Gear And Books
Zoobies
Overview: A cuddly plush animal, a soft comfy pillow and a cozy warm blankey. There are a variety of zoo and safari animals to choose from and each has it’s own story. The soft coral fleece blankets are 33″x55″ and are stuffed inside the animal. (Blankets are machine washable and can zip off.) They can be purchased online.
Age: 2-7
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
zoobiepets.com
Approximate Price: $30
Submitted: 12/31/69
Amazon:
http://zoobiepets.com/
Keeping Kids Entertained
Overview: Toys are always great (you dont have to take them all. You will be surprised how many things they are entertained with at their new destination. * Books * Coloring books/crayons (I do not recommend felt pens) *Klutz: Kids Travel Kit filled with activities *Elmer’s: Go Paint! Mini Canvas – magic pad & paints only work together so there is no mess. * Stickers * Play-doh (great on the plane) * Magnet board & magnets, Magnadoodle, Etch-a-Sketch * A few legos * Box of fun band aids great for 18 month old-3 year old. The process of unwrapping and applying to self will keep child absorbed. * Wrap a few small gifts to be distributed throughout the day. It gives them something to look forward to when the boredom sets in. * Fun snacks * Electronics: Portable DVD players are wonderful-they are small & easy to travel with (car adapters & extra batteries available). They keep even young children entertained if you bring the right videos. You are also not depending on the airline choices for long trips. For older kids, Gameboys provide hours of entertainment. * For older kids: Give each of the kids a roll of quarters. Every time they misbehave, take 1 quarter from the person(s) responsible. Once you reach your destination, the child can spend the money they have left on whatever they choose.
Age: all
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
Approximate Price: $0
Submitted: 12/18/07
Around (name of city) With Kids, by Fodor
Overview: If you are going to be visiting a big city, be sure to check out this book series by Fodor. It is a small compact book (smaller than a paper back) and each book has 68 ideas of places to go that are kid friendly. Each attraction is on its own page, and includes the entrance fee, hours, phone numbers, trivia, age appropriateness ratings, and kid-friendly eats nearby. The back of the book even has games to play in the car. I have used the NYC, Washington D.C., and San Francisco books and I think they are very helpful.
Age: 0-16
Category: Gear
Where to Purchase:
Bookstore
Approximate Price: $10
Submitted: 12/05/07
Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guides
Overview: These guides are complete and compact. They have wonderful pictures and maps. There are even kid versions of them for your child to look at and help select activities. They include information on history, attractions, and shopping. We have used them for several different international trips and have found them very handy.
Age: 4 to adult
Category: Gear
Where to Purchase:
Many locations in town or online, or some older copies in the library system.
Approximate Price: $10
Submitted: 11/14/07
Wrist Reminders
Overview: These wrist reminders by Mead are meant to help kids remember things such as appointments, homework, etc. They are also great for traveling because you can put your contact info on them so that if your child is separated from you (ie: at Disneyland), they can go to security and show them how to reach you. The come in packs of 30.
Age: all
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
office supply store
Approximate Price: $2
Submitted: 09/25/07
Snack Trap & Water Bottle Spouts
Overview: If you haven’t used the snack trap with toddlers, it’s fantastic! It has a soft, plastic lid that covers the snack bowl, but allows kids to take out their snacks without spilling them everywhere (okay – a few crackers always manage to escape!). And if they are dropped, nothing falls out or gets in! The same website that sells the snack trap also has water bottle lids called lil toppers. They screw onto any water/juice/sport drink bottle and make it into a spill-proof, sippy cup-type lid. These are fantastic! Great for throwing in your bag or keeping in the car so you don’t have to bring sippy cups everywhere. Both of these are available through snacktrap.com.
Age: 1-5
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
Approximate Price: $5
Submitted: 09/11/07
Amazon:
snacktrap.com
Booster Chair – Fold-up
Overview: Turn any chair into a highchair by strapping this seat to an adult-sized chair. You can also use it as a booster by removing the tray and pushing the chair directly up to your table. The seat adjusts to two heights to accommodate your growing child, and features a three-point harness for safety. Lightweight and portable, its great for toting along to restaurants or to a friends house. There are several brands available.
Age: 1-4
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
Baby Stores, Online
Approximate Price: $20
Submitted: 09/11/07
Travel Potty
Overview: These are great for long car trips or camping, it easily folds to briefcase size. Attach a ziploc bag, and this potty goes anywhere. The two large storage compartments provide room for supplies, and it comes with 4 zippered, disposable gallon bags. This is great for parks without bathrooms during the potty training stage.
Age: 2-5
Category: Kids Stuff
Where to Purchase:
Online
Approximate Price: $25
Submitted: 09/11/07