product reviews - Pitstops for Kids

Fall wardrobe essentials for carry-on friendly travel

September 23, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve ever tried to fit everything you need for a week away in a carry-on bag (or even a weekend’s worth), you know it’s essential that every clothing item have a purpose…or two or three. When we travel, we pack carry-on only, and to be honest, I never have trouble fitting all the kids’ clothes they’ll need. It’s my wardrobe that’s often out of control. The first rule of carry-on friendly travel: make sure every item you pack can do double-duty (especially if you’re on a seaplane in which every ounce counts!).

Last spring, I became an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. Many of the clothing picks below come from this brand (you’ll see why as I describe them). Others are favorites from the dozens of other brands I review in my capacity as a writer for Practical Travel Gear. In other words, a lot of travel-specific clothing comes across my desk (and into my closet). Below, you’ll only see what I consider the absolute best. Need carry-on luggage that can go the distance? Check out our carry-on luggage picks for kids!

Essential clothing pieces for a fall carry-on:

1. Organic cotton:

A few organic cotton shirts will last you more than two days on a trip. Organic cotton is extremely soft and comfortable (crucial for long travel days), but more importantly, it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Roll your cotton shirts instead of folding them in your carry-on, and you’ll not only save space, but prevent any creases. One of the reasons I love Aventura Clothing is because so many of their pieces are organic.

Top organic cotton pick: Aventura’s Erin Top. This top is basic in style, which means it can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt, but has just enough detailing to be dressed up in the evenings. The ruching on the sides is very flattering. Pack two of these (in different colors), and you’ll be set for a long weekend.

2. Scarves: Want an easy way to dress up any outfit? Add a scarf. Scarves take up very little room in the carry-on, yet pack a powerful punch when worn. I love something sheer in the summer, then switch to a knitted infinity scarf in winter. Plus, scarves are a fun souvenir to pick up in different destinations. I love wearing scarves that remind me of the places I’ve been.

Top fall scarf pick: Aventura again! Their Alisha infinity scarf is elegant while still soft as a pillow around your neck. Bonus: you can use it as a pillow on the airplane.

3. One lightweight jacket:

I love bringing one lightweight jacket in my fall carry-on (or better yet, wear it on your travel day to make room for more things). I prefer a tailored look, so I can dress the jacket up or down. Pick one that will look ok if you need to wear it to an outdoor event or dinner, when fall nights can get chilly.

Top jacket pick: Every fall, I reach for my Mountain Khakis Americana jacket. I love this jacket with true devotion. It’s warm, but can also be unzipped and used as a casual covering when just my shoulders are chilly. It has numerous pockets, and looks good with just about everything.

4. Khaki or cotton pants:

The workhorse of your fall carry-on wardrobe, 1-2 pairs of solid, high-quality, khaki or hemp/cotton pants is crucial. You can re-wear them several times, they’ll match everything, and never go out of style.

Top pant pick: The Aventura Arden pant is a consistent winner in my closet. It’s made of organic cotton, has a brushed finish that looks great, and while they’re fitted, they’re roomy enough that I’m still friends with the Arden after sitting in a car or on a plane all day. (I can’t say the same of my skinny jeans.) I’m also a huge fan of my Sherpa Naulo pant. These stretchy nylon/spandex pants resist stains, move with the body, and look good doing it.

5. Layers!

Layers are your best friend when packing carry-on only. I bring at least 2-3 camisoles or undershirts that can be layered over lightweight sweaters or pullovers and hoodies. If you think you’ll be in extremely chilly weather, bring a thermal undershirt that can be paired with a vest (and discarded when the day warms up).

Top layering pick: I own a collection of hoodies and pullovers, but my new favorite is Aventura’s Amelia hoodie. Why? It’s extremely lightweight thermal, so it takes up next to no room, and its fitted, so it won’t make me look bulky or overdressed. I pair mine with a camisole, because the ‘whisper white’ color is a bit transparent, but the other solid colors could be worn solo. It has cute accenting and snap buttons, too.

6. Minimalist shoes:

I can only live in flip-flops until October or so, and when I do need to confine my feet, I go with a minimalist shoe (or ‘barefoot’ shoe). I pack this type of shoe not for the health benefits to my feet (though the zero depth means I am free to walk with the most natural gait). I pack them because they’re lightweight and compress down small.

