Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gift Ideas For East End Big Kids
Shopping for school-aged kids can feel especially tricky. Their interests are bigger, bolder, and changing fast. It’s tempting to click “add to cart” on a giant online retailer just to get it done. But right here in the East End, there are incredible local shops filled with gifts that spark curiosity, creativity, and real joy long after the wrapping paper is gone.
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.
By choosing to shop local, you’re not just finding something more meaningful for the kids in your life — you’re supporting East End shop owners who know their products, care deeply about quality, and help keep our community vibrant.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or generous gift-giver, consider this your invitation to skip the big box stores and discover something special, right in your own neighbourhood.
Arrange the tubes and connectors in any way you can imagine. Create loops and swirls. Weave them under tables and over desks. Then, switch on the turbine and let the experimentation begin...
With hours of runtime and loads of balls, tubes, connectors, and accessories included, kids (and adults) will never want to stop exploring!
$199.99 at West Coast Kids, online or in-store at 1646 Bayview Ave
Build Your Own Wind-Up Race Cars DIY Kit
This hands-on kit lets you create two foamboard racing cars, complete with wind-up mechanisms for high-speed adventures. Designed for budding engineers and car enthusiasts aged 6 and up, this kit combines fun and education in the perfect playtime activity.
Available in-store at Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave
Chattering Teeth
Get laughs with Prank U Chattering Teeth. These classic prank toys chatter with a fun, surprising sound, perfect for playful pranks and amusing moments.
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
Ages 10-14
A whoopee cushion turns deadly in this new middle-grade mystery by acclaimed Canadian author Vicki Grant. Most kids would love it if their parents owned a joke shop. But 12-year-old Manya isn't like most kids. She’s an aspiring scientist. The cheap laughs at Pranks-A-Million don’t interest her – but the science behind the pranks does.
$24.99 at Queen Books, 914 Queen St. E.
These sets invite children to build and explore with marbles and tracks. They can create ramps, towers, and action-packed courses while learning about physics, experimenting with cause and effect, and engaging in open-ended play.
From $48.99 at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
More: Holiday gift guide
A stocking stuffer for your hockey fan!
$5.00 at August Kinn, online or in-store at 1374 Danforth Ave
The ultimate art companion, the tracing tablet inspires artistic innovation. Whether you're sketching, designing, or creating intricate illustrations, this LED tablet is ideal for professionals, hobbyists, and beginners looking to improve their craft.
$39.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
These kits invite children to use specially designed, child-safe tools to create and explore with cardboard. They can build forts, vehicles, creatures, and more while developing their creativity and engaging in open-ended play.
From $17.99 at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
Simply unfold the box to reveal the farmyard, pop-out and assemble the pieces – no scissors or glue required – and let your little farmer's imagination come to life.
$37.99 at Secret Planet, online and in-store at 918 Danforth Ave.
Modelling Balloons Set
Includes a selection of modelling balloons and a handy pump. 8+.
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
Ages 8-12
Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.
$13.50 at Queen Books, 914 Queen St. E.
Mrs. Plumpert's favourite pie has disappeared - and the fox is lagging behind. Work together to end the hungry hooligan - or let yourself be surprised! A hilarious whodunit board game for 2-4 players.
$34.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
More: 5-6 year old gifts
Turn any bedroom into your very own planetarium theater! Illuminate a darkened room by casting projections of the stars in the night sky and space-themed images across the ceiling and walls. This home planetarium is actually two projectors in one.
$53.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
Plant Life Cactus Crosstitch Kit
Cross-stitch a cute cactus plant with this Plant Life Cross-Stitch Kit. Includes hoop, needle and multiple thread colours.
Available in-store at Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave
This game invites children to roll the dice and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to move across the board. It makes learning about prime numbers, factors, and math relationships fun and engaging. Great for family game night!
$41.99 at The Montessori Room, online or in-store at 2229 Danforth Ave
Ra! Ta! Ma! Cue! by Howie Shia
A unique picture book adventure for music lovers about how to never be quiet, never give up, and never underestimate the power of percussion. An instant classic of bravery, courage, and persistence that empowers kids to pick up a drum and make some noise!
Available in-store at Old’s Cool General Store, 250 Westlake Ave
Robot Rampage Mini Tabletop Pinball Game
Put your dexterity to the test in this colourfully crafted game as you compete against friends and family to shoot the robots through the gap in the board in this rapid-fire riot of hurtling cyborgs!
Available in-store at Little Ones Closet, 1854 Danforth Avenue
The classic traffic jam logic game. Escape: That's your goal. Slide the blocking cars and trucks in their lanes - up and down, left and right until the path is clear for the red car to escape. There's only one rule - you can't take pieces off the traffic grid.
From $21.99 at Treasure Island Toys, online or in-store at 581 Danforth Ave
These gold studs are not only perfect for the Holidays, but perfect for everyday wear. If you have multiple ear piercings, check out the some of the other studs for an awesome stacked look!
$22.00 at August Kinn, online or in-store at 1374 Danforth Ave
Ages 8+
Have fun experimenting with the super microscope of the Science and Game line, you can be a real scientist by trying up to 50 experiments, magnifying glass up to 1200X.
$69.99 at Silly Goose Kids, online or in-store at 2054 Danforth Ave
Ages 6-9
Which deadly animals would win in a fight? Find out in this incredible bind-up of eight books in the popular Who Would Win? series! Kids will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more alongside photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts. More than 100 animals featured within!
$22.50 at Queen Books, 914 Queen St. E.
