Best Gift Ideas for Kids in Canada: Unique Presents They'll Actually Love

• Subscription gifts keep giving all year—perfect for kids who have everything
• Screen-free gifts like books and stories by mail encourage reading habits
• Long-distance grandparents can send gifts that arrive directly to grandchildren anywhere in Canada
• Experience and subscription gifts avoid the "another toy" problem
• Physical mail gifts create excitement and anticipation kids don't get from digital content

Every parent, grandparent, aunt, and uncle knows the struggle: What do you get a child who already has a room full of toys?

Common gift-giving challenges include:

• Kids already have too many toys
• You don't know what they already own
• Toys get played with once and forgotten
• Parents are trying to reduce screen time
• You live far away and shipping is complicated
• You want something meaningful, not just "stuff"

The good news? There are gift options that solve all of these problems—especially in Canada where we have excellent options for subscription gifts and mail-based presents.

Subscription gifts are increasingly popular because they spread the excitement throughout the year instead of a single day. Here are the best options available in Canada:

Children's Stories by Mail

Children's Stories by Mail from PostPal delivers beautifully illustrated stories directly to a child's mailbox. Each story arrives in an envelope addressed to the child by name, creating genuine excitement when they check the mail.

• Monthly delivery: $9.99/month or $99/year
• Bi-weekly delivery: $14.99/month or $149/year
• Ships anywhere in Canada with free delivery
• Perfect for ages 4-10

This is particularly popular with grandparents who want to encourage reading and stay connected with grandchildren who live far away.

Book Subscription Boxes

Several Canadian companies offer monthly book boxes for kids, typically ranging from $25-40/month. These usually include a new book plus small related items.

Craft Subscription Boxes

Monthly craft kits provide hands-on activities. Popular options in Canada include various STEM and art-focused subscriptions ranging from $20-35/month.

Why Subscriptions Make Great Gifts

• The excitement continues for months, not just one day
• Creates anticipation—kids love waiting for "their" package
• No duplicate gifts since it's an ongoing service
• Easy to set up for recipients anywhere in Canada
• Can be given for any duration (3 months, 6 months, 1 year)

Many parents are actively trying to reduce their children's screen time. These gifts support that goal:

Stories by Mail

Physical stories delivered to a child's mailbox encourage reading without screens. Unlike e-books or reading apps, there are no notifications, no distractions—just a story to hold and enjoy. PostPal's Stories by Mail is designed specifically for this purpose.

Board Games and Puzzles

Classic options that never go out of style. Age-appropriate board games encourage family time and critical thinking.

Art Supplies

Quality colored pencils, sketchbooks, or paint sets encourage creativity without screens.

Building Sets

LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and similar building toys provide hours of screen-free engagement.

Outdoor Equipment

Bikes, scooters, sports equipment, or gardening kits get kids outside and active.

Musical Instruments

Beginner instruments like ukuleles, keyboards, or percussion sets introduce kids to music.

The key to successful screen-free gifts is choosing something that's genuinely engaging—not just "not a screen." Physical mail like stories or letters creates real excitement that rivals any app.

Grandparents face unique gift-giving challenges, especially when grandchildren live far away. Here are the best options for long-distance grandparents in Canada:

Children's Stories by Mail

This is the top recommendation for grandparents because:

• Stories arrive addressed to the grandchild by name
• Each delivery is a reminder of the grandparent's love
• Encourages reading and learning
• Creates a regular touchpoint throughout the year
• Ships directly to the grandchild's home anywhere in Canada
• Easy to set up online—no need to visit a store

Start a Stories by Mail subscription →

Experience Gifts

Zoo memberships, museum passes, or swimming lessons create memories rather than clutter.

Savings Contributions

RESP contributions or savings bonds for older kids who don't need more toys.

Video Call "Dates"

Combine a small physical gift with scheduled video calls for reading together or playing games.

Handwritten Letters

Regular letters from grandparents become treasured keepsakes. PostPal can help you send letters easily without trips to the post office.

Photo Books

Custom photo books documenting family history or recent visits.

The best grandparent gifts create connection across distance. Subscription services like Stories by Mail work particularly well because they provide ongoing reminders that grandparents are thinking of them.

Birthday gifts need to feel special. Here's how to make an impression:

Subscription Gift Starting on Their Birthday

A year-long subscription to Stories by Mail means the birthday celebration extends all year. The first delivery can include a personalized birthday message.

Age-Appropriate Options by Age Group

Ages 2-4:

• Simple board books
• Blocks and stacking toys
• Play kitchen items
• Stories by Mail (read-aloud with parents)

Ages 5-7:

• Chapter book series starters
• LEGO sets
• Art supplies
• Stories by Mail subscription
• Beginner board games

Ages 8-10:

• Book series (Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc.)
• Science kits
• Building sets
• Sports equipment
• Stories by Mail subscription

Ages 11-13:

• Gift cards to favourite stores
• Art or music supplies
• Books in their interest area
• Experience gifts (escape rooms, concerts)

What to Avoid

• Toys requiring many batteries
• Gifts that duplicate what they have
• Items parents have specifically asked you not to give
• Age-inappropriate content

Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holiday gifts have their own considerations:

Start a Subscription Before the Holidays

Starting a Stories by Mail subscription in December means the child receives stories all through winter and beyond. Include a card explaining the gift so they have something to open on the day.

