5 Holiday Helpers in Toronto

Our Elf on the Shelf is a big help in keeping our kids cordial until Christmas—if only we had our own seasonal assistant(s) to magically make our holiday prep just as smooth. We sourced some of the city's secret weapons to help make mastering your to-do list seem like child's play.

For years we've been nearly run off our feet by the end of the holiday season sourcing, wrapping, and delivering gifts to everyone on our list. So we feel no shame in sharing the love digitally with Giftagram, a new app that allows you to shop and send amazing gifts instantly. All you need is your credit card and the recipient's email or phone number, and with three clicks you've crossed a name off your list (the receiver gets a notification and fills in their address). Progress, people. It's amazing.

Big box stores may have their merits (thank you Costco for the 200 pound jar of cashews) but when it comes to finding a stand-out gift, local artisan markets offer something thoughtful for everyone. Craft Ontario's Pop-Up Craft Shop, which runs until December 24 in Queen West, offers excellent ideas for making loved ones feel special with jewellery, glass, ceramics, paper, textiles, wood, furniture, clothing, household items and more.

RSVP with abandon to all those invitations thanks to the Trinity Bellwoods–based moms behind weneeddatenight.com, a website and app that matches vetted GTA sitters with couples in need of a little time away from the family circus.

We love giving our gluten-free family members, guests and hostesses a little something sweet from Tia's Bakery, now open in Toronto. Their products are handcrafted in a dedicated facility so there is no chance for contamination. Tia's sources ingredients locally, including flour and free-range eggs, and can even offer vegan alternatives. Order your special holiday desserts in advance, or purchase their cake flour (a perfect substitute for wheat flower) and make your own gluten-free goodies at home.

Consider outsourcing some—or all—of your Christmas dinner. With less to do in the kitchen, you'll be able to put your feet up and enjoy a holiday bevvie while the kids play with their new toys. Today's Menu in Leaside offers a surprisingly affordable menu of prepared holiday classics that you can simply reheat on the big day. Go a la carte and choose just the turkey roast and stuffing, or opt for a complete meal of turkey with all the fixings.