The Elf on a Shelf Book Set – Sure to become a classic Christmas tale for the whole family.  This hard covered book come with its own Elf and kept in a keepsake box. Buy from Picket Fence. $29.95
	Eco Art Kits - Set their creative juices flowing with these eco-friendly art kits. Each come with everything you need to make keepsake works of art. Buy directly from Artterro. $19.95
	Calacastle – This castle is large enough to walk, climb, crawl and play in. Plus it can be decorated inside and out. The sturdy card board palace, with its secret compartments, allows imaginations to soar. Buy from Creative Toy Shop. $79.99
	Press Here Book – Press the yellow dot on the cover and follow the instructions on each page and you will see dots multiply, change direction and grow in size. It is not magic but the power of ones imagination that makes this book fun for the whole family. Buy from Chronicle Books, $14.99 or on Amazon.
	Backpack For Kids – In a holiday season that can seem like it’s only about receiving, here’s a way to make your child happy and another child at the same time. For each backpack purchased, Schoolbags for Kids donates a schoolbag filled with school supplies to a child in need. One Here. One There.™ Shop here. $54.99
	Castle Dinner Set – Make dinners extra fun by transforming a castle into a complete set of dinnerware for your young knight or princess. Each set comes with a cup, bowl, plate, condiment holder, spoon and fork. Buy from VAT19. $19.99
	Paperpunk – Build your own paper toy dog without scissors or glue. Everything you need is included. Buy directly from Paperpunk. $18.95
	Sitting Taller Kids Booster – Made from recycled rice bags this portable lightweight booster seat is perfect for restaurants, movie theaters or concerts! Kids love carrying it as a backpack. Plus it has a large convenient pocket to fill. Each bag supports the fight against human trafficking. Buy directly from Sitting Taller Kids. $49.99
	Magnetic Surfer Woodie – Magnetic toy helps play pieces stay together giving hours of fun with no missing pieces. Buy from Jack Rabbit Creations. $40.00
	Tegu Blocks – Awaken your budding builder with the magnetic blocks that prevent their skyscapers and towers from crashing down. Buy directly from Tegu. From $5.00 – $125.00
	Antic Ant Block Set – Trails of ants connect each side of the 16 blocks, forming an infinite number of patterns the children can connect to each other. Also includes images of ant hills, a queen with her egg and the ant’s enemy, the spider. Buy from Grows Up. $23.00
	Build a Fort – My kids love building forts. Inside or outside, it does not really matter. And I love their endless hours of play. But what I don’t love is my good sheets being used. Discovered this great kit to make any fort they wish. And the best part is that it all fits neatly back into the zippered bag until next time. Buy from Amazon. Girls might prefer the Princess Tent! About $25.00.
	The VINCI Tab – Now your child can have her very own tablet specifically designed for children. The VICI Tab offers safe, fun and inspirational learning experience through games, story books and music videos. Recommened for children ages 0 – 5 years of age. Buy from Amazon. $299.00 – $399.00
	My First Friend – I had to include this because I personally thought this was absolutely adorable and practical. This first friend yellow bear pacifier can offer temporary distraction to a fussy baby while soothing them with the attached pacifier. Buy on Amazon. $7.99
	Laser Peg Toy – Kits include 72 pieces of innovative LED parts that will provide hours of creative fun. Buy directly from MOMA. $45.00
	I’ll Change the World Someday T-shirt – As the companies slogan says, “all change begins small’. The ultimate slogan tees that not only make a statement on their shirts but also on how they are made.  All tees are printed using non-toxic, water based inks and made in a sweatshop free environment. Check out Tiny Revolutionary Tshirts for the entire family. $22.00
	MOGO – Magnetic charm bracelets for girls. The bracelet easily adjusts to almost any size wrist and can also be warn as an anklet or put two together to make a hairband. Mix and match the magnetic charms to customize it to their interests. A very cute accessory. Buy directly from MOGO or Amazon. Prices vary.
	Safe-Listening Earphones for Kids - Ety.kids earphones are engineered to limit sound output while maintaining sound quality. A must-have for tech connected kids who listen to MP3 players, videos, portable game devices and any other equipment where they use earphones, and often, for hours. Buy ety.kids www.etykids.com $49.00 – $79.00
	The Spooner – Simulate all your board sports on any surface anywhere. The Spooner Board is virtually an indestructible balance board that spins, flips, slides and wobbles, improving ones balance, coordination, stability and gross motor skills. Great for teenagers also. Buy directly from SpoonerBoards. $39.95 – $49.95
	Tail Wags Helmet Covers - Cute and creative helmet covers for skateboarding, skiing, cycling and any other sport you need to wear a helmet. Check out the adult line also! Buy directly from Tail-Wags. $40.00
	Wishbone Bikes - This sustainable, hand made in New Zealand bike with grow with your child. This bike converts to three stages of mobility, from 12 months old to age five. Gorgeous limited edition designs. Buy on Amazon or on the Wishbone site. $249.00
	Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game – This reminds me of the Hi Ho Cherry game but allowing kids 3 and older the ability to be strategic. Buy from Educational Insight. $19.99

