holiday gifts for kids - Pitstops for Kids

Stocking ideas for families who travel

December 6, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Need help filling those Christmas stockings this year? We’re back with this year’s 10 stocking ideas for families who travel! Whether you have small children who need entertainment on long road trips or teens who love the outdoors, the following holiday stocking stuffers will fit the bill!

1. United by Blue Utensil Kit:

United by Blue has made a commitment to reusable products and the clean up of our planet. Their utensil kit includes two stainless steel straws, one silicone straw tip, one straw cleaner, one stainless steel spork, and one pair of stainless steel chopsticks. Mine fits perfectly in my tote or backpack to be at the ready for any on-the-go meal. The case it comes in is 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish and velcro closure. Pick one up for anyone on your list for $24!

2. Haiku RFID Mini Wallet:

This tiny wallet packs a powerful punch, ready for any international adventure. You can fit your state ID and 3-4 credit cards in this slim wallet, which closes quickly with an elastic band. You get RFID-blocking technology in an CyclePET fabric made from plastic water bottles. Get one for $15.

3. North Drinkware tumblers, pint glasses, and coasters

An Oregon company, North Drinkware creates beautiful pint glasses, tumblers, coasters, blankets, and more inspired by Northwest mountains. Their handblown beer tumblers and pint glasses have the raised imprints of iconic peaks on the interior bottom, such as Mt. Rainer, Mt. Hood, etc. The perfect gift for the outdoorsy NW traveler! We love displaying our Mt. Hood coasters, too. See all their offerings here.

4. Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear:

Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds…a Buff for your dog! We love the reflective strip that keeps him or her safe on those nighttime walks or early morning jogs, and these Buffs come in multiple sizes and patterns, just like the human version. Pick one up for your pet for $12. Need one for your dog’s human, too? We love Buff’s new InsectShield line that protects everyone from ticks and mosquitoes.

5. Tesalate ultimate beach towel:

These beach towels fold down small for road trips, car rides, and camping trips, yet absorb so much water! (Great for pets, too!). They do not allow sand to cling whatsoever, so you don’t get pesky sand in your car, van, or RV. We can’t get enough of these, so we got the XL, which is big enough to work as a picnic blanket, too! Check out all the fun colors and patterns.

6. Juniper Ridge essential oils:

Can’t get out into the wilderness this holiday season? Bring the outdoors to you with Juniper Ridge’s set of essential oils, ready for any diffuser in your home. From Sierra Forest to Christmas Fir, you’ll be invigorated with the scents of the forest, helping with a sense of calm and relaxation when you can’t be outside.

7. Alpine Start instant coffee

Instant coffee that still tastes good? Yep! Alpine Start is the coffee pack to pick up for your next #vanlife adventure, camping trip, road trip, or socially distant travels. They come in a variety of flavors and pack sizes, including original or a super yummy dirty Chai. Packs are $8.99.

8. GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Cup:

The perfect stocking stuffer for the camper or outdoor adventurer who has everything! This stainless steel camp cup has double-wall insulation and a snug-fitting lid, and is light enough to easily attach to any backpack for carrying from campsite to campsite. It comes in multiple colors so you can be sure you always know which cup of coffee (or whiskey) is yours. Pick one up on GSI Outdoors for $15.

9. Avana insulated water bottle:

These beautiful and functional water bottles are leak-proof, spill-proof, and come with a built-in straw. You get a triple layer of insulation and a cool carry loop on the lid. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

10. Six Moon pack pods:

Can you have enough packing cubes? Never. Six Moon Designs is a company we have long-trusted for their backpacks and shelters, and now their pack pods come in three size options for just $30. Ideal for storing miscellaneous camping gear, road trip snacks, or clothing. We like to keep some on-hand in every car and in our backpacks. Pick them up here!

Need more ideas? Check out more holiday gift picks from Pit Stops for Kids!

Photo credit: Flickr/popofatticus

Holiday stocking stuffers for family and outdoor travel lovers.

Five holiday gifts for travelers who have everything

November 23, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Have an avid traveler on your gift list this year? It’s a no-brainer to pick up something travel-related, but what if she already owns all the latest travel gear, or you have no idea where he’s planning to vacation next? No worries: the following five epic holiday gifts for travelers will make any jet-setter happy.

1. Give the gift of connection:

Fly with WiFi, photo by Glen Fleishman

A subscription or gift card to GoGo inflight internet service is appreciated by any traveler who needs to get work done inflight. Buy a $5 one-hour pass as a stocking stuffer, or splurge on an unlimited monthly pass for your loved one. Now he has no excuse not to stay connected! Have an international traveler? Buy a prepaid 3G data SIM card!

