GIFT GUIDE: Big gifts for littles
Kids and parents are going to love these creative — and entirely local — products and experiences!
When checking little ones off your shopping list this holiday season, you don’t have to look beyond Hamilton for unique gifts that both children and parents will love. Shop the curated collection of one of our local retailers specializing in gifts for kids such as Parkette or Citizen Kid, or visit one of the city’s handmade markets this holiday season — you’re sure to find something you won’t spot in a big box store. Here are just a few suggestions to get your gift giving started!
Beyond the Bomb
Beyond the Bomb was created in February 2021 by restless Hamilton mom Holly Silenzi. Creating colourful, cruelty-free bath products started as a hobby while on maternity leave during the pandemic lockdown, quickly flourishing into a full-time business. Proudly handcrafted in Hamilton, Beyond the Bomb products are all made in small batches — handmade, hand-painted, and packaged with care. Bath products are safe and gentle for even the most sensitive skin, formulated with nourishing organic coconut oil, epsom salt, and skin-loving clay. Beyond the Bomb specializes in hand-painted character and toy surprise bath bombs that add colourful fun to bathtime. beyondthebombbath.ca
Girl on the Wing TigerTown stickers
Looking for a stocking stuffer that is both practical and nostalgic? Visit Girl on the Wing in the International Village for TigerTown stickers. If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you’ll know exactly what we mean when we describe rolls and rolls of stickers — the fuzzy kind, the glittery kind, and the foil kind. An homage to Sandylion stickers, there are dozens of retro designs to choose from. You’ll also find vinyl stickers and sticker packs from artisans throughout the shop. girlonthewing.ca
Grumpy Faces
A magazine editor and writer by trade, Kristy Woudstra loves to doodle, sew, and create any chance she gets. When she’s not thrifting or travelling, she’s working away in her studio, called Gezellig, in the “beautiful, downtown east-side of Hamilton” making toys and quilts. Every Gezellig Studio item is handmade with the intention of sustainability, including Grumpy Faces, her whimsical stuffed creatures that encourage pretend play and help boost problem-solving skills and imagination. Made from recycled plastic bottles, their stuffing is made from recycled materials as well. Each felt animal is individually hand-sewn, which means no two are alike. gezelligstudio.ca
Live Theatre at Theatre Ancaster
We know young theatre-goers will still be spellbound from Theatre Aquarius’s run of Frozen this winter. Keep the excitement for live theatre going with tickets to Theatre Ancaster’s youth series for 2026, which features young performers mounting full-scale musicals and concerts. Students of the theatre’s youth programming in grades 5-12 have their chance to showcase their growing talents in these exciting productions, which include Alice in Wonderland JR. (Jan. 30-Feb. 1), The Drowsy Chaperone (Feb. 20-March 1), and Glee: The Concert (May 15-May 17). theatreancaster.com
Play With Clay
You know what kids love? The chance to get a little messy! At Play With Clay, located at 198 Locke St. S., artists of all ages and abilities can explore the art of ceramics, getting a little muddy in the process. A gift certificate is the perfect opportunity to share the love of pottery with young ones on your list, whether they attend a drop-in program or prefer a structured class or workshop. Looking for a team-building experience for the new year? Play With Clay also offers unique pottery experiences for groups. playwithclayhamilton.com
Gift an annual pass or membership
Looking for a gift that will keep giving? An annual pass to a local museum, gallery, or cultural attraction offers endless opportunities to make memories right here in Hamilton — and they’re easy to wrap! Some ideas include a membership to the Art Gallery of Hamilton (Family membership: $90 for two adults and up to four children), the Royal Botanical Gardens (Family membership: $130 for two adults and up to six children), or the Hamilton Conservation Authority (new membership: $125 for up to six people travelling in the same vehicle).
Felt and Luxe hair accessories
These handcrafted hair clips, headbands, and flower crowns will add some fun and whimsy to any youngster’s festive outfit. Made with felt, Felt and Luxe designs include flowers, fruit, and lovable bees and lady bugs. A special holiday collection, which includes felted bows, mistletoe, candy canes, and poinsettia hair clips and head bands will be especially popular this time of year. feltandluxe.ca
WHERE TO SHOP!
Hamilton is home to a number of independent retailers stocked to the brim with holiday gifts for children. Here are just a few of them!
AGH Shop (123 King St. W.): Every purchase made at the AGH Shop directly supports AGH artistic and educational programming. Its vibrant children’s section includes books, items made by local artisans, and activities that encourage children to play and create.
Citizen Kid (230 Locke St. S.): Citizen Kid is an independent, family-owned, neighbourhood toy store that’s been offering a shopping alternative to those looking for natural toys of quality, integrity, and lasting value since 2009.
Girl on the Wing (221 King St. E.): Started in 2013, Girl on the Wing is a staple in Hamilton’s International Village. It specializes in unique and classic clothing, accessories, and gifts that are inspired by nostalgic items that reference days gone by. Their children’s section includes the Out of Print brand, which features iconic classic kid’s books, and stickers and patches that are perfect stocking stuffers.
Parkette (539 Barton St. E.): Parkette is a thoughtfully curated shop full of products that are practical yet playful, beautiful yet sustainable, and always ethically made. It carries “clothes, toys and treasures that remind us of what it feels like to laugh, learn and wonder, all while proving that fun isn’t just for the young.”
Rivers & Meadows (168 Ottawa St. N.): Rivers & Meadows is a place for creative exploration for all ages, offering art, music, drama classes, crafting workshops, and birthday parties. It also boasts a small storefront selling items like books for sensory kids. You can also consider gifting one of their popular classes.
