Kid Tracks Column: Holiday shopping

Making a list and checking it twice for cool outdoor toys

My family has a variety of outdoor activity interests and because of that, we have a lot of equipment needs. Christmas at our house usually includes splurging on a gift that I think is both practical and fun for everyone in the family. And more often than not, it is typically something that will keep us active outdoors and spending time together.

WOOL SOCKS
I know, socks are not the most exciting gift to put under the tree, but not only will they keep your child’s feet warm and dry, you will hear a lot fewer complaints about cold feet out on the trail. Merino wool socks are my family’s favorite because they are really soft and don’t shrink when washed and put in the drier.

The “Smart Wool” brand is widely available in adult and kid sizes and retails for $12-$20, depending on style and size. But if you’re looking for a bargain, “irregulars” can sometimes be found at L.L. Bean’s outlet stores for about half that price at this time of year.

MOISTURE-WICKING TOPS
These tops have a technical-sounding name but it’s just thermal underwear made with a special wool or synthetic fiber (not cotton) that keeps skin warm and dry.

Merino wool tops are pricey ($60 or more), but we’ve found synthetic blends, like Hot Chilly’s Pepper Skins sold at Olympia Sports, for about $25. They keep us dry and comfortable when we’re out cross-country skiing or sledding. Both the kids and I have tried nylon/spandex blend tops and we don’t like them for winter. The nylon is cold against our skin and even though the material does a good job keeping us relatively dry once we start sweating, we are not warm and cozy. And cotton thermal tops, usually the cheapest option, are not great for active sports (like sledding, skiing and snowshoeing) because once they get wet, they stay wet.

TRAIL BACKPACKS
Buying special backpacks designated only for your outdoor adventures can help get your crew ready for your adventure more quickly and efficiently. My kids use backpacks that are smaller than their usual school packs because they can’t handle too much weight when we’re hiking (or skiing) on a mountain. A smaller pack forces them to make better choices about what they actually need when they’re out on the trail, as well. Patches and pins to sew or iron onto the packs also make great stocking stuffers.

SNOWSHOES
This is a bigger-ticket item, but outfitting everyone with snowshoes ensures you’ll fit exercise in to your life this winter. We’ve found beginner snowshoes at discount stores for around $50, but you’re more likely to spend $125-$150 on a better quality pair at an outfitter-type store. Before you purchase, make sure to ask if the snowshoes require special boots. We prefer the type that can be worn with any type snowboot so that we can get more than one season from the kids’ gear.

BIKE RACK
This makes a great family gift, especially if someone is already getting a new bike for Christmas. Trunk strap-on racks that carry three bikes are typically less than $50 at discount stores. Hitch-mounted racks that carry four or more bikes typically start at $150 at outfitter-type stores. My family of four has managed to use a trunk rack for years by putting our youngest daughter’s smaller framed bike inside the mini van.

GPS UNIT
A GPS can make a great family gift because it not only teaches the kids about geography and maps, it’s also a tool used to play games like geocaching and EarthCache. Geocaching is a fun way to explore hiking trails and it gives kids an incentive (finding the hidden “treasure” box) to get out and exercise with mom and dad. And if you’re new to hiking or looking to explore new trails, geocachers often post detailed trail descriptions that include ratings to make choosing trails that fit your family’s interests and fitness level easier.
Hand-held GPS units, which are different from car units, start at about $100. For more information about Geocaching and using a GPS unit, go to raisingmaine.com/GPS.

Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, December 2008