Understanding the Food Pyramid for Kids

Sally Hamlin asked:

In 2005, the US Department of Agriculture released the new food pyramid plan. Kids and adults alike no longer need to follow the same horizontally sectioned food pyramid. Adults now have their own pyramid while there is also a new food pyramid for kids. What does this say now about food, nutrition and diet?

The new food pyramid for kids basically implies that kids have different nutritional and diet needs as adults. Kids need to follow the specifications in the new food pyramid for kid so that they can grow up healthy and strong.

The food pyramid for kid is telling kids and parents that kids should eat a variety of food items from all the food groups. A healthy meal according to the food pyramid for kid should therefore contain lean meat, beans, nuts, fish, milk, dairy products, fruits, grains, vegetables and some fats.

The food pyramid for kid however is not telling kids to eat everything in the same amounts. The same age old advice still holds about eating more grains, fruits and vegetables than other food types. Oils and sugar should be eaten in smaller portions. Parents should also note that some foods in each category should not be eaten in great amounts. Fruit pies and tetra pack juices for example do not necessarily contain the same nutrients as real fruits and should only be taken occasionally.

The best way to encourage kids to follow the food pyramid for kid requirements is to set a good example. Parents and other family members should vow to eat only healthy food. It would also help to keep the whole house free of junk food and other food items that are less in nutritional value.

The new food pyramid for kid is also trying to tell us that kids should be given a lot of time to exercise. Good physical play for example is advisable for kids to stay healthy. Parents can also encourage kids to follow the physical exercise advice of the new food pyramid for kid by being a good example and engaging in physical activities as well. Parents can keep kids active by participating in family camping activities or family sports games.

The whole business of eating and living healthy may be a difficult concept to teach children. The food pyramid for kid also suggests however, that healthy living and eating should be taught slowly but surely.

A Healthy Kids Breakfast: It Can Be Done!

Emily Watson asked:

Do you struggle trying to get your children fueled with a healthy breakfast? If you’re like me, getting your kids dressed in a matching outfit, getting the homework together, and getting the kids out the door is a struggle, let alone making sure our children get in a nutritious breakfast.

If you’re looking for some fast, easy, and nutritious breakfast ideas, then I have some fantastic ideas for you! Read below for some delicious breakfasts I prepare for my own children. Not only are they fast, easy, and nutritious, but my kids say they taste great too!

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #1: Cereal

Yes, this is a given but how many of us parents give in to sugary cereal to appease our kids? Cut out the sugar and make sure your kid’s cereal includes whole grains and no sugar. My kids, in the beginning, weren’t too pleased about cutting out the sugar until I brought out the fresh blueberries and strawberries to adorn the tops of their cereal!

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #2: Eggs, Toast & Fruit

Another given but one that may take more time than some of us parent’s have in the morning! I like hard boiling some eggs ahead of time and having them ready to go in the refrigerator. But them into little sections, throw some whole grain toast into the toaster, cut up some fruit, and you’ll have a nutritious breakfast that will get your child through the day.

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #3: Yogurt with Granola

My kids LOVE this and it is just too easy to make! Pour some low-fat yogurt into a bowl and sprinkle it was some low-fat, low-sugar granola. Your child will think they’re eating dessert it is so tasty! This is a fabulous option that is so quick and easy.

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #4: Fruit Smoothie

This is a great breakfast if your kids need to take it to go. Simply throw some frozen or fresh fruits (like blueberries, peaches, strawberries, bananas, or any other fruit you enjoy), some juice (like orange juice), and vanilla yogurt into a blender and blend away. Pour your smoothie into a to-go cup and your child will be fueled with some nutritious nutrients!

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #5: French Toast

Dip some whole-grain bread into a little egg, some milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon and cook them in a skillet. Top the french toast with some fresh fruit, some low-fat yogurt, or sugar-free syrup for a great tasting and nutritious breakfast option. Kids really love french toast and will gobble this up!