Now that we have also inspired you with our Gift Guides for Her and For Teen and Tweens we have only just started. Next will be our Gift Guide for the Family. Can’t wait? Here’s a link to all of last years Gift Guides.

SittingTallerKids partnered with Nomi Network, an organization that promotes enterprise and education to end human trafficking, to help in making the backpacks. Nomi Network trains women in Cambodia, who have been sold and sexual abused, how to sew bags. With SittingTallerKids design, the women made beautiful and vibrant bags made from recycled rice bags. Once back in the United States, SittingTallerKids fills the bags with four inch furniture grade foam pads covered with Dacron and cotton fabric.

Each backpack is lightweight and easily washable. Plus it is also made with a deep front pocket for all those important items kids need when they go out. Now no need to use communal booster seats. And parents, you no longer have to carry all their stuff! Buy directly from SittingTallerKids for $49.99.

Follow SittingTallerKids on Facebook to hear of latest company news.

It is that time of year again when all activities focus on preparing the kids to head back to school. We have already covered a SpendSmart Debit Card for teens and Dorm Room Art that uses Facebook and Twitter, so now let’s talk essentials: a good, practical but stylish bag for school. In the past we have reviewed some great bags that would work well for high school and college students too: the CARMAZZI 1Bag, Urban Junket Tote, U.S.E.D. Seatbelt bags, and Tilley’s Intrepid Bag. Still, here are a few more ideas that might help put a bounce in your kid’s step when returning back to school:

	Drift Messenger Bag – Ice Red makes a strong, durable and waterproof bag that is also stylish for the young urbanite. Buy their Drift Messenger bag here for $55.00 to $65.00.
	Rebagz Laptop Carrier – Made from recycled rice sacks with colorful graphics, these bags also have a padded insert with lots of pockets for all their school needs. Go to Rebagz to see all their styles and while there, check out their messenger bag statement pieces. $68.00.
	Ducti Utility Messenger Bag – Ducti is known for their duct tape wallets (yes, really), but their cool messenger bag, made from used tarps, is just as catchy. Buy from Ducti and while there, do check out the original duct tape wallet. The messenger bag is $57.95.
	Hadaki Backpack – Sure there are tons of backpacks out there but how many will make an actual statement? HADAKI carries a wide range of backpacks that are fun and have bright colors and patterns but are also efficient that can keep all your kid’s school supplies and laptop safely organized. While at HADAKI check out their whole collection of fun prints and stylish bags. $70.00.
	Roots New Student Pack – I would not be able to properly call myself Canadian if I did not mention Roots. This sophisticated backpack is designed in Canada of 100% Italian tribe leather and only becomes softer and richer with age. I had one similar when I went to university and then used it 10 years later as my son’s diaper bag until, to my great sorrow, I had to “retire” it for the funky smell of sour milk (ewwww). Buy from Roots for $238.00 and while you are there check out their line of laptop and messenger bags also.
	Built NY Laptop Sling – With an adjustable strap, this laptop sling keeps your laptop and basic essentials safe while it keeps your hands free (for riding a bike, carrying other books or holding hands with the new college beau). Buy directly for Builtny for $49.99.
	Designer Laptop Sleeve -Express yourself with a choice of over 40 different designs on these laptop sleeves. From psychedelic peace signs to zebra prints, there is one for every personality. What do you want yours to say about you? Check out the choices at CoolComputerBags for $48.00.
	Cargo Sleeve - BuiltNY has created a sleeve that protects laptops as well as having exterior pockets for electronic and laptop accessories. No more digging at the bottom of the bag for that wire or mouse. Buy from eBags for $31.99.
	Po Campo Commuter Pannier – We have written about bike accessories for PoCampo before and now love their new attachable Loop Pannier, in designs for both men and women. Buy here for $125.00.
	Bike Crate – Not quite a backpack, but for those who ride their bike to school, this bike crate updates the old fashioned bike rack and is very practical too, for carrying everything else from from grocery bags and stuff from all the other errands. Buy from the European TheBikeCrate.com website.