Top minimalist shoe pick: I love kigo shoes. They’re environmentally friendly, and cute as button. These shoes breathe well and feel good even after lots of walking.

What do you pack in a fall carry-on?

Joovy Caboose VaryLight Graphite Stand-on Tandem Stroller review

August 8, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

It has a long name, but that’s because it serves a lot of travel needs: the Joovy Caboose VaryLight Graphite Stand-on Tandem Stroller can expand from a single to a double like a Transformer, utilizes the lightest materials possible, has room for two kids to sit, stand, recline, or remain in a car seat, and still doesn’t skimp on extras like canopies, cup holders, and oversized baskets.

We put the Joovy Caboose VaryLight stroller to work with one of our reviewers, a single mom with four kids, two of whom are stroller-aged. Wanting to get out for some summer fun, she was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of transporting her two-year-old and six-month-year-old. With the VaryLight, she can set her infant, Andy, up in the front seat (with or without a car seat), and recline his seat as needed. Her two-year-old daughter, Ivy, stands at the back, on the attached pad. (She could sit, too, but Ivy doesn’t roll that way.)

When little Ivy is at childcare of grandma’s house, the VaryLight can basically squish up into a single, the only stroller we’ve ever seen do this particular trick! Note: this is a great feature not only for parents who may have one of two kids absent during parts of the day, but also for new parents who currently have one baby, but may have another within a few years.

The VaryLight is light enough to lift and put into a car trunk without strain, and the seats are easy to adjust (no battling the stroller!). It’s easy to fold and unfold. It was difficult for our reviewer to push on gravel or sand but great on streets and sidewalks.

Set up: Out of the box, the VaryLight was easy for our reviewer to put together. I wanted to ‘test’ Joovy’s excellent customer service, but she couldn’t find a reason to! If you do have questions, they’re there for you!

Here are the specs you’ll need:

Swing-open tray
One-hand fold
Front-wheel suspension, front swivel-wheel locks, and rear brakes
Extra-large storage basket
Assembled Dimensions (short) – 42″H x 43.5″ D x 24.25″ W
Assembled Dimensions (extended) – 42″H x 49.75″ D x 24.25″ W
Stroller Weight – 33.95 lbs.
Front Seat Min Age – Birth+ when using car seat adapter, or 6 months+
Front Seat Max Weight and Height – 55 lbs. and 40″ height
Rear Seat Min Age – 2.5 yrs
Rear Seat Max Weight – 55 lbs. and 44″ height

Cost: the VaryLight retails for $499. It’s a high-end stroller (among many on the market) but will carry you through from birth to preschool for multiple children. You can also find the VaryLight on Amazon for as low as $449.

How does it handle travel?

Because the VaryLight is made of graphite (the same material used in all our advanced technology, low weight backpacking gear these days), it’s lightweight for a double stroller. Can you get a lighter one? Sure, but not with all these bells and whistles. When we travel with a stroller, we’ve found there’s a sweet spot: we want one with a simple enough design that the stroller doesn’t weigh as much as a boulder, but advanced enough that it has the features we want. In other words, those cheap umbrella strollers don’t cut it because they’re too bare bones (how with the baby nap? where will I store our stuff?) and the Rolls Royce of strollers is simply too big and bulky.

The VaryLight is easy to fold up (a huge plus) and can fit into the back of a car without much hassle. Is it the stroller to use when hopping on and off busses or subways? I’d say no, but it is the stroller to use when car camping, road tripping, city touring, or theme park visiting. Can it fly? Yes, just gate check it.

While you’re checking out the VaryLight, look over all the other travel-friendly products Joovy offers. It’s mind-boggling!

As I disclose whenever applicable, our reviewer was given the VaryLight without charge for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Travel Gear We Use: Sony Alpha a5000 review

July 11, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

For most family travel situations, I strongly advocate using a quality point-and-shoot camera so you can easily take shots on the fly (in water, on sand, where ever, whenever). However, there is a time and place for a DSLR. For today’s Travel Gear We Use segment, we recommend the Sony Alpha a5000 for those trips during which once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities will present themselves.

The part in which I admit I’m not a photographer:

It’s true. I’m a writer, not a photographer. But I’m complimented frequently on my photos. I attribute my success to two things: 1. taking copious shots from all angles (and deleting most later), 2. using quality gear.

