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FUN GIFTS GET KIDS OFF THE COUCH-TECH, TREATS, COSTUMES, OUTDOOR WEAR


Water feature at City Creek Mall -SLC-encourages not complicated FUN!!!!!!
Wearable technology that motivates kids to get moving- outdoors…nothing we think achieves this better than the enticement of recording it all ---enabling the next selfie generation the means to share their adventures---online somewhere.
SONY ACTION CAM is for capturing those on the go with the above pictured Live View Remote Kit $399.99 (other options also-including camera alone)….with lots of bells and whistles.

Top features that impress adults, let alone techy kids who are wiz gamers- include Live-View Remote, WiFi and NFC connection for hands free remote control + smartphone viewing,  image stabilization (SteadyShot™), embedded GPS functionality, time/stamp -in multiple languages, media/battery indicator,  6 video modes including 1080/60p HD and 4x slo mo- and airplane mode, ultra-wide pro worthy 170° Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens, Exmor R® CMOS sensor for low light performance, built in microphone-all in a waterproof case with battery charger, adhesive mount-universal tripod mount, HDMI output (ez transfer)-and micro USB cable included.


GoPro Hero camera-built into rugged waterproof housing (to 131'), high quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, 5MP/5fps bursts-

GOPRO-like Kleenex for tissues-is the definitive "it" action camera that kids will demand- this brand ONLY-for Holiday 2014/15. Several models (and accessories that protect/waterproof, attachments/mounts) are out now.


LITTLE KIDS: Perfect as an 'entry-level' camera and reasonably affordable too at $129. 99-the HERO-pictured above…already integrated into a durable tough waterproof case (to depths of 40 meters)-shoots HD TV ready video (1080p30 and 720p60) …5 MegaPixel photos at 5 frames per second-with GoPro's signature QuikCapture (one button pressed to start recording), SuperView™-for wide angle image views, and Auto Low Light that automatically adjusts the frame rate for optimal images in low and high light conditions. A wide angle lens and built-in microphone also on board.. 3.9 ounces.

The new top-of-the line Hero4 Black or Silver will let budding directors capture it all with professional high resolution video high quality (will need a new TV to appreciate-haaaa)- 12 MP photos at speeds up to 30 frames per second-with a built in wi-fi and Bluetooth® to upload their creations faster…and of course there's an app …to watch it all on smartphones or tablets.
AND: QuickCapture mode-one step recording, customizable settings to adjust for light, ISO Limit, exposure etc (ProTune™)…and  a built in microphone that captures high fidelity sound… PLUS FREE GoPro Studio-software to edit it all…including slow motion and time lapse (fast action) options-downloadable and easy to use. NEAT.
Beats by Dr. Dre-we saw these cool selections at HSN-four kinds of headphones- in fun colors-including top of the line noise canceling headphones and selections with dual cable ports. AN Accessory like a fitness watch these days…a must have for the middle-high schoolers who multi-task why doing homework, color coordinated, naturally,
Ever attend an event with a photo booth and an array of stuff  (fake mustache/beards, oversized glasses, hats etc…)? Usually more popular than the bar for adults-and for kids no less than 4 different pictures will do.


DOIY Design kits…grab kids'  attentions-with Photo Booth XMAS accessory themed selections…and color frames than can be personalized. These crafty options will be on  HSN.
In that spirit-……these holiday theme accessories for the young and young at heart make the whole 'smile for the camera' an activity of fun-not a chore.


Cute gift-packed with a spatula-Christmas Morning Cinnamon Swirl Muffins (front) and Cranberry Orange Scone mix (HSN)
The days of little kids wanting fake cutesy play stoves for  pretend plastic food are long gone…nowadays the pint size cook and bake right alongside the adults- using real ingredients that conjure up tasty eats for all.
 
easy to make in 7 minutes- with little mess-because kids still don't clean up like adults as well as they cook-the ZOKU Quick Pop Maker (pictured in original-multiple color options-durable reusable sticks) allow for healthier versions of this ice treat- snack staple-using juices or yogurt…and the Zoku Character Kit reminds us of Mr Potato Head---while how cool is this-the Zoku Social Media kit has stencils for creating letters, numbers and emoticons-make your own statement. Hilarious.
MASON JAR COOKIE COMPANY mixes…great gifts for households with kids -or for the convenience of it all. We got one of these and a beloved 8 year old went to 'work' mixing it up with 'wet' ingredients... for yummy chewy homed cookies-with made from scratch quality ... (HSN)











Board games can entertain and stimulate brain cells for hours,  forever-which is why classic games like Monopoly now come in themed versions as well as the upscale original (pictured) and a fab 3D New York City Monopoly by Charles Fazzino deluxe version (Frontgate $499)...


