Christmas wishes

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny wonders how she’ll maintain the magic of Santa for her daughter because the only toy her little one wants doesn’t exist.

My Christmas shopping has begun, and I’ve already hit a major snag in my plans for what to place under the tree.

My 4-year-old is obsessed with this new animated show on CBC, Animal Mechanicals. The show features five transformable (and of course, adorable) characters, Rex the Dinosaur, Unicorn, Komodo, Sasquatch and Mouse, who live in a colorful “snap-together-take-apart” world. In each episode the Animal Mechanicals must overcome a variety of small challenges that require them to use their unique “Mechana” abilities.

Number one daughter has determined that the only thing she wants from Santa this year is Rex, the Animal Mechanical dinosaur. I’m only too happy to oblige – but unfortunately, no toys exist for this little-known animated series!

Perhaps as a parent I’ve been overly conditioned by the Disney merchandising machine to expect that every new show or movie will have accompanying toys on the shelves well before the holiday season. I thought surely some toys must exist somewhere (Japan? China?). I was genuinely shocked when my online searching only turned up multiple pages (including a Facebook group) populated with pleas from other parents desperate for these non-existent toys.

Usually I decry the commercialism associated with children’s entertainment; today, I find myself uncharacteristically wishing that Animal Mechanicals was made by Disney or Nickelodeon or another large conglomerate instead of a small, independent Halifax animation studio.

Now, I’m sure she’ll be excited to open any presents and happy with anything she’s given. I only wish well-meaning relatives and caregivers hadn’t filled her absorbent little brain with assurances that Santa can do anything, make anything, and bring her anything she wants. I hate the idea of disappointing her even a little. Maybe it’s time we told her the awful truth: Santa doesn’t have the licensing rights to make those toys.

Life was so much simpler last year, when all she wanted from Santa was a teddy bear!

What’s your child’s Christmas wish? Are you having any trouble sourcing the perfect gift for your little one(s)? Let us know in the comments!

Black Friday and you

Today is the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. It’s called Black Friday and marks either the biggest shopping day of the year or the one day of the year when there’s no shopping depending on your point of view.

In Canada, December 1 is the day that traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season. (Coincidentally it falls on Cyber Monday this year.)

With the current state of the economy, I’ve been contacted by a number of companies south of the border asking me to promote their sales.

As for me, I’m not changing my habits this year. I believe shopping will help stimulate the economy and I’ve been doing my fair share lately (stay tuned). As usual, I’ll focus my spending in Canada – that doesn’t mean I won’t be purchasing from U.S.-owned retailers — it means I prefer to do so here. I don’t have any plans to shop today but if I wanted a new computer I would.

Anyway, enough about me. I want to know about you. Will you be searching for deals today? Do you prefer to shop at home or spend your money south of the border? When do you start shopping for the holidays? Let’s get the discussion going.

One of a Kind Show and Sale 2008

The One of a Kind Show and Sale starts tomorrow thru December 7. It’s a great way to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon, especially if you're looking to kick-start your holiday shopping and you like giving unique gifts and relish the idea of supporting Canadian talent.

800 artisans from across the country will be in Toronto for this wonderful semi-annual show. They’re displaying and selling there goodies all week. See everything from clothing to home accessories, unique foods and fabulous works of art.

Magazine Girl (pictured) is an awesome work of art by Andrea Turnbull. Can you believe the 1940s-inspired dress is hand-carved? I only wish I was as talented. You can find her at with her husband Matt at their Thyme of the Season booth.

When:
Nov. 27 thru December 7
Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place (map)
Toronto, ON

Admission:
Adults $12 or ($10 with coupon) online
Seniors & Youth $6.50
Children under 12 - free

What’s your favourite find?

Toribellas’ Jewelry open house

I used to work with Laura. She’s a great woman who started making her own jewelry and started selling other popular lines under the Toribella banner as well. Laura asked me to invite you to her open house this weekend.

We’re also working together to bring you some specials in the new year when she launches Toribella Designs new website. Stay tuned for exciting details.

What?
Toribella Designs is hosting it’s annual Holiday Open House
“Because you can never have enough jewelry”

Enjoy your holiday shopping in a relaxed and fun atmosphere without battling the crowds at the mall!

Toribella will have a wide selection of jewelry from some of Canada’s finest jewelry designers including:
• Bejewel
• Liss Designs
• Glam Julz
• Triple “C”
• BellaDonna; and,
• Foxy Originals.

They will also be showcasing their Columbian Inspirations line of fine sterling silver jewelry and assorted evening bags, silk pashminas, ESPE wallets and accessories.

Toribella supports Canadian entrepreneurs and Canadian handcrafted products – over 90% of their products are made in Canada.

When?
• Nov. 30: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where?
156 Pemberton Rd. (map)
Richmondhill, ON

If you go, leave a comment and let us know what you find.