Throughout my blog posts, I try to share links to products that I have tried and would recommend to others. This page serves as a convenient one stop shop list for items I mentioned. Check them out for yourself or as gifts for active families.
*Full disclosure, if you buy something through one of my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission. (#ad)
BOOKS
Go By Boat – by Dr. Chuck Radis. Consider this wonderful true story about a new doctor building a medical practice on Peaks Island, and getting to know it’s people and culture:
Dinosaurs Before Dark book and the rest of the Magic Tree House series. These are perfect for boys and girls age 4-9, all my kids loved them. For slightly older kids (6-10), try The Merlin Missions. They are perfect gifts for birthdays as well. Most are also available on audio (perfect to play during the ride to a museum.
SHOES
Brooks Stealthfit Levitate Running Sneakers- women I was born with bad feet. These sneakers hug my foot but don’t hurt. I can wear them all day without bunion or toe pain! The STEALTHFIT is my favorite (can put on without untying!!)
Keen toddler and kids Newport sandals Comfy but sturdy closed toe kids sandals are hard to find. These hold up to trails, beaches, and playgrounds. Our family really loves these by Keen, they come in many colors for both boys and girls.
APPAREL
Eddie Bauer kids zip up fuzzy sweatshirt It can get cold quickly, especially in New England. Never go on an adventure without a sweatshirt. My kids LOVE these, we have them in every size. Soft, zip up, warm, lightweight, and hooded:
Lands’ End Squall Gloves These kid size gloves are waterproof. The inner lining stays inside when my kids pull their hands out. They are warm and durable.
ACCESSORIES
Coolibar Toddler bucket hat Our favorite baby sunhat. It’s soft and washable. UPF 50!
GEAR
Osprey Poco baby backpack Well made baby/toddler hiking backpack. This is a favorite baby shower item. It has a canopy and adjusts to torso length, so both parents can wear it. It features a chest strap and many pockets for snacks and diapers. It also has a self standing mechanism. (Self standing is SOOO important!! It’s so baby can stay in it when you put the hiker on the ground). It was worth the cost.
Pocket travel Band-Aids Cuts and scrapes are not too uncommon on family adventures. I love these small pocket Band-Aids, I stash them everywhere.
Glow sticks for the kids Consider bringing a small flashlight or glow sticks for fun on family adventures. Great for camping or when exploring caves.
Travel Night lights, square – 6 pack. They are super useful for families in unfamiliar hotel rooms. They are small and easy to stuff into and leave in suitcases. They come in a 6 pack. Our family brings them everywhere!
Thinksport Kids SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Stick Don’t forget to bring sunscreen on your adventures. I love these small mineral pocket sunscreen sticks. They fit easily into a small bag or pocket and don’t leak like tubes sometimes can. My sensitive skin tolerates it well.
CamelBak Mini Hydration Kids Backpack Don’t forget to bring a water bottles and small snacks on your adventures. We loved these small CamelBaks backpacks that the kids can carry on their own. We took out the bladder and put a stainless water bottle in it, along with a few small snacks. Worked out great, was comfy. Great gift for kids. Also bright colors helped locate kids quickly in crowds.
EverSport Kid’s goggles Kids like looking underwater. Good for swimming lessons. These are adjustable, work pretty well, economic, and come in packs of two.
HOUSEHOLD
Georgetown hand thrown pottery utensil holder Need a last minute but authentic Maine Made housewarming gift but no time to travel? Support a small business owner. Consider a Georgetown Pottery handmade high quality item. I think the utensil holder is a nice gift, dishwasher safe!
KidKraft Wooden Train/activity table – large and double sided. We received a train/activity table as a gift when the twins were young. It had drawers for storage which is so useful. It has morphed over the years into a jigsaw puzzle table, and now a Lego table. Although the table we have is no longer available, this one is the same size and has a reversible top with built in storage. It is the same company that made ours, long lasting and durable.
GIFTS
Thomas the train starter set Toddler kids will love this Thomas the Train starter pack. It’s a perfect Christmas or birthday gift. We love the wooden sets that go together and break down easily, feel solid, and are visually appealing. The engines that go with the wooden track are push only (no batteries or sounds)! They can be handed down for many years and are collectible.
Thomas and Friends track expansion pack The Thomas the train sets have limitless expansion packs, extra tracks and engines. It is a great way for relatives to add to a young child’s collection for the inevitable “What should we get them?”
Made By Me Suncatcher Window Art Kit Easy at home wintertime keepsake art project for the kids. My kids love these. Also works well for birthday party or Christmas gifts! They conveniently come with mini suction cups.
48 Watercolor Markers Consider these fun watercolor pens. Far less mess than traditional watercolors. This set comes with two markers that you fill with water. Use them for your washes and dilutions of the other markers. We love these, great for on the go watercolor painting
Always interested to hear your recommendations for other great places and products. Please email me at:
kit@astrayfish.com
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Astray Fish 