Enter to win from KidsTravelHappy

AND, up to 19 other prizes.  Not only are we part of the Mommy Perks Holiday Guide, we have donated a prize toward the Mommy Perks Holiday 2011 Giveaway; a great way to win some gifts for the holiday season, and learn about small, women owned companies on the web!

We're giving away a Plan Toy Shape and Sort it Out set (or, a $20 gift certificate)

Check out the other companies and items HERE.  Choose only those items you can use or are interested in winning.  Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

Remember at www.KidsTravelHappy.com we have 99 cent (per item) holiday gift wrapping, competitive shipping rates and FREE Shipping (in US) with any order over $99.

We have hundreds of items under $10 for school gift exchanges or for filling stockings; or shop the under $5 for quality, economical choices for travel or gift-giving.

Lastly, don't forget to check out the guide in the post below and find a coupon code to save even more on our site.

We're part of the Gift Guide

Yes, we are a small business, and we appreciate every one of our customers.  Because we are small, we are also (have to be) very selective about where we advertise.  

This year we are proud to be part of the Mommy Perks Holiday Guide, and among many other top-quality Mom-owned businesses.

Of course we want you to think small busines, and remind you that your dollar has a much greater impact on independent business than it does on the 'BIG' stores out there.  Just something to think about.  The difference in a $1 or $2 will result in much better customer service, quick shipping and personal care given to your order.

We hope you will support Kids Travel Happy and many other small business in the Holiday Guide or in your local area.

This guide is FULL of great ideas, and lots of savings.  Browse thru to find a coupon for 25% off any order at Kids Travel Happy of at least $25.  Always FREE shipping on orders $99 and up (US addresses), and only 99 cents per item for holiday gift wrap!

Rexlace - What is this stuff??

Often called Boondoggle, gimp or plastic lacing, this 'rexlace' can provide hours of on-the-go bracelet, or other 'gadget' creation. This also makes a great party favor gift, as you could cut a few colors into shorter lengths and give away multi-colored sets (or, frankly, at 69 cents a 'color' it is quite affordable to have several colors on hand!)

More details?

• each 'clump' is 177 inches (13 feet)
• comes with a lanyard snap (clip on your keychain, make a zipper-pull etc.)
  
• assortment of 12 colors
  
• made by Pepperell for Toysmith
• fits in a pocket, backpack or palm of your hand!
  
• for ages 6 and up

Our favorite site to learn how to make really cool things with this stuff.

Custom Activity Kits make 'gifting' Easy

We love telling about our travel adventures (near and far) and we like to think that these journeys have helped us learn how to make the trip more fun and interesting for kids.

Do you have a child or grandchild going on a trip? A niece? Nephew? Friend's family? With the holidays coming up (and inevitably holiday travel, whether it's on a plane or off to grandma's), gift giving can get overwhelming.

Not sure what to get? We'd like to think that we have the answer to this dilemma!

We have designed our exclusive Custom Travel Activity Kits - in our own cinch sack which start at $49. All you have to do as the purchaser is answer a few questions to give us some ideas on what to pack, including: gender, age, type of travel, categories to include (or NOT to include), any items you definitely want included, and a couple other questions. It just takes a moment and then we do the rest of the work. (and, if you are NOT sure how to answer the questions, let the child do so buy purchasing a KTH Gift Certificate!)

These kits always ship no later than the next business day as we make them from in-stock items. An added bonus is for kits $99 and up they ship FREE (U.S. addresses), and for kits $149 and up you receive a FREE KTH Essentials Kit (more INFO HERE on that)Don't want to spend a minimum of $49? Well, we also have 'mini' kits that start at $9.99. We can pack this category of custom kits with a fun, economical set of 'classic' toys & games for the budding 'globe trotter' - these also make a great alternative to traditional "Party Favor" bags. (photo is a sample of $9.99 contents)

We've all been in the situation where we hear "I'm bored", "When are we going to get there" etc... These kits are sure to keep these statements to a minimum and will be something to play with LONG after the trip is over. Remember, when "kids travel happy" adults can too!! :-)_

Getting Kids into the GIVING Spirit

As a online and brick & mortar store owner, I have my kids around LOTs of retail items, and mostly toys, no less. I will say, for the most part, they are very good about knowing what is OK to play with and what is for sale, and NOT OK to play with.

I do struggle, however, with how to teach my 3 and 6 year old boys the importance of giving back. So, I did what any good parent does, and researched to create my strategy.

A few of our ideas:

• We like to give each kids a (very modest) budget for 'checking off' those on the list closest to them. We encourage them to either pool their money for that special item, or use it to buy craft/art supplies to make their gifts. Framed artwork, special school projects, handwritten poems or letters always mean so much more (and sentimentally worth more) than anything purchased for any amount of money.
• Volunteer as a family for money collections, donate your time at a food bank or soup kitchen. Show kids that these can be fun and rewarding ways to 'give'.
• Have kids help pick out a "Heifer International"(or similar organization) gift or other gift that keeps on giving (that is, donates a certain percentage to a good cause)
  
• Have a discussion about all of the things (maybe some that we take for granted) you have as a family or as an individual, and help kids recognize that 'having' isn't only about material things.
  

Here are a few great articles that shine light on how to enlighten kids on the art and rewards of 'giving'. (and there are endless articles)

• Best Ways to Make Holiday Season about Giving to Others With Kids: (one of my favorite lists!)
  
• One Family's Story: Make sure to read through the "Six Ways to Get Going on Giving"
• "Shockingly Easy Ways to Give Back" (and make a difference
  

As adults I feel it's important to practice restraint and NOT to purchase everything on your child's 'wish list' whether you can afford to or not.