Last time we checked, no one really minded having fun, especially kids. It’s even good for you! So how about encouraging playtime with local games, puzzles and experiences that put even more excitement into the holiday season? These gift ideas may be mostly about the kids, but their parents, aunties and uncles will benefit, too. You’ll find plenty more fun for everyone in the pages of the Local Wishlist.
These handcrafted wooden puzzles from RTL Design in Yarmouth all follow a maritime theme, with fish, boats, whales and lobsters. A tactical, creative gift, suitable for ages 7 and up but they’ll appeal to older kids and adults as well. Available at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Gallery Shop.
There’s so much to discover in our natural world, and so many mysteries to unravel! This series of books from local naturalist Peggy Kochanoff is ideal for budding scientists, or any kids with a curious mind. The latest in the series, Be An Icky Things Detective, sounds like an instant kids’ classic.
This collection of miniature jigsaw puzzles is appropriate for older kids and adults, with a luxurious texture and premium materials, packaged in a tin travel case. There are ten designs, most of them featuring iconic locations in Nova Scotia. They’re from the talented Downtown Sketcher, based in Halifax.
Whee! This has to be fun, maybe less so for the nervous parents. But don’t worry, the team at InesS Circus puts safety first. This 16-week program builds confidence, coordination, and strength, and allows students to progress at their own pace. It’s fun, but controlled fun!
This balancing puzzle from Toy Maker of Lunenburg is a test for anyone’s engineering skills. But sorry, no rubber bands or glue allowed! Best for ages 12 and up.
Buy, barter, and gamble your way to your many destinations. A competitive and challenging card game for ages 10 and up, Trip Chaser will let you stay at home this winter but feel like you’re travelling the world.
The Ultimate Escape Room Experience
If you’ve never experienced an escape room, or you want to introduce someone to the fun, planning a family outing is a great wintertime activity. Captured Escape Rooms has the experience down pat, and they’ll help to make sure it’s a good time for everyone. They’ll even send you home with a group photo! All of their rooms and puzzles are designed for ages 13+.
Battle ice trolls and blizzards while you stay cozy inside this winter! This is from the Dwar7s series by local gamemakers Vesuvius Media, and features elements of hand-building, worker placement, resource management and tower defence. A top pick for family game night.
Labyrinths, puzzles, and optical illusions! Last chance for this interactive exhibit, which has been held over until January 4th. But if you don’t manage to get to it over the holidays, there’s a whole world of fun at Discovery Centre all year long. You can even buy a family membership — now that’s a great gift idea.
These are just a small handful of the hundreds of local gift ideas available in this year’s Local Wishlist. Head to the full list and start browsing!
Take Me To The 2025 Local Wishlist
The Local Wishlist is presented in partnership with:
Many thanks to our Category Sponsors:
And thanks also to our Friends of the Local Wishlist:
