Bluetooth Headphones
Are your kids tired of getting tangled up in their wired headphones? Kidz Gear Bluetooth Stereo Headphones allow young listeners to be unplugged when listening to music.
The wireless headphones can be used with most electronic devices that support Bluetooth V4.0 technology. A rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery powers the headphones for up to 10 hours of listening time. If battery power runs out, the headphones can be used with an audio cable, which is included. The headphones are available in blue or pink. The price is $29.99.
Kidz Gear
4665 Golden Foothill Pkwy.
Suite 106
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(877) 543-9432
www.gearforkidz.com
Activity Book
A fun activity that keeps young travelers busy is good. If it also involves learning something useful, that’s even better. The StickerUSA Activity Book, from publisher Barker Creek, may fit the bill.
The 158-page book contains an activity page for each state and more than 300 colorful stickers. The stickers — which include state names, capitals, flags, flowers, birds, and two-letter postal abbreviations — are used to fill in the blanks on each state’s activity page. On the back of each page, there’s room to write a brief report or journal entry about the state. Pages with information about time zones, mountain ranges, and fun facts are included, along with a set of state flashcards. The price of the book is $19.99.
Barker Creek
P.O. Box 2610
Poulsbo, WA 98370
(800) 692-5833
www.barkercreek.com
Camping Game
Kids spend enough time with digital devices. On your next motorhome excursion, try a fun alternative — a game the entire family can play. “Spot it! Gone Camping” comes with 55 circular cards, each with symbols related to camping, such as gear, nature, animals, and more. The challenge for players is to quickly find matching symbols.
“Spot It! Gone Camping” can be played by two to eight people, ages 7 to adult. The game’s play time is 10 to 20 minutes. The suggested retail price is $12.99.
Asmodee North America
1995 County Road B2 W.
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 639-1905
www.asmodee.com
Knot-Tying Game
Learning to tie a knot is not all for naught. Maybe you were taught and forgot, but you ought not be caught unable to tie several knots. Here’s the point: Almost anyone can learn to tie a variety of knots playing Knot So Fast, a hands-on game from ThinkFun. One to four people can play; it’s recommended for ages 8 and up.
Players earn points by being first to correctly tie a knot shown on a card. Rule variations allow beginners and experts to compete on an even playing field. The suggested retail price is $1,999 — NOT! It’s $19.99.
ThinkFun Inc.
1321 Cameron St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 468-1864
(703) 549-4999
www.thinkfun.com
LCD Sketch Board
Chances are your child or grandchild will not be the next Picasso or Matisse. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to encourage doodling on a device such as Magic Sketch. Using the four provided styluses, kids can write or draw on the liquid crystal screen, like pen on paper. The screen clears with the push of a button.
The see-through screen allows kids to trace using either the 60 provided stencils or their own images. More images can be made with a roller and three stamps, which are included. The device, which comes with a protector guard, is water-resistant and designed so it won’t break if dropped or stepped on. It operates on a battery that is said to last seven years. The price is $29.95.
Infomercials Inc.
2880 N. Lambs Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89115
(844) 482-1450
www.magicsketch.com
Ring Toss Game
GOstik’s Ring Toss Game is a variation on a simple diversion that has been played for eons by people the world over. The object: Gently swing a ring, which is attached to a string, so that the ring catches on a hook several feet away.
GOstik’s game is portable. It can attach via a suction cup to the side of an RV, or to any clean, flat, nonporous surface. You can create your own rules. Example: Each player gets 10 swings of the ring per turn; the winner is the first person to get 10 “hooked” rings. The game folds up easily for storage. The price is $39.
GOstik Products
1406 Beach Club Lane
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
(813) 833-7360
www.gostikproducts.com
Inflatable Float
Sure, kids can take a black inner tube to the beach. Bor-ing! What about an inflatable pizza slice, giraffe, ice-cream cone, or giant flamingo? Those are just a few of the colorful pool floats available from HearthSong.
Prices vary, depending on the float. The giant flamingo sells for $29.98. It is made of heavy-duty vinyl and measures 47 inches by 48 inches by 421/2 inches. You’ll need a lot of air to inflate this bird, so consider purchasing HearthSong’s electric air pump; it costs $29.98.
HearthSong
(800) 533-4397
www.hearthsong.com
Portable Treehouse
Children love treehouses, but typically they’re stationary. Not so the TreePod, a portable treehouse for ages 6 and up. It hangs from any sturdy branch, or other hanging point, and requires no hammer or nails.
The TreePod weighs 11 pounds and is made with UV- and water-resistant nylon that is supported by aluminum framing. Features include two mesh windows, a zippered front door, and a circular floor with space for two to three kids. Ground stakes are provided to prevent the treehouse from spinning, but you’ll need to buy your own rope to hang the TreePod. It has a 500-pound weight limit and should not be set higher than 4 feet off the ground. Various colors are available. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $325.
Slackline Industries
5277 Manhattan Circle
Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80303
www.mytreepod.com
(303) 443-0163
Rain Jacket
As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow pointed out, into each life some rain must fall. Young children probably don’t mind so much (Yay! Mud!), especially if it means wearing a cute rain jacket.
The Bumkins Rain Jacket is available in a variety of colorful prints. It’s made of waterproof, machine-washable, PVC-free fabric and features a snap enclosure and elastic around the cuffs and hood to help keep water out. Size small (6-18 months) measures 29 inches from cuff to cuff; 151/2 inches from the shoulder down; and 14 inches across the chest. Size medium (18-24 months) measures 34 inches cuff to cuff; 19 inches from the shoulder down; and 15 inches across the chest. The price is $17.95.
Bumkins
5454 E. Washington St. #2
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(480) 481-3618
www.bumkins.com