2. Give the gift of a good (and free!) night’s sleep:

Marriott Vacation Club, Oceana Palms

Everyone can use a gift card to their favorite hotel chain. We love Marriott’s gift card options, which allow recipients to choose among thousands of hotels. Are you a Marriott Vacation Club owner? If so, you can gift points for an epic gift to a loved one! Same goes for membership in hotel loyalty programs like iPrefer (which is free to join). Think outside the box to stretch your existing memberships into gifts.

3. Give the gift of experiences:

Snorkeling in Laguna Beach, CA

This is our favorite gift to give! Instead of opening more ‘stuff’ on Christmas morning, treat your favorite traveler with the gift of new experiences. The options are endless of course, but if you’re not sure where in the world your loved one will be traveling next, buy a gift card to Cloud9Living, which showcases over 1800 experiences ranging from sky diving trips to snorkeling excursions.

Know your traveler’s destination? Consider buying a CityPass or GoSelect card, which gets your traveler into the best museums, tours, and attractions in cities across the US and Canada.

4. Give the gift of compliments and family stories:

Create a box of memories, compliments, and inspiration.

Create a box of awesome with AwesomeBox. This innovative gift allows families, parents, groups, or teammates to add custom photos, stories, and messages to special cards for a lucky recipient. This can be done online; then the cards are created at AwesomeBox and placed in a memory box that’s shipped to the receiver. This is the gift for the person who truly has everything, or to share as a family. We plan to create an AwesomeBox of family memories, which we’ll open during the holidays as a family gift!

5. Give the gift of travel-day comfort:

Airports are friendlier places with lounge privileges

The traveler on your list may have every airline pillow and eye mask on the market, but if he or she does not have access to a luxury airport lounge, true comfort and relaxation is still at bay. Give the gift of an airport lounge membership. Our favorite is Alaska Airlines’ Board Room, but you’ll want to purchase a membership through the airline your traveler uses most often. Remember, most airlines enjoy access at partner airline lounges, giving members more options with every flight.

Travel gifts for kids: best hydration packs for all-season use

February 20, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

As an extension of our Travel Gear We Use series, we also feature some of our favorite travel-related gifts for kids. First up: best hydration packs for kids. I used to think that hydration packs were ‘overkill’ when it came to kids’ outdoor gear, but I’ve completely changed my mind! My kids love using hydration packs during outdoor-adventure travel, and I love that they stay hydrated.

Best hydration pack for kids 6-10:

The CamelBak Kicker is our favorite hydration pack for kids 10 and under. Why? It’s compact, has a nicely-sized gear compartment (not too big, not too small), and the hydration hose is fully insulated, making it perfect for winter ski and snowboard trips. The Kicker comes in two colors (boys and girls will dig it) and features a sternum strap for extra security and support while hiking, city touring, or skiing. The water bladder isn’t too big (1.5L), so kids are never carrying too much weight. Toby (pictured above with the Kicker at age 8) can effortlessly carry his water, a light jacket or other gear, and a snack. The Kicker goes everywhere with us, and it’s far less expensive than other hydration packs at $46.50 on Amazon.

Can’t find the Kicker? Look for the Mini MULE. This pack has been discontinued by Camelbak, but can still be found on Amazon for roughly the same price as the Kicker, and about the same amount of internal space (plus a nice outer pocket).

Best hydration pack for kids 11-17:

For kids who have outgrown the Kicker, graduate them to the Platypus Tokul X.C.. Here’s why: this adult-sized hydration pack is still sleek enough for kids to carry easily and teens to crave while snowboarding or skiing. Kids get a full-sized water bladder (2L-3L) that’s easy to fill without spilling, and plenty of space for a light jacket, snack, extra goggles, or a phone. Best of all, the bladder and tube/bite valve is full compatible with other Platypus products, so the same gear can come on the family backpacking trip or on that long-distance run. Pick between three sizes (we find the 8L to be roomy enough for day hikes) on Amazon.

Need a pack that can grow with your kid, from childhood through the teen years? Ideal for tweens, teens, and beyond, the Camelbak Arete 18 is still small enough to be sleek (kids won’t be encumbered) but large enough to pack day trip items into. Plus, for bike rides and ski days, the Arete can transform from backpack to hydration sleeve. This is a pack that will carry through into adulthood, if you let it. Find it on Amazon for as low as $65.

Bonus! Best hydration packs for adults:

For adults who are active, we love the Osprey Raven, which is small enough to join you on ski trips and bike rides, but substantial enough for a day hike. For a hydration pack that gets the job done without breaking the bank, try the High Sierra Quickshot. It’s not as flashy, but the price is awesome!

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Pit Stops for Kids has tested every one of these packs. We never recommend a product we haven’t tried.

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