Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Big Kids
This gift guide highlights thoughtful picks for bigger kids—from engaging games and hands-on activities to books and toys that encourage imagination, independence, and learning through play. These are the kinds of gifts that grow with your child, stand up to years of use, and don’t end up forgotten at the bottom of a toy bin by New Year’s Day.
Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Toddlers & Preschoolers
From beautifully made wooden toys and open-ended play sets to beloved picture books and screen-free entertainment that will last them well into the big kid years, local East End Toronto shops offer thoughtful alternatives to mass-produced gifts from big-box retailers.
Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Babies
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, or friend hunting for something sweet for the tiniest person on your list, this guide brings together thoughtful finds from the East End’s own stores. These are the kinds of gifts that feel good to give: beautiful, well-made pieces that support the small businesses that make our community feel like home.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 November 17-23
This week blends everyday family favourites—drop-ins, literacy programs, yoga, LEGO, robotics, and coding—with early holiday cheer, including tree lightings, window displays, and artisan markets. There are also special outings (ROM and Ripley’s Aquarium), City of Toronto winter recreation prep, and plenty of library and EarlyON programming to keep kids busy and parents connected.
Holiday Gift Guide: Kids Secondhand and Consignment Shops in Toronto’s East End
This holiday season, why not give gifts that are kind on both your wallet and the planet? For East End Toronto parents, there’s a truly wonderful ecosystem of secondhand, thrift, and consignment shops focused on children’s clothing, toys, books, and gear. Shopping at these local spots doesn’t just save money — it supports small business owners, reduces textile waste, and fosters a more sustainable, circular economy in our own community.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 November 10-16
Holiday season vibes arrive in the East End with tree lightings, Leslieville Wanderlust, and the Beaches Santa Claus Parade, plus Remembrance Day ceremonies across the community. Families can also enjoy EarlyON workshops, library LEGO, tech, and storytime programs, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and a full lineup of PA Day activities to round out the week.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 November 3-9
November starts strong with playgroups kicking off, Tots & Taps at Black Lab, and a full week of cozy, creative, and active programming for families. Highlights include EarlyON workshops, yoga, and storytelling, library crafts and STEM activities, plus the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and ongoing farmers markets—with added support through an EEMF legal partnership.
East End Family Explorer 🎃 October 27-November 3
Halloween wraps up with costume parties, trick-or-treat events, and pumpkin parades across the east end, followed by festivals and family fun to kick off November. This week also includes a 10% playgroup sale, EarlyON and library Halloween activities, plus exclusive discounts on legal support and holiday mini photo sessions.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 20-26
Halloween fun fills the east end this week with parties, crafts, haunted tours, and trick-or-treat trails. Don’t miss Tots & Taps Halloween Party, Boo at the Zoo, Riverdale Farm’s Boo Barn, and Hallo-WEE Spookfest—plus festive EarlyON and library activities for little ones.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 13-19
This week features Thanksgiving closures, pumpkin-themed family events, and fall community celebrations across the east end. Highlights include Tots & Taps at Red Tape Brewery, Diwali Mela, and Evergreen Brick Works’ Family Wander. Families can join EarlyON yoga, dance, and literacy programs, plus library Halloween crafts and family movies. A 25% discount is available for first-time treatments at Carlton Cosmetic Clinic.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 October 6-12
This week brings PA Day fun, Thanksgiving celebrations, and a packed lineup of family-friendly events across Toronto’s east end. Families can join EarlyON outings, yoga, and holiday activities, explore library storytimes, crafts, and robotics, and register for Nov–Dec playgroups. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on The Wild Symphony children’s orchestra.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 29-October 5
Toronto families mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous events across the city. Highlights include winter playgroup sign-ups, EarlyON yoga and farm outings, library crafts and puppet shows, free indoor play at Warden Hilltop, and a Carousel Costumes Halloween discount.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 22-28
Highlights this week include PA Day activities at libraries, Yoga With Baby classes at community centres, and exclusive discounts for small businesses run by hard-working local EEMF families. Please support your pals if you can. Enjoy!
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 15-21
Toronto families can dive into fall rec registration with a new step-by-step guide. Highlights this week include Tots & Taps at Reid’s Distillery, a work clothing swap, Danforth East Arts Fair, Pape Village Block Party, and Southeast Scarborough Pow Wow. Plus, EarlyON classes, library programs, and a self-care series for moms round out a busy East End week.
How to Register for Free and Low-Cost Recreation Programs in Toronto
This guide walks East End parents through the City of Toronto recreation registration process, from setting up an online account and building a wish list to knowing the exact registration dates and strategies for securing spots. It also highlights where to find free programs at City of Toronto Free Centres so families can make the most of fall activities like swimming, skating, and arts classes.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 8-14
Park hangs, coffee breaks, and new fall playgroups join a full lineup of farmers’ markets, EarlyON workshops, library programs, recreation centre activities, and exclusive discounts on kids’ classes and mommy & me fitness.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 September 1-7
This newsletter highlights community-hosted end of summer picnics at local parks, offering casual meetups with no registration required. Families can also take advantage of an exclusive discount at Kinisi Kids dance and yoga classes, plus the return of City of Toronto community centre programs.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 25-31
Enjoy the last few days of the CNE, join the Block Party & Outdoor Movie at Evergreen Brickworks, and explore the Scarborough Multicultural Festival. Don’t forget to use the exclusive codes for discounts on fall programs like playgroups, music classes, Mighty Mom workouts, and dance/yoga classes at Kinisi Kids.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 18-24
This week, explore the Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park, enjoy a Block Party & Outdoor Movie at Evergreen Brickworks, and take part in a Dino Run at Woodbine Beach Park. There's also Tots ‘n Taps at Beaches Brewing Co. and a variety of fun library events, including puppet shows, crafting workshops, and hands-on fossil activities.
East End Family Explorer 🧭 August 11-17
This week brings new fall playgroup openings, a baby yoga class at Blantyre Park, the Block Party and outdoor movie at Brickworks, plus a fun Afraspektion event in Riverside Common Park. There’s also a variety of library programs, including a Teddy Bear Picnic, crafting workshops, and a Mad Science session on fire and ice.