There may be some minor comfort differences between convection and conduction electric space heaters, but basically a watt is a watt whether it comes out of a oil filled heater, ceramic heater, baseboard, or other electric heater.
Upfront cost would be higher, but the return (especially in Canada) on the installation of a craigslist woodstove (make sure it meets all regs) would probably be positive in short order as long as your insurance does not go up too much. With two boys to feed it, you should be good to go. Would probably make quite a bit of difference in the main house, too. Great exercise as well!
Either way, be sure they have working smoke/CO detectors and multiple ways to get out in in the event of a fire.