For Big Kids
For the kids who know exactly what they like.
Creative, interesting and decidedly non-boring gifts for school-aged kids, tweens and the increasingly independent people they’re becoming.
They may be getting harder to impress, but they’re not impossible to shop for. This guide is filled with Canadian finds for curious minds, creative hands and big personalities…without defaulting to another gift card.
Ellie’s Earth
Made with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, Ellie’s Earth deodorant is a thoughtful everyday gift for active pre-teens and teens.
Made in Canada | Oakville, Ontario
Shop Ellie’s Earth
Villager Puzzles
Featuring original work by Canadian women artists, Villager’s modern puzzles are made for creative older kids, family puzzle nights and anyone who appreciates beautiful design.
Canadian-Owned | Canadian Art
Shop Villager Puzzles
Pigeon Said Please
This Canadian family-run brand creates playful cotton clothing with hand-drawn graphics for expressive kids who have already developed opinions about what they wear.
Designed in Manitoba, Canada
Shop Pigeon Said Please
Studiostone Creative
Made in British Columbia, Studiostone’s animal carving kits give hands-on kids everything they need to transform natural soapstone into a sculpture of their own.
Made in British Columbia | Ages 8+
Shop Studiostone Creative
Kiss Naturals
Made in Canada with natural ingredients, Kiss Naturals’ hands-on lip-balm, soap and bath-bomb kits make screen-free creativity especially satisfying for curious kids.
Made in Quebec | Natural DIY Kits
Shop Kiss Naturals
Crafty Creatures
Designed by a Cambridge creative studio, Crafty Creatures’ multi-project kits give artistic kids an inviting way to make something entirely their own.
Canadian-Owned | Cambridge, Ontario
Shop Crafty Creatures
Owlkids
This Toronto-based children’s publisher creates smart, engaging books and magazines for curious kids who are always reading, asking questions or learning something new.
Canadian Publisher | Toronto, Ontario
Shop Owlkids
World in a Box
World in a Box combines geography, culture, crafts and STEAM activities in an engaging Canadian subscription for kids who want to explore far beyond their own backyard.
Canadian-Owned | Best for Ages 7–10
Shop World in a Box
Great Pretenders
Great Pretenders’ Canadian-designed costumes and accessories invite imaginative kids to turn an ordinary afternoon into an entirely new world.
Designed in Ontario | Select Styles Made in Canada
Shop Great Pretenders
Limeapple
This Canadian mother-owned brand makes colourful, comfortable activewear and everyday clothing for girls who want their wardrobe to move as much as they do.
Canadian-Owned | Calgary, Alberta
Shop Limeapple
Jan & Jul
Designed and tested in rainy Vancouver, Jan & Jul’s practical outdoor gear is made for adventurous kids who refuse to let the weather keep them inside.
From $13.50 | Designed in Vancouver, BC
Shop Jan & JulA little heads up:
Some links in our guides are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you shop through them (at no extra cost to you!).
Just another way to support the North. 🍁
From Our TeamInterested in having your brand featured in future seasonal guides? By The North partners with Canadian businesses to create meaningful visibility through editorial storytelling, curated campaigns, and community-driven discovery.
