When it's good to FIDGIT.

Need something to keep little (or BIG!) hands occupied?  We have some great 'fidget' toys - packable, and ready to use anywhere.

First, the Tangle Jr. from Toysmith, a plastic multi-segmented toy that twists, bends, and morphs into many shapes (not to mention looks different in daylight, night time and BLACK light!).  The pieces come apart so there are endless possibilities for 'fidgeting'.  When connected it is 7" in length, but when disconnected it can stretch to 15".  In fact, if  you buy more than one Tangle Jr. it can  connect into even MORE possibilities.

Secondly, is the 12-segmented, multi-colored cube wooden fidget toy also from Toysmith. (this does NOT come apart).  It has an elastic in the center allowing it to bend into many 'cube' configurations. It's slightly smaller at total maximum length of 6".  A great toy for teaching geometry (kids won't even know!!)

Fidget toys make excellent travel activities and provide a great way to busy impatient traveling hands!

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.

Online Literacy Products & Books for Kids

The following was written by Shara Lawrence-Weiss of MommyPerks, and available here with her permission.

The MommyPerks Community (which KidsTravelHappy.com is proud to be a part of) offers numerous choices for book browsing.

With so many reading, literacy and book websites Online, where do you turn to find something unique? Where do you look in order to locate quality reading materials or hard-to-find themes and selections?

Here are a few of the small businesses offering books and literacy products on Mommy Perks:

Barefoot Books (Amy)

With a focus on multicultural books and concepts, Barefoot has set itself apart. Browse through to find holiday topics, family books, cultural stories, early readers and more. You won’t find TV characters featured in these stories: Barefoot Books focuses on real-life people and story-lines.

Slimy Bookworm

Tired of looking through websites that offer ‘adult-like’ books on so-called ‘kid sites?’ Slimy Bookworm is here to help with your family friendly book buying needs. From birth-12, there’s something for every reader! A portion of all sales is donated to inner city literacy efforts.

Finding Our ‘Ohana

This pro-adoption story highlights children in Hawaii who are searching for their ‘Ohaha (family). Follow their journey and delight in a little Hawaiian culture at the same time.

Kids Travel Happy

Did you think that Kids Travel Happy was just for toys and games? Think again. You’ll find books here, also: hands-on (including Invisible Ink Game Books - fun, fun!!), travel books, Mad Libs, dot-to-dot and more. Stock a few books in your car for long drives!

Find Me Book

What if we took the “Where’s Waldo” book concept but turned that into a personalized search-and-find coffee table book? Welcome to Find Me Book! Upload 6 photos (family or pets) and choose 11 scenes. The faces will scatter throughout the pages and your kids will enjoy finding their own faces…over and over again.

Personal Child Stories

Hand crafted books, written upon order based on the child’s life situation and needs. Personal photos are used as the graphics, rather than clip art. Books are laminated and can be colored on and wiped clean. Text can be written in any language.

Happy reading and learning!

Take your SHOW on the Road

Here's the situation, you have a tween, who insists on plugging their earbuds in, and passing the multi-hour road trip in his/her own head.... well, we think all minds grow better with creativity, learning and performance. Just in - many books & activities from KLUTZ to pass the time and open the mind (and do NOT take batteries, just a little brain power). With this Klutz Book of Magic, think of the fun your kid will have upon the return of their road trip, showing off all of their new 'tricks' (pun intended).
Highlights of this Book:

• it's the best-selling magic book in print!
• comes with 5 props including chrome ring, nylon cord, silk scarf (and two they don't let us mention!?)
• 34 tricks with detailed instructions
• spiral bound book
• for ages 8 and up (fun for adults too!)

Check this and many other sets for older kids for travel or holiday giving!

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!! :-)_

Yes and Know Invisible Ink Games

You remember the days, the back seat, nudging a sibling for the coveted "middle" part of the seat so you could comfortably tackle your 'invisible ink' activities. Those days are NOT over (well, maybe you are a prominent occupant of the FRONT seat), and you can share the fun and mystery of what this "magic pen" is all about.

We feel they are about as much fun as you can get for $2.25 (mini activity books such as BINGO, FLEET, MAZE, etc) up to $3.55 (for Rhyme, ABC, 123, and Occupation sets for 3 and up, and other Yes & Know for those 7 up to adult).
So much fun from a pen that doesn't even look like it will write! Won't leave a mess on skin, the car, the couch, a restaurant table, or the living room rug!

Cat's Cradle, a classic UNplugged Activity

What better way to keep traveling hands busy than the Cat's Cradle book and string from Klutz? As an adult I still enjoy my boys marveling at my childhood acquired string 'skills'. "Make the ladder, mommy", "show me the tea and saucer", "meow.... the kitty whiskers".

The "Book of String Figures" from Klutz consists of a book with instructions for 5 different 'figures', and a 'multi-colored' string. The activities can occupy one or two 'players' depending on the figure.

Pack an extra String, and you'll be ready to pass many, many miles (or, perhaps some rainy days!)

Doodles ALL the way....

Next time you pack up your kids for a trip, why not equip them with 'doodle' activities. They allow for guided creativity, and plenty of open-ended fun!

We think we have found some of the best ones out there.
Here they are in brief:

• Doodles to Go: Oodles of Step-by-Step Doodles ($12.95)
• Doodles at Dinner (or at Lunch): 36-tear off placemats to doodle on, bound on a cardboard pad, making them just as good for back seats or on kid's lap ($10.99)
• Doodles: A Really GIANT (not just) Coloring and Doodling Book (my personal favorite): hundreds of pages and ideas to get the creativity flowing, a really cool book ($19.99)
  

• Scribble & Doodle: perfect for the youngest 'doodlers', includes finger crayons! ($9.95)
  
• Hypotrochoid: a portable spirograph kit, small enough to take anywhere, but big on unique designs ($5.95)
  
• Doodle Balls: a self-contained magnetic activity to test the imagination as well as the hand-eye coordination.($1.99)

More Info on all of these items

So, give it a try, we think your kids will LOVE 'doodling all the way'!

Settle in with Crafts for home OR on-the-go!

Living in Maine, I DO love winter, but I also love cuddling up with a warm cup of tea (or coffee, depending on time of day!), and my knitting. I enjoy knitting in the car, on a plane (needles are no longer 'banned'), with friends, watching a movie, sitting with the kids on the couch, or just about anywhere. Occasionally, I even get to hang out with my mom (who taught me to knit many years ago), and chat about life, kids, etc.

Knitting is extremely portable, and I find it's always good for a conversation starter as well. Other knitters (myself included) can't help but inquire about what someone else is knitting, who it may be for (rarely for the knitter her/himself!), type of yarn, and more... every stitch has a story.

At KidsTravelHappy.com we like to offer crafts that promote creativity, stimulate the mind, work on hand-eye coordination, teach reading of patterns, and are a fun way to pass the time at home or on-the-go. Let's not forget that in the end (best of all!) you'll have something to show (give, share...) when it's completed.

Our top suggestions are the following

My Chunky & Funky Scarf Kit from Alex Toys (pictured top on left): Includes the 'chunky' yarn, needles and easy instructions. Save the box and you'll be ready to take your project anywhere.


Schylling Toy's Potholder Loom & Loop Kit: everything you need to make potholders (or drink coasters, or wall hangings...), a metal loom, and plenty of loops (150 of them!) to make the miles go by quickly

Classic French Knitting Flower from International Playthings: the perfect introduction to 'knitting' for those not quite ready for the Scarf Kit. Comes with a kid-safe needle, a variety of yarn colors and ONE knitting flower

Boys will enjoy theses as much as girls, no need to lump these activities into any gender stereotype! It's easy to be 'crafty'!

Travel Hula Hoop Giveaway

We thought finding a quality Hula Hoop for our shop wouldn't be so difficult. We've had a few requests at our storefront, and thus went 'on the hunt' for a match between quality, and packability (keeping in mind that we are primarily a TRAVEL activity store!). Well, not many companies offer a solid Hula Hoop that comes apart. After searching near & far, we are so psyched to have found and to offer an 8-piece Hula Hoop unlike any other (at least in our humble opinion).

The Hula Hoop is 'wavy' which helps keep the hoop on the hips more easily, especially for beginners. The basic hoop one weighs about a pound, and we also carry a 1.5 and 2.0 pound version. All versions pack well for travel. You will be wanting this classic activity to borrow from your kids for fitness! We believe it's a great way to keep kids (and adults) active during travel or anytime. At $8.99 for the 1 pound version it's hard to resist! And, although the 1 pound is described as for 0-60 pound kids, we find it the perfect 'one size fits all' Hula Hoop.

We recently had a Hula Hooping Contest at a local fair in Bethel, Maine with the 1 pound version, and the winner kept it orbiting around his for over 33 minutes, and may have been longer if it weren't for an unsuspecting spectator. (OK, the challenge has been set!)

We thought this would be a fun thing to giveaway. Our experience last weekend had us realizing this is something that brings out fond memories for 'big people' and renewed curiosity in the next generation of hip "swayers"!

Would you like to win one?! One lucky winner will receive the 1 pound, 8-piece Sports Hoop, and FREE standard shipping within the U.S. We always extend the FREE shipping offer to any additional items you care to order, but, of course, there is no obligation to do so.

It's easy, here are several ways you earn entries (feel free to enter in ONE method or ALL or any amount in between!)

1. become a follower of our BLOG (on the right-hand column of our BLOG)
   
2. follow us on Twitter, comment here with your twitter name so we can check
   
3. RT about this contest and include @kidstravelhappy as proof, and comment here that you tweeted
4. Become a Facebook fan
5. go to our home page and join our newsletter (sign up is lower LEFT of screen, you may have to scroll down)
   
6. leave a comment about a Hula Hoop memory you may have
7. visit this link, and tell us what other classic toy/game you like from our site
   
8. blog about this giveaway, and leave a comment here with the link (this is worth 5 entries, so leave 5 comments about it)

Remember, basically, you should leave a comment for every way you participate so that you earn the proper entries, we will check links etc.

