2018 Holiday Family Gift Guide & Giveaway

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Crazy to think it, but Christmas is just around the corner (not to mention Hanukkah is just over a week away). Whether you have all of your shopping done or not, I highly recommend that you check out this year’s holiday gift guide. You might be surprised to find some new toys, products, services and experiences that you didn’t know that you need or want. I have teamed up with some of my favourite brands to put together this comprehensive list for you… not to mention a giveaway worth over $1000. Before you scroll down to the bottom to enter the giveaway, check out my 2018 family gift guide and let me know what catches your eye either for your kids or yourself!

Kids Ages 3 – 5

FurReal Munchin’ Rex – This is the main gift I’m most excited to give Nate this holiday season. He’s obsessed with playing family and I think he would love to take care of a stuffy that actually moves and ‘eats’ and responds with more than 35 sound-and-motion combinations. Ages 4+, MSRP $69.99

FurReal Rock-a-too, the Show Bird – Similar to Rex, the Show Bird pet is here to entertain! With three modes of play, it is the perfect partner for a show that is full of songs, dances, and laughs. And with 50+ sound-and-motion combinations, hes ready to take over the stage. Ages 4+, MSRP: $119.99 (GIVEAWAY)

Play-Doh Buzz’n Cut Fuzzy Pumper Barber Shop – Grow and style silly Play-Doh hair and a beard, then shave it all off just like a real barber shop. Electric buzzer makes real buzzing sounds activated by touching Play-Doh compound – no buttons to press. Ages 3+. MSRP $24.99

Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Bumblebee Rescue Guard – One of Nathan’s favourite bed time books is Transformers Rescue Bots. He loves hearing about their adventures and how they always help save the day. I’m excited to give him his very own figure that he can play along to the stories. This Bumblebee figure measures 11.5 inches tall, and features moveable arms, legs, and head. Open the figure’s chest to find a command center compartment! Ages 3+, MSRP $50.27

Crate Creatures – The boys had so much fun with our Crate Creatures named Sizzle. He loves his tongue pulled (at least we think he does, he makes some loud and weird sounds when we do), and eating his roasted marshmallow. You can also make his wings move by pressing on his tail. The fun never ends!! However, you won’t know what personality and special features your creature has until you unleash them from their crate.  Ages 4+, MSRP $59.98

Squawk game – a fun game for kids and adults alike. Press the chicken and if the hen house opens, the chicken will lay an egg that you get to “crack open.” Just be warned that the Squawking can get loud and annoying, so make sure the kids don’t go to town on it (I *may* be speaking from experience). Ages 4+, MSRP $31.99 (GIVEAWAY)

Gas Out – For my boys, nothing is funnier than passing a toot. It’s no wonder that they love playing this game while laughing nonstop. It’s a very easy and simple game to understand that even my 4 year old enjoys. It’s also great for taking along on vacations due to it’s size. To win, all you have to do is be the last player to pass Guster the Gas Cloud without him farting. Ages 5+, MSRP $19.93 (GIVEAWAY)
‘Other Life Lessons’ books – These books were written by two moms to deliver powerful and honest messages while addressing the themes of entitlement, grief and why mommy works. The books are a short read and written light-heartily, which is perfect for little kids. Not to mention, a portion of the book sales is donated to children’s mental charities. Ages 3+, MSRP $11.99 per book (GIVEAWAY)
Massive Monster Mayhem – These fun blow up toys are so much fun that as soon as we got them, the whole family got involved and we had a blast pretend battling with them. This line includes a variety of battle-inspired items, including a Massive 5-foot Moon  Ball, outrageously huge Inflatable Bash Weapons, larger-than-life wearable Bash Armor and Power Punchers – everything kids need to safely step into action, battle giant alien monsters and save the world! Ages 4+, MSRP $11.99 and up (GIVEAWAY)
My boys love building and playing in their forts and this is just another way to do it. This Fire Truck kit has everything you need for your little ones to play rescue. All they need is their imagination. I’m so excited to gift this to Nathan for Christmas who already circled this item in the Indigo holiday book! The kit includes cutout windows, steering wheel, roll up door, roll back roof, and build booklet. Ages 3+, MSRP: $69.95.
The Floor is Lava – A twist on the game that your kids already play at home like mine do. This time, a little more structured through this official lava game. Imagine that the floor is hot molten lava and you must spin for our colour, allowing you to jump along foam game pieces on your way to safety! Ages 5+, MSRP: $29.97
Paint-Sation – I’m excited to gift this to Nathan and Ryan before our trip down south. They both love to paint and it really calms them both. The best part about this set is that the paint that won’t spill or make a mess! Even if children turn the pod upside-down, the paint won’t drip out. Children simply touch their brush along the specially-designed bristles, and they’re ready to paint. Ages 3+, MSRP $24.95

