When The Dangerous Book for Boys became a bestseller in 2007, many parents were upset – not because the book promoted sling shots and other potentially perilous play things, but because girls were left out of the fun. That was soon remedied with The Daring Book for Girls, because we all know girls love adventure too. For those independent and exploring young minds on your holiday shopping list, give them gifts that will stimulate their desire to discover for years to come.
Downhill from Here
Grab your little luger and head for the hills for awesome sledding on the Stiga Snowracer Curve Royal Snow Sled, featuring a twin-tip front ski and rear skis that allow riders to remain stable and ride backwards down the hill. The durable steel sled includes a high tensile braking system with a two-component steering wheel for navigation. Ages 3 and up. Sale price $142.10 at www.afterschool.com.
I Scream, You Scream for Snow Screamer
Cruise down the hill at breakneck speeds with the Flexible Flyer Snow Screamer. Made of lightweight foam, the Snow Screamer includes a slick bottom surface that encourages high speeds, along with two sets of sturdy handles. The 47-by-21.5-inch sled can accommodate two riders at once. Ages 5 and up. $35.97 at www.afterschool.com.
Angler Management
They never forget snagging their first fish, or their first pole. Bass Pro Shop’s entry-level Stampede Spinning Reel ($25.99) sports light-but-strong fiberglass two-piece construction, a forged aluminum spool and a foam grip for all-day comfort. Other features include anti-tangling technology and fast-cast trigger system for easy one-handed casting. Available at Bass Pro Shops or at basspro.com.
Cast-Away
For the youngest fisher-folk, Shakespeare’s Mickey Mouse Lighted Fishing Rod and Reel Kit for Kids ($14.99) is the perfect starter reel. The pre-spooled 2’6”rod features a spincast reel that flashes lights when the thumb button is pushed. The kit includes a fish-shaped practice casting plug so your little one can hone their casting technique. Reel is pre-spooled with line. Available at www.basspro.com.
Cave Dweller
The Coleman MAX Ultra High Power LED Aluminum Flashlight is a little spelunker’s best friend, featuring a lifetime bulb, 500 lumens output and eight and a half hours of run time on high and 28 hours on low. Its water resistant, aerospace grade aluminum body is durable and weighty, just in case it’s needed to bat a bat. Available at Wal-Mart. $59.99.
Lock and Load
Aspiring Sons and Daughters of Anarchy know that a bike is a kid’s kingdom, so keep bikes secure with a family pack of three colorful 8127TRI MasterLock 6-foot cable locks ($18.29), all keyed the same for ease of use when the family rides together. Or chain up bikes, or a school or gym locker, with super cool a MasterLock 1500iD Speed Dial padlock ($13.39) that operates by movement (up, down, right, left) in a pattern that you set. Available at retailers nationwide.
Fly Guys and Gals
Forget origami! With “Making Paper Airplanes,†by David Woodroffe (Sky Pony Press, November 2012), kids can turn a stack of paper into their own elaborate private air force. Packed with diagrams, 250 full-color graphics, this easy-to-follow activity book for all ages offers instructions for making a Stealth Bomber, Dragon Desk Kite, Firefly Space Shuttle, Swallow Glider, Flashdance Stunt Flyer, Golden Flame Racing Plane and many more paper aircraft. $12.95 at www.skyponypress.com