What I love about the Alpha a5000 is, you don’t need to know a lot to use it. Don’t be intimated by this high-end camera (that actually sells for under $500!). Just like on your point-and-shoot, it’s possible to set the Alpha a5000 to one of several automatic shooting modes, and learn to adjust manually as you go. The a5000 comes with tons of scene selection options, plus apps you can add as desired. You can edit as you go (on the camera) and take video, of course.

The a5000 is mirror less, with a 16-50 mm lens. I suggest buying a second lens as well, if possible, to expand your reach, so to speak. I added the E-18-200mm to mine. Find lenses that fit here. I love the flip screen on the a5000, which allows me to find new angles without getting on the ground, and makes for easier video taping. The a5000 does give you the option of using PlayMemories Camera Apps and transferring photos instantly via WiFi, but I personally rarely use these features, preferring to edit on my computer. For fast social media sharing, my phone is still king.

Where I see the difference between my Alpha a5000 and my point-and-shoot:

long distance shots: you just can’t zoom like this with a point-and-shoot!
nighttime shots: you get several scene selections that work at night
portraits: I love, love, love the a5000’s soft skin effect!

Trips where the a5000 rocks:

A cruise
A safari
Any wilderness venture during which you have time to set up shots and are reasonably sure you won’t get wet

Trips on which I was glad to have my point-and-shoot:

River rafting trips
Beach trips
City touring
Backpacking

Pick one up for $449 (on sale!) at Sony, or grab the Sony Alpha a5000 on Amazon for a few bucks less.

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Disclosure: Pit Stops for Kids frequently tests and reviews Sony products, for the purpose of review. This partnership comes with no expectation of a positive review.

Car seat safety reminder and convertible car seat review

June 23, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s road trip season! Early summer is a great time to make sure your kids’ car seats are installed correctly, and don’t need to be replaced. Pit Stops for Kids got the latest scoop in car seat safety and car seat requirements from Safety1st Consumer Safety Expert Julie Vallese. Even those of us who are not new parents could use some reminders as we head into road trip season!

The three most important things when choosing a car seat are:

One that fits your child
One that fits your car
One that you will use correctly every time

You can accomplish this by:

Having the car you will be using the seat in with you and try it out at the store
Having your child with you at the time of purchase
Following information in both the car seat manual and vehicle manual for installation
Attending a car seat check for assistance in proper installation and use from a certified car seat technician

Read car seat requirements from Safety1st!

New rules for car seats using LATCH require understanding of your car seat’s weight and child’s weight:

Car seats manufactured after February 27, 2014 are required to carry a new label with guidance on maximum weight limits for LATCH
The combined weight should not exceed 65lbs
Look in the manual and label on the car seat to identify the weight of the seat
Look for a weight on the maximum weight for the child
Know your child’s weight
If the combined weight of the seat and your child exceeds 65lbs-install the car seat using the vehicle’s belt

Click to read more safety tips for car seats!

Review of the Safety1st Advance SE 65 Air convertible car seat

Car seats just keep getting more advanced! The Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat features technology designed to keep children from 5-65 pounds safer in the car. How so? The cushion system includes patented foam in hexagonal shapes for protection around the torso, allowing for better side impact protection. And the Advance 65 Air + uses a steel-reinforced frame for extra stability. You get a four position recline, which helps the seat fit optimally in your car, and color-coded belt paths take human error out of installation.

But let’s get to where to rubber meets the road: we had the Advance 65 Air + tested by a real Pit Stops for Kids mom and toddler. In addition to the safety features, our reviewer noticed the following perks while using the seat day-in and day-out:

Fully formed headrest, making the seat much more comfortable when the toddler falls asleep.
Easy buckling system, and easy to wash: our reviewer completely removed the cover and washed it (and put it back on) with no problems.
Carrying handle: need we say more? This car seat is heavy, and the handle makes it much easier to lug around.

Here’s the nitty-gritty:

Rear-facing 5-40 pounds
Forward-facing 22-65 pounds
Featuring Air Protect +
10-position headrest grows with your child
No re-thread harness
4-position recline for optimal fit to your car
LATCH equipped
Integrated cup holder

As we disclose whenever applicable, our reviewer received a Safety1st carseat for the purpose of review. Without review product tests, we’d be unable to provide real mom reviews on Pit Stops for Kids.

