What We're Shopping For In January 2026
From calming tools for kids to clever travel solutions and a meaningful way to give back, these are the finds worth adding to your cart this month.
The new year is here, and with it comes a fresh batch of discoveries, some to make family life easier, some to spark joy and one to help others.
As always, while we genuinely love everything we recommend, a few of these items were gifted.
The Tale of Eileen The Timid Housecat Based on a True Story
This sweet book by Judi Barr tells the real tale of how Eileen disappeared one winter night. While an exciting story, it's not too upsetting for little ones. One reviewer says, "The writing is simple but thoughtful, and it held our kids’ attention from start to finish. It’s not just a cute cat story—it actually communicates love, patience, and the way families pull together when something matters."
Swaddelini Body Compression Sock
Swaddelini makes the sweetest, easy-to-use swaddles and sleep sacks. And luckily, they're not just for babies. My big kids tried the body compression sock, which is exactly what it sounds like, and felt instantly cozier and calmer. While it can help soothe kids in a similar way to a weighted blanket, the Body Compression Sock is also great for kids who find comfort in proprioceptive feedback. They can push and squirm against the fabric to wind down after a busy day.
MomCozy DreamSync Tech Smart Baby Sound Machine
Technically designed for babies and small children, I got this light-up sound machine to use as a gentle alarm clock for my tween, who is not a morning person. While it's called a sound machine, the device does so much more. We plan to use the light as a sunrise alarm, along with nature sounds in the morning. Then he can set up soothing lights and sounds for bedtime. That it can be paired with a smartphone to work as a Bluetooth speaker is a bonus he'll love.
Decathlon Kids Goggles
Whether your kids take a swim class or you're planning a tropical vacation, you need these goggles. They're my family's absolute favourites. They fit well, don't leak and feel good on. Plus, they come in a range of colours, so it's easy to remember whose goggles are whose.
No Reception Club The Sliders packing cubes
Even before having kids, I liked to use ziplock bags to separate my stuff (a tip from Martha Stewart back in the day), but once I had kids, it became a necessity. There are so many extras that come with kids, both in the suitcase and the carry-on. I'm already a fan of No Reception Club's family-friendly bags, so I'm happy to see the addition of these packing cubes to their lineup. Use them for craft supplies in your diaper bag or for toiletries in your suitcase. The colour-coding helps keep everything organized.
A Donation to TheLoveClub
I just learned about TheLoveClub, a non-profit founded in January 2024 by Toronto stylist and writer Lauren Walker Lee, and immediately made a donation. The organization creates and donates Club Kid baby clothes, made locally from surplus fabric, to charities supporting new parents in need. It’s a thoughtful way to help families facing tough times, and every piece is a gift of comfort and care.
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Vanessa Grant is the Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Parent and a seasoned lifestyle journalist. With extensive experience in editorial leadership and content marketing, her work has been featured across Canada's top media outlets, including the CBC, Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Canadian Business, and Toronto Life. When she isn't steering the editorial vision for Canada's most trusted parenting brand, she is navigating life in the parenting trenches as a mom to two spirited boys—which means she knows far more about Minecraft and Pokémon than she ever thought possible.