Cloud b Twilight Turtle – Constellation Night Light
Our 4-year-old son’s fascination with stars prompted me to buy this turtle that looks like a baby toy but actually has a strong educational component for anyone (big or small) interested in astronomy. Among the clusters of stars sprinkled across the ceiling are eight recognizable constellations. The accompanying literature tells a warm-hearted story about how Twilight Turtle got separated from his father and used the constellations to find his way home, which is a nice way to introduce the constellations and encourage kids to learn their locations and how to enjoy them. An included booklet maps out which area of Twilight Turtle’s shell the constellations are projected from so viewers will know where to look for them on the ceiling. $31.99 (US), shipping times and costs vary, Amazon.com
- Jen Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief

Fairy Doll Making Kit (ages 5 and up)
This kit is perfect for little kids who love crafts. It includes a soft fairy doll ready to be decorated with the included petals, glitter, lace, ribbons and wool. Adhesive tape replaces sewing, ensuring no pricked fingers. My daughter would be thrilled by the glow-in-the-dark wand! BONUS, they do wrapping for only 99 cents! $29.99, ships next business day across Canada, Grandrivertoys.com
- Yuki Hayashi, writer

Cranium Cadoo Game (ages 7 and up)
Cranium Cadoo gets kids thinking, creating, giggling and grinning with a variety of hilarious activities. Whether you love to act, puzzle, sketch, sculpt, or even crack secret codes, Cranium Cadoo has something for you! Two or more kids will have a blast playing – even grown-ups will be happy to join in. $29.95, usually ships within 5 business days, Mastermindtoys.com

- Sonia Giampietro, Marketing Manager

Movie Tickets (all ages)
For an easy teacher gift, I go to Cineplex.com and order movie gift certificates. Cineplex has replaced the old paper gift certificates with great, reloadable gift cards in any value from $10 to $500. There’s no expiry date and they can be used for admission, concession or other merchandise. The teachers at my son’s daycare are always delighted to get these. And the gift of a night out at the movies is appropriate for other hard-to-buy-for types, too. Gift certificates start at $10, ships in 2-5 business days, Cineplex.com
- Brandie Weikle, former Senior Editor

Modern Alphabet Flashcards (pre-school)
Here is a neat gift idea – modern alphabet flashcards for kids. It could also be a gift for parents or teachers. It’s a new, modern idea on teaching little darlings about the world. And the design is beautiful! You can purchase it on the website or buy it at Vancouver’s Inhabit store. $25 (plus $5 shipping and handling), Jargonboy.com
- Stephanie Han, former Art Director

iTunes (tween and teen)
iTunes gift cards rock! Deliver a personal playlist immediately via email, or print a stocking-size certificate. I love the music allowance account: a monthly credit spreads your cheer ““ and your kid’s thanks ““ throughout the year. Gift certificates start at $15, delivered immediately by e-mail, Apple.com
- Melissa Carter, Associate Editor

The Mystery Guest (grownup)
Grégoire Bouillier’s autobiographical novella The Mystery Guest starts with the moment he receives a phone call in his Paris apartment from a woman who left him years ago, inviting him to a party. Phone call, preparation, party and aftermath are deliciously detailed in four slender, parent-friendly sections. Smartly charming with self-doubt, and ultimately affirming with hope, it’s an endearing work of wit. $19.95, usually ships in 24 hours, Chapters.ca
- Melissa Carter, Associate Editor

Quotable Snapsuits (baby)
Just because baby can’t talk yet does mean she can’t have attitude! Order one of these 100% cotton jumpers for the sassy baby in your life. Dads will love to dress their little guy in the blue outfit featuring the macho line “Chicks Dig Me” on the front. While moms will adore decking out their little princess in the pink jumper featuring the classic Dirty Dancing line, “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner.” $22 (US), shipping times and costs vary, Uncommongoods.com
- Sarah Rogers, Online Editor, wish.ca