Holiday Gift Guide: Maplelea Girls

We've officially hit the one week mark -- one more week til Christmas, 7 more shopping days if you've left it this long. And if you're like me (this year), you've definitely left it this long. I'm not usually this tardy with my gift buying, but what can I say? December escaped me this year and hey! we still have 7 days left, right!?

The good news is, there's still TONS of time to shop and TONS of great gifts that are readily available for everyone on your list. Over the next few days, I'll be highlighting a few of them.

Today it's all about the girls -- Maplelea Girls, that is. Maplelea is a distinctively Canadian line of 18" dolls with journals that celebrate our country's spirit and identity.

There are 7 Maplelea Girls in the collection, along with dozens of Maplelea friends. Each girl comes with her own story, shared in a 64-page story journal. There's Alexi from Toronto, Léonie from Quebec City, Saila from Iqualuit, Charlsea from the West Coast, Brianne from the Prairies and Jenna from the Maritimes, and Taryn from the Rockies.

Our girl is Alexi from Toronto. Originally from Cabbagetown in Toronto, Alexi has ambitions to be a scientist and wants to volunteer at the Hospital for Sick Children when she's older. She's got beautiful, silky hair and a really funky wardrobe -- right down to her clogs. The dolls are soft to hold, light and easy to move around.

But here's what I love most about Maplelea: 

• First and foremost -- the Canadian connection. From the company's name to the identity of the girls, real Canadian girls can associate with these Canadian dolls.
• Learn about the country -- as I said, each doll comes with a journal. In the journal is a map of the doll's hometown, why she loves the place she lives and a story about her home. 

• Ambitious girls -- In addition to career goals, the girls are busy with extracurriculars, interests and hobbies. Alexi likes gymnastics and playing the piano.
• The accessories -- each doll comes with an outfit and journal, but there are so many outfits and accessories you can collect as you grow with your girl. 
• The ability to customize -- if you don't want one of the signature 7 dolls, customize your own Canadian girl. Choose everything from skin tone to hair colour, eye colour, and of course, her story.
• Matchy-Matchy -- you can even buy matching clothing and pjs for your child and his/her Maplelea Girl. So. So. Cute. 

A Maplelea Girl is the type of gift that will last a long while, and become a collectible. I'm sure my girls will love to construct all sorts of scenarios with their Alexi, change her outfits and maybe even take her Downtown Toronto one day. 

Maplelea Girls are typically available online only, but there is currently a Seasonal Store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The pop up shop will be open until March 2017 and you're bound to find plenty of gift ideas there! 

Oh, and there are some wonderful event at the Seasonal Store all Holiday Break. Visit the website to find out how you can craft, have tea or ring in the New Year with Maplelea! 

Happy Shopping!