Bop it to 'Em

They weigh less than a pound (including the box!), pack easily, and pack a LOT of (somewhat) safe PUNCH!  Hours of fun with these Soccer Boppers from Schylling Toys - a classic toy that has withstood the change of times.

They come as a pair (although the box shows a friendly 'match' of 2 pairs) and can be taken anywhere or used for all kinds of fun BOPPING at home!  We suggest taping out a 'ring' and letting kids have fun with the boppers.  Make up your own rules to keep things fun and safe, and we suggest adult supervision.

These make a great holiday gift for a kid or for those that are kids at heart! 

A fun way for kids to take out their frustrations:  let them punch the couch, put up your hands as target - endless ways to avoid them taking it out on their siblings! 

An UNlikely Travel "TOY" ?!

"Measure" away your travel day with this 5' (60 inches, 150cm) tape measure from Toysmith. The perfect tool to learn units, numbers, metric system. Kids will have fun measuring anything around them. SO many games to make up with a tape measure (and, perfect size for a knitting bag or purse!)

A few suggestions

• first of all, ANYTHING (well, less than 60 inches, with this tape) can be measured. Wherever you go, there's always SOMETHING! this is the most basic, yet widest-reaching game
• how long is his/her hand (foot, shoe, hair)?, Mom's? Dad's? Siblings?
  
• use to count by 2s, 10s etc..
• use to teach fractions of units
• use to teach conversion from English to Metric units

This simple measuring tape locks when pulled out, retracts at push of a button, fits in a pocket, carryon or purse.

And, if the child grows tired of it, it's perfect for the tool box, knitting bag or sewing set!

The Latest Craze?

OK, we're not that much (maybe a LITTLE) into crazes, etc... but, these were hard to resist, and my kids think they are pretty cool (and, in the end, THEY are my audience).

Just arrived at KidsTravelHappy.com, SHAPED rubber band. WHAT you may say (if you are anything like me). Rubberbands are oval-shaped, right? Well, apparently NOT anymore.


Check out the shaped rubberbands that we have, which, frankly, don't really get used as rubberbands all that much.

Here's what we've used them for

• storytelling
• the car set makes a great scene
• if one is careful, they can be traced
• bracelets
• oh, and in a pinch can be used for whatever regular (boring) rubberbands do

They pack a lot of punch in a 12-pack and each 12-pack comes with 2 each of 6 designs. Yes, they sound a little silly, but you'll really be able to stretch a lot of activities out of them, pun intended!

Just for Fun - Classic Tin Toy

We've had a fun response from adding this item to our shop. I must say, not a single one has yet to sell online, and more of these Jack-in-the-Boxes have sold to adults (for their own use!), than to adults to give as gifts.

What's the buzz? We're not exactly sure, but as you crank the handle of the tin box, it sings "pop goes the weasel" (well, the tune, not the words), and reliably "Pops" to reveal the sock monkey on the "POP" of the song... brilliant!

OK, so maybe YOU don't REALLY need one for yourself (or, MAYBE you DO?) but surely any young child you know would really enjoy it. The Sock Monkey Jack in the Box is a delight at home or on the go, and you'll be amazed at the range of appeal!

A classic for the bookshelf, or a great gift for the 'soon to be older sibling' at a baby shower.

Travel Hula Hoop WINNER announced

Congratulations to Bridget from California - this month's giveaway winner chosen as #26 at Random.org.

Please let us know what you think when you receive the item!

Thanks to all who participated and we will post another giveaway later this month, as well as links to other giveaways we sponsor.

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!

Kids Magnetic Poetry & GIVEAWAY INFO - CLOSED

Magnetic Poetry is traditionally thought of as something fun to clutter up the refrigerator (unless yours is stainless steel, in which case, this will be of particular interest!). Well, if you are inspired to purchase a set for your fridge, that's fine, but we are going to explain how they are a great travel toy (yes, small parts, so NOT for those under 3!).
The key piece to the 'fun with Magnetic Poetry on-the-go' however, is the addition of a Magnetic Board. We carry them in two sizes 9.5 " x 12" (best, in our opinion, for all modes of travel, as it fits easily in a standard-sized kid's backpack) and 12" x 16" (a larger surface, more suited for vehicle travel or home use, or rig it up on a stainless steel fridge and NOT feel out of the loop!)