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Summer travel gear pick: Trunki PaddlePak review

June 20, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Now that’s summer’s underway, you’re getting a good feel for what travel gear is working for you…and what’s not. If you’ve been carting your pool and beach gear around in a standard backpack that A) your kids leave on the pool deck and B) allows wet swimsuits to leak through, leaving wet spots in your car, we have a solution.

We recently reviewed the PaddlePak backpack, the latest offering from Trunki, a travel company known for their innovative (and fun!) gear for kids. Trunki believes a good travel product appeals to both little ones and their parents. The PaddlePak is water resistant inside and out, so go ahead and spill a juice box or two, plus stash wet swimsuits and towels inside. Have a water bottle that religiously leaks when you pack it for day camp? Go ahead and put that in there, as well.

We tried out the PaddlePak Clown Fish pack, named Chuckles. Chuckles is a regular-sized PaddlePak (large is also available), and is big enough to fit a swimsuit (or change of clothes), a pair of shoes, and/or a snack and drink. It’s recommended for ages 2 and up, which we appreciate: my three-year-old loved that it fit her well. No more backpack shoulder straps slipping off! The top closes with a roll-top just like a grown-up dry bag, which is a fun (and practical) touch. See what I mean about Trunki products appealing to both parents and kids?

‘Chuckles’ is truly unisex: it appealed equally to my daughter and my five-year-old son. For older kids, I’d recommend one of the large packs, such as the gray shark or black killer whale. The straps are adjustable, and best of all, the regular size is only $25.

We’ve used the pack for short hikes in the woods, because it’s the bag my daughter is enthusiastic to wear, and for trips to the beach and pool. If your child is in swimming lessons or attends a day camp this summer, a PaddlePak would be ideal!

Disclosure: we were given one PaddlePak to try for the purpose of review. Without product review samples, Pit Stops for Kids would be unable to bring information on current travel products to our readers.

Travel gear we use: sun protection clothing for kids and adults

April 11, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Today in Travel Gear We Use, we’re talking about best sun protection clothing for kids and adults. If your family plans to visit a warm-weather spring break destination, it’s time to make sure you have the right gear to protect everyone from the sun. Our sun protective clothing picks will last you through the whole summer, unless your kids outgrew them first!

Sun Day Afternoons clothing and hats:

Sunday Afternoons has sun protective clothing and hats for the whole family. We love their packable hats, like the Sun Tripper Cap with a foldable brim, and my husband prefers their Charter Hat. Young kids can be outfitted in wide-brimmed hats with SmartStrap–which uses an adjustable toggle and breakaway clip– like the Play Hat, and clothing ranges from long or short-sleeved shirts for the whole family to pool onesies.

Columbia sun protective shirts:

For on the trail or while traveling, I love the lightweight feel of Columbia Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt. Columbia wear is affordable, always returnable, and easy to order online…win, win, win! I can’t get my kids to wear collared, button-down shirts while on vacation, no matter how comfortable, so instead, I trick them into sun protection with Columbia’s Adventureland Long Sleeve Tee. While we’re on the subject, my older kids refuse sun protective wide-brimmed hats (they looked so adorable in them as little ones!) so they opt for bandanas or cowboy hats while under the sun. As long as something is on their heads, I don’t really care!

Exofficio cover-ups:

My favorite sun protection for a day near the pool is my Exofficio Women’s Sol Cool Hoody. Incredibly thin, very flattering, and always appropriate, the Sol Cool is the perfect go-to cover up for swimming that transitions well to the pool-side restaurant or even onto a hiking trail.

Madrone headwear for men:

My husband has absolutely fallen in love with his Madrone Navigator hat. This is a miracle, as he usually isn’t willing to wear anything on his head except a baseball cap. The Navigator offers full sun protection, a chin strap, and great ventilation. He’s worn it everywhere from on the river while fishing to hiking in California deserts. It can be found currently at CampMor for $49.

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All of the above picks are linked to the lowest possible pricing on Amazon. All are affordable for families with growing kids!