And for the little ones ….

The Old Fashioned Schoolbag - These bright schoolbags from SchoolBagsforKids are not only practical – with their horizontal design and organizer pockets – but they are good for society too: for every backpack purchased, another one is donated – with school supplies – to a child in need. Go to SchoolBagsforKids and order one your child for $54.99 and get a second one sent to a child in need for free (yes, like Toms shoes but for school!).

3D Backpacks – Just plain adorable. Need I really say more?  Buy from CBHStudio for $34.99.

Our next back-to-school post is all about supplies for lunches. Stay tuned!

Of course! It would take a mom with three children to come up with the perfect backpack designed for road trips. Janet Cortes created Go Baggie after she was tired of traveling with her three young daughters and them always asking her for drawing material or a snack to eat while she drove. She created the Go Baggie to give her daughters their own carrier that could compartmentalize all their needs.

There is a spot for an ipod, electronic game, pens, pencils, paper, DVDs, a change of clothes, a cooler for snacks and a whole lot more. Plus there is a sturdy fold down table that has an attached dry-erase activity board that is not only great for drawing on but also a play center or a tray for snack time. The backpack easily attaches to the back head rest of the car. All the zipped compartments open for easy access when on the go. Good for any length of time where the kids are in the car but especially perfect for those long car rides. Road trip here we come!

Head to Go Baggie’s online store to purchase for $39.99 or see this list of local retailers. FYI, coming soon a Go Baggie backpack for teens and toddlers.

	Personalized Vintage Easter Glass Tile Necklace – Adorable vintage Easter image tile made into a little glass pendant necklace. Etsy artist Michelle Gallegos will personalized it with your daughter’s name on the back. Buy them at her Etsy shop here for $12.00.
	Butterfly Crayon - A rainbow of colors in one crayon shaped as a butterfly. Endless fun for children to draw and see the colors change. Also comes in the shape of a bumblebee and dragonfly.  Buy it at Chasing Fireflies for $6.00.
	DoodleMark – A great learning tool for your children without them knowing it. DoodleMark is a magic-erase pad that attaches to the book they are reading. Not only a bookmark but also for parents and children to interact with books together. Buy them at DoodleMark for $8.00.
	Mark My Time – Perfect for the older child who has to read 20 minutes a day for school. This digital bookmark comes with an LED light and timer that tells you when your required reading is done. The timer can even turn the light off. The cumulative timer records and stores up to 100 hours of reading time. Comes in three cool camouflage prints in green, blue and pink. Buy them on Amazon for $14.95.
	Think-ets - This toy is a tiny pouch of 15 different trinkets like a bell, animal, block, book, shell, sword and so on. It gives children an opportunity to use their imagination and create a story using the piece they pull out of the pouch. Although it is recommended for 8 and up, my 5 and 7 year enjoy playing it. Buy it on Amazon for about $11.99.
	My Little Sandbox Play Sets – Comes with everything you need to see their imaginations come to life. Over a dozen to choose from for both boys and girls. Buy it on Amazon for about $23.00.
	Flip Flop Bling -  Your little girl can bling her own flip flops with a choice of five styles. Buy them on Amazon for around $9.00.
	Sneaker Bling – Or, she can bling her ordinary sneakers with butterflies, peace signs, flowers, stars, hearts or princess crowns with matching shoe laces. Buy it on Amazon for about $9.99.
	Tie Not Water Balloon Knotter - My kids love water balloons but I always seem to be the one that has to tie them. I saw this knotter in action and was impressed how easy it is for kids to tie their own knots. Made in the USA from recycled materials this is one thing that is going into my daughters’ Easter baskets. Comes with 100 balloons on Amazon for $7.76.
	Thinking Putty – Comes in a variety of styles like glow in the dark, heat sensitive and magnetic that have their own uniqueness. All can be stretched, bounced, torn and popped. They are non-toxic, never dry out and leave no residue on hands or surfaces.  Buy them from ThinkingPutty.com for $11.00.
	Eco-Friendly Bath Coloring Scenes – This environmentally friendly bath set comes with bubble bath, six soap crayons, two sponge erasers  and four coloring Stone Paper Endangered Species scenes. The Stone Paper is made from actual stone and uses no wood pulp or bleach. It does not rip or tear, but is completely biodegradable once no longer in use. Buy it on the Health Science Labs website here for $18.99.
	Hatch ‘Ems – These realistic eggs have a little surprise in them. Submerge them in water and see little baby reptiles hatch within 48 hours. Also available in baby chicks eggs. Buy them at HeartSong for $9.98 for a set of 3.
	Yummy Dough – A Easter basket would not be an Easter basket without something sweet to eat. Yummy Dough is moldable, eatable dough. Simply add water to the four color packs (red, blue, green and yellow) mold it, bake it and then eat it. Buy it on Amazon for approx. $9.29.

