Strange Adventures appeared in an issue of "Superman."
Strange Adventures on Sackville Street is simply one of the coolest stores in downtown Halifax. The little subterranean shop is jammed floor to ceiling with comics, games, books, toys and action figures. Reader’s Digest called it “Canada’s Best Comic Store” and it appeared in an issue of Superman.
Kids Market photo by KK Law
Adults love Granville Island for the Public Market’s fresh produce and meats, for the artists’ studios filled with quirky art, and for the restaurants and theatres. Kids, however, love Granville Island for the Kids Market, a two-story burst of colour and noise overflowing with toys, games, costumes, books, candy and clothes—everything a tiny tot could desire.—Sheri Radford
Pirate ship from Nest.
This beautiful pirate ship will remind you of a time before video games. Designed by a German toy boat and model company that has been in business since the late 19th century, this vessel is constructed from wood grown in sustainably managed forests and decorated with non-toxic paints. Even better, it actually floats and is suited for outdoor play, so with summer (hopefully!) just around the corner, the kids will have a blast trying it out on water. Available at the charming children’s store Nest. $95. 204 Dalhousie St., 613-241-7333.
Wee ones love the plush Pax toy from The Monsternauts line, available at Babybot
Looking for modern bedding, strollers, apparel, furniture, wall decals and toys for cool kids and ankle biters? Then visit fun Canadian online shop Babybot (www.babybot.com). A bedtime-worthy favourite: plush Pax (pictured, $30), a too-cute member of The Monsternauts gang, by Toronto-based Monster Factory. Adults spoil their kids rotten with colourful elephants by Vitra—the manufacturer of Eames furniture designs since 1957—as well as bassinets by Offi and funky footwear by Camper.—Jennifer Patterson
By Jennifer Patterson
On the first day of Christmas my uncle gave to me a bevvy to toast the season: one bottle of Blasted Church’s Hatfield’s Fuse (at liquor stores).
ONE
On the second day of Christmas my father gave to me two made-to-order gifts: including the whisky cave from the newly renovated two-level Louis Vuitton.
TWO
On the third day of Christmas my sister gave to me a festive holiday outfit: a red three-piece ensemble from La Vie En Rose.
THREE
On the fourth day of Christmas my brother gave to me four event tickets: a pair to The Nutcracker and a pair to a Vancouver Canucks game.
FOUR (Photo by Chictype copyright IStock)
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five golden rings from Tiffany & Co.
FIVE
On the sixth day of Christmas my mother gave to me art from all six of these First Nations galleries: Douglas Reynolds, Inuit Gallery, Hill’s Native Art, Bill Reid, Spirit Wrestler and Coastal Peoples.
SIX (Photo courtesy Bill Reid Gallery)
On the seventh day of Christmas my cousin gave to me seven treats from Chanel: the seven-piece holiday collection with four eye shadows, a nail polish, lip gloss and blush (available at Murale).
SEVEN
On the eighth day of Christmas my grandmother gave to me a little help in the kitchen with eight local cookbooks: Vij’s at Home, Vancouver Cooks 2, Blue Water Cafe, West, Araxi, Simply Bishop’s, C Food and Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill (at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks).
EIGHT
On the ninth day of Christmas my kids gave to me a reminder of yesteryear: a nine-piece wooden lotus flower puzzle from Dilly Dally Kids.
NINE
On the tenth day of Christmas my boss gave to me no excuse to be late for a meeting ever again: 10 timepieces by Ice-Watch (at Zoë Boutiques).
TEN
On the eleventh day of Christmas my aunt gave to me a little make-up guidance: the 11-piece Lash Stash kit from Sephora.
ELEVEN
And on the twelfth day of Christmas my best friend gave to me 12 misfits: too-cute-for-words felt dolls by Usus, at the One of a Kind Show and Sale (Dec. 9 to 12).
TWELVE
Avril Loreti offers Toronto-landmark napkins at the One of a Kind Show
MARCH 31 TO APRIL 4 For five fantastic days, spring shoppers are invited to indulge acquisitive urges by perusing the wares of more than 450 Canadian artisans at the One of
a Kind Spring Show and Sale. Though housed in a massive exhibition hall, this is no department store shopping excursion: face-to-face interaction with the creators of handcrafted jewellery, clothing, home decor pieces, visual art, toys, organic food items and beauty products adds a personal touch—the makers are often eager to share the stories behind their unique goods. Among the pick-up possibilities are charming hats by This is J, aromatherapy candles from Golden Goose Naturals and napkins with local landmarks by Avril Loreti. Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, $6.50 to $12; call 416-960-4515 or check out this site for more information and tickets.
Dandelion Kids stocks fun toys aplenty for the little ones
Keep the little ones busy with fun, quality toys from Dandelion Kids. Collect snuggle-worthy animals, dress-up dolls (or cats, pictured) and wooden kitchenettes—perhaps even inspire a budding chef. The store celebrates its 5th anniversary this month.—Jennifer Patterson
RUSSIAN FEVER
These pretty dolls make perfect gifts
Cozy up to a cheery handmade Matryoshka doll from Vancouver’s own Little Red Caboose. These cute and cuddly modern-day versions of the traditional nesting doll may not be filled with miniatures, but they are stuffed with 100% lambswool, making them the perfect couch companion. They are available in a variety of colours and patterns, producing endless possibilities. Find your perfect match at the One of a Kind Show and Sale (Oct. 8 to 11) or shop online at littleredcaboose.etsy.com. Who says kids get to have all the fun—and all the toys?
YOU’VE GOT MAIL
Whimsical messages make these cards extra special
Brighten someone’s day with a sweet greeting card from Vancouver-based The Beautiful Project. Choose between smile-inducing phrases such as “I Tingle When We Mingle” and “Even Your Farts Are Cute” (pictured) or ol’ reliable “Happy Birthday.” At the One of a Kind Show and Sale and The Original Paper-Ya.—Jennifer Patterson
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