Homemade costumes-that are anything less than what the movie hired, Hollywood costumers can create…are noticeable lacking these days… 
grown-up Holiday party looks---for the smaller set
New to us Chasing Fireflies---is an online resource for incredibly detailed costumes, fantasy and dress-up party clothes that can be worn everyday- judging by what  we see on the subways…that reference fairy tales, comic superheroes, ballerinas, cowboy/girl, and medieval knights. Another level of finery will have parents wishing the collections came in adult sizes.




Joan of Arc or John of Arc---






girly boots…pom poms faux fur in fun colors


little kids furniture and toys too






GROM JACKET $119-with working compass attached-+interior goodie and stretch pass pockets


For cold weather, weather tough outdoor activities---well, fairy princess tutus and Superman's cape just won't cut it…and for that Obermeyer showed off some of the most on trend collections for kids and very rare-even for tweener-teen sizes --- basic layers, jackets/coats/ pants and accessories that  they will want to wear-with the I Grow™extended wear system-making it easy to extend hems. 
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Ikat pattern against the white -great look








Technical fabrics-with HydroBlock waterproof breathable and DuroGuard DWR finish with Permaloft insulation - and details like fleece chin guards, YKK zippers, tricot lined hand warmer pockets, interior zip pockets, reflective zip pulls and taping, integrated hood, exterior storm flap...all washable too.
Celebrating a big birthday---ALPHA INDUSTRIES-and its authentic WWII style jackets are iconic. The mini me-s for boys- with that retro flair-are always COOL and warm down to around 40Fº. Expect girls to want too...
MA 1 Jacket $75 based on the same named classic
Machine washable.
Maverick Jacket $85 in Rust inspired by B-15 jacket circa 1944-with Alpha signature utility/cargo pocket, cozy collar buttons up, 2 front outside and 2 secret inside pockets, knit cuffs and waistband



Helmets are standard pieces of action sports equipment -on the slopes and off the mountain. From BERN Junior -Zipmold® hard foam technology- protects and the kids' and tweens sized-construction is thinner and tapered for comfort+better fit. Snow and bike worthy in one helmet options…available in jazzy colors and patterns…with comfort liners= a flashy safety gift they'll gladly wear. 

ESPECIALLY when paired with these CrazeeHeads® stretched and fitted helmet covers...











Great gifts and note-come in adult sizes too in sizes XXS childs-XXL adults…plush animals, sparkling spandex, and fashion styles to fit all sorts of helmets. Expect attention!


Giddy-up-western kicks are always hip---and ARIAT's choices for cowgirls and cowboys boast the authentic details of the adult versions---including rugged TPU outsoles, 4LR™Technology cushions and stabilizes feet for comfort,  and removable Booster Beds allow for growing toesies. We wish we got a pair of these growing up…easy pull-on pull-off too.
on right-Nashville studded pink boots are sparkling $99.95




PS: Snacks---are a way of life for kids of all sizes-we thought these GMO free choices we vetted (happily-DUH) at an Editor's Showcase…worthy…and in keeping with the holiday spirit.


GOODIE GIRL™CRUNCHY CHAOS…are delish-FYI the addictive chocolate mint slims our top pick---adorably packaged---and the tasty outgrowth of rocker-model entrepreneur mom. Gluten free, no hydrogenated fats and preservatives either…! Widely available-including Whole Foods, C-Town, Costco-and soon-Target
FYI: HOLIDAY GOODIE BAG GIFT  includes all five flavors, a #GoGoodie tote and a Goodie Girl T-shirt. $45
$2.99-from the largest family owns cookie company in the world. Impressive!
How come the Europeans just seem to have a better handle on chemicals and other 'stuff' in their food supplies, cosmetics and skincare products etc. We have our theories. Luckily a lot of what sells there is available HERE-  at grocery store prices.
LOVE: the German imported cookies from Balsen-that we see available everywhere we shop for food... are holiday treats in the gingerbread-icy covered chewy Pfeffernüsse-and GMO free, no preservatives or artificial colorings. YUMMY!