Giving a Christmas gift to a child also means sharing and transmitting a little of our values, culture and traditions. More than ever, gifts are chosen with care: they can spark passion, arouse emotions and, above all, help little ones grow up well.
Values are abstract concepts and difficult for toddlers to understand. It is more in concrete everyday situations that children learn the importance of sharing, respect, mutual aid, family and the environment.
This Christmas, we give gifts that reflect our values.
Toys that stimulate creativity
Responsible shopping doesn't mean denying yourself pleasure. On the contrary! There is no shortage of choice in the world of games and toys and it is increasingly easy to choose products that meet our values. For example, we will prefer evolving or manual toys that highlight the motor skills of toddlers and stimulate their imagination, rather than battery-powered toys (lots of batteries!) that quickly lose their interest.
For toddlers, timeless stacking toys are reinvented in new shapes, like these geometric wooden blocks from the manufacturer Plan Toys . We bet that even adults will want to play with them!
The good of the planet
Is this toy good for the environment? Eco-friendly options are numerous and popular with consumers, who are keen to make less polluting choices. We prefer products made from sustainable materials, such as wood, rather than plastic, or made from recycled materials.
Our pick: The Leaf Toys range features cute toys made from sustainably sourced rubberwood and plywood.
Bringing the family together
Promoting relationships and communication between generations and family members, board games are also a way to have a good time while developing a healthy competitive spirit.
Tip: If a child is too young for a game, make teams! That way, everyone will have an equal chance of winning.
Our choice: in store, you will find several classic or board games revisited in a children's version to allow the youngest to take part in the game, like this 3 in 1 domino, bingo and memory game from Djeco.
Promote mutual aid and sharing
We like cooperative games that require everyone to join forces. Cooperative play is also an alternative to competitive games, especially for children who react badly to them or who refuse to play for fear of losing. Since players are allies and not adversaries, all players win or lose together.
By focusing on collaboration and good understanding between players, these games promote teamwork.
A favorite of Charlotte and Charlie, the Djeco brand offers different cooperative games for children, including Woolfy , which allows the little ones to take part in decisions.
Gender-neutral clothing and accessories
By promoting neutral and unisex colors, non-gendered objects and clothing are in harmony with our values and reflect this new way of perceiving early childhood.
Charlotte and Charlie's team is always keen to find brands and manufacturers that promote this trend. This is the case for Little Yogi , Bajoue and Quincy Mae , newly available in store, which offers a simple, comfortable and quality wardrobe for toddlers, like these knitted overalls .
Reading as a gift
Giving the gift of reading means introducing a young reader (and even those who can't read yet!) to a world of cultures, imagination and new horizons. It also means making them experience emotions and sometimes even questions.
Reading with your child is also a moment of affection, calm and tenderness.
We love the new collection “From small to large” from La Courte Échelle , which features scientific and historical figures.
Educational games
For toddlers, play is a great way to grow. It helps with language development, encourages problem solving, recognizes emotions, and more. While their main purpose is to encourage children to acquire skills and abilities, educational games are no less entertaining for that.
Our pick: The Smart Games collection of games invites kids ages 6 and up to rack their brains (and the boards are seriously engaging!).
Encourage local businesses
We know it: buying local in independent boutiques like Charlotte et Charlie makes a difference. This is also the case when you choose locally made objects. You will find several Quebec brands at the boutique, including Les Belles Combines .
Its general store - a fun tool appreciated by families - will slip under the tree while its Sweet Family Moments Advent calendar (in the photo) will keep children entertained until Santa Claus arrives.
Moments to share
Does your child receive too many gifts? Offer him a moment to share with a grandparent or an outing without siblings: a day at the Musée de la civilisation , an outing to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec , a visit to the Aquarium du Québec or even tickets to a show or movie.
It doesn't have to be complicated: he might just surprise you with a day of sliding and hot chocolate.
Discover more gift ideas by visiting Charlotte and Charlie's Holiday Shop .
Happy shopping!
Cover photo: credit Camylle Messier