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Travel Gear We Use: Favorite organic travel clothing for women

March 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

When I travel, it’s crucial for me to have an easily-matching, comfortable, stylish yet utilitarian wardrobe in my suitcase. Because I believe in the brand and wear it regularly, I recently became an ambassador of Aventura Clothing. I’m excited to devote a Travel Gear We Use segment to a few of my favorite Aventura travel outfits for spring and summer. If you’re not familiar with Aventura, as many are not, they take environmental stewardship seriously, from box and toner recycling in their warehouses and offices to their organic materials. I love their cotton blends for four-season travel, and because Aventura clothing is so versatile, I can pack less and still look good while on trips. Three Aventura pieces I’ll be wearing this spring (and why):

1. Audra Dress paired with a fedora:

I love packing cotton dresses for travel. Why? I have a complete outfit with only one piece instead of two or more, and the right dress can be dressed up or down, ensuring multiple uses. The Audra Dress is my new favorite because it’s flattering while still loose on the body, which means I can feel comfortable during a full day of museum touring or city walking with the kids. It’s casual enough that I can slip it on over a swimsuit for a trip to the resort pool, but pair it with a scarf and fedora and nice sandals, and the Audra can go out at night, too. Pick up the Audra Dress for $67: a good price for a dress you’ll use all summer.

2. Newberry sweater and Arden Capri:

Next to a light cotton dress, a basic pair of capris are my favorite spring and summer travel piece. The Arden Capri is extremely soft and light, but comes to mid-calf for almost full coverage (or buttons up for warmer weather). I always need a good layering piece when I travel, and the Newberry Sweater fits the bill by being stylish, extremely soft, and of a good medium weight. I pack mine with a few camisoles, and have a warm cover up for spring days that could go either way. Tip: the Newberry is also my new best friend on chilly airplanes. Pick up the Newberry Sweater for $82 and the Arden Capri for $56.

3. Mayfield Top and Georgia hat:

Everyone needs at least two solid-colored, flattering sleeveless or short-sleeved tops in their luggage. My pick is the Mayfield Top: it’s long in length so it doesn’t ride up when I bend for suitcases or reach for my kids’ gear, and it’s just tailored enough to look fantastic under a dressy jacket or cardigan. I have worn the Mayfield to professional conferences paired with slacks and at roadside BBQs with my kids. Win-win! The Georgia hat goes with everything, shields me from the sun, and is perfect for uh-oh-I-can’t-wash-my-hair days (with happens to me a lot). The Mayfield is $47 and the Georgia hat is $29.

If you’re looking for additional eco-friendly, travel-friendly women’s clothing brands, I recommend MountainKhakis and Horny Toad. As stated above, I am an Aventura Ambassador. What this means: I am able to sample Aventura clothing picks and pass along my favorites to my readers. I am not paid for this position.

Find more gear in the Travel Gear We Use series (click below):

Travel Gear We Use: best point and shoot camera for vacation photos

January 10, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

We’re continuing our Travel Gear We Use series with our #1 pick for an all-around best point and shoot camera for taking family vacation photos. We own several cameras, but only one comes with us on each and every family trip.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20 is a little (and affordable!) camera that packs a big punch. Certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof, the Cyber-Shot fits in your pocket and can take anything your vacation throws at it. We love the touch screen with tons of focus selections, but auto works great, too. The 3.0 screen is big enough to see what you’re doing, and the full HD 1080 records stills and video. You get a 16.2 Exmor R CMOS sensor, which means you’ll get crisp, sharp photos even in odd lighting situations like twilight or underwater. There’s a panorama setting, and sports and action settings.

I have several cameras on-hand for documenting various types of travel, but the Sony Cyber-Shot always comes with us. Why not? It’s small, easy to carry along, and won’t be grounded by sand, dust, water, or cold. It’s safe in the pocket of your ski pants, around your wrist while you’re swimming, and for every situation in-between. In fact, every shot in this video of Riviera Maya Mexico was taken with the Sony Cyber-Shot.

Because it’s so indestructible, it’s also a great pick for kids. We pass the Sony around while on vacation, and I don’t have to worry about it in the hands of the kids. Our boys can navigate the touch screen easily, and love taking underwater pics. (If you’ve bought a disposable underwater camera lately, you know what a hassle it is to develop the film, and how costly those precious few photos available to you are.)

We also love that the Cyber Shot is only 99 at Amazon.

More Travel Gear We Use:
Best carry-on luggage for kids
Best overnight backpacking for kids and youth
Best packing cubes and TSA bags for the family

Photo credit.

