If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Have snow fear on your next snow day with these epic sleds and snowboggans. From classic to creative, you’ll be the most prepared parent on the block. Keep reading to get more info on our favorite snow gear for kids—we’ve got something for everyone from toddlers to teens.
This mini luge sled for ages 5 and older is easy to steer, compact and comes in a rainbow of bright colors (helpful for keeping track of your downhill racers on snow days). With a low center of gravity and a belly-side tread, it'll only take a minute to master this one, and the anti-slip vinyl seat will help you stay on!
Want a tree that can be a showstopper all year long? We’ve got just the thing for you!
The Succulent Artworks shop on Etsy is currently whipping up these 18 inch trees, made to order. The best part? These trees can be maintained for months, then disassembled and each bloom can be replanted!
They’re easy to care for, too. Simply water when the planting medium is completely dry, which should be at least two weeks since succulents store water in their leaves. The 18-inch tree is currently priced at $230 (there is a 14-inch option but it’s sold out right now) and can be ordered at Succulent Artworks on Etsy.
Local businesses are the bedrock of communities throughout San Diego and they’ve weathered quite the storm recently. As we approach the gift-giving season, let’s remember our awesome local businesses and (look to them first) as we’re searching for the best Christmas gifts and Hanukkah gifts. We’ve rounded up a bunch of local shops to make your holiday shopping beneficial for both your recipients and small businesses in San Diego. Read on for our holiday gift guide.
A gift that helps build empathy and kindness? Yes, please! The San Diego-based, mom-founded business Little Renegades is a mindfulness company that offers tools for kids to learn more about themselves and empowers them to practice emotional regulation by tuning in to their feelings and surroundings. Since moms know what parents need, the products are simple and easy to use, and practical for busy schedules. Products include Activity Cards that are chunky and just right for little hands, as well as Mindful Journals that are 128 pages of prompts and space to record their feelings and the world around them.
These adorable digital downloads are also available for bedrooms or classrooms (a great add-on to a teacher's gift!).
Pangaea Outpost is a quintessential San Diego business, showcasing more than 70 local artists just blocks from Pacific Beach. Guests are immersed in a veritable shopping paradise filled with jewelry, apparel, kids' toys, crystals, decor, local art and local artisan creations, as well as plenty of imports from around the world. So whether you want to share a piece of San Diego with an out-of-town loved one, or you're looking for the cutest duds for your little beach lovers, stop by Pangaea Outpost and check those boxes off your list.
If you live in San Diego, you're familiar with Vuori Clothing and even know how to pronounce it ( "vee-OR-ee,"). They've mastered everyone's favorite jogger and have the softest performance apparel line that's perfect for a workout or a coffee run. It's true that now they're more of a nationwide success than a small-town shop, but they started in Encinitas and are focused on supporting the community they love. It's also a great spot to shop for all those hard-to-find men on your list.
We featured Maya's Cookies last year and we'd be remiss not to mention them again. After all, Santa isn't the only one who loves milk and cookies. Order a few gift sets from Maya's Cookies in San Diego and amaze all your sweet-loving friends and relatives. The award-winning, vegan shop ships nationwide so you can send a set to family you may not be able to see in person this year. Another reason we love supporting Maya's Cookies is their commitment to community engagement. They give back to San Diego youth and underserved communities, making shopping local extra sweet.
Husband and wife team Chad Anglin and Amy Paul own Pigment San Diego, located in the One Paseo shopping center in Del Mar. The store focused on supporting local artists from day one when the shop opened in 2007 as an art gallery to showcase local artists. With a heavy focus on the fundamentals of art and sound design, thoughtful merchandising followed. Slowly but surely, the store outgrew the first location and eventually moved two doors down to their current 3,000 square foot space. Entering the space today, you'll be struck by the beautiful aesthetic, and the color-coded merchandising is captivating. The wall of houseplants will make your green thumb come alive. So whether you grab a puzzle for your in-laws or a succulent (and the perfect planter) for your BFF, we guarantee that finding a gift for anyone and everyone on your list just got easier!
Whether you're looking for your own little sweet pea or other pint-sized recipients this newly-opened Alpine boutique serves the wee ones in your life. From onesies, cardigans, teething necklaces to sophisticated furniture you're sure to find a gift your recipient will love in Cradled Boutique.