We carry a variety of Magnetic Poetry items for kids (click on any photo above for more details) OR, see all of our Magnetic Poetry Items HERE

• ABC 123 has over 1" square pieces with single letters or numbers on them, great for those early spellers
• Adventure Storymaker (and there's a 'regular' storymaker set too) is the perfect set for those ready become a magnetic 'author'
  
• sets that help teach a language (Spanish or French)
• "in other words" teaches synonyms
• first words and REALLY BIG words are similar, the major difference being that the REALLY BIG WORDS are physically larger pieces, and more easily maneuvered by small hands. The Really BIG Words also come in their own ready to go tin!
• the Monsters & Cuties set has pieces to make funny 'cute' monsters, for those not wanting to construct things with words, letters or numbers
  

Well, we don't want you to entirely have to take our word for it. We want someone to WIN their choice of any of the kits on this page, along with a Magnetic Board, and FREE STANDARD SHIPPING to any U.S. address. (And, if you care to order anything else, we'll extend the FREE SHIPPING offer to the entire order!)

What do you have to do to enter the GIVEAWAY? Simple. Just leave a comment below (if the comment box is not showing, click on # comments)=with your email contact (spell it out if you don't want it to link, for example folks@kidstravelhappy.com = folks at kidstravelhappy dot com). We want to hear which set you would want and why, or tell us what your 'magnetic poetry' story would be about. Each of the photos are linked back to our site so you can check out more details of each.

Thanks for playing and good luck! Winner will be announced on June 1st!

Have a Ball - kids of all ages love 'em

This topic occurs to me as I'm siting at the computer and my kids are running out the last of their evening's energy. Balls, any kind, size, or form see to spark the imagination and play of almost any child (or, adult for that matter).

We have a rule in our house about how high a ball can go (knees or below) EXCEPT when we play toss around the living room. It DOES have to be a soft ball, and if anything breakable becomes at risk we DO end the game, but oh what fun. We each choose a corner of the living room, and begin by tossing a couple of balls around. Simple, cheap, nothing to plug in, nothing to do the thinking for you (or the kids). OK, I must say, I couldn't resist and had to join in the fun with "Daddy" and my 2 boys, 3 and 5 years old. This lasted 30 minutes or so, until it was time to get PJs on and transition to bedtime stories, but would've lasted longer had we started earlier.

This got me to thinking, never leave without some sort of ball to pass the time. What can we offer at KidsTravelHappy.com? Here are a few easily packable suggestions....

• Guatemalan Footbag: perfect for a game of toss anywhere, or to 'hack' around, indoors or out
• Inflatable Globe Beach Ball: packs flat, educational, blows up to a fun-sized beach ball, and ready for hitting back and forth
  
• Hi Bounce Ball: great for rest stops or super-bouncing, not so great for inside, as it's quite hard
• Juggling Balls: aside from learning/practicing one's juggling skills, these toss well too
• Skytail ball/star from Sarah's Silks: perfect and safe for inside or outside games, beautiful and fun to watch fly through the air

Another way to make sure your "kids travel happy", and make sure they always "have a ball"!

Travel Toy? Collectible? One never knows!

A month or so ago, we received an order from the Netherlands for a very specific ROBOT mini-pinball (back row in the above photo) from Schylling toys. This item is usually sold assorted (and we happily take requests, but we don't always have the same mix as the stock photos we receive!) The customer was quite adamant that the choice HAD to be the ROBOT, there was not other one she was interested in. Thankfully, we had plenty. The customer's second concern was that the minimum shipping cost was $6.95 for her $1.99 item, which was NOT going overseas from Maine, but to California.

A few emails later, we worked out a total of about $4 for the order (including the actual shipping charges for this small, light item), and off it went to California.

Recently, we received another email from the pinball customer, as well as a photo of the Robot Pinball in it's new home.
Can you spot the game? We thought this was great and just had to share. One never knows where our initially intended as a "travel activity" will end up. We do know, however, that the little Robot has a much grander life than it did in the 'assorted' box, and is probably 'traveling happy on its imaginary journeys' with its display companions!

Thanks again to our new friends from the Netherlands, and their excellent 'collection'.

Have a cool photo of one of our products, in a home or on a 'big' travel adventure? We'd love to hear about it, and maybe your story will be the next one in our BLOG!