Looking for something special for the little ones, tweens or teens on your list? The holiday shopping list gets longer every year, and the kids on it are rarely the easiest to shop for. This season, skip the big-box rush and pick up something local.
Here are our favourite Kingston spots for toys, games, and stocking stuffers, plus gifts of experience, from a climbing pass to a night out on the lanes, that give them something to look forward to long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Gifts to Unwrap
A downtown classic with shelves packed for every age. You’ll find toys, stuffies, games, LEGO, crafts, and squishies, so leave yourself time to browse. The shop also runs kids’ events through the year, so check their social media for what’s coming up.
Minotaur - 78 Princess St
For the game lovers, Minotaur stocks board games, card games, puzzles, and collectible card games like Pokémon and Disney Lorcana, which makes it a safe bet for tweens and teens. Fun mugs, journals, and craft supplies are easy add-ons, and regular in-store game nights might turn a gift into a tradition.
For the artist or crafter. Art Noise carries art supplies and craft and DIY kits for everything from embroidery to felting, plus kid-friendly paints and markers. Look for Tri-Art paints, made right here in Kingston. Workshops and classes run throughout the year, and gift cards are available.
Midori - 232 Princess St
The cutest stuffies around, plus stationery and kawaii finds from all over. It’s a great stop for stocking stuffers, and a good pick for tweens and teens who love Pokémon or anime.
A long-running downtown shop for cards, decor, stationery, and fun little surprises. It also has a wonderful selection of Jellycats, a good fit for the plush lover on your list.
Gifts of Experience
Give the gift of adventure with a 10-visit climbing pass. The Boiler Room offers bouldering, top rope, and auto-belay climbing. That means a challenge for first-timers and seasoned climbers alike, and a great way to build confidence, strength, and burn off some energy.
Treat your kid to a day of memories in Kingston’s west end. The Fun Zone has laser tag, an arcade with simulators, and a two-level soft play structure, with a food counter for snack breaks. Buy activities separately, or go big with a one-month membership to the indoor playground.
Gift a night out on the lanes. Splitsville has bowling, a new arcade, and a menu with burgers, pizza, and kids’ meals, plus free parking on site. Gift cards make it easy to give.
Cheer on the Fronts with the whole family. Arrive early for the pre-game activities, then settle in for fast-paced OHL hockey. Tickets and the home game schedule are on the Frontenacs site, and a game ticket is an easy gift for the hockey fan.
Gather your crew and take on Improbable Escapes, Kingston’s escape room adventure. Pick a themed room, put your heads together to solve the puzzles, and race the clock to break out. Bookings and room details are on the Improbable Escapes site, and a gift card makes a great present for the puzzle lover on your list.
Bounce off some energy at Xtreme Trampoline Park with the whole family. Jump, flip, and play across the trampoline courts. Hours, pricing, passes and booking are on the Xtreme Trampoline Park site.
Still shopping? Browse the Kingston Gift Guide 2026: 25+ local gifts and experiences and 12+ holiday markets to visit in Kingston.
