Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Toddlers & Preschoolers
Finding the perfect gift for a toddler or preschooler can feel like a wild ride. One minute they’re obsessed with dinosaurs, the next it’s all about trucks, fairies, or anything that makes noise. But when you shop local here in the East End, the search becomes part of the fun.
Our neighbourhood is packed with independent shops that curate toys, books, crafts, and cozy treasures chosen with care, durability, and child-led play in mind—no algorithm required.
By choosing local this holiday season, you’re not only picking up gifts that spark imagination and withstand real-life kid testing; you’re also supporting the small businesses that help our community thrive. 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, these shops offer thoughtful alternatives to mass-produced gifts from big-box retailers.
Here are some of our favourite toddler and preschooler finds from East End Toronto shops, perfect for curious, creative, and endlessly energetic little ones.
Bath Squigglers Bath Bomb with Toy Gift Pack
Bath Squigglers are bath bombs for kids with a cute toy hidden inside. The gift pack contains 7 Squigglers, each a different colour/scent combination.
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
Meet Beatrice, a brilliant bear who loves to paint and draw in her sketchbook - and she'd like to paint with you! With soft plush fur and a friendly smile, make your own mini Beatrice-sized paintings with an easy-to-assemble craft sheet.
$33.00 at Secret Planet, online or in-store at 918 Danforth Ave
More: Gifts under $20
Bestie Water Bottles
Asobu Bestie Water Bottles are reusable, eco-friendly, and encourage kids to ditch plastic. With flexible, removable silicone straws, drinking is easy and fun. Removable parts make cleaning simple, and their ergonomic shape fits little hands perfectly.
Available in-store at Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave
A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book! Join Mei Mei on her hilarious and emotional journey in this dramatic and tenderhearted picture book about guilt and forgiveness. With vibrant and moody cinematic illustrations and pitch-perfect pacing, this book is filled with comedic drama and the comforting sweetness of a grandparent's forgiving hug.
$24.99 at Queen Books, online or in-store at 914 Queen St. E.
Catastrophe Stacking Game
Get ready for stacks of fun with Catastrophe, the purrfect stacking game for cat lovers! This exciting and portable game challenges you to balance adorable kitty-shaped pieces as high as you can without causing a cat-astrophe.
Available in-store at Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave
Build this Christmas tree train set around the base of your tree and watch the steaming train drive around with realistic steam effects. Also includes snowy tracks, a north pole train station with Christmas tree and a Santa Claus character.
$169.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
More: Preschool bestsellers
Get a taste for STEAM learning and the Connetix difference with the 24pc Rainbow Mini Pack. Featuring a selection of shapes in every rainbow colour, this pack has been curated to introduce you to magnetic tile play and Connetix.
$49.99 at Treasure Island Toys, online or in-store at 581 Danforth Ave
Constructive Eating Utensils
Turn mealtime into a fun playtime activity! Pile food into place with the unique Bulldozer Food Pusher. Roll in the Forklift Fork or Front Loader Spoon, and get ready for yummy in your tummy.
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
Just right for toddlers to cuddle, carry and love, this baby doll is designed to fit comfortably in the crook of a small child's arm. Eyes that open and close, and a soft body that can be posed just like a real baby make Suzanne Holidays even more lovable.
$99.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
More: Toddler bestsellers
Farm: Thread-Your-Own Vegetables Beads
With this set of farm-themed wooden threading beads, toddlers will develop their fine motor skills through play. The rigid tips at the end of each cord make it easier for chubby little hands to thread the beads. This early-years toy also promotes your child's imagination because the pieces can be stood upright and used as figurines.
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
If you have a toddler or preschooler who loves to store treasures like rocks, leaves, and pinecones in purses, backpacks, and pouches, this sunny yellow zippered pouch is a perfect gift.
$52.00 at August Kinn, online or in-store at 1374 Danforth Ave
Chicken Run meets Tiny T. Rex in this funny farmyard tale of a feisty chicken who is sure she is a dinosaur! Includes a die-cut cover — and back matter about how chickens (and all other birds) are the living descendants of dinosaurs!
$24.99 at Queen Books, online or in-store at 914 Queen St. E.
A chalkboard, whiteboard, and magnetic board all in one! Gives children a versatile space to draw, write, and explore creatively while developing fine motor skills and imaginative play.
$94.99 at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
More: Holiday gift guide
Magneti'books
Easy to carry thanks to its book format, Magneti'books will also keep your children entertained during car journeys or family meals. Magneti'Books are clever educational games that are easy to transport and store!
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
Introduce your little one to the joy of music with the Comfy Cubs 4-Piece Musical Instrument Set, designed for toddlers aged 1-3. This non-toxic, child-friendly musical instruments set is perfect for sparking creativity and learning.
$34.99 at West Coast Kids, online or in-store at 1646 Bayview Ave
Offers a variety of hands-on activities like zippers, buckles, and laces that help little hands build independence, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while exploring at their own pace. Perfect for travel with a busy toddler.
$31.99 at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
A set of colourful blocks with various shapes and designs depicting scenery and animals. These blocks can be nested and stacked, allowing your child to explore their imagination and creativity.
$39.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
More: Stocking stuffers
Easily assembled, lightweight and transportable, this 3 Sprouts Recycled Fabric Play Tent will bring your child's imaginary world to life! This is the perfect place to play with friends or get cozy to read a book.
$54.99 at West Coast Kids, online or in-store at 1646 Bayview Ave
A screen-free audio player that provides children with access to stories and songs and the freedom to choose what they want to listen to. Encourages independent play, language development, and a love of stories in a safe, engaging way. The Yoto Mini is great for travel!
Prices vary at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