Next Week: Easter baskets for adults…..because why not!

Ah, Spring is in the air and this year Easter Sunday is late in April (the 24th). I have yet to bring out our Easter decorations, but I am already looking forward to our family Easter traditions. Egg decorating and an Easter Egg hunts are always a part of Easter in our home and I have discovered some great products to enhance our traditions. Let’s see if they will become a part of yours also.

	Wikki Stix Decorating Kit – If you are not familiar with Wikki Stix they are made with hand-knitting yarn coated with a non-toxic wax (the same that you would fine in bubble gum and lipstick) that makes them stick either together or to any smooth surface. They are easy to peel off and reuse again. They do not break or tear and can be cut easily with a pair of kid-friendly scissors. They come in a rainbow of colors that do not stain or come off on surfaces. Wikki Stix has the perfect kit for decorating eggs to create a rabbit, a chick, a ladybug or anything else your child (and you) can imagine. Perfect for any child three and older. Buy them on ToysandGamesOnline.com for $6.95. They also have great favor packs, great little gifts for a neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.
	Eco-Eggs – These eco-friendly natural dyes, made from natural plant, fruit and vegetable extracts (such as red cabbage and purple sweet potato) are perfect for any child two and over. They come in three primary colors – orange, blue and purple-with a color chart for creating a total of six colors. Buy them on LuckyVitamins.com for $10.99
	Découpage Eggs – This kit comes with three goose eggs, tissue paper in a plethora of colors and designs (from vintage, floral and symmetrical) and all the paraphernalia you will need to découpage your keepsake eggs. This kit is great for children seven and over. You can buy this kit and three extra goose eggs at HeartSong for $24.98
	Gingerbread Birdhouse Kit – How ‘tweet’ is this? No longer just for Christmas this Gingerbread Birdhouse is perfect for spring with its sugar flowers, birds and spring colored jelly beans. Buy it here at HeartSong for $24.98
	Downloadable Easter Hunt Kit – Who does not love an Easter Egg Hunt. Every year, however, I had to tell our oldest daughter not to tell her sister where her eggs were hidden and vice versa. No matter how I color coordinated them, labelled them or put their names on them, they always picked each others. So this year I discovered the perfect solution from Etsy artist Scenerie. It is a downloadable Easter Egg Hunt Kit where both girls will look for the same egg to discover the clue where the next egg is hidden. After 12 clues (more blank cards are included in case you would like to make the Treasure Hunt longer) they discover where their Easter baskets are hidden. The kit comes with instructions, tips, a chart and clue cards. I know the girls will love this. I see a tradition starting! Buy this downloadable kit here for $4.00

Next  week – Wait until you see what we found to put in your Easter baskets (or should I say what the Easter Bunny found)!

Over the holidays my family went to Downtown Disney, a street of restaurants and shops that links Disneyland, the Disneyland Resort and California Adventure Park, to have lunch. While we were walking around my daughters noticed a store, LittleMissMatched that featured vibrant socks in the window and asked if they could go in. Why not? They can always use more socks, their sock drawer being filled with orphan, non-matching socks. Much to my surprise (and delight!), I found out that LittleMissMatched doesn’t match socks either! All socks are sold in a pack of three non-matching socks. They are coordinated in either color or pattern, but not both, which makes them fun and creative to wear. These socks are not just for girls, but also for boys, babies and women (sorry men). Ankle, knee high, toes sock and more are all sold in three packs or gift packs of six, nine and twelve, perfect for birthday gifts.

This unconventional way of selling socks is what made this brand explode. The “nothing matches but anything goes” approach has worked well for the company which has expanded product lines to flip flops, boots, gloves and mittens, and scarves. Most recently, they have also launched a pajama line, bedding and bedroom furniture. They also have an apparel line specifically geared towards tweens, which coordinates in a very mismatched way.

This off-beat store has clearly become my daughters (and my) favorite store. So, no longer do I spend the time putting matching socks together (not that I really did this anyway) or worry about that sock that disappears in the wash. Thank you Little Mismatched for solving this age old problem. Check out LittleMissMatched.com for their online retail store.