Canadian Holiday Gift Ideas

• Cozy gifts: Warm pyjamas, slippers, or reading blankets
• Winter activity gear: Sleds, skates, toboggans
• Indoor activity kits: Perfect for long Canadian winters
• Book advent calendars: 24 wrapped books for December countdown
• Subscription gifts: Stories, crafts, or activity boxes

Shipping Deadlines for Canada

If ordering physical gifts for holiday delivery in Canada:

• Order by early December for guaranteed arrival
• Check Canada Post deadlines for your province
• Consider subscription gifts that start in January to avoid shipping stress

Last-Minute Options

If it's too late to ship:

• Gift subscriptions can be purchased instantly online
• Print a certificate explaining the subscription gift
• Stories by Mail subscriptions can start any time

The child who has every toy presents a real challenge. Here's what actually works:

Experience Over Things

• Annual passes (zoo, science centre, museum)
• Lessons (swimming, music, art, sports)
• Special outings (escape rooms, trampoline parks)

Consumable Gifts

• Art supplies that get used up
• Baking kits
• Science experiment supplies

Subscription Services

This is often the best answer for kids who have everything. Stories by Mail works particularly well because:

• It's not another toy to store
• It provides ongoing excitement, not a one-day thrill
• Stories get read and loved, not abandoned
• It's genuinely unique—kids rarely receive mail addressed to them

Savings and Investments

For older kids, contributions to education savings (RESP) or a savings account teach financial literacy.

Charity Donations

For kids who truly need nothing, a donation in their name to a cause they care about.

Aunts and uncles want to be the "cool" relative without overstepping. Here's how:

The Best Approach

• Ask parents what they need or want
• Choose experiences over toys when possible
• Consider subscriptions that don't add clutter
• Match the gift to the child's specific interests

Top Recommendations

For the reader: Book subscriptions or Stories by Mail

For the creative: Art supplies or craft subscriptions

For the active: Sports equipment or outdoor gear

For the builder: LEGO, Magna-Tiles, or building sets

For the curious: Science kits or museum memberships

Budget-Friendly Options

• A 3-month Stories by Mail subscription (~$30)
• Quality art supplies
• A special book with a personalized inscription
• Baking supplies for a shared baking day

Want to give something they've never received before? These stand out:

Physical Mail Subscriptions

Children's Stories by Mail is genuinely unique. In an age of digital everything, receiving physical mail addressed to them creates real magic. Most kids have never experienced the excitement of checking the mailbox and finding something just for them.

Personalized Items

• Custom storybooks with the child as the character
• Personalized puzzles or games
• Name-embroidered items

Experiential Gifts

• Cooking class for kids
• Art workshop
• Day trip to somewhere special
• Behind-the-scenes tour (fire station, bakery, etc.)

Collectible Starters

• Coin or stamp collecting starter kit
• Rock and mineral collection
• First in a book series

Create-Together Gifts

• Matching craft kits (one for you, one for them)
• Pen pal supplies for writing letters back and forth
• Garden starter kit to grow together

Shipping to Anywhere in Canada

Most online retailers ship across Canada. For subscription services like Stories by Mail:

1. Select the subscription plan
2. Enter the child's name and shipping address
3. Add an optional gift message for the first delivery
4. Choose your billing option (monthly or yearly)

The gift ships directly to the child—no need to receive it yourself first.

Provincial Considerations

Most Canadian gift services, including PostPal, deliver to all provinces and territories:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

International Gifting

If you're outside Canada wanting to send a gift to a child in Canada, PostPal's Stories by Mail makes it easy—order online from anywhere and we deliver within Canada.

What's the best gift for a child in Canada?

Subscription gifts like Stories by Mail are increasingly popular because they provide ongoing excitement rather than a single-day thrill. They're perfect for kids who already have lots of toys.

What should grandparents give grandchildren who live far away?

Physical mail subscriptions work exceptionally well for long-distance grandparents. Each delivery reminds the grandchild that their grandparents are thinking of them. Stories by Mail is designed specifically for this use case.

What are good screen-free gifts for kids?

Physical books, stories by mail, art supplies, building sets, outdoor equipment, and board games all encourage screen-free time. Stories delivered by mail are particularly effective because the excitement of receiving mail rivals digital entertainment.

How do I send a gift to a child in Canada?

Most Canadian retailers offer direct shipping. For subscription gifts like Stories by Mail, you can order online and have deliveries sent directly to the child's address anywhere in Canada.

What's a good last-minute gift for kids?

Subscription services can be purchased instantly online. You can print a certificate explaining the gift, and the first delivery will arrive soon after. Stories by Mail subscriptions can start any time.

What do you get a kid who has everything?

Experience gifts and subscriptions work best. Stories by Mail is particularly effective because it's not another toy to store—it's an ongoing experience of anticipation, excitement, and reading.

How much should I spend on a gift for a child?

Gift budgets vary, but subscription gifts offer flexibility. Stories by Mail starts at $9.99/month, and you can gift any duration—3 months ($30), 6 months ($60), or a full year ($99).

The best gifts for children aren't always the most expensive or the biggest. They're the ones that create genuine excitement and lasting memories.

That's why subscription gifts like Children's Stories by Mail have become so popular with Canadian families. Instead of a single moment of unwrapping, they provide months of anticipation—the excitement of checking the mailbox, the joy of seeing their name on an envelope, the pleasure of a new story to read.

For grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends looking for the perfect gift, Stories by Mail solves the hardest gift-giving problems: it's unique, it doesn't duplicate what they have, it encourages reading over screens, and it ships anywhere in Canada.

Start a Stories by Mail subscription today →