A Healthy Kids Breakfast Tip #6: Muffins

This is easy! Once a week, I bake my own muffins and stick them in the freezer to give to my kids. On those busy mornings, I just pop one into the microwave and breakfast is done! Add a glass of milk and you have a filling and tasty breakfast. Make sure the muffins are whole wheat, low in sugar, and filled with ingredients that are healthy.

Gift Your Child the Best Kids Posters

Patrick Arden asked:

Kids are really fond of colors and they enjoy making colorful posters. If you want to make your kids feel extremely happy then bring kids posters for them. Kids posters can be of two types where first kind could be any poster that impresses your kid and the second could be an empty poster that your kid can color. Kids are attracted towards fantasy posters of Superman, Harry Potter, Batman, Aladdin etc. Kids posters generally include those posters that make kids feel really excited. Look for the most attractive kids posters to gift your child on any occasion making it a special one.

If you want to gift your girl child with a kids poster then look for a poster of a Barbie doll, Bunny Rabbit, Butterfly, Fairy queen, Adventure island etc because girls are really attracted towards such kinds of posters. To impress a boy child look for kids posters related to Pokemon, Spider man, Super heroes etc because boys really get motivated by such kind of characters. Apart from funny kids posters you can even look for motivational posters showing the pictures of successful people, as this will encourage your kids to perform well in their life.

Start searching for the posters in the galleries and make kids posters an integral part of your kid’s room. Stick the posters on the walls of the bedroom to make the ambiance all the more lively. Nowadays online kid posters are also available and some of the online poster companies even help you to buy a poster online. Let your child decide the poster of his/her choice and you can buy that online kid poster. Some of the online poster companies even provide free posters. Search web and look for the best online poster company that provides you with the best offer.

The Growing Popularity of Atvs for Kids

Ray Martin asked:

The growing popularity of ATVs for kids

Many years ago, when ATVs had only 3 wheels instead of 4, many parents were quite reluctant to let their kids ride on them. But now with 4 wheels and the ever-growing popularity of ATVs, especially among the kids and youths, the ATV manufacturers and dealers have also begun to cater to the demand of ATVs for kids. The ATV market is not just catering to the needs of adult ATV riders anymore, but the needs of the younger ATV riders too. Key in the words “ATV for kids” on the search engines on the internet and you will see lots of websites with news, updates, reviews and ATV models for kids. ATVs these days are no longer dominated by the big boys – they now have to share their ATV passion with the kids too!

If you are an ardent fan of ATV riding, you would know that due to safety reasons, it is not a good idea to let your kids ride on an adult ATV, let alone allow them to sit on it with you while you are riding on it. Therefore, if your kids also want to join in the fun of ATV riding with you, you would be doing them a great favor if you got them their own ATVs instead. Looking for a kids ATV is an easier mission these days. All you need to do is to surf the net and check out the websites designated for kids ATVs and voila! – you would be able to find one that meets your child’s needs. One of such websites that you can visit is www.kidatv.com

Getting your kid his or her very own ATV also teaches them to be responsible, as the first lesson that they will learn is that an ATV is not a toy but a machine. They will have to learn how to handle the machine properly so that they don’t get hurt while riding on one. Another lesson that your kids will learn about ATV is how to care for and maintain it so that the machine will last longer. In fact, we believe that kids who love ATV riding take great pride in their own machines and will always make sure that their machines are properly cared for. They will even wash, scrub and polish their ATVs without you having to tell them to!

ATV riding for kids is also a great way for them to get out in the sun and play. Kids today are not spending enough time outside and are always cooped up at home watching television, playing video games or surfing the internet. It’s not that any of these activities are bad for them, but it would be if they spend too much time inside of their home and not getting out of the house for some fresh air. Did you know that ATV riding is also a great way for your kids to burn the calories in their bodies, especially if they are big eaters? Going out and riding on their ATVs will also give the kids an opportunity to appreciate Mother Nature too.

Besides, with their own ATVs, you can have a peace of mind knowing that your kids will never try to sneak out and ride on an adult ATV. Moreover, you can also plan for an ATV riding vacation (maybe once or twice a year) with the whole family and it would be a great time for family bonding – especially in today’s world where families are falling apart.