Kids ages 6 – 8

Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus – it doesn’t matter how many NERF blasters we have, the boys always seem to want more. I don’t blame them, we do have so much fun playing with them as a family. Kyle has his eyes set on this new Nerf N-Strike Elite Infinus blaster which features a motorized Speed-Load Technology that automatically loads darts in the drum. I’m both excited and slightly nervous about our upcoming battles with this new Nerf Blaster. Ages 8+, MSRP: $89.99

HEXBUG’S VEX Battling Boxing Robots – Once assembly is complete (be warned, it takes a while and some patience), these “smart-tech” self-stabilizing boxers are ready to throw down. Using the VEX Pilot app, you control your robot’s every action, deciding when to use a swift uppercut, a jab, or when to play it safe based on your robot’s health status. Great for older kids (or their parents) that like to build and battle their toys. Ages 8+ MSRP $194.97

HEXBUG Ring Racer – The HEXBUG Ring Racer is the latest in innovative, motorized technology. This self-stabilizing RC robot runs on dual spinning rings. Watch it spin, tumble, and flip over a full 360 degrees! Ages 8+, MSRP $32.49 (GIVEAWAY)

Rubik’s Battle – this fast-action card game is fun for the whole family. Earn Rubik’s Battle Cards by shouting out the Cubie colour first. The player holding all the Rubik’s Battle Cards at the end wins! Ages 7+, MSRP: $10 (GIVEAWAY)

Rubik’s Flip – Flip it – block it – win it! Win or lose in only eight moves! Rubik’s Flip is a fast-moving, easy-to-learn, but challenging game. The first to place three tiles of the same color in a row wins! Ages 7+, MSRP: $24.84

Photo Pearls – lets children transform their photos into unique works of art. It’s super easy – all children must do is upload their photo to the Photo Pearls app to “pearlize” their image. Then they can start assembling their piece of art with the key provided. Photo Pearls is a great stress reliever that will leave children with a show-stopping piece of art. I plan on gifting this to Kyle OR myself 😉 Ages 7+, MSRP $45.17

Kids Ages 9+

Monster Crunch – pick your favourite Monster Cereal character and battle to see who can “eat” the most! In this fast-paced game of luck and strategy, players collect as many Cereal Cards in their Bowls as they can. Each Monster has special powers to give you an advantage and help you gobble up the most cereal. Use Milk Tokens to combine Cereal Cards and take bigger bites. The Monster Cereal character that munches the most wins the game! Ages 9+, MSRP: $29.97

Cahoots – In this colorful card game, cooperation is key! play cards to one of four piles by matching color or number. Work together as a team to complete a series of goals – without communicating what’s in your hand. Can you make all piles purple or green? every card lower than four? all cards add up to 10? there’s only one way to win before time runs out: play in cahoots! Ages 10+, MSRP: $24.97

Kids Stocking Stuffers

YELLIES! Spider Assortment– These cute creates move through sound-activation like yelling, talking, singing, clapping or playing music. The louder the sound, the faster they go. Each cuddly Yellies! spider has a unique personality. Ages 5+, MSRP $19.99

Crate Creatures Flingers – Smaller versions of the Crate Creatures, these cute Flingers make gross fun noises when you pull their tongue, launch them through the air, and crash them into targets. Each Flinger has unique sounds and noises, as well as a light up stomach when you interact with them. Your Flingers packaging doubles as a target so shoot for the highest score against your friends! There’s 12 different Flingers to collect! Ages 3+, MSRP $16.98 (GIVEAWAY) 

