HOLIDAY GIVING: Presence, not presents
Spark joy and creativity with these must-have kids experiences.
Ho-ho-hold up! Why settle for another toy that’ll be abandoned by New Year’s when we’ve got a sleigh-full of experiences that’ll make your kids’ eyes sparkle brighter than tinsel? Forget about assembly required – these gifts come preloaded with fun, laughter, and sneaky learning opportunities (but don’t tell the kids that part). Whether you’re raising a future ninja, artist, or donut connoisseur, we’ve got you covered. So, put down the toy catalogue and start creating memories instead. After all, the best gift you can give is the gift of your time.
Hashtag ninja goals
For the kids with a lot of physical energy, the Warrior Factory is the perfect answer! Your little movers and shakers can swing, climb, and conquer obstacles like real-life ninjas. Whether it’s a day of open play or a month-long membership, help your kids leap into a world of excitement and challenge. From scaling walls to navigating tricky balance beams, every visit is a new quest waiting to unfold. Each visit promises to build confidence, strength, and ninja-level agility. Plus, with flexible options like the Ninja Play Pack, the whole family can join in the fun. It’s an action-packed experience they’ll never forget!
hamilton.thewarriorfactory.com
Chapter one starts here
Spark your little one’s love of reading with a Hamilton Public Library card. This gift is your child’s “free pass” to an epic world of stories, education, and fun. Armed with a library card, they can choose their own reading adventure through local borrowing and explore digital wonderlands such as Libby and Hoopla’s audio books and ebooks, Summa Kids and Kanopy Kids. But that’s not all! The card grants access to five additional sister libraries, free transit for kids, and even entry to Hamilton’s civic museums. An HPL card is a key to lifelong imagination, learning, and community connection.
hpl.ca/librarycard
You’ve got mail!
How about giving the retro thrill of receiving mail each month to a child in your life? And cool mail, at that! A subscription to Chirp (ages 3 to 6), Chickadee (ages 6 to 9), or Owl magazine (ages 9 to 12) is the gift that keeps on giving! These age-tailored magazines are packed with engaging stories, fun facts, silly recipes, and hands-on activities that spark curiosity and foster a love for learning. Each issue is a ticket to exploration, from wildlife adventures to scientific discoveries. Give the gift of year-round excitement and watch knowledge bloom! Plus, HCM readers save $10 online!
Owlkids.com/hamiltoncitymag
Glaze of glory
Introducing the Hamilton/Burlington Donut Tour! This mouthwatering experience is the perfect gift for families with a bonafide sweet tooth. Each month, commit to exploring a new independent gem, from Grandad’s classic creations to Donut Monster’s vegan delights and Café Baffico’s fermented flavours. Sink your teeth into pillowy goodness at The Donut Stop, savour sunshine-filled bites at Sunshine Doughnuts, and indulge in Momoco’s artisanal bites, Darling’s mini bites or the apple cider treasures at Bennett’s. Add your favourite donut shops! But it’s more than just donuts, it’s 12 months of family bonding, supporting local businesses, and creating memories sweeter than any frosting. 2025 will be delicious and a kid favourite!
grandads.ca
donutmonster.ca
cafebaffico.com
donutstop.shop
sunshinedoughnuts.com
momocodonuts.ca
darlingdonuts.ca
bennettsapples.com
Crafty hands
Ignite your teen’s creativity this holiday season with a class at Hamilton Craft Studios! Whether they’re yearning to master the potter’s wheel or itching to design their own fashion, these hands-on experiences are perfect for ambitious 13-17 year olds. In the youth sewing class, they’ll craft a stylish, functional bag, while classes like the weekend wheel throwing course promises messy fun. Led by passionate, local artists, these classes aren’t just about learning skills – they’re about building confidence, making friends, and discovering hidden talents.
hamiltoncraftstudios.com
Playtime possibilities
This dynamic duo offers non-stop fun for curious minds and active bodies. At Imaginasium, kids can dive into hands-on learning, where play comes alive through interactive exhibits. Then, kids can bounce, climb, and slide through a colossal indoor playground at Funzilla’s indoor play park. It’s a perfect blend of physical play and mental stimulation that’ll keep them entertained for hours.