Travel gift for families: The Family Traveler’s Handbook

December 13, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Today, instead of offering a travel gift idea for kids, we’re reviewing a great travel gift from which the whole family can benefit. The The Family Traveler’s Handbook by Mara Gorman is a slam dunk of a stocking stuffer for any family on your list this season. This guidebook isn’t geared toward a single destination or style of travel; rather, it’s your new bible for family travel inspiration and how-to. Whether you love camping, road tripping, luxury travel, international travel, or any other sort, the Family Traveler’s Handbook helps you get started. Once you’ve targeted a destination, the book also carries you through your trip, with practical sections on making the most of your trip and traveling smarter.

What’s between the covers:

The Family Traveler’s Handbook answers the big questions first: where should you go on your annual family vacation? Should you fly or drive? How can you book hotel rooms or vacation homes smarter? I know from experience as a family travel expert that many parents get stuck right here. Travel can feel overwhelming–after all, it’s a big expense and you don’t want to mess it up! The Family Traveler’s Handbook offers answers that help parents identify what type of vacation would work best for them, and how to go about planning it.

Of course, you need the nitty-gritty, too. The subsequent sections of the book cover all those details you might not even think about, but make any family travel experience richer: how to keep your kid napping on the road. How to save money on food. Should you use public transit? Why or why not? How about public parks or local restaurants? How to know which are worth your time? All ages of kids are covered, helping parents plan whether they have toddlers or teens.

What sets The Family Traveler’s Handbook apart:

See these kids? You’re going to get to know them. And if you read author Mara Gorman’s blog, The Mother of All Trips, you already do. Let’s be honest here: even the most travel-crazy among us get bogged down reading a highly technical or practical travel guide. Instead, we want real, from-the-road stories, and in Mara’s book, you get just that. The practical information is there, don’t worry, but it’s peppered throughout with real-life anecdotes about real family travel…the good, the bad, and the hilariously funny. In other words, you’ll learn all you need to know about planning a family trip without even realizing it, you’ll be so entertained.

Read more testimonials, from additional family travel experts I know and trust, on the Traveler’s Handbook website. Pick up your copy on Amazon for just $15 or at Barnes and Noble or in ebook format. You have plenty of time to get one for the holidays!

In full disclosure, Pit Stops for Kids and yours truly are quoted in The Family Traveler’s Handbook, as we offer camping and outdoor adventure advice. However, I’d recommend the book regardless and was not compensated in any way to promote it. You can be sure it will be under our own tree this holiday season.

Follow our year-round Travel Gear We Use series, as well as our current Travel Gifts for Kids posts throughout December!

Travel gifts for kids: affordable POV action cam picks

December 6, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Do your kids want a POV camera or camcorder for Christmas? Tweens and teens love POV cams, and mine are no exception. However, these rugged, adaptable action video cameras can be expensive! Below are two affordable POV action cam picks that won’t set you back and will keep your kids happy during outdoor travel adventures.

Kids love to challenge themselves and try new skills, and with action cams, they can record their feats, post them on social media sites, and share with friends. My kids bring action cameras to the ski slopes, on mountain biking trails, and even underwater.

Sony Wifi Action Video Camera:

The Sony Action Cam is less expensive than a Go Pro, with all the same bells and whistles. Kids can mount the camera on their helmets, take them on or under water with the waterproof case, strap them to their handlebars, or wrap them around their head with a headband. The Action Cam is small enough to toss into a lightweight backpack or even a jacket pocket, and with only one button for on and off, gloves don’t even have to come off to get the scene rolling. Unlike a Go Pro, the Action Cam does not have a screen, but kids can sync the camera straight to a smart phone. (There are pros and cons of this: see our full Action Cam review for details.) We like the HD quality and the fact that with wifi enabled, we can upload our videos instantly. It can also be used with a USB cable or photo card. Pick it up as a family gift for under $230 on Amazon.

Oregon Scientific ATC Chameleon Action Video Camera:

The Chameleon is unique in that it shoots duel perspectives simultaneously. While capturing the speed of her snowboard on the snow, your daughter can also video the expression on her own face. Both perspectives are displayed together on a split screen view. The Chameleon is more lightweight than the Sony Action Cam, but also a little less rugged. A waterproof case can be bought as an accessory, as well as helmet mounts and pole/handlebar mounts. It fits in the palm of your hand, and captures full HD video. Like the Sony, video is transferred via photo card or USB, but cannot be transferred wirelessly. Grab it for only $199 on Amazon.

Want more travel gifts for kids? Here are some ideas!
Best hydration packs for kids
Nikon Coolpix Giveaway