Ready2Robots Singles – This is the only collectible line for kids that lets you build, mix and match custom ‘bots and
battle your friends in a robot-brawl. Add on your blasting and slime weapons to take your battles to the next level! There are over 1,000 ways to mix and match your bots. Ages 4+, MSRP $13.87 (GIVEAWAY)

Party Et Cie – various stocking stuffers including:

Animal Pocket Necklaces – Dog, Kitty Cat and Unicorn styles.  Carry an adorable mini stuffie in a pocket around your neck.  For Christmas we are also carrying a Reindeer Pocket Necklace style. $16

Icy Pops Scented Puzzle Erasers – Set of 4 erasers. Mix and match your colours with these scented puzzle popsicle erasers!  Pull apart, trade with friends..the possibilities are endless! $4.50

Graphite Pencils – Set of 6 graphite pencils. Write in style with these retro 1980’s inspired pencil set! $7

Christmas Icons Mini Sticker Roll – Kids can add holiday fun to their notebooks and treasures with these super cute mini Christmas themed stickers in 24 different designs. $12.50

Fashion obsessed Mom

Smithery – Love fashion but often feel lost about what to buy? That’s pretty much me… which is why I love Smithery Style. So many of my favourite pieces from each season have been purchased there. Also, besides the fact that it’s owned and operated by Canadian women (whoop whoop), they are all about simplifying your shopping experience. Each piece is categorized by body shape to help you find the right outfit just for you. Not sure what your body shape is? Come in for a no-pressure studio style session. You can find out more about this in my post here! (GIVEAWAY)

Skincare for Mom

Arbonne – I’ve been using several different Arbonne products for years now. However, my favourite that I buy on repeat is their hair serum. Perfect for when I straighten my hair – it keeps those flyways down and makes my hair look shiny and healthy. I recently received three different shades of their Double Take Matte & Shine Lip Duo. I’m actually really liking both the colours and the finish. One side is a matte lip cream with mineralized clay that delivers a velvelty finish, and a lip gloss with botanical oils for a moisture-rich shine. MSRP $36 each. 

Fitness obsessed

Fitbit from Sportchek – while both John and I have shopped at Sportchek since forever, it wasn’t until our boys started hockey that we found ourselves at the store almost weekly. Now that I’ve started my fitness journey, I went there first for my equipment and workout wear. They have so many great brands and styles, and there’s always something new and fun to discover. I was recently gifted Fitbits for the boys and myself, and we’ve been hooked every since. My boys love reaching their daily step count goals and often beat ours (no surprise there). It’s great for my runs and John loves his for his triathlon training. It’s crazy to think how addicting they can be (in a good way)! Fitbit Alta (kids) MSRP $129.99. Fitbit Versa MSRP $249.99 (GIVEAWAY)

Gifts for the whole family

Springfree Trampoline is the world’s safest, highest quality and longest lasting trampoline, creating exceptional value for getting your kids outside and active while giving you peace of mind. Their innovative, patented Springfree design is supported by a full 10 year warranty. Springfree Trampoline’s high quality design eliminates 90% of product related injuries. No springs, no hard edges at the jumping surface and a flexible safety enclosure that prevents falls to the ground. You can read more about our personal experience with our trampoline HERE, HERE and HERE! MSRP $1399+ (GIVEAWAY)

Gifts for parents who need some alone-time

Ste. Anne’s Spa – Looking to relax and unwind? I definitely do all year round, but especially after the holidays. THIS is the place you want to go to. I’ve been there once with my mom, once with a group of girlfriends and heading there again in December with my bestie as a combined birthday celebration. This place has something for everyone between their delicious food, services, comfortable rooms and a serene country backdrop. Check out my blog posts HERE and HERE to get more details about what you can expect. Day spa all-inclusive visit MSRP $from $185 – $315 per person. (GIVEAWAY)

Hangover Helper

Recoup – I don’t know about you, but now that I’m older, I can’t seem o get away from feeling hangover after a night of drinking (even if all I have is two glasses of wine). Apparently, hangovers only get worse as you age. I can attest to that one too! So I was excited to hear about ‘recoup’, capsules that help support vital organs, replenish lost nutrients and restore body function back to normal after a night of drinking. MSRP $29.99 (for a box containing 6 doses).