	ZzzzooLight: Create a sense of wonder with these variety of animal lights (bears, giraffes, fish, elephant, snail and pelican) from Italy. Buy them at HadleyBaby.com.  for $82.00.
	Woogie – The Huggable Case: Tired of your children wanting to play games on your iphone and afraid they will drop it. Here is a stuffed animal/protective case that makes it easy and safe for your child to play games, listen to music or watch a video on your iPhone.  Buy it here for $19.99.
	Talkatoo: This fun little button recorder comes as a necklace or clip-on charm in a variety of designs. Send your grade schoolers off to school with a 30 second message of endearment or after-school-plans reminder. It has a lockswitch to protect the message. Would be fun for your tween also. Buy it here at Talkatwo.com for $16.99.
	Catapult Kit: What child does not like seeing things fly through the air. The perfect gift to assemble together. Buy it here for $17.95.
	Fred and Friends Food Face: Perfect gift for the picky eater. Dress up the plain face plate to a fancy face. Buy them on Amazon for approx $15.00. The Ms plate here and the Mr plate here.
	Zubel Rattles: These rattles are 100% cotton, hand-made and are organic and eco-friendly. Check out their website to find a store near you that sells these cute and cuddly baby toys.
	Lil Sprout: How cute is this growth chart that allows you to put a new photo in each slot that really shows you how fast they are growing, not just how tall they are getting. Visit Dynomighty for a store near you or buy online. $20.00
	Switcheroo Affirmation Posters for Little Girls: These posters show girls they can do anything! “I can save myself”. “I am my own captain”. “I am wild”. Go girl!  Buy them here for $30.00 each.
	Customized Book: Learn more about how much we love these personalized storybooks as we wrote about here . You can order your own customized book here for $32.95.
	Hannah and the Talking Tree by Elke Weiss: A children’s book about the environment and how even a little girl, who is different, can make a big difference. Buy it at Amazon for approx. $16.00.
	Nico & Zoe Uncommon and Artisan Made Toys: One of the best websites for back-to-basics playtime where your child’s imagination plays the biggest role. Choose from wonderful handmade classic toys or from original modern toys here.
	Family Dog Rocking Toy: Rockingfrog, an Etsy artist makes heirloom quality rocking toys. We are particularly enamored with the Family Dog rocker for $365.00. Visit the shop here.
	Twisterztoys: Helps children build early developmental skills by inspiring creativity and learning. Buy Twisterz on Amazon for around $13.00 to $19.00 depending on the game. A great travel game too.
	Hello Books: Your child can create their own story book with these adorable kits. Buy them on HelloHanna.com for $10.95. we also think that this is a good activity for the plane.
	Monkey See, Monkey Do Lunchbox: This adorable lunchbox is fun, functional and earth-friendly. Buy it at Cambria Cove for $27.99.
	Qwirkle Game: This is a simple matching game that requires tactical maneuvers and well-planned strategies. Winner of the Parents’ Choice Award, Mensa Select Award and Major Fun Award. Qwirkle can be purchased on Mindware for $24.95. And while you are there, you know that you’ll want to check out all their other award winning games.
	Zyclone: The Zyclone blasts soft rings up to 100 ft in distance. One of ASTRA’s Top-30 Toys at the Toy Fair 2010. Buy it on Amazon for approx. $20.00. Watch this video to see how much fun this is. I want one too!
	Vintage Play Kits: Inspired by vintage Asian packaging there is a play kit for every little boy or girl; from cooking to sewing to exploring. See them all on WuandWu.com. Most kits are $18.00.
	Hobbit Playhouse: This one-of-a kind children’s playhouse would – without a single doubt – make  any fairy tale come to life.  By Fran Bishop Designs on Etsy. $875.00
	Radio Flyer Retro Rocket: What child would not be excited to open this up for Christmas! The Rocket makes astronaut and space sounds, has vibrating motor action, clicking nose cone, and light up panel. Buy it at Amazon for approx. $50.  We love the Radio Flyer Little Red Roadster too.
	Quagmire Fusion T-shirts: What child would not like a t-shirt that changes color while wearing it. These ColorFusion t-shirts and polo shirts transform with one’s body heat and exposure to direct sunlight. Buy them here for $25.00.
	SudoKID: Sodoku for kids by using shapes instead of numbers. SudoKID by Quirky helps develop problem-solving and logic skills. NOTE:Quirky is an invention site, so some items (like this one) only becomes available when it meets a certain amount of commited buyers. Pre-order it here for $14.99.
	Frigits: Turn your refrigerator into a kinetic playground for marbles and magnets. I bought the Frigits for my kids when they were little and they loved it. Buy it on Amazon for approx. $20.00 for the original kit and $38.00 for the deluxe.
	Brinca Dada Doll House: This dollhouse is every little girls dream and a piece of architectural art. Read more about it here Visit Brincadada.com to view the dollhouses. $329.00.
	Kazam Balance Bike: This bike with no pedals helps the little nonbikers learn about balance. Plus it is much quieter then those noisy training wheels. Buy it on Amazon for approx. $99.00.

Let us know if you have discovered a distinctive gift for your little one that you would like to share.

Need more inspiration still? Here are ALL our Gift Guides. Or, go directly to the Jewelry-is-always-the-perfect-gift Guide, the Hostess Gift Guide, the Teens Gift Guide and the Eco & Fair Trade Gift Guide. That’s for just for starters….

Each year we send our children off to school with a plethora of new items and throughout the year they have invariably lost most of them. To help keep my sanity (and my budget) and help my children keep track of their belongings I have discovered the labels of all labels. Oliver’s Labels have unique Found-it™ codes on each label  that connects you and your lost item through the Internet. If you ever lose an item with a Found-it™ tracking system code, have no fear! When someone finds it they will be prompted to go to a special page on the website  with instructions to enter the code on the label. Oliver’s Labels then match you to your Found-it™ tracking system code and send you a notification email right away. Oliver’s Labels acts as an intermediary between you and the finder so you never have to share any of your personal information! How cool is that? Plus, they are not only water-proof but also weather-proof, scuff-proof and tear-resistant. They are made with high-performance vinyl with super-strong adhesive and high quality, full-color printing. They are also made to be long-lasting in a huge range of environments. I especially love the personal photo labels. Perfect for sporting goods, electronics and anything else that you want to keep track of.  So that means that college kids might appreciate them too. Just maybe. To order go to OliversLabels.com.

I have found a green alternative to paper towels in public facilities. These reusable personal hand towels are made of lightweight, 100% Organic, Fair Trade Cotton, are quick-drying and machine washable.  PeopleTowels is the newest concept in sustainability. They come in a variety of inspired designs, printed with eco-friendly dyes, to appeal to different tastes and styles. Perfect for lunch boxes and a great way to teach kids eco-friendly habits. For school lunches,we’d go for 5-day supply for one towel for every school day lunch and the whole lot gets washed over the weekend. I carry a PeopleTowel in my purse  and since the custom-made fabric is absorbent dries quickly after use, I’m not worried about dampness.  As stated on their site, if you use a People Towel for one year you will save a 1/4 of a tree, reduce landfill waste by 23 lbs and conserve 250 gallons of water. That counts!!! To purchase go to their website at PeopleTowels.com.

Although this is not environmentally friendly (though you could recycle it) I could not resist telling you about these. The Anti-Theft Lunch Bag is guaranteed to keep your sandwich safe from lunchtime bullies or your college student’s house-mates. These sandwich bags have a green moldy pattern on them, making it look like your sandwich is at least a month old.  For the younger kids, not only does it keep their sandwich safe, it is looking gross enough for them to love their lunches. You can buy them here.

Our nation’s childhood obesity rate continues to increase at an alarming rate. First Lady Michelle Obama is doing her part on a national level, but we all need to take responsibility of our children’s health. Besides maintaining a healthy diet as we reported with the Jamie Oliver article, we need to encourage our children to be active.

I will be the first to admit that the members in my family (including myself) are TV watchers and yes, all of my children play video games. We are, however, also an active family. But what do you do when you can’t get a child motivated to move off that couch?  Switch2Health (aka S2H) has come up with a great way to motivate young people into being more active.

By wearing a S2H REPLAY wristband, kids will actually get rewarded for being active. The S2H monitors the level of physical activity and for each hour of activity kids earn 60 reward points. These points can be cashed in for great prizes like gift certificates to Club Penguin, Itunes, and Best Buy, just to name a few. If your child is a bike rider, the S2H replay needs to be taken out of the wristband and put it in your sock so that it can “read” cycling as an activity. As the weather cools it is a great way to motivate your kids to get outside and continue to be active: have your kids redeem rewards by raking the leaves or walking the dog. It even works indoors, as long as they are moving. The S2H REPLAY wristband is sold directly at S2H.com. And for only $19.95 you might as well order one for yourself. It works great when doing housework! Ugh! But you might as well get something out of it also (like new apps for your iPad).