imaginasiumancaster.ca
funzillahamilton.ca
Clue chasers
This holiday, engage in an epic city-wide scavenger hunt that turns the Hammer into a place of discovery. Fun for the whole family, you’ll unravel clues on statues, plaques, and street art to get to the next location and learn something cool about the city. With smartphones as your guide, tackle photo challenges that’ll have the whole family striking silly poses, seeing Hamilton through new eyes, and bonding as a family – right in our own backyard!
scavengerhunt.com
Maki magic
The Joyce of Cooking’s parent and kid sushi-making class will surely be a hit with the budding chef in your life. Equal parts delicious and educational, watch your little ones transform into mini master chefs as they learn the art of sushi-rolling with kid-safe tools. From selecting fresh ingredients to crafting the perfect roll, this hands-on class promises giggles, bonding, and a feast for the senses. With accommodations for dietary needs and options for additional siblings, it’s a recipe for holiday magic that the whole family will savour!
joyceofcooking.com
Click it real good
Champion your burgeoning Tiktok star/mini-Scorsese with a high-quality digital camera. “Without question, the best value in cameras for beginners is the Canon R100 mirrorless camera,” says Tom Brockelbank from Bell Arte Camera. This affordable, pocket-sized powerhouse outshines smartphones and other point-and-shoot cameras, providing “far stronger images” and the capacity to “shoot 4K video better than almost all camcorders.” Every moment becomes an opportunity to create lasting digital memories and much-loved viral videos. Bonus: by buying from Bell Arte, you’re helping to preserve a local treasure that’s been serving the city for over 50 years.
bellarte.fotosource.com
Spark art
Never hear the words “I’m bored” again. Or at least die trying! The Endless Art Challenge card deck from Parkette, a shop dedicated to kids and the kids at heart, is a portal to 25,000 artistic adventures. The deck allows you to mix and match 90 unique cards to make whimsical creations from thin air. It’s a daily dose of inspiration, perfect for budding Picassos and seasoned scribblers alike. Featuring global artists’ work on each card, it’s also a gallery in your hands. From subject matter to style, every draw is a masterpiece in the making!
parkette.ca
Stories worth repeating
A treasure hunt for young readers, set your little ones on their own “book party” thrifting experience through the shelves of gently-loved stories. Once Upon a Child’s pre-loved books offer stories for every reader. And with deals like 10 books for $10, it’s also a budget-friendly way to build their personal library. Hunt for hidden literary gems, fun new stories, and interesting escapes. Give the gift of choice, sustainability, and endless bedtime stories this season!
onceuponachild.com
Airborne adventures
Want a ticket to the ultimate playground in the sky? A high-flying gift at Flying Squirrel will have kids bouncing off the walls (literally) as they explore a wonderland of trampolines, obstacle courses, and foam pits. Gift an afternoon with a friend and watch them soar through the air, creating unforgettable memories that you helped create. Perfect for burning off that festive energy and guaranteeing giggles galore.
flyingsquirrelsports.ca
Pamper party
Instead of giving in to your tween’s unnecessary skincare mall haul, pamper your little rascal with a touch of luxury at Joie Day Spa. Watch as your child transforms into a mini VIP, donning a fluffy robe and cozy slippers. They’ll experience a 30-minute kiddie facial, complete with a bubbly Hydrojelly mask, followed by a soothing foot and hand massage. It’s 60 minutes of pure bliss that’ll have them feeling like royalty! To level up the fun, add on spa snacks and non-alcoholic bubbly for the ultimate pamper party. Even little rascals deserve some R&R!
joiedayspa.ca
VIP vouchers
Craft their ideal Hamilton story, one coupon at a time! Create a custom coupon book filled with offers for their favourite local experiences. Maybe it’s a matinee at The Westdale, a pizza feast at Mai Pai or Shorty’s, a swim at their favourite rec centre, or a day at the RBG. Each coupon is a promise of child-directed, parent-approved fun in the city they call home. When they flip through pages of personalized fun, planning their next big day out, it’ll be like offering your little ones a year of “Yes!” to the things that make their hearts sing.
thewestdale.ca
maipai.ca shortyspizza.ca
rbg.ca
Free-Run Fun
With an open gym pass at Burlington’s The Play Project, your kids can vault, climb, and flip through a wonderland of parkour equipment. No rigid classes, just pure, supervised freedom to explore and push limits. Whether they’re mastering wall runs or perfecting backflips on the spring floor, every visit provides a new adventure and opportunity to learn through movement. Clean, safe, and buzzing with energy, Play Project is where young daredevils spread their wings.
playproject.ca