GIVEAWAY

You have made it to the best part of this post! One lucky winner will win all of the following products and experiences that retail at approximately $1,000:

FurReal Rock-a-too, the Show Bird, Squawk game, Gas Out, HEXBUG Ring Racer, ‘Other Life Lessons’  books, Massive Monster Mayhem bash armour, Rubik’s battle cards, 2 Crate Creatures Flingers, 2 Ready2Robots Singles, Smithery scarf & Studio style session, Fitbit Charge 3, Springfree kids bounce party up to 10 kids and an All-inclusive day spa package to Ste. Anne’s spa.

Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter (please give it a few seconds to load).  Contest is open to all residents of Canada (excluding Quebec & Nunavut).  The experience prizes are only open to residents of the GTA. Contest ends Friday December 7, 2018.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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What Others Are Saying:

  1. krisha4444 says

    oh my gosh the Springfree Trampoline all the way!!!!! my girls have been wanting one but with one income there is no way we could afford one. this would be epic. thanks for the chance

  5. Israel Y says

    Springfree Trampoline tops the list – you’ve written about it several times & I’ve read other reviews too – love to one day own one for the family!

  10. Alison Braidwood says

    For me, a Kitchenaid Stand mixer in a funky colour. Which I refuse to buy, but hope will magically appear somehow :0 For my nieces, educational toys, and girlie gift ideas.

  11. jessica s says

    Personally I’d love a fitbit! Just had my second babe and I need some motivation to get active again 🙂 Thanks for the review and giveaway!

  14. angelehm says

    The top of my list is finding something special for each of the kid,s , my husband and grands I wouldn’t mind a nice basket of spa quality foot care and manicure set.

  15. Ira says

    I’d love to get a break from cooking, anything that includes quality food cooked by someone else will do… and an all inclusive vacation would be the best 🙂

  20. Kimberley Jansen says

    Hmm… I’m not sure what tops my list… maybe a Disney gift card to use on our Disneyland trip.

  24. Christine F says

    For me its all about giving.. ive never been one to ask for anything really and just appreciate giving to others, paying it forward and donating BUT i wont say no to a new purse… mostly because mine is 3 years old and has seen better days. These toys are great ideas for my kids!.. I can hardly keep up with all the cool toys lol

  27. Lynda Cook says

    These are all great items, I would love a new carpet cleaner for my rugs, and then just stuff for the grandchildren and for everyone to get along!

  28. Heather Howard says

    Fur Real animals are always on the holiday list here. Ever since my daughter got Baby Butterscotch(the horse) when she was 3. The Floor is Lava would definite;y be a big hit here as would the Crate Creatures. Thanks so much for the chance! Good luck everyone!

  29. Travelbuds says

    If I’m thinking practical then it would be a dishwasher but if I’m thinking what would I really want it would be a Fitbit Charge 3 all the way.

  38. Jennifer P. says

    A Fitbit Charge 3 tops my list this year – I have been really wanting a fitness tracker I can swim with, so I am really excited about this new Fitbit!!

  42. Sunshine G says

    Spa Days? Sleep? A personal chef! The list goes on! But I’d be happy with a new puzzle and some tea 🙂

  43. Pam says

    I would like to be healthy but since that is out of my hands I would like some tall brown leather boots and a new bra.

  44. Amy Heffernan says

    My son REALLY wants one of those
    HEXBUG’S VEX Battling Boxing Robots this year. This would be SO amazing!!! Thanks!

  58. Norma Jane Nowoselski says

    The fitbit is at the top of my list. My elderly mother and my sister have one. I didn’t think I needed one too. After a year of health issues that included gaining a lot of weight I am ready to admit I need something to keep me motivated and to keep myself accountable. Apparently my mom & sister can compete daily with my steps. That alone should keep me encouraged 🙂 So this Year my wish is something practical & life changing 🙂

  59. Carole says

    To tell you the truth but I need a new Samsung tablet, mine is kind of full and freeze all the time.

  60. Malka says

    What an amazing list of holiday gift ideas and experiences
    Good luck everyone and happy healthy holidays to everyone!

