Specialty Marshmallows
File this under “Why didn’t I think of that?” Stuff’n Mallows are marshmallows stuffed with chocolate. When toasted over an open fire, the chocolate chips melt inside the gooey marshmallows, which results in the beginnings of a darn-near-perfect s’more.
The unusual product began as a college class project and was launched by three Colorado State University grads in the summer of 2013. Stuff’nMallows are available in these flavors: chocolate chip; mint chocolate chip; peanut butter chocolate chip; and seasonal peppermint (October to April). The suggested retail price is $6.99 for a bag of eight.
Stuff’n Mallows
320 E. Vine Drive
Suite 101
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(925) 577-4597
www.stuffnmallows.com
Roasting Stick
Time was when a campfire roasting stick was an actual stick. Now, two teens have improved on that primitive cooking method by developing the Wolf’em Stick. It’s a 37-inch-long stainless-steel rod with a cylindrical hardwood head (treated with food-grade mineral oil) attached to the cooking end. Just wrap your choice of dough around the head, put it over a campfire, turn the stick using the double rotary handle, and soon the dough is golden brown.
After that, simply fill the roasted biscuit with whatever goodies will most please your palate – pie filling, fruit, pudding, taco fixings — and wolf ’em down. (Yep, that’s where they got the name.) The cost of a Wolf ’em Stick is $12.95.
Wolf’em Stick
1466 W. 11150 S.
South Jordan, UT 84095
(801) 556-1439
www.wolfem.com
Road Atlas
If it seems sneaky to hand children a fun, colorful book that just might teach them a thing or two, well, so be it.
The Kids’ Road Atlas from Rand McNally is full of state-by-state puzzles, travel games, and real road maps of all 50 states, simplified for youngsters. They’ll wade through information about state birds, flowers, trees, and capitals. By the time a trip ends, you just might have a geographical whiz kid on your hands. The 80-page book sells for $6.99.
Rand McNally
P.O. Box 7600
Chicago, IL 60680-9915
www.store.randmcnally.com
Road Trip Games
The longest road trip ever is the one spent with children who have nothing to keep them occupied. So, rather than listen to “Are we there yet?” 14 bazillion times, whip out Deckopedia’s 50 Road Trip Games: Challenging Fun for a Memorable Journey.
Each card in the box explains the rules of a different game; the number of players; minimum suggested age; and any materials that might be needed, such as pen and paper. Games are grouped into the categories of brain games; cherished classics; just for fun; and pop culture. Purchasers also get access to free, downloadable bonus material. Through July, FMCA members can take $3 off the regular $16.95 price of 50 Road Trip Games by ordering online with the promo code FMC3OFF.
Deckopedia Publishing Inc.
1140 Highland Ave., #194
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
www.deckopedia.com
Scavenger Hunt Game
A bald man. A red car. A license plate with the letter “Z.” Those are among the various and sundry objects that youngsters search for when they’re on a road trip and playing the “Travel Scavenger Hunt For Kids” card game from University Games.
Children can while away the hours and miles with the game’s 54 cards, some of which encourage kids to listen for sounds, feel for bumps, and sniff for scents. Tip: Pack a bag of prizes that kids can choose from when they win a round. The suggested retail price is $6.99.
University Games
2030 Harrison St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 503-1600
www.universitygames.com
Soft Kite
Good ol’ Charlie Brown always knew his kite was destined to be devoured by the kite-eating tree, but that didn’t stop him. Nor should it stop your young loved ones, who now can benefit from improved kite technology.
The Bora 5 from Prism Designs is a 40-inch-by-28-inch soft parafoil that needs no assembly and has no frame parts to lose or break. It’s suitable for beginner- to intermediate-level kite fliers. It features a sail made of ripstop polyester and a long, flowing tail. The Bora 5, which flies in winds from 6 mph to 25 mph, comes with 200 feet of braided polyester flying line that is said to resist tangles, and a hoop winder for letting out line and reeling it in. The parafoil stores in a small pouch. The Bora 5 costs $37. Other parafoil sizes are available.
Prism Designs Inc.
4214 24th Ave W.
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 547-1100
www.prismkites.com
Toy Motorhome
At 7.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 3.5 inches tall, the miniature Type A motorhome from Prime Products won’t take up much space in an actual motorhome.
The tiny Type A (part number 27-0001) is made of die-cast metal and plastic, and features a working awning and slideout. The toy’s pull-back action propels it without batteries. The roof and sides are removable, so kids can arrange the 15 furniture pieces in various floor plans. This product is not for children under age 3. The price is $14.95.
Prime Products also sells a Type C motorhome (part number 27-0005) for $9.95.
Prime Products
8519 Rosecrans Ave.
Paramount, CA 90723
(800) 327-7463
(562) 531-1395
Sun-Protective Hats
More than a stylish accessory item, Tuga’s bucket hats for boys and girls offer protection against the sun’s damaging rays. Tuga’s hats are made from chemical-free fabrics rated UPF 50+, which means 97.5 percent of the ultraviolet radiation is blocked.
The lightweight, quick-drying hats have a wide brim to protect the face, ears, and neck. They are available in a variety of patterns and colors, and are reversible. The chin strap is adjustable and removable. The suggested retail price of the hat is $22.
Tuga Sunwear
2444 Cades Way
Vista, CA 92081
(800) 482-8842
www.tuga.com
Portable High Chair
When you’re camping with a young one, it’s no fun to pack or lug around a humongous high chair. Fortunately, you don’t have to. The Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair, suitable for children up to age 3, requires no assembly and can be set up easily outdoors at campgrounds, indoors at restaurants, or anywhere you choose.
The high chair is lightweight (about 8 pounds), has a built-in cup holder and a clear vinyl tray, and folds up into a carrying bag in seconds. It’s available in a variety of solid colors for $67.99; chairs with Pink Mossy Oak or Mossy Oak Infinity designs cost $79.99; college logo chairs are $99.99. An optional clip-on umbrella costs $29.99.
Ciao! Baby
14014 Spring Mill Road
Louisville, KY 40245
(502) 241-5515
www.theportablehighchair.com