Fitness Finds for the Holidays, Vol. 2: Get Your Kids Moving
There are some pretty silly “fitness” toys on the market. Remember that talking toy baby weight that I shared to my Instagram stories last week? And Fisher Price makes a pretend Peloton Bike. Save your money on that one. It’s quite an expensive gimmick! While these toys don’t offer much in the way of real fitness benefits, they do model good active behavior so that kids can mimic their parents’ healthy, fit lifestyles. So that’s a win.
I have put together a list of toys that do offer real health benefits. These gifts will be sure to get your kiddies off the screens and away from the controllers. They will be up and moving and having a blast while benefitting their overall health and wellness.
A Silk. My eleven-year-old’s number one item on her wish list this year is a “silk” of her own. After we did those aerial yoga classes at Pure Energy in September, she became really into it. A few of her friends have silks in their bedrooms so my girl wants one, too. A class pack from Pure Energy completes this gift so she can learn how to properly use her silk at home.
This is Ava’s first time in a silk and she really took to it. It’s fun, playful and freeing so I get it!
Hover Ball Soccer. This is a different way to play soccer. There is also a glow basketball for a fun way to play at night.
Light-Up Dance Mat. The lights and sounds on this mat turn dance movements into an interactive game. This toy is just right for ages 5-10.
Scooter Board. Use the scooter board for an amusing indoor activity when it’s too cold to play outside: an obstacle course; races; or just scooting around the house. Who remembers these from gym class?
Ninja Obstacle Course. This is the ultimate gift for the little movers in your life. I love that kids are training for American Ninja Warrior early!
Charades for Kids. This is one of my family’s favorite games. I love this version of Charades because it’s age appropriate for even my two-year-old. As long as they can look at the pictures (no reading skills are required to play), they can get up and act out whatever card they pick.
Balance Board. Favorite toy alert! The balance board is good for balancing at any age. It can also be flipped around and used that way to walk over or drive a car on or under, or to parade some figurines upon… whatever creative uses your little guys come up with. Plus, it’s not a total eyesore in your living room.
Caleb was being shy on the day we took these pictures. My kids love to put their feet on either side and rock back and forth. I have to say, it’s a bit challenging to do it while holding a kid (see first picture of me on the board).
Yupititoy Sliding Ball Toy. This toy is used in occupational therapy and strengthens the arms, back and core. This “reverse tug-of-war” game is played with two people to push and pull the ball along two ropes. It strengthens hand-eye coordination. It’s easy to pack up and travel with for indoor or outdoor active play.
Mini Golf Trainer. This is another great toy for indoor or outdoor use. It feeds revolving golf balls for even your youngest golfer to continuously hit the ball.
Pogo Jumper. The Pogo Jumper is another toy to get the kids up and moving whether they are stuck inside or able to play outdoors. It’s suitable for kids as young as three. My kids are way better at this than I am!
Yoga mat. This yoga mat is one of the best that I have seen suited for children because of the images on the mat that help with proper form and alignment. The mat comes with a yoga game app and a poster to teach your kid how to do certain poses. I will be pairing the mat, with my favorite age appropriate yoga book. (See this article for my favorites).
Hapinest Turtle Balancing Steps. I love this toy to work on balancing and concentration, while keeping your little ones busy indoors all winter long. You can use the balancing steps as part of an obstacle course or any of the other numerous recommended activities and games.
Roller-Skates. My 5-year-old’s number one item on her list this year is roller-skates. These are adjustable for their growing feet. Don’t forget the helmet and the knee and elbow pads.
Boxing Bag. I’m not sure that the boxing bag would be appropriate for all families but if your kids can handle it and restrict themselves to just punching the bag, boxing is a great skill to develop for hand-eye coordination and building upper body strength.
You can shop all of these fun and active toys right here.
SOME OTHER KID GIFT IDEAS:
Allbirds just came out with tiny sustainable sneakers just in time for the holidays. You know I am a sucker for miniature versions of the adult ones!
Caleb is wearing the Smallbirds Wool Runners in the Medium Gray color. His normal size fits him perfectly.
Smallbirds Wool Runners are meant to be worn without socks (which I appreciate because removing a step in the morning process gets us out the door faster). The shoes are breathable and keep those little piggies warm in the cold and cool in the heat. The shoe is designed to offer support and to help promote balance. Like all things Allbirds, the Smallbirds Wool Runners are made with natural materials like sugarcane and recycled polyester, and they are produced using sustainable practices. And, like mom and dad’s versions, these sneakers can be thrown in the wash when the kids get them dirty (which is inevitable).
The Smallbirds Wool Runners are made for the tiniest feet and come in sizes 5T to 10T. The fit is true to size. I love the Natural White Fluff (like my slippers) for little girls and the gray or the blue wool for little boys. You can shop these sneakers (and all Allbirds) here and don’t forget to add a pair of socks to your cart— the cost will be removed at checkout. Enjoy free socks on me!
I love to give my kids new books every year. I discovered some excellent fitness and wellness related books back in September when I was focusing the blog on the kiddos. Any of the books listed here would be great gifts for your kids during the holidays. My girls will be receiving these age appropriate journals by Peter Reynolds this year. Start with a Dot will show my budding reader a way for her to express herself with color and dots and drawings. Start with a Word will give my preteen a place to capture the words to describe her wishes, dreams and ideas. I adore these two guided journals to start the practice of self expression and journaling at a young age.
Volume 3 of FIT GIFTS could be my very favorite and will be coming at you next! I’ll be sharing all of my favorite LOCAL FIT AND WELLNESS BRANDS that started right here on the Main Line and the Philadelphia area. Small Business Saturday is extra special for me this year!
*This article contains affiliate links. When you click on some of the links, I may receive a very small commission at no additional cost to you. I only write about products that I genuinely use and love, and that will never change!