Buying ATVs for kids these days are comparatively affordable – unlike the prices of kids ATVs in the earlier days of the ATV market. Now you can also get a kids ATV for less than $1,500. Wouldn’t you agree that this is a small price to pay for the benefits that you will get out of ATV riding for the kids?

I Want My Kid Atv and I Want it Now!

Ray Martin asked:

I want my Kid ATV and I want it now!

Another weekend is approaching and you simply dread it because you know your son’s going to ask you the same question, “Where is my Kid ATV you promised?” The thing is, it’s not that you do not want to keep your promise to your son, but it’s just that you are confused. You are confused because there are so many different types of ATVs out there in the market, Kid ATVs, Youth ATVs, Adult ATVs, with various prices and sizes and what-nots. So you are trying (and probably struggling too!) to do some homework before you get the ‘perfect’ Kid ATV for your son. Besides, kids probably will change their minds about what they want from time to time, so you are not even sure if your son really wants a Kid ATV. But after 3 months of waiting, wailing, begging and crying, I am sure by now you’d know that he’s pretty serious about wanting a Kid ATV.

And since you would want to get him the most perfect Kid ATV in town, so where do you go? You could, for one, take a look at www.kidatv.com because they specialize in producing ATVs for kids and youths alike. They know what they are doing because each and every Kid and Youth ATVs that they produce are made with their thoughts on kids and youths of this generation. The colors, the sizes, the models, the features of their ATVs are all made to the preference and liking of the kids these days. With so many ATV dealers, it is not a surprise at all if you do “bump” into one or two unscrupulous dealers – so, be really cautious. Never do business with an ATV dealer who is unable to understand your needs and instead tries to get you to buy what they have instead – and yes, they can be quite persistent about you buying what they have even before you tell them what you need. It is advisable to go to dealers who specializes in Kids ATVs because they would have more choices and they are more focused on what they are selling – Kids ATVs!

If you are a little apprehensive about buying a branded Kid ATV for your son (mind you, they do cost quite a bit), consider buying an off brand Kid ATV. They are a lot cheaper and the performance of off brand Kid ATVs matches those that are ‘branded’ too. Take a look at www.jackel.com and you will know what I mean. Not all off brand Kid ATVs are cheapskates. In fact, some of them use “expired patents” of ‘branded’ ATVs to produce their machines – and this only means that an off brand ATV is just as good! Don’t let the name of an ATV fool you, it’s more important to get something you can afford and that your son will love than getting him the most expensive one that he may not really like.

So, now that you know where to go to get your son his Kid ATV, I suggest you do it quickly – because not only will you be able to keep your word, your son will get off your back about it too! Happy ATV hunting!

The Nutritious Kitchen: Healthy Recipes For Kids

Emily Watson asked:

In the hussle and bussle of today’s world, finding and preparing easy and healthy recipes for kids can be a struggle! And then when you find them, there is so much that can goes into them: planning the menu, making the grocery list, driving to the store, doing the shopping, checking out in the long line, paying the bill, and driving home not to mention preparing the meal and sitting down to feast on your hard work.

Without missing a beat, the inevitable always seems to happen…the complaints.

“I don’t like this”.

“This looks weird”.

“I don’t like this color.”

“I want pizza!”

“Can I have a cookie instead?”

Nutrition plays a vital role in our children’s development, and we know this. But how easy is it to just grab a frozen pizza and call it a day! While tempting as it sounds, it’s our responsibility as parents to find healthy recipes for kids that can be prepared and enjoyed at the family table.

Below are a few healthy recipes for kids that have been a hit at my own family table. But before I get to them, let’s first discuss some tips on helping us plan some healthy recipes for kids and ways to get our kids excited for them!

1) Make a quick list of the foods your children love, hate, and are allergic to. With this in mind, it will be easy to pinpoint the recipes you’re targeting and onto the healthy recipes for kids your family will love.

2) When kids are invested in a project, they are more readily accepting. Find healthy recipes for kids that your family can contribute to. For example, get your kids involved in the selection of the recipes, let them help with the shopping, or get the kids help in preparing the meal and setting the table.

