For some of us, the holidays signal the yearly ritual of overpaying for gifts that are our loved ones don’t want, don’t need, or already have. Though nothing can change this hallowed tradition, this year, two clever organizations have endeavored to make the shopping season a little less painful for us. At least our holiday shopping can be a game.

First there’s the Charm City holiday hunt. Stores across Baltimore have challenges, clues and riddles that will win the top scoring players a pretty cool-looking winner’s basket of toys, gift certificates and even a Port Discovery Family Membership. Challenges were built by the folks at CoolProgeny and so were designed to be kid-friendly.

The Old Strathcona district of Edmonton is also getting into the holiday spirit with their adorable Return of the Magic trek  across Edmonton. (This is the first annual Return of the Magic but we really hope next year it will be called Return of the Return of the Magic.) Look at gorgeous holiday window displays, hear multimedia stories on the SCVNGR app, do challenges and even participate in a family photo contest. (Our SCVNGR submission is below.)

We hope some holiday games while you’re out shopping can take your mind off the fact that you just bought your sister another snuggie for $60 and she has three of them.

Happy Shopping!

Written by Kellian Adams