No matter which holiday you are celebrating this season chances are that your kids are counting down the days to opening big, shiny presents. Whether you gift them one larger item or a few smaller ones, we all know the feeling of having the wrapping paper torn open to sheer excitement but that toy or game quickly making its way to the back of the shelf. With the help of one of Montreal’s finest organizers, I’m sharing this children’s gift guide by age, filled with presents that they will use for years to come. Bonus, if you’ve got more than one child, chances are these items will stay in your home for a decade or more.

Meet Liz Cohene, the founder of Project Organize. As a professional organizer who specializes in designing spaces that optimize function and efficiency, her work ranges from kitchens and closets to basements and garages. Each client benefits from her dedication and passion, thanks to her understanding of how to personalize and customize each space to their specific needs. Liz has three kids of her own, and loves giving parents the tools to not only optimize playroom space, but to maintain it.  She is a firm believer in purging toys, usually to the benefit of those who need them. Her fifteen years as a high school math teacher, enhances her love and appreciation for educational, specifically math and logic-focused, toys. She is also a master puzzle maker!

Here are Liz’s suggestions of the perfect presents in this year’s children’s holiday gift guide, by age.

Building/STEM:

Magna-tiles, Wedgits, LEGO Duplo & Build-a-Garden

Logic:

Three Little Piggies, Bunny Boo, Day & Night

Games:

Shelby’s Snack Shake Game, Teddy Mix & Match

Big Ticket Items:

Play Kitchen & Train Table

Starter Puzzles:

Djeco & Crocodile Creek Puzzles

Building/STEM:

Marble Run, Plus Plus, LEGO Junior, Zingo, Zingo 1-2-3

Logic:

Colour Code, Rush Hour 

Cards:

Spot It!

More available at Renaud-Bray: DJECO Piou Piou and Tip Top Clap!

Games:

Guess Who? & Chutes & Ladders

Games Kids Love but Parents Hate:

Building/STEM:

Snap Circuits, HAPE Marble Run, K’nex & LEGO

Logic:

Cool Circuits, Rubik’s Race, IQ Focus, North Pole Expedition

Cards:

Sushi Go Party!, Exploding Kittens

More available at Renaud-Bray: DJECO Batamots and 6 Qui Prend

Games:

Connect 4, Battleship, Life, Mastermind, Otrio 

Games Kids Love but Parents Hate:

Beyblades & Slime

Building/STEM:

Gravity Trax & 3D Doodler

Logic:

Maze Racers, Cube Puzzler Go, Chocolate Fix & Roller Coaster Challenge

Cards: 

Set Card Game & Mathable

Games:

Ticket to Ride, Hotel Tycoon, Clue, Beat the Parents, Cranium, Scattegories & Pictionary

Games Kids Love but Parents Hate:

If you’re looking to shop local this season, check out my gift guide from last year with Montreal-based retailers.