4 Unique Gifts to Give this Christmas

You've heard of the straw that broke the camel's back, or in this case, took down Santa's sleigh? One more toy in your house and it just might sink. So in the spirit of giving, while staying afloat, here are some gift ideas that will be long on experience and short on clutter.

Sports equipment is a gift that keeps on giving by encouraging physical activity, so put a new bike, scooter, skate board, skis or soccer ball under the tree. It's also a great opportunity to try a new sport together by outfitting the family in snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Wrap up camping gear, print off maps and begin your geo-caching lifestyle. Or plan a family weekend away to a dude ranch like Echo Valley Ranch & Spa. You can also take to the skies with a day trip on a seaplane through Harbour Air.

Give your little equestrian a certificate for a horse-drawn carriage ride through Stanley Park, which run from March 15–October 31. Stuff stockings with tickets to flight-simulation attraction Fly Over Canada, or get theatre tickets to a kid-friendly production like Mary Poppins, playing until January 4.

Book art classes at 4Cats, or sign them up for singing, piano, dance or golf lessons. Bonus points for choosing the activity they've been pining to do but that didn't fit into your family's fall schedule.