By Lena Almeida
I love the holidays. It’s great to gather with family and friends and spend quality time together, free from distractions. It’s also an amazing time to start making new magical memories, which is why I believe it’s so important to take the time to include your children in the celebration.
My boys and I embrace all the stereotypical holiday fun: from baking and decorating cookies together to big family dinners at home to stockings and presents on the big day – we do it all! But we do have some special traditions too. We believe it’s important to encourage our little ones to think about the importance of giving (and see for themselves how good it can make you feel), so for every toy they get they use a portion of their Christmas money to buy and donate a toy to another family.
Now, when it comes to choosing gifts for my boys, Disney is always a favourite. I learned pretty quickly how important it is to get to know the characters my kids love the most – which is why I’ve mended teddy bear boo-boos with my Doc McStuffins-loving clan and how I can do impressions of every member of Mickey’s crew – just ask me when you see me next!
And while it comes naturally for me to find great gifts, for my own parents, deciphering this world can be a little tricky. So when they (and other grandparents) ask me for gift-giving tips, I stick to one piece of advice: pick something that reflects your little one’s diversity, skills and interests so they can really learn and grow through the power of play.
This year, Disney Junior and I have put together a gift guide that’s perfect for grandparents, which features toys for every type of pre-schooler. Whether your little one is a budding fashion designer, a seeker of grand adventures 
or out to fix their best friend’s boo-boos, we’ll help you ensure that dreams big and small come true this holiday season.
For the ADVENTUROUS child in your life, we have assembled a great selection of toys featuring Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First and Miles from Tomorrowland. From the Mighty Colossus, a two foot tall ship with four levels of play, to a magical Sofia the First doll, perfect for royal adventures, there’ssomething to keep your little explorer on their toes this year.
If your little ones are into STYLE AND FASHION, we’ve chosen a great line of goodies from Sofia the First and Minnie Mouse. Get glamorous together with Sofia’s Royal Jewelry Set or the Rainbow Dazzle Minnie.
If your son or daughter is the NURTURING type, Doc McStuffins toys are an excellent choice – try this
great Dress-Up Set or the Pet Vet On-the-Go Pet Carrier. With everything you need to care for pets, your little one’s stuffed animals will be happy and healthy in no time.
At the end of the day, it’s really about recognizing that every petite personality is different and working to complement your little one’s specific interests and needs. Throw in their favourite friends, and you can’t possibly go wrong!
For more information visit DisneyJunior.ca.