school or learning from home, 2020 has certainly put them to the test.

Although this festive season will no doubt be different, it’s a great opportunity to consider conversations about the importance of shopping locally. What better way to drive home the point than to celebrate the season by gift-giving from shops close to home?

Let’s focus on the good this festive season. Part of that good is supporting small businesses within the region as much as you can during the pandemic. Shopping locally not only celebrates the unique vibes within the region’s beloved communities, but it also helps the local economy thrive in challenging times.

1. Z&B Baby

Modern designs and high-quality products! Festive hair bows, homemade pacifier clips and everything for your teething baby’s needs. We even saw a handmade tiny Elf mask!

2. Peek-A-Boo

With a Peek-a-boo toque, you’re sure to be seen. Maude Beaucaire’s popular toques feature a removable fake fur pompom – making it easy to mix and match to suit your style. Her fun children’s clothing is equally popular.

3. Ella Pearl Boutique

Canadian handmade eco-friendly, sustainably sourced and non-toxic baby, kids and adult goods. Look here for talented makers offering a variety of hand items for babies, toddlers and kids!

4. Aria Leigh Boutique

Trendy, handmade clothing and accessories for all ages. From dresses in funky fabrics, to cardigans and even pyjamas, Aria Leigh Boutique makes a variety of items for babies, children and adults – they even accept recommendations and custom orders.

5. The Dreamy Owls Nest

Offering handcrafted One of a Kind Dream catchers! Eccentric handpainted owls perched on driftwood, on cedar or in the hollows of wood slices. The personalities of these little creatures are tangible! Locally created with attention to detail and care.

6. Sew Creative by Jen

All things pretty! Sew Creative by Jen dreams up dolls, dresses, custom embroidery and even tutus. It’s a labour of love; known for making special keepsake items.

7. Improbable Escapes

Escape the realities of the pandemic and dive headfirst into intrigue! Play online, outdoors or in real life at Improbable Escapes, where family-friendly games reign supreme. Teamwork is the name of the game with 60+ minutes of intense and unique puzzles, featuring games of whimsy, zombies or even aliens. To top it off, Improbable Escapes only has private bookings to ensure you have the most fun with your team!

8. Wonderland

Choose your own adventure and immerse yourself in this family-friendly escape room and board game café. Get ready for a nostalgic, brain-teasing adventure with your bubble crew and experience live video escape rooms like Seven Dwarfs: Mining Mission or Neverland: Heist on the High Seas. Pick a new game off the shelves and settle in for eats and some family fun. If there’s a favourite board game on your list, order it online and have it delivered!

9. Hip Kids

Essentials for the modern family! Find the latest and greatest children’s gear in the industry at Hip Kids. From strollers to swaddle blankets they’ve got you covered. Staff members are known for their product knowledge which makes the shopping experience more comfortable.

10. Pure Colour Baby

If you’re looking for thoughtfully designed and locally made this is it. Pure Colour Baby makes fun and comfortable children’s clothing and accessories using sustainable fabrics and a grow-with-me philosophy. Using carefully-sourced organic cotton fabrics, Pure Colour Baby creates garments that combine colours and the comfort babies will love! Boutique is open in town, but also offers curbside pick-up and local delivery.

11. Creative Pursuits

Creating sewn items from little ones, Creative Pursuits offers a variety of affordable items that can be personalized! Look here for the coolest kid reading pillows (yes, you can tuck a book in the pocket!) and the super-soft blankets in fun patterns.

12. Go Green Baby

Natural, organic and earth-friendly products for pregnancy, babies, children and families! Featuring cloth diapers, maternity and nursing wear, babywearing, sustainable toys, and more. Find online consultations, pregnancy, labour and delivery resources, as well as breastfeeding clothing and supplies and much more.

13. Darlin’ Doodlez

Have yourself, friends, family members or beloved animals turned into whimsical cartoon styled characters! Darlin’ Doodlez creates a fun gift with character doodles, from images of friends, family, even story characters. All characters come fully coloured and paper size is customised. Just about the cutest doodles around!

14. Midori Gifts

Is your kiddo a stationary aficionado? Midori is your new haven. With unique stationery items such as fountain pens, fine-tipped gel pens and a plethora of different notebooks in all shapes and sizes. Be sure to check out the great wall of plushies! While you’re there, peek at the collection of DIY toys and art projects.

15. Sherlock Escapes

Physical distancing friendly cases! Sherlock’s Escapes offers different virtual escape rooms, perfect for the stay-home sleuth. Gather your friends and family, and get to work solving one of their three virtual escape rooms, their mail-in hybrid escape room, or their digital live-action experience.

16. April Mae

Treat yourself or the lovelies in your life with comfy and easy styles for the everyday Mama! These are clothes you can play and adult in – while celebrating motherhood one shirt at a time.

17. Buzz Box Fun Kits

​Buzz Box Fun Kits started during COVID-19 to provide a fun, safe, home-delivery solution for bored kids and busy parents. Each Buzz Box Fun Kit is designed to spark creativity, fun and active play in kids aged 4 to 12 years old. Founded by a 16-year-old in Belleville, the boxes are brimming with cool toys, crafts and positive vibes organized in 12 fun themes.

18. ‘Maggie the Magnificent’ By Erin Lee

Erin Lee is a teacher, author & illustrator of the children’s book, ‘Maggie the Magnificent.’Children will adore this book which illustrates the key life lessons we learn growing up. This adorable book which has ranked number one hot seller in multiple Amazon categories! Pick up a copy at Pen It! Publications.

19. Bend and Snap

Simple, elegant and affordable – it’s all about making life bow-tiful at Bend and Snap. Bows, clips and headbands are lovingly handmade. All sorts of prints – including lots of festive patterns!

So many unique gift ideas for the kids – so little time! Make their holidays sparkle in South Eastern Ontario.

#ShopLocalSEO

Topsy Farms, Mackinninon Brothers, Enright Cattle Co. have launched a Campaign to Spotlight Local Businesses and will be using their social media profiles to highlight local shops using #ShopLocalSEO. Vendors will not only be provided with space at real-life events, such as the Enrights and Mackinnons Christmas Holiday Markets but vendors will have their stories shared online. Shoppers are encouraged to use the hashtag on social after their latest purchase or to feature some of their favourite locally-owned shops. Any business with a website can be part of this campaign. Follow along and use the hashtag #ShopLocalSEO.