The just-opened Tremont Collective is a 3,400 square foot outdoor venue in the heart of coastal Oceanside that is an ideal spot to grab a peppermint latte from Communal Coffee and get into the holiday spirit. From Brixton, which started in a garage in Oceanside and has since grown to a nationally beloved apparel shop, to AL FRESKO, a luxury outdoor experience company, the collective offers an opportunity to level up your gift-giving game and get something unique for loved ones.
One trip to Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach can solve all your holiday gift-buying dilemmas. The beach town's design district is brimming with artisan shops like Solo, which is meticulously curated and truly has something for everyone. From your three-month-old niece to your antique loving aunt, you can find a unique and often locally crafted gift at this neighborhood favorite.
We love supporting book stores (and budding book worms!) because nothing compares to the magic of cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader's imagination. If you want to gift books this season, check out our full roundup of the best independent bookstores for kids in San Diego. On our shop local list, we're highlighting The Library Shop because it not only has plenty of excellent books but a great assortment of other gifts, including apparel and jewelry.
Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend or want to share an experience with someone, Clay and Craft in Encinitas is worth exploring. The timeless and minimalist pottery is perfect for the "interior design" lover on your list. The "Best of San Diego" business also offers a dose of self-care by offering classes where you can spin and play with clay. Classes are available for both adults and children.
Do you have a 'lil or big skater on your list this year? The Bloom is an old-school pool board that's perfect for cruising around town and in bowls. It has a deep concave, wide platform, and a substantial nose + tail. It's ideal for all levels of riding and whoever is on it will feel like they're coasting on clouds with the softer and bigger wheels. Gift the board and then be sure to check out our list of best skateparks in San Diego—2022 will be full of new adventures.
Hauntingly yummy, these mummified interpretations of everyday dishes will quickly become your little monster’s favorite Halloween fare. A delicious mix of spooky and sweet, from apple pie to quesadillas, click through to check out 10 recipes that are simply to die for!
These Madeleine Mummies and Minions look like you slaved away in the kitchen, but they're actually fuss free. Just put some white frosting in a piping bag with a cross-hatch tip, then make lines or zigzags before popping on some candy eyes and sprinkles. We tend to love these soft and fluffy traditional or pumpkin spice Madeleines from Sugar Bowl Bakery!
Check out the dressed up GoGo squeeZ pouches from The Nerd’s Wife for an on-the-go Halloween snack. Add them to your little monster’s lunchbox or keep handy while out trick-or-treating. Find the how to at The Nerd's Wife.
An apple a day won’t keep these mummies away. Serve the kids nature’s candy, and learn how to make this healthy haunted treat plus some delicious dips at Two Healthy Kitchens.
How Does She serves up a spook-tacular assortment of haunted treats, including to-die-for Mummy Oreo Suckers. Find the recipe and assembly instructions here.
Laying the lattice in a haphazard pattern transforms a classic mini apple pie into a frightfully delicious dessert. Create your own mini mummy pies with the recipe and how-to from Jillian Harris.
Bloom Design gave everyday chocolate bars a mummy makeover for her lucky trick-or-treaters. Head over to the blog to find the how-to and a free mummy printable.
Yummy Mummies
Red Tricycle
These mummy dogs are the perfect Halloween dish to make with your little monsters. Let the kids lend a hand wrapping bandages to transform this ballpark staple into an eerie entrée. Check out the how-to video from Red Tricycle’s Bay Area Editor, Erin Feher.
This salty, sweet, and spooky treat is scarily simple to make. The most difficult step according to Simply Being Mommy is waiting for the chocolate to cool and harden before eating!
If you’re a fan of spice, this hot idea from The Hopeless Housewife is sure to startle your taste buds. Terrifyingly simple to bake, these Jalapeño Popper Mummies make a great savory appetizer for your Halloween bash. Find the recipe here.
Not-So-Scary Mummy
Red Tricycle
These not-so-scary mummy cupcakes baked up by our Bay Area editor are uber-easy to make and monstrously yummy. Find the how-to and other haunted cupcake ideas here.
Summer’s here! It’s time to get your outdoor enthusiast properly geared up for warm-weather adventures with a pair of water-friendly shoes that’ll take them from the pool to the park and back home again in style. Since we know it can be hard to figure out what they want, we searched high and low for tough footwear that isn’t afraid of a little H20, and that we know they’ll love. From Keen to Native Shoes, scroll down to see our favorite water shoes for kids.
Native Shoes Jefferson Bloom
This very popular shoe is not only comfy, but it can go just about everywhere, even in the pool! Offered in a dozen different colors, the Jefferson Bloom is a best bet for just about any kid. Super cool: they are made from repurposed algae!
Creek-jumping adventures await with this fun and comfortable shoe from Northside. No socks are needed and your kids can get them on and off with ease. They are super grippy on the sole and perfect for hikes and jumping off rocks. Bonus: they come in adult sizes too!
Ever heard of a shandal? Neither had we, but we think this water shoe from Adidas is pretty cool. It's a lightweight hiking shoe that can withstand wading in creeks or jumping in puddles. They have an easy on-off lace-free closure and a collapsible heel that makes it easy for little ones to manage.
These unique water shoes have rubber soles that are perfect for climbing and running and lightweight and quick drying. Plus, they come in dozens of different colors and prints.
The original outdoor/water shoe is always a good choice. The velcro fastenings make it easy for kids to take on and off and the foam bed offers comfort all day long.
This closed-toe option has a velcro back for easy on and off that kids can do themselves. A sturdy sole means they won't be slipping on rocks as you walk.
A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles.
This fun shoe from Stride Rite is a perfect wet/dry shoe for toddlers. They are 100% washable, have a rubber outsole for traction and have Aegis™ and Biome™ lining that helps to reduce odor.
Simple but effective, these non-slip water shoes are perfect for on-the-go or travel, as they easily fold up and the rubber sole means kids can walk on wet surfaces with ease.
We can’t help but love the price of these water shoes! You won't be disappointed with this pick with toe bumpers and rugged outsoles for added protection and traction.
They may be less than stylish for adults, but they are super comfortable and come in dozens of styles and character collections, which make them perfect for kids! You can even buy JIBBITZ charms and let the kids decorate in their own style.
Spring is here, and that means planting season for all the green thumbs out there. Even if you’re not inclined to gardening, the following life lessons still hold meaning both in and out of the garden.
1. Have Faith in Something Greater Reality: When you plant a seed in the earth, you don’t know how that sprout grows, or whether it will grow at all. Takeaway: Every sprout is a miracle. Every seed is just untapped potential, waiting to come to life. There is a little bit of faith that goes into each planting, which makes the act that much more significant.
2. Patience Is a Virtue
Reality: Waiting for something to sprout can take time and a lot of patience. Some seeds take longer than others. Takeaway: Sometimes we can do everything right to give seeds what they need, but it’s not up to us to decide when they are ready to show themselves. Patience is key here.
3. Witnessing Something From the Beginning of Its Life Reality: Daily watering, feeding, fertilizing, and pruning are just some of the tasks that go into maintaining a garden. Takeaway: When that seed does finally sprout, it never fails to take my breath away. Watching a plant grow from a seed in your hand to a seedling to a bigger plant that produces fruit or blooms, then cultivating it as it continues through its life cycle is splendid indeed.
4. Failure Is a Stepping Stone Reality: Sometimes seeds don’t take and you have to keep trying again to grow something. Or maybe an animal may come and eat your plants, requiring you to start over. Takeaway: Gardening teaches us that it’s okay to fail as long as we are trying, and trying again.
5. Being Grateful for What Nature Provides for Us—Beauty & Food Reality: Nature constantly provides us with the beauty of the earth in the form of flowers or edible plants. Takeaway: It can be easy to take nature for granted when plants bloom from seed without a second thought. But when we take a moment to revel in the colors, take a deep breath, and truly marvel at the goodness of nature, do we feel truly blessed.
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
If music is the food of love, then tune-loving kids and parents alike will swoon over the veritable smörgåsbord of fantastic music-making apps available on the market today. From classical creators to hip-hop jams, we sampled an entire marching-band-worth of apps (so you don’t have to) and discovered the grooviest ones. Check out our ensemble of apps below—your kids will be joining in on the rhythm nation in no time.
Melody Jams
Preschool rock-and-rollers will really dig Melody Jams, a fun, interactive music-making game that lets players animate and orchestrate their own garage band comprised of adorably-drawn monster characters. Band members can be mixed and matched, with each character possessing unique personality traits and different instrument skills, which are described in detail on the Melody Jams website. Additional music and scene bundles are available for purchase via iTunes for $4.99.
Aspiring DJs will have a blast mixing and scratching their own custom beats and tunes with Crayola’s nicely-designed music app. Created in partnership with mobile game developer Legacy Games, Crayola DJ features a well-laid-out interface of dual virtual turntables that junior Junior Vasquezes can use to mix and remix almost 100 exclusive tracks—all created by professional DJs. Tracks are available in five musical genