Reviews for Sports related

Yippee for Nintendo Wii — The Ultimate Gaming System

Nintendo Wii

$344.99 at Amazon.com

Nintendo Wii is the ultimate gaming system according to our young experts (both boys and girls) in the field — even though it’s not nearly the most expensive. It’s different from the others because it uses a handheld device called the “Wii Remote” that you move around, sometimes a lot, meaning that kids are active and not just moving a few fingers or flicking a wrist. The Wii Remote motivates you to move your whole body! For example, one of the games that comes with the system is tennis (it also includes golf which is completely addictive for us older folks). To swing the tennis racket, you simply swing the cordless Wii Remote and the tennis racket on the screen swings along with you. It’s quite brilliant and unique among game systems. Perfect for the entire family, even young children who love to create avatars (if you don’t know what these are, we suggest that you ask your grandchild). So if you have a gamer in your life that is in need of some new challenges and exercise, this could be it.


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Age-Appropriate Sports Coverage for Kids: Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine Subscription

Sports Illustrated Kids

$19.95/year at Amazon.com

Do you have a young sports fan or two in your brood? Sports Illustrated Kids offers age-appropriate (8 and above) sports coverage that focuses on the admirable achievements of both professional, and some amateur athletes — so there’s no fear of kids reading any unsavory stories of athletes gone-astray. Instead, the magazine focuses on the thrill of the sports themselves, often highlighting the human aspect of each story. There’s also lots of fun stuff in each issue, including collectible cards, comics and a trivia challenge. And, of course, it’s always a plus to promote reading — all-in-all, we say that’s a home run gift!


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Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Zebra: a Safe, Interactive Ride-On Toy for Indoors

Bounce & Spin Zebra

$39.99 at Amazon.com

We like this Fisher-Price Bounce & Spin Zebra ride-on toy because it allows toddlers (ages 1-3) to exercise and be active indoors without causing too much “commotion.” By age 1 or a bit older, your grandchild should be able to climb on/off the zebra unassisted, or with a bit of help. Coordination and balance are then developed, as she or he learns to bounce and turn 360 degrees. The handlebar has a rolling ball activity with lights and music to nurture hand-eye coordination, and sounds reward various movements (volume is controllable or the toy can be turned off). The zebra’s wide, sturdy base is stable and supportive, even with energetic bouncing and spinning — and it locks until its passenger is seated properly. Winner of the Toys ‘R Us Hot Toy Award in 2006.


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Help Them Keep in Touch with Personalized Notecards

Personalized Notecards - Boy

$29.95/set of 24 at PersonalizationMall.com

Why not make it easy for your grandchildren to say a proper “thank you,” or keep in touch? Personalization Mall has a great selection of personalized notecards, from this nice looking sports motif, to floral or striped patterns, to infant and little kid designs. Simply search under note cards and pick your perfect pattern. You can personalize up to 30 characters, and for an additional charge, you can add a return address on each envelope. The notecards are sold in various quantities — this sports set of 24 cards plus personalized envelopes sells for $29.95. We also recommend Personalization Mall’s Post-Its (see our review) and personalized stickers.


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No Mistakin’ This Mitt: Personalized Baseball Glove

Personalized Baseball Glove

$38.95 at PersonalizationMall.com

Whether you’ve got grandchildren who are determined to play in the major leagues, or who enjoy a game of catch in the backyard, why not surprise them with this colorful personalized baseball glove. You can choose from violet, electric blue or fire red gloves, and then pick from 8 different colors of thread to embroider their name or the name of their team on the wrist strap. The baseball mitt is crafted from full-grain soft and flexible leather, and is extremely durable. We’ve linked to the 10″ size, for 4-6 year-olds. If you need the 11″ or 12″ size (for 7-9 or 10-12 yr. olds), simply click on the same link, then search for the right size. Note: all of these gloves are made for right-handed throwers.


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Safe Haven Soccer with Little Tikes Soccer Set

Little Tikes Soccer Set

$34.99 at Amazon.com

Soccer is all the rage, and boys and girls are being introduced to the sport at an ever earlier age. This durable Little Tikes Soccer set includes a small (4 x 2.5 ft) net, a kid-size soccer ball and pump, and six practice cones to mark off a playing area in the back yard. It’s portable so it’s also easily carried to grandma’s house or a local playing field. Even though the set is intended for little kids, we’ve seen some big ones having fun with it since it’s challenging to get the ball into the small net from a distance. This is a great gift that will get little kids running and big kids (moms and dads) having fun, too.


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Luxury Ride for Kids: Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon

Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon

$149.63 at Amazon.com

Little red wagons sure have come a long way! This Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon has all the bells and whistles — except an insurance policy! A perfect gift for on-the-go kids (and parents!). You can haul all kinds of gear, and kids can ride in style, with “5-way flip and fold seats,” safety belts, tray table, cup holders for kids (and parents), and a removable canopy for shade. Easy steering and front axle for no tip turning. Seats fold down entirely to make a traditional flatbed wagon. Flip one or both seats over and they turn into a covered storage area. A great way to get around town — or around the neighborhood!


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Score Points for Tidiness with NFL Logo Laundry Basket

NFL Logo Laundry Basket

$32.00 at Amazon.com

Does your grandson need some inspiration to put his clothes in the hamper? One look at this NFL logo laundry basket emblazoned with his favorite NFL team’s logo should be enough to send him throwing winning passes and scoring imaginary touchdowns with the items that used to be scattered about. Luckily the basket has a wide opening at the top — just in case he needs more practice! Note: You’ll need to search the selection of baskets on Amazon.com to find the right team.


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Pocket Parafoil Kite is Soaring Beauty in a Small Bag

Pocket Parafoil

$16.50 at Amazon.com

This pocket parafoil kite by Go Fly a Kite is appealing for kids and their parents because it’s so portable, colorful and aerodynamic. Made of ripstop nylon, the parafoil has cells that fill with air creating the kite’s frame, so there are no spars to break or adjustments to make. Tails and flight line are included in a nice nylon pouch, all weighing just a few ounces. This is perfect for the on-the-go child and family who enjoy outdoor adventure and appreciate simplicity.


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Great Outdoor Toy: Off They Fly on a Fun Ride Kids Zip Line

Fun Ride Kids Zip Line-100 Lb. Limit

$44.85 at Amazon.com

A zip line is such a great outdoor toy for girls and boys age 5-12. It’ll be a treat to see the looks on your grandkids’ faces when they first master “the ride,” and how they’ll continue to enjoy it for years to come. Zip lines build strength, coordination and self-esteem, and they’re a great group activity. The steel stranded aircraft cable of the Fun Ride Zip Line requires 2 sturdy trees or other supportive structures — the trolly ride is 35 ft. long. The Fun Ride kids zip line kit comes with the hardware and instructions required for its easy assembly. Amazon.com also sells a Fun Ride model for older kids and adults, with a weight limit of 225 lbs.


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