LYRA MAG.

Inspiration for an IRL Gift Watching (hearing) a toddler wail-for 2 hours 22 minutes-from pre-boarding -to a final descent   on a recent flight. A trio of adults-nanny - parents-attempts to tempt the offspring with an iPad video-failed- again and again . Onboard- the nanny - escaped to coach... the father, quickly napped in first -tuning out the decibels... the mother desperately kept to a screen 'pacifier' for those tears loaded eyeballs...as fellow passengers looked (heard) on incredulously. On the one hand-the lung power of this two (ish) years' old-was impressive...on the other-the lack of a physical object, a picture book-crayons-coloring paper, a toy- a puzzle, doll, cards, stuffed animal or physical activity- liking walking up and down the airport terminal pre-flight-or up and down the aisle to blow off steam- during. ..guessing-might be new ideas for adults-probably used to plopping kids down in front of a tv screen-and having them insta-absorbed. Eh. For...

  L.L. BEAN, K2, ABUS, HOBIE, KidPik, STIO, UGGS      Cause they're more tech savvy than you... so WHY BOTHER? via GIPHY SURPRISE THEM Opt for  new stalgic outdoor FUN Mad for plaid ---L.L. Bean outdoor toys with style include...snazzy water repellent cushion- plaid cover  $55 ($65) for the timeless kid's pull sled  w/ rope tow...in 2 sizes-$149 small-$179 large= smooth vertical snow sailing. Made of kiln dry no warp hardwoods finished w/clear water based lacquer. A real keeper.  L.L. Bean SONIC snow tube ...pile in opportunities for solo or group rides on hard packed or fluffy snow...made of 1000 denier tough nylon protects the heavy duty inner butyl rubber tube, a cold impervious semi-rigid polyurethane base, sturdy handles, straps+nylon webbing tow for going back up the hill.  Plaid, plaid world...courtesy of L.L. Bean Rollerblading -aka inline skates-ready for a comeback(?)-K2's for fast mobility speed fien...

MIIR, PRIORITY BICYCLES, THULE, CAPRI DESIGNS, BACK TO THE ROOTS, KINDER-VILLE, DOLPHIN ORGANICS, PABLOVE PRINTS  Part 3 MIIR ...modeled itself as a Certified B company that donates with every item sold---including these kids'  BAMBINI  $95 available in 4 colors-5% of revenue goes to  trackable projects  -like building water wells in developing countries. Details on a cool ride=a steel  frame/fork bike that is durable, adjustable septets and handlebars, EVA foam tires, that never go flat, front and rear fenders keep kids dry when cruising through puddles+rain. PRIORITY BICYCLES  -easy to buy, assemble, maintain...Priority Start for kids $245 freewheel construction for kids 4-8-with grease and rust free belt drive, 16" Slime Self-Sealing tires, dual hand brake, rear freewheel, front/rear v brakes...and comfy seat +grips-weather resistant. NICE. when parental units are doing all the physical output...the  THULE   Chario...

I nside or out...children's toys/clothing-gets more colorful and creative every year...whether tech-y-ed out or not. AHHHH....21st century birthdays-have its pluses! Part 2 L.L. Bean,  OBERMEYER, TRANSPAK, CHAOS HEADWEAR,  HANGAR COUTURE,SIMS SNOWBOARDS, ALUMINATI SKATEBOARDS, NEVER SUMMER LONGBOARDS-SNOWBOARDS, COGNITOYS, LOST MY NAME, NUMBERS ALIVE, HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER,  kids of all ages-in snowy spots-L.L Bean Snow Saucer -$49.95 lightweight to haul back up the hill (3lbs8oz) and durable-non slip foam interior provides traction L.L.Bean Snow Tube XL $149.95 (also in regular size)-semi-rigid polyurethane base good for packed or fluffy snow-sturdy handles and built in tow strap makes it easy to carry and haul up a hill...super durable rugged shell protects inner tube...and available in FUN colors/prints OBERMEYER has a slew of on trend and tech fabric-perfomance-well made-toddlers-teen jackets/pants/mid-layers for winter fun. Bonus the "I-Grow" ...