WINNER to be ANNOUNCED on August 5th (NOTE: this has been extended as we posted this contest late this month), with help from Random.org. Entries received until August 4th at 11:59PM Eastern Time.

Good luck and get those hips shakin'!

Pack Small, Exercise BIG

We're very excited to have found and added some really fun, exercise-based activities that pack small for travel. This week we feature the company "Just Jump It" as a NEW addition to our lineup of offerings.

Remember 'Romper Stompers'? Just Jump It offers their 'modern' version, the 'EZ Stepper'. Strings are adjustable to make handles for those small or tall, and they hold up to 100 pounds (this over 100-pounder, has done NO damage to them yet, however!!).

Next on the list of easy to pack, fun to play, is the 'skipper' - a nicely weighted ball with a bell (makes a soothing 'jingle' when it is shaken) on a sting with a loop that is stepped into and positioned on an ankle. Place the ball behind you and kick forward to get it going. Very little space is needed to get kids moving - use in an airport, at the playground, waiting for the bus, or at a rest area to get the 'blood' flowing. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the challenge.

Lastly, from Just Jump It, is a solid-colored, polypropelene (and washable!) jump rope. You can get an 8-foot, solo rope, or a 16-foot 16-foot ropes for 'double-dutch'). These do NOT come with handles, but for good reason - adjust the knot at the end of the rope depending on the size of the user, and it's a one-size fits all, high-quality jump rope. We really like the 'swing weight' of the rope, and it's a good value at $5.50 for the 8-foot rope. multi-player rope (or, TWO).

These were so popular at a recent festival in town, we almost ran out! We think you'll LOVE them too. Not only are they a perfect travel activity, they add some exercise to any summer outing.

(Hmm... maybe a good future GIVEAWAY item?). Stay tuned for MORE ideas for on-the-go exercise toys and activities!

We now have a Bethel, Maine Storefront!

A NEW TOY SHOP !?

It isn't EXACTLY how I written my business plan, but couldn't pass up an opportunity to give it a shot at a location shared with a well-established local Outdoor Business, TRUE NORTH Adventureware, on Route 26 just outside of downtown Bethel, Maine.

If you are in the area please stop in for last minute holiday gifts, get your hands on some of the things we carry online. We have a good selection of our online offerings, and several toys and games to try out. Or, you can shop the FULL selection ANYTIME at our website . If you are local (or know you will be passing through) you can save ALL shipping costs by selecting “Bethel Pickup” at checkout and pick up your order at our shop(196 Walkers Mills Rd) **our entrance is at the left side of the parking lot as you enter the lot – look for the yellow Kids Travel Happy banner over the door!

For now, I am trying to work out my 'one person operation' hours.
Currently, they are:

December 14th Sunday 12noon – 4:30PM
December 15th Monday CLOSED (OPEN by chance)
December 16th Tuesday CLOSED (OPEN by chance)
December 17th Wednesday 10AM-2PM
December 18th Thursday 10AM-2PM
December 19th Friday 12noon-2PM, 4PM-6PM
December 20th Saturday 12noon-6PM
December 21st Sunday 12noon-6PM
December 22nd Monday 12noon-6PM
December 23rd Tuesday 12noon-6PM
December 24th Wednesday 10AM – 1PM

The above are hours I can pretty much 'guarantee'. Please understand that I am trying to balance time between filling online orders and staffing a brand new storefront (and at present, these things are accomplished at different locations, which in time may change!). This is all a little over-whelming, exciting, a little scary, but mostly fun and challenging! Daily the store will have new things, and a new look.

Look for the OPEN flag at our entrance at other times, or call 207-357-1442 to confirm.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS AND DECEMBER 26th

please visit the website for post-Christmas Shop Hours and more info as the store develops and establishes itself in our community. Thank you for your support, and hope to see you online or in person!

I Spy Bags by Those Greathouse Women

Today I received my shipment from Those Greathouse Women, the makers of the innovative, adorable, soft, irresistible I Spy Bags.

I must say, I loved them when I saw them online, but when I saw them first-hand, I couldn't believe they were even CUTER in person!

What is the I Spy Bag? Basically, the I Spy Bag is a fleece bean bag with a clear window. Instead of beans, there are BPA/DEHP free polypropylene pellets. Various trinkets are hidden among the pellets for children to “discover.” All items are printed on a fabric label securely sewn to the back.

It is a great children’s toy that cannot be opened, and keeps most children quietly occupied during long waits (doctor, travel, grocery). Parents of special needs children find this game to be beneficial for coordination and tactile development. Adults also enjoy playing with this simple game.

The products are completely handmade in Those Greathouse Women's studio in Michigan. Attention to detail and safety is of utmost importance. All seams are double stitched and glued for added security. They take every precaution to ensure that each bag will stay sealed under normal conditions.

We think you won't be able to resist either! Please visit our site to see the range of price offerings of I Spy Bags in a variety of styles. A child will thank you for it! They make great travel activities, as well as the perfect item for a child's holiday gift swap at school. Adults will have fun with them TOO!