christmas gifts

The De’Longhi Coffee, Espresso and Cappuccino Combination Machine is One Machine that Does it All-Giveaway

December 17, 2016 by Kathryn 179 Comments

One of the very few downsides of loving coffee as much as I do is that I tend to have way too many different devices for brewing that perfect cup. From single-serve machines to drip brewers and everything in between, my love of fancy coffee drinks means I’m either constantly moving different brewers in and out of my cupboard or I’m losing all my counter space to multiple appliances.

But just in time for holiday entertaining, De’Longhi has come to my rescue with a brand-new solution that lets me brew all my favourite drinks with one space-saving device! The De’Longhi BCO330T Combination Machine is a combination drip brewer and espresso/cappuccino machine that lets me choose between brewing a pot of coffee, whipping up a restaurant-worthy gourmet beverage or both, any time I like! [Read more…]

Surprise Your Favourite Little Designer with the Crayola Creations Jewel Maker

November 8, 2016 by Kathryn 30 Comments

I’m a big fan of toys that encourage creativity and creation, which is why I’ve always loved the newest innovations from Crayola. This year, the company has quite a few great products that are perfect for holiday gift giving and I was lucky enough to receive some of them to review! Crayola’s hottest new product this year is one that girls everywhere would love finding under the tree: the Crayola Creations Jewel Maker!

I decided to test out the kit by making a few fun jewelry pieces for my three nieces. The kit contains four different colours of gel jewel solution, catalyst solution, glitter, mixing containers, charms, gem molds, clasps, beads, icon-fetti, clasp bracelets, a work mat and a storage base. I loved how many different choices there were for creating something fun, special and personalized. The icon-fetti even included popular emoji icons that could be added to charms! [Read more…]

These 6 Gifts from Mattel are Holiday #ListToppers this Christmas-Giveaway #PlayAdvocate

November 19, 2015 by Kathryn 210 Comments

The holidays are quickly approaching and if you’ve started the search for that perfect gift for your little one, Mattel Canada has you covered with must-have gifts that are sure to be List Toppers! From toddler to tween, there’s something new for everyone on your Christmas list! Check out these six amazing recommendations for holiday gift giving.

Fisher-Price® Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo
Ages 9M + | $49.99 | Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us® and Amazon®

Imagine if you were learning to talk and you had this bouncing, bubbly character to help. For kids nine months and older, Beatbo will jam out to tunes while teaching kids about letters, numbers, counting, music and more. He’ll take baby’s first words and remix them into a party hit! Learning to talk has never been this exciting.

Barbie® 2015 Holiday Doll
Ages 3Y+ | $44.99 | Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us® and Amazon®

As you’re welcoming the holidays this year, what better gift than someone who embraces the season whole heartedly? Barbie®, dressed in her elegant garnet-coloured gown, is ready for the party. An annual attendee, Holiday Barbie® has been attending December parties for more than 25 years. A dress with silver snow flakes and red cascading ruffles makes 2015 Holiday Barbie® a must for the occasion. The 2015 edition of the Holiday Barbie® Doll will also make a great addition to anyone’s collection. [Read more…]

Giving TOMS this Christmas Helps Give Essentials to Those in Need

December 22, 2014 by Kathryn 2 Comments

Between kids clamouring for presents, parents rushing around to special events and all the other hustle and bustle that the holidays bring, it can sometimes be easy to forget that so many people are wishing for nothing more than a hot meal or a warm coat for Christmas. But Christmas is, above all else, a season of giving…not just to friends and family but also to those in need. And that’s something that I make sure to incorporate into the holidays each year in some way.

My personal favourite cause to support is the city’s Food Bank. In a country of such abundance, the thought of children being raised without enough food is one that breaks my heart. And what many people don’t realize is that it’s not always the hunger itself that’s most damaging to a child. It’s the fear and insecurity of not knowing where the next meal is coming from that can haunt a child for years.

[Read more…]

Give Your Kids the Gift of Creativity with Kiwi Crate Subscription Boxes

December 4, 2014 by Kathryn 56 Comments

With so many gift options consisting of tech devices, video games or battery-operated toys, it can be hard to really encourage creativity and imagination in kids when choosing Christmas presents. But those gifts that let kids build, use their hands and learn are often the most popular ones and that’s why Kiwi Crate has made it a mission to let kids experience that joy of creation in a very unique way.

This subscription box service offers a choice of four different craft kits. Koala Crate kits are for kids between 3-4 years of age. Kiwi Crate kits are for kids between 4-8. Tinker Crate kits are science-based kits for kids between 9-14. And Doodle Crate kits are craft kits for kits between 9-16. I recently received a Kiwi Crate and a Tinker Crate for my boys to review and I couldn’t wait to check them out. [Read more…]