This post is inspired by a Twitter request from Carol Torgan. She requested we post about our top 10 playoutdoors gift ideas on Twitter. #playoutdoors is the hash tag we use when we post about outdoor living for kids and adults on Twitter. If you are on twitter check out the #playoutdoors hash tag.
My list is based on that I live in a cold climate; ideally I should have 1 for cold climate and another for warm climate. Thanks to everyone in the community for contributing to my list. I got some great ideas from you. Maybe someone living in a warm climate can send me some Christmas suggestions on what to get outdoor kids for Christmas.
1.Get kids set for the winter and make sure they have insulated underwear, boots, snowsuit, hats, scarves and mittens. It isn’t just kids who need to have warm gear. Adults need to stay warm so they can play with their children. Look here for how to dress for outside in the winter
2.) Wool socks, everybody should have one pair of wool socks to stay dry and warm in winter. I don’t care merino wool, blend or old man socks. Just get them. It will keep you warm. It is the best invention ever made and it is reason why all outdoor explorers use them.
3) A sled: an old classic that never fails to amaze new generations. You have many choices; remember that often the most simple is often the best choice.
4) Ice skates are an excellent way to use the season for what is worth. There are many outdoor rinks all over US and Canada. Remember to keep it fun when the kids are learning. Read story about skating with kids here
5) Snowman kit! In a tin cookie can put a hat, mittens, scarf, large buttons and some black decorative rocks from the dollar store (found in the floral or craft isle). Keep a bag of carrots in the fridge and voila instant snowman kit that is reusable! I love this idea, which is so simple. Tammy Malone (Home based crafter and organizer of Families in Urban Nature in Toronto) suggested this lovely idea.
6) Bird watching kit: Bird food, binoculars and a birding book. Starting to watch birds in the winter is a great way to connect children with nature.Click for more info about birds and feeding
7) Sand toys: A bucket and shovel is as great a toy in the winter as it is on the beach in the summer. You can use the snow the same way you use sand.
8) Books about nature: discovery of nature and also books that can help us to inspire for what to do outdoors is an excellent gift for parents and their little explorers. Click here for a list
9) Gardening kit: Seeds, peat pellets and pots to start growing seeds indoors. You can always grow herbs indoors, but you can also do what a lot of gardeners in cold climates do; we start indoors with seeds in February. Read about seeding here
10) Backpack with compass and a field guide.
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Comments
Round plastic saucers or tubes work best in the snow. They are light weight and I have to agree with Debra that sleds with runners don't work! Unless it's a GT snow racer. Those are awsome but not for little ones who can't control it.
I'd also like to add with the snowman kit .. reuse things that you have around the house or pick them up from the dollar store or reuse centre in your area. The tin can.. that can be any old cookie/cracker tin or even an emply coffee can. Encourage your kids to pick up random rocks while there is not much snow to add to their kit! Also encourage them to use other "non-traditional" items such as found pine cones to replace the buttons or rocks, a garland of spruce or pine instead of a hat. Snow people are inspirations of creativity and if they are making one at a park to leave for all to see besure that the items being left behind won't be missed if they go missing.
HUGS to all and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Here's my list of low-cost gift ideas for little nature explorers living in warmer climates: goexplorenature.blogspot.com/.../...
I also think that every child should have a spare pair of socks in their school knapsack. We have been caught out a few times with wet feet.
For the older kids I would add skis or snowshoes if you want a bigger ticket item.
I love the snowman kit. Great idea Tammy.
And the sand toys are a hit when playing in the snow.
Can I just reiterate about the sled. SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE. We had one with 'runners' and it didn't work worth a darn. The best one we had is a plain red one that is really slippery on the bottom. Careful not to go over gravel and ruin it.. but it works a treat and it is so simple. No fancy bells or whistles.
Thanks for all the great ideas.
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