As a dad of three young kids, I'm always on the lookout for fun, educational toys that encourage my kids to explore.
This Christmas I did some searching and found a few cool potential gifts for the young explorers in your family. Below is a link to the items with a quick blurb from me about each:
- Child's Pith Safari Helmet Costume Hat : This hat is stiff and strong, but obviously not made as a safety helmet. However, it does appear strong enough to weather significant use from active children.
- Book: A Genuine and Moste Authentic Guide: Explorer: A Daring Guide for Young Adventurers : This book is really cool. Each page covers another aspect of exploration and many different environments and historical expeditions are discussed.
- Watch-A-Bug wrist bug containers : These little wrist containers are really fun. They have a little screen covering that allows kids to carry their new bug friends on their wrist.
- Summit Backyard Safari Utility Belt : A fun belt to go along with the cargo vest below.
- Child Outback Hat with Teeth : A nice compliment to the pith helmet. The material is leather-like and the croc teeth add a nice exotic twist.
- Carson Adventure Pack Containing Binoculars, Compass, Flashlight, & Whistle/Thermometer : This is a relatively inexpensive way to get your young explorer some fun items. Each pack contains a nylon carrying case for binnoculars, flashlight, compass, and whistle/thermometer. The binoculars do not seem flimsy and have a solid feel. Much better than most "kiddie" gear and for a decent price.
- Backyard Safari Cargo Vest : This khaki vest is a child-size cargo vest with lots of pockets for various expedition items. Appears well-made and sturdy.
- 4D Vision Great White Shark Anatomy Model : Not really a piece of adventure gear, but a really cool shark model.
- Mega Shark Teeth Science Kit : A fun way to teach kids about sharks. Actual teeth in this kit.
Outback HatVtech Kidizoom Camera : Of all the kid cameras I researched, this one had the best customer reviews and seemed the best overall value for kids. Feels solid and is well-designed for child-size hands. - Two Way Walkie Talkie Wristwatches : I haven't tried these out yet, but they got good reviews and are a fun way to keep in touch with the kids when out and about. Got good reviews on various websites.
- The North Face Sprout Backpack : Not big, but cute and inexpensive. A good size for the under 5 year old crowd.
- Princeton Tec Bot Headlamp : Small, lightweight headlamps in fun kid colors. Seem rugged and have a bright light beam.
I'll let you know how the kids react to the gifts. Oh, and in case you're wondering, the photo above if for multiple kids and will be split between Christmas and birthdays.