  61. Adrienne Braithwaite says

    I want $$ for an upcoming trip to Ireland! I know a Rubik’s flip and Cahoots would be a great hit in my house with my kids.

  63. Jenny says

    We are keeping it very simple this year and from now on we are doing more experiences for gifts. So Ste. Anne’s, Yes please! And the ‘other life
    Lessons’ books!!! So want to get these!!

  68. Maryanne says

    My list? For our business (a classic arcade) to be finished and open. I don’t think Santa can bring that so I would love a spa day!

  76. Lace Willson says

    I would love some new bedding. But mostly I just wanna spoil my daughter. I became a single mom this year after leaving an abusive relationship and I know it has not been easy on her

  85. michelle tremblett says

    Im really hoping for a spa day with my daughter this year, We both could really use it. Ive been hinting to my husband for weeks now lol

  95. try small things says

    I’d really love another IKEA bookcase so I can corral some of my TBR piles currently crowded every nook and cranny. But I wouldn’t turn down a Fitbit. 🙂 (Also David Sedaris has a hilarious story about his first experience with a Fitbit. I can’t remember which book it’s in but I think you might find it online. In case you want to read it in your copious spare time ha ha.)

  112. Samara says

    My boys would love the massive monster Meyham- looks like a fun toy to me!! Actually all stuff in your gift guide look great!

  113. nicole says

    I don’t need anything except to spend time with my family. My toddler on the other hand has quite the list. He really wants transformer toys this year.

  117. Natalie Lebeau says

    I don’t have much on my list other than hopefully receiving some bursaries for school, but my son really needs a giant activity cube to help him with his fidgeting!

  120. angela eagle says

    watching my granddaughter who was born last Christmas day is tops on my list. I would like a Silk’n Titan for myself

  121. millerkrazy says

    My bed is really needing a warm, cozy pair of microfiber sheets this season! I really like the Rubik’s Flip game from your list. My family would have a lot of fun with that.

  130. Eliz T says

    Top of my mine and my fiance’s wish list is a relaxation day! We’re both so overworked around the holidays, we both just need a day without any responsibilities!

  138. Nancy T says

    My girls would love the Springfree Trampoline – we had to get rid of our old trampoline this summer and haven’t replaced it.

  141. Mary says

    Top of my list this year is a Nintendo Switch so my kids will stop begging me for one! I would really love a new coffee maker.

  150. serena white says

    What an awesome list! I wish we had the funds to get our munchkins a springier trampoline, I absolutely love all the added safety! My kids have seen the crate creatures and they get the giggles when testing them out, which is absolutely adorable. fingers crossed!

  151. gayle b/bellheff says

    Right at the top of my list is a new vacuum, a carpet cleaner and a fit bit, I’m just a bit obsessed with clean floors.

  154. Tara K says

    I would love a day where my girls don’t bicker and argue….. other than that, maybe some new pjs!

  155. Sheila v says

    I could really use some new clothes. Everytime I try to buy clothes for myself I buy for the kids instead.

  162. Susie N. says

    These are wonderful gift ideas for the whole family to enjoy. At the top of my holiday wish list, like I bet it is yours, is to see the eyes of the people I love light up with surprised pleasure. Some great ideas here on how to achieve that. Happy holidays!

  167. Beatrice Cristina Lawson says

    My Xmas wish this year is to make it to next year… hoping my upcoming surgery is successful. I’d love the Ste. Anne spa trip!

  179. Erin McSweeney says

    man I don’t really have anything, though I would love everything. If someone would love to come to my place and paint my kitchen cupboards that would be great

  184. Laura Grace Andry says

    This is going to sound super dorky, but I am hoping for the Harry Potter LEGO castle under the tree for me and the kiddos to put together Christmas day. You cannot go wrong with Harry Potter gear and me. lol. Camping gear is always a win too… pretty much anything that is outdoor fun for the family. I love the idea of the spring free trampoline.

    • Maya Fitz says

      My son got the Harry Potter Lego for Hanukkah last night and already finished building it. It’s the best!

  186. Kim Crichton-Struthers says

    I want an air fryer, my daughter is wishing for an LOL dollhouse and my son wants a rocket ship

  190. Bonny Dixon MacIsaac says

    I know it doesn’t sound too romantic but I would love a new washer. I would love a nice camera as well.

  195. Treen Goodwin says

    The Springfree trampoline for mt sweet grand children, they have been asking for one for so long!!! that would definitely make my Christmas!!!

  203. Sarah says

    My kids would love the games and the paint station! I would love the Fitbit 🙂 thanks! So many great ideas.

  210. Katharine W says

    A new motorcycle helmet for me, LOL surprise for the younger one, a FitBit Ace for the older one.

  227. binabugged says

    from your list I’d love the trampoline…for myself I’d love a job thats full time lol

  230. alysm says

    Great ideas for toys for kids! At just a month old my little bean is too small for these toys, but thia Mumma could definitely use a fitbit to get back into shape (after the holidays!).

  231. Amber Clouthier says

    I honestly just want to see my kids happy. It makes my Christmas. But if I had to pick, a nice warm sweater. Ottawa is cold!!

  233. Clair Palmer says

    since we have a yard now ever since we moved the boys have been asking for a trampoline and yes they asked Santa as well

  239. Susan d says

    Great suggestions, Christmas shopping can be so overwhelming buying gifts for kids varying in age. This list definitely helps 🙂

  243. Vicki Gray says

    Woah those Massive Monster Mayhem toys look SO awesome!!!! Personally at the top of my list is a pile of new books.. lol! Can never have too many. I would also LOVE one of those Yellies!! Forget the kids! I want an adorable spider to yell at!! 😂

  262. Angela MacRae says

    The only thing I want this year is to see my grandkids on christmas rip into their gifts 🙂

  264. Cady Bisschop says

    My son absolutely loves Bumblebee from Transformers so that is a must for his list this year!

  271. Amanda preece says

    Love your list!! I really like the idea of the Fitbit, gives you motivation to get your butt moving!! My little guy would go crazy for bumblebee!! I’m personally hoping for a necklace with my kids initials on it on this year.

  281. Laura says

    My son asked Santa for a walking, talking dinosaur. I think the furreal Rex will be perfect (now hopefully it arrives in the mail before Chirsmas!)

  282. Jen Wickson says

    The top of my list this year is good health, peace and happiness for my family, friends…and everyone else for that matter! Anything above that would be icing on the cake!!

  283. NikHow says

    Springfree trampoline! Our friends have one and my kids love jumping on it! What a great prize pack! Appreciate the opportunity!

  288. Laurie says

    The only thing on my list this year is a roomba vacuum!! My kids have always wanted a trampoline too…so that’s the top of their list 🙂

  290. Delee says

    Springfree Trampoline is the top of the list for the family and a pair of Birkenstocks for me. 🤗

  295. Alayne Langford says

    Time with my family and some rest top my list!! But grand daughter really wants that FurReal Rock-a-too, the Show Bird! 🙂

  300. Selina Merali says

    I’d like a new kitchen cabinet door. Just one. You see, ever since we mounted a microwave above the oven, we had to remove the existing cabinet door because it is too big. So now we can see the vent/pipe and have an open cabinet above the microwave. It has been 8 YEARS!!!!!!!!!! So all I really want is a cabinet door. Is that asking too much 😉

  301. Patricia Szendrey says

    A self cleaning house would be amazing…is that a thing yet? Id settle for an iRoomba

  302. Jessica says

    Thank you for the chance to win these amazing prizes during the holiday season. My three year old daughter would LOVE the FurReal pets! She loves animals and they’re so interactive. Me, the skincare would be great to help cope with the sleepless nights I’m currently experiencing thanks to her 4 month old brother LOL Thanks again and have a great holiday season!!!

  306. Dana Miller says

    At the top of my list is either a heated blanket or a cozy bathrobe. For my daufghter it’s lol surprise! She has the Gas Out game, and her and her cousins love it.

  309. doreen lamoureux says

    What tops my list is receiving a weighted blanket and time with my 3 young men. I love those awesome sons of mine.

  312. Amanda Linton says

    Another amazing giveaway! I’d have to say the thing my boys would enjoy most would be the trampoline!

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