Christmas is coming early – literally – for Mabel’s Labels founder Julie Cole. With the clock ticking for her to check six kids, naughty and nice, off her list, she found inspiration online
By Julie Cole, guest blogger
Our family is going overseas for the holidays this year. I hate the thought of Santa having to turn up at our holiday destination because it means I have to lug oversized bags full of gifts both there and back. A family of eight has enough gear to drag around.
To avoid this situation, I had the children write to Santa and ask him to come to our house early in the hope of having their presents delivered before the trip. This system actually works well, except for the fact that I’m Santa and if you think it’s tough meeting a Dec. 25 shopping deadline, try pushing it forward a month. Yeah, that’s the not awesome part.
Having said that, I think I nailed some great presents this year. Each kiddo in our family ends up with one big ticket item. I tried to think outside the “gadget” box and have come up with some awesome presents that my kiddos will love. Here are my faves.
Yes, you can actually buy mermaid tails online. I have one kid who spends most of her time swimming in the pool, pretending to be a mermaid. When she’s not doing that, she is watching mermaid shows and movies. I can only imagine how delighted she will be when she unwraps her very own mermaid tail with a built-in fin.
Yep, what’s old is new again. Remember the old Polaroid cameras? If you have a kid who is an “in the moment” type, this camera might be a winner.
It just so happens that a kid in our neighbourhood recently won the World Pokemon Championship. Believe me – it’s a thing, a BIG thing. And now the “Andrew Estrada Winning Deck” is available for purchase. My Pokemon-crazed kids will go off the rails when this turns up under the tree.
One daughter has two loves: Harry Potter and chess. So why not marry them in a themed chess board? It’s a bit of an investment, but I’d rather put my money into a chess set than a lot of other things she could be begging for.
A GoPro Camera
Do you have an adventurous kid? I sure do, and she’d like to catch all her daring stunts on film. Some of these gadgets can run pretty pricey, but if you shop around, you can find one for a pretty reasonable price.
Hey, let’s not forget mom! I spotted this little beauty and immediately sourced a talented knitting mama and commissioned her to make one for me. I always get myself the best presents. I know me so well!
Have you found anything special Christmas gift ideas to get your kiddos this year? Are you anticipating anything surprising and fabulous this holiday season?
Julie Cole is co-founder of Mabel’s Labels Inc., a leading provider of kids’ labels, and a proud mom of six.