3) Select one new vegetable, fruit, or food to try each week. Make it a game with your kids. They may love it or **** it, but it will teach them to be open to new foods and experiences at the table.

With these tips in mind, here are a few healthy recipes for kids that have been a hit with my own. Give them a try and see if this could be a meal your family will love!

Healthy Recipes for Kids #1: Oven-Baked Carrot Fries

My kids love these healthy fries!

Oven-Baked Carrot Fries

1 ½ lbs. Carrots

1 tsp. Sugar

2 T Olive Oil

½ tsp. Salt

2 T Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped

Pinch of Pepper

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a shallow pan with foil. Peel each carrot and cut off the tip and the end off of each one. Cut carrots in half cross-wise, then cut length-wise, then cut length-wise again.

Combine the carrot sticks, olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary and stir until they are evenly coated. Spread the carrots over the pan as much as possible.

Bake your carrots for about 20 minutes or until carrots are tender. Serve them hot or cool them a bit to room temperature.

Healthy Recipes for Kids #2: Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is a family favorite and is easy on Mom and Dad in both the prep and the clean-up!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

½ Onion, chopped

½ tsp. Garlic, minced

4 tsp. Cilantro, chopped

1 T Butter

30 oz. Chicken Stock

8 oz. can Tomato Sauce

½ package of Taco Seasoning

14 oz. can Mexican Style or Plain Stewed Tomatoes

4 ½ oz. can Diced Green Chilis

1 small can of Corn, drained

1T Worchestire Sauce

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken ******* (these can be frozen)

Put all the ingredients into a Crock Pot and cook on low for 8 hours. A half an hour prior to serving, pull out the chicken and shred. Put the chicken back into the soup and cook the remainder of the time (half an hour).

Serve with cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream.

Healthy Recipes for Kids #3: Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

1 lb. lean Ground Beef

10 oz. Whole Wheat Spaghetti

2 C Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

2 26 oz. jars of your favorite Spaghetti Sauce (make sure your sauce contains healthy ingredients and no sugars)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, drain and mix in your spaghetti sauce to the ground beef.

Prepare your pasta according to the packaged directions and drain.

Spoon one-third of your spaghetti sauce mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan and then mix the remaining spaghetti sauce mixture with the cooked spaghetti. Pour into the prepared pan and then top with the shredded cheese.

Bake for 25-35 minutes until brown and bubbly. Let baked spaghetti rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with a healthy salad and garlic bread. Enjoy!

Features to be Looked Into in a Kid’s Digital Camera

Russ Snapper asked:

As a parent, if you want to make your kid happy, smiling and cheerful at all times then you can gift your child a sleek and elegant digital camera. This will bring to kids happiness in all possible ways as all kids love photographs and enjoy taking photographs by themselves You may find this a daunting task in knowing their likings but it will be a surprise for them.

Favorite kids features on a digital camera are the immediate gratification of photos in the LCD screen, recording short videos and sounds. Kids digital camera is large in size and has kid friendly options. One button on the top offers the traditional method and the other one is well positioned in the back for using thumb. Kids can easily scroll previous photos using the joystick device. Built-in frames and clip art like hat and funny noses can be added while taking shots or added later with the use of built-in editor. The kids will love to add silly features with their photos and it is simple for them to do. Another interesting built-in feature is the recording of sound clips that match with their photos. It is fun for them to do but as they can’t download pictures, it is not useful to them.

While searching for the perfect digital camera for your kid you have to consider points like camera features, price and the advantages of the camera when your kid uses. Above all, you should give importance to the child’s age.

You won’t be able to believe that kids camera is available for children below 2 years. The digital camera offered by Fisher Price Kid-tough is built for pre-schoolers. It was very rugged and will not go into parts even if it is mistakenly dropped by the kids .It has got the best feature of 2 eye-viewing that helps the child to look into one tiny window. Printing of the pictures can be done when it is connected to a computer. The price of the camera is not too high.

