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14 Holiday Helpers in Toronto That Will Make Life Easier
It's the most wonderful—and time-crunched—time of the year. Now understand that we do adore the holidays. But sometimes we need a little bit of help to make it to New Year's Day in one piece. So we've rounded up some holiday helpers to assist with all those things that just gotta get done this time of year. We're not saying that you need to use all of them. But why not offload your least favourite task so that there is more time to actually enjoy all of this special holiday time.
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Drop-off Child Care
When we need to get a bit of running around done but we also want the kids to have a great time, we head for the indoor playground, Bizzy Bee Playcentre. The kids can play there happily for hours under the watchful eyes of trained staff, and we can get a ton of shopping, errands and maybe even present wrapping accomplished. They're happy and we're happy too. Or treat the kids to a fun PJ night at Sprouts, and use the time to reconnect with the better half.
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Order Christmas Dinner
We've got the family together for Christmas and the most important thing is to enjoy the togetherness. So instead of juggling a few dozen side dishes, plus gravy and a turkey, order it in and enjoying the family time, instead. Summerhill Market does a full turkey, gluten-free turkey, Beef Wellington, or beef tenderloin dinner with all the fixings.
Image credit: Ron Bull for the Toronto Star.
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Daycare
From holiday parties to extra shopping trips, sometimes you need some extra kiddo coverage. If the usual babysitters are all booked or on vacation this time of year, try the Facebook group Moms and Nannies for a lead on nannies who are available. Or use Care.com for everything from a pet sitter to a babysitter.
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Cleaning Service
During the holiday season it feels like we need our house cleaned every other day, between the parties and the arrival and departure of guests, including pets and babies. So we're thrilled to have found an economical service that is also dedicated to eco-friendly cleaning (plus they bring their own products). Easy to book and at only $25 per hour, we can afford to get those little extras like the inside of the fridge and oven.
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Christmas Lights
Walk away from the rickety extension ladder and let the professionals deck your outdoor trees and house with gorgeous lights. No tangles, no slippery roofs, just the beauty of outdoor lights twinkling on snow-covered eaves.
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Grocery Delivery
Imagine your groceries delivered to you within two hours…and free delivery over $80. Now that would help. No waiting hours for grocery deliveries, no time lost in the grocery store. Just the ingredients you need, delivered so quickly to your door. Instabuggy = instalove.
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Baby Gear Rental
We want our out-of-town guests to be able to enjoy their holidays too, and that means not stressing about bringing or finding high chairs, car seats, strollers, play pens, and all the other paraphernalia that the little ones require. So we rely on baby gear rental places to outfit us and our guests for a song with much less hassle than bringing everything.
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Pick-up Kids Clothes
With the imminent influx of new clothes and toys from the holidays, we know that it is imperative that we make some space by getting rid of the kiddos' old clothes (some barely worn). Little White Sneakers will actually buy your clothes for you at a fair price, but what's more, they pick them up! Purge, pick up, get paid. Perfect!
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Rent a Dress
We really don't feel like spending big bucks on a designer dress that we'll wear once. So we look to Rent Frock Repeat to deliver us a glam designer dress for the event. And if we're not sure of size, we can add an extra size for $10. That's way better than spending a day in the mall….
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Special Christmas Dessert
There is something oh so special about a traditional Christmas dessert, be it a plum or sticky toffee pudding, gingerbread loaf, seasonal trifle, or delicious pies and tarts. Choose one (or… a few?) from All the Best Fine Foods and savour in the traditional flavours of the season.
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Kitchenware Rental
With all of the company and special events this season, we often find ourselves needing kitchen equipment that we don't own and simply don't have the space to store, even if we did find it on a great sale (chocolate fountain, we're looking at you). On such occasions we delight in renting the items and appliances needed (for seven days) and then returning them. Great for throughout the year as well to try out everything from a dehydrator to a spiralizer.
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Meal Delivery
We want to eat non-processed, delicious and healthy meals, but some nights heading into the kitchen just isn't possible. That's when we treat ourselves to Farm to Table meals. They deliver entrees and sides chockfull of nutritious ingredients like kale, quinoa and carrots. There are also kid-sized menu items, like sweet potato bites, perfect for rounding out lunchboxes. Such a treat!
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Baby and Kid Food Delivery
We so want to keep making homemade and nutritious baby and kid food
this time of year, but the thought of mashing and blending at midnight (our current available time slot) has been discouraging such endeavours. That's why we're thrilled that Fressy Bessy delivers purees and kid food. Think broccoli cakes with mac and cheese and first foods for baby rich in greens. And no, we're not above stealing a bite of our kids' delish meals.