I am participating in the Indigo Kids program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own. (This one’s also a giveaway!)
CONTEST CLOSED.
Colum’s class went on a field trip yesterday which meant I got to had to drop him off first thing in the morning and he would come home at the end of the school day. For this parent of a child in half-day kindergarten, this was nothing short of THE MOST WONDERFUL THING EVER. I still had a three year old and a baby to take care of, true, but now we had time to go places and do things.
My plan was to take the girls to an Indigo Kids location so they could pick out a birthday present for their brother. (Of course, when I say “they,” I mean Irene because Mary can barely even pick her nose. And by “Irene,” I mean Irene with my overbearing guidance.) I really wanted to go to the downtown location because I was craving some city action, but, you know, the parking. (Take the subway. What’s that? Take the highway? The subway. Take the subway. No thanks, I just ate.) My inner voice was trying to tell me something when I remembered that the Manulife Centre (where the downtown Indigo is) validates parking. We were off.
This was going to be fun.
But just in case it wasn’t:
The kids section was really quite impressive. There was a large selection of games and toys and I very nearly broke the budget on a Radio Flyer scooter thanks to some merchandising mastermind who knew that all I ever wanted since I was a little girl was a scooter. Why could I never have a scooter?! Luckily, Irene was the one calling the shots.
How about this? Nothing says 6-year-old boy like a Blossom Bright Flashlight.
Ballerinas? Cupcakes? C’mon!
Okay, now. Let’s remember who we’re shopping for.
That’s much better because you can never have too many table hockey games. Or maybe the one we already have is enough. Let’s move on to the books while we think it over.
There was a large selection of children’s books for kids of all ages laid out nicely. We poked around the activity books and science section for a bit before heading for the early readers. A friendly staff member approached us almost right away to see if we needed help. I did! Colum is a very, very good reader, I explained. Many of the early reading books geared at his age level seem too simple for him, but the stuff for older kids don’t seem appropriate either. He’s only just turning six. He still likes to look at pictures and he doesn’t like to be scared.
Here’s what she recommended:
And my favourite:
I love them all. Seriously, if you’re at the Indigo Kids in the Manulife Centre in Toronto, ask for Elizabeth. She’ll sort you out.
There was just one last thing to do before we left. I needed to get a little something for my special shopping helper, Irene. Inspired by the books I got for Colum, I vetoed anything based on a TV show. How about a colouring book? Then I had to outlaw anything princess and anything wedding themed. Yes! There were multiple colouring and activity books aimed at young girls based on some princess bride fantasy. What’s that all about?
Finally, I found just the thing for my little painter.
I can’t wait to find out how Colum likes his new books on his birthday on April 29. Unfortunately, neither can you. This campaign ends at the end of the month and I need to post this right away if we’re going to have time for our giveaway!
Enter to win a $35 Indigo gift card by leaving me a comment telling what you like (or think you would like) about Indigo Kids. Hint: they also do free gift wrapping which is perfect for that kiddie gift on the go. Hint hint: online shopping!
Contest closes at midnight on April 30th.
Indigo gift card winners from other blogs participating in the same campaign are not eligible.
Canada only.
CONTEST CLOSED.
Congrats to Margaret!
14 replies on “Girls Gone Gift Shopping”
Mini me is very behind in reading, and just getting her feet wet in the waters of stories. I definately would love to get her some new books that are not about the latest “boy band”
Little miss also loves when i read a book for her. She received a book from four villages called “read me a book” by barbara reid. She will ask me to read it over and over. At 2 1/2 she now knows many of the lines in the rhyming story!
There are just so many things that Indigo kids is doing right, it’s hard to choose what to say. I really like the kids’ corner at the Manulife location downtown Toronto. The kiddy-size layout is great, making kids feel like they’ve reached a comfortable zone where reading is valued. The last time I went I had a really good time reading my future purchases out loud to my daughter (and any other kid around who wished to listen)on one of the giant cushions downstairs. What I like the most, though, is that they make it easy to choose new titles with their “picks”. These are not always the usual suspects and unlike blindly borrowing books at a library, you can feel confident that the titles you buy and invest in will quickly become house favorites.
You know what I love about Indigo Kids? We can drop in to the shop for say, 30 minutes, just to enjoy the place. And enjoy we do! From the train tables to the craft tables (complete with colouring sheets, thank you very much!) to the tea cup where were encouraged to sit and read books to our kids… it’s fantastic! The best part is that while you’re there shopping for someone else (as you almost inevitably are) the kids don’t object to leaving without a toy/book/whatnot because they got to play for half an hour! It’s the best selling feature, I’m telling you. And one more thing: it shows our very impressionable young people that reading can be fun, and that lots of people – adults AND kids – are doing it. Love it!
I love the Indigo Kids in the Eaton Centre. I must pass it every day when going to and from work which is not the best thing for my wallet. They have a section where kids can sit and read or play with some of the toys.
DUDE. I WORKED at that Indigo, at that kids’ section! Isn’t it wonderful? I met my husband there – he worked in the business section which is WAY LESS FUN.
I love pretty much everything about Indigo and the kids’ section – from the toys to the books to the fact that I can spend an entire morning there, keeping the kids happy while I sip a coffee. True, I now have to go a little bit further to get there, but it’s worth it.
I love that you can online shop and that they have age category’s for toys.. great for when buying for other kids. I also love that huge selection of products and that they have a play area for kids.
thanks
flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like that they often put Lego on sale & they’ll ship it to me!
I love that they don’t mind how many books you try out on your kids while you’re there. Also, they’re very good at always having the classics that I want to give as gifts. Definitely my first choice for birthday presents.
I love the kids section… everything is so colourful and fun. And I love that the kids can be happy while shopping for half an hour or more, even if it’s not for them.
We LOVED My Father’s Dragon! My oldest daughter brought it home from the school library. It is a trilogy, so don’t forget to get the other two as well. They are just as good!! What a great recommendation!! Indigo is great–it is nice to be able to go and browse and play and not be hurried out. It does help instil a love of reading in the younger generation!
I like that they offer high quality toys and books and that you can shop in store or online.
Hi! Love indigo for various reasons. Great gifts, fabulous books, the Thomas train table and great service too. I enjoy the kids section
And need to make time to get back soon.
Thanks for reminding me
@inkscrblr
Thriftymommastips
We aren’t lucky enough to have an Indigo store here in Kingston, but we do have two wonderful Chapters stores. I absolutely love the fact that children of all ages can enjoy themselves in the kids section. I was there last week looking for a new book and was pleasantly surprised to see a group of new moms reading to their infants together. What a great time to start the love of reading!
Indigo Kids would be helpful as it would be one-stop shopping for kids of all ages. That’s a great time-saver!