For older kids, the best choice will be Disney Pix click. There are different styles and colors available. Some famous models are Pirates of the Caribbean, Barbie, Hello kitty etc. Maximum of 40 photos can be taken and kids can easily hook on to their backpack and purses.

For teenage kids, popular choice is Optical Digital camera of Kodak M753 with 7MP and 3X. The important feature here is the Zoom lens that can help pictures to be taken without the knowledge of friends at a longer distance. A larger screen allows viewing for all the friends of the kids with a clear look. It can even record videos. The price of the product is a little higher but the products stand to their names.

Things you have to consider prior to purchase of digital camera are the price you can pay for the camera, the batteries and the accessories. Learn about the accessories included on purchase and the ones that can be purchased separately. Most of the kid’s digital camera accessories include battery charger, rechargeable batteries, storage case, flash options and Memory card along with storage and software.

Decision of buying the camera depends on which kid you are giving this responsibility of owning a camera. Since kids see things in a different way it is no surprise that this will make them busy with lot of creative ideas.

Kids Birthday Party Places

Dee Adams asked:

Is it time to plan your kid’s birthday party again? Every year around that time you’re wondering – has it been a year already? What are we going to do THIS year? I don’t think I want 20 kids at my house again… so, what other options do we have?

If you’re that mom (or dad), here are some suggestions:

Build-A-Bear Workshop

For the kids who love Teddy Bears – this is the ultimate Teddy Bear birthday party. Kids get to choose a Teddy Bear (or any other animal within the price range selected) and give it a personality by stuffing it, fluffing it, giving it a voice, dressing it up, accessorizing it, and giving it a name. There is also a “Heart Ceremony” where each kid gets to choose a “heart” and make a wish, before placing it inside his animal.

Each kid gets a “Birth Certificate” with his Teddy Bear’s name, and a little cardboard house to take the Teddy Bear home as a goodie bag. Teddy bears, voices, clothes and accessories all vary in prices. You can designate a price range (starting at $10) for each one of the categories that suits your budget. Parties are for 6 kids or more and include a “party leader” who manages the party process and entertains the kids.

Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese is a chain of family entertainment centers and has been a kids’ favorite for many years. It offers indoor fun activities and games for kids of all ages. From play structures, tubes, slides and small rides to Air Hockey tables and arcade games.

Birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese are fun and affordable. Parties are scheduled throughout the day, every day, and combine playtime with party time. Party tables are decorated and set up by the Chuck E. Cheese staff (as well as clean up) and are reserved for 90 minuets.

Every party gets a birthday performance featuring “Chuck E. Cheese and his musical friends” who entertain the kids with a little song and dance show. In a typical party each kid gets Pizza, soft drink, cake and game tokens (number of tokens depends on the package you choose).

The birthday kid gets a collector’s cup, cotton candy, a crown, and a helium balloon. Additional party options such as extra cake, goodie bag, or collector’s cup are available for purchase. You can also bring your own cake and/or ice cream.

Golfland Entertainment Centers

There are currently 9 Golfland Entertainment Centers throughout California and Arizona. Each Golfland has a unique theme and many combine different kinds of attractions. Birthday party packages at Golfland and SunSplash entertainment centers vary for each location. Golfland Birthday Party package ranges between $8.50 – $12.99 per kid (depending on the location) and requires 10 kids minimum.

Basic package may include One round (18 holes) of miniature golf, pizza and soft drinks, arcade tokens, party supplies, and complimentary round of golf for the birthday kid.

The Sunsplash Birthday Party package is for kids 14 years old or younger, and require 10 kids minimum. Each package costs $23.00 per kid Monday – Thursday, and $24.00 per kid Friday – Sunday, and may include all day admission to Sunsplash Waterpark, Hamburger & fries or Pizza and a soft drink, party supplies, and complimentary Waterpark Pass for the Birthday Kid.

There are also add-ons and upgrades that can be purchased for each package (where available): Miniature Golf, Laser Tag, Race Cars, Bumper Boats, Golfland Waterslide, Golfland Arcade, Birthday cakes, Goodie bags, and Ice Cream.

LEGO

For kids 6 and older who love LEGO – this is a dream come true. This ultimate LEGO party offers 1 – 1.5 hours of creative play activity in the LEGO store. Each party is customized for the birthday kid and is led by LEGO party host.

There are different themes for boys and for girls to select from:

BIONICLE

LEGO Star Wars

Mosaics & Creator

LEGO Racers

LEGO CITY

Party package starts at $10 per child, and the minimum number of kids is 5. Each kid get to take home a goodie bag with a set of LEGO, and the birthday kid also gets a LEGO Birthday Brick.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center

Each birthday party at My Gym is age appropriate and tailored to the birthday kid’s favorite activities and games. Birthday party packages vary from one location to another and may run for 1.5 – 2 hours.

Cost for each party also varies depending on the location and the number of kids, which can be from 15 – 25. Each package may include exclusive play in the gym and is facilitated by My Gym trained teachers.

Activities include games, gymnastics, Space Flight, puppets, rides, songs and other birthday festivities, where the birthday kid is at the heart of the celebration. All kids get to participate in all activities.

My Gym staff will setup and decorate the place, serve the refreshments and even clean up after the party. Party goodie bags can be added to the package at additional cost.

Pump It Up

Pump It Up offers indoor birthday party packages for kids ages 2 and up and features huge inflatable play structures in different shapes and sizes for climbing, sliding, jumping and playing. There are two birthday party packages to choose from:

“Classic party” is for up to 25 kids and “Mini-Classic Party” is for up to 14 kids. The kids get to spend some time in one play area, then move to another play area, and then at the party room.

Both Party packages include Color invitations, party supplies, supervision by trained staff during play time, and Party set up and clean up. Pump It Up goodie bags and inflated helium balloons can be added to each package for additional charge.

The Little Gym

Each birthday party at The Little Gym is tailored for the birthday kid and is facilitated by friendly staff. All parties feature fun activities with movement, and exclusive use of the gym for the duration of the party.

Birthday parties are 90 minutes long and can be scheduled for Saturday or Sunday. Birthday party packages vary for each location.

The cost for each party depends on the location and the number of kids, and may include Two staff members to facilitate the party, setup and cleanup, “The Little Gym” invitations, party supplies, and “The Little Gym” T-shirt for the birthday kid.

YMCA

The “YMCA” is a world-wide not-for-profit community service organization with a special emphasis on community development and

young people. The YMCA’s mission is building a healthy spirit, mind, and body and its motto is “We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities”.

Birthday party packages at the YMCA vary from one location to another. Depending on the facility, some parties may include swimming, games, and sports activities. Cost varies for each location.

For more details about each party place and photo gallery please visit the Birthday Party Places section of our website: http://www.cool-kids-places.com/birthday-party-places.html.

Purchasing the Best Beach Backpacks for Kids

Mark Jordan asked:

Summer is approaching quicker than you think and you may be going to head off to the beach for a family vacation with your kids.  It is never too early to plan a summer vacation.  Something you will most likely need are beach backpacks for kids.  For kids, a backpack is a very handy accessory that can carry just about everything they will need for a day trip or even a weekend, from clothes to toiletries and ipods to hats, jackets, toys and books.  As well, having a backpack to lug supplies down to the beach area is very handy, whether you are a toddler, young kid, parent or teen.

The type of kid’s beach backpacks you need depend on the ages and sizes of your children, as well as what you, or they, need the backpack for.  A beach trip is one of the funniest trips a kid can go on, but there are considerations not found on other types of trips where backpacks are used.  A beach trip usually involves more sand, sun, salty air and salt water. 

You may want a functional kids beach backpack for the carrying of clothes and sundries or you may want to buy one that can carry items such as food and water bottles. As well you can find combined backpacks that have a separate removable section for clothes and one for food or drink.  Also popular are beach backpacks for little kids that are used to carry all of their sand toys.  You can tell there are a variety of backpacks to think about depending on the needs or ages of the kids.

One thing to look for is the ability of the beach backpack to be waterproof.  These are not the easiest bags to find for older kids and shopping online seems to offer the best choice in this variety.  One popular older kid’s beach backpack is divided into two sections. The top mesh section is for holding clothes and towels, and the bottom insulated section acts like a cooler for food or drink. 

You are going to want separate compartments in any older kids beach backpack since this will help keep items like hair products or suntan lotion away from clothing or towels.  As well make sure the exterior is made of nylon or some heavier waterproof fabric.  A denim bag would not be very good against water of course.  Most kids beach backpacks are designed to have a drawstring top, be lightweight and have just a few separate areas for keeping a towel, money, suntan lotion, maybe a hat or book, and very little else.  Beach backpacks are not as large or cumbersome as school or camping ones.  Most beach backpacks are for one day trips down to the sand area and that is about all.

For little tikes there are a variety of kid’s beach backpacks for carrying toys.  Most seem to be clear plastic with some colorful designs or stitching.  They usually are light since the toys are all plastic.  These types of backpacks may come with little sand molds, buckets, plastic tools, and scoops.  These beach backpacks for kids are not meant to carry anything but toys.  They are good because they are fairly water proof and can tolerate sand well.  You simply have to rinse your child’s toys in the water and stuff them back in the bag, ready to use the next day.  You can never get rid of all the sand accumulated from a day at the beach, so these backpacks work well to keep all of the sandy toys together.  They are also light enough that little kids can carry them, even though the shoulder straps are sometimes non existent or not comfortable.

There is nothing keeping you from being creative and using these clear beach backpacks for clothes.  There are also larger kids clear school backpacks which can be used as dedicated beach backpacks instead.

A beach backpack for kids would make the perfect gift for the child that you know goes to the beach on occasion, or your own kid.  Having been to the beach many times with kids myself I can attest that they do come in very handy and make things so much easier to carry items and keep them out of the sand.  You may want one for each kid plus yourself, so everyone can carry some of their own beach gear.

List of the Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Kids

Tony Smith asked:

There are a ton of great toys that are coming out this Christmas. Every kid wants to have the top toys. So, what I’m going to do is share with you a list of the top 10 Christmas gifts for kids. That way, you can get your kids the best toys this year.

The top 10 Christmas gifts for kids are:

1. Bakugan Battle Pack. This is one of the toys that a lot of kids want for Christmas this year. This is a fun game for kids. You should get this for your kids. They will love it.

2. Transformers Optimus Prime. This is an awesome toy. It’s the replica of Optimus Prime off of the hit movie, Transformers. It’s one of the best Transformer toys to have come out in a long time.

3. Kidizoom Digital Camera. This is a great toy for little kids. This digital camera is very durable. This is a great gift for kids who want their own camera. The picture quality is great. So, if your child wants their own camera, this is a great gift for them.

4. Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pups. This toy looks like a real dog. Kids love Biscuit My Lovin Pup. This is a great gift for a kid who wants a dog.

5. Leap Frog Learn & Groove Musical Table. This is a great toy for small children. It helps them learn and develop motor skills. Your child will love this gift.

6. LEGO Mindstorm NXT. This is one of the best out of the top 10 Christmas gifts for kids. This toy is educational and fun. Your kids will enjoy playing with this gift.

7. Xbox 360 Console. This is a great gift for kids. It’s actually a great gift for you and your kids. They have all sorts of games you can play. This is perfect if you want to spend time with your children.

8. Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House. This is a gift that a lot of little girls want for Christmas. If you want to get your little princess a great Christmas gift this year, you should get this for her.

9. Speed Racer Sky Jump Track Set. This is a great gift for your little guy. A lot of little boys want this gift for Christmas.

10. Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster. This is a great toy. If you have ever purchased a Nerf toy before, you know just how much fun these toys can be. If you want your kids to have fun over and over with their toys, you should get this gift for them.

These are the top 10 Christmas gifts for kids. If you want to see your kid’s face light up on Christmas day, you should get them the gifts mentioned above. They will be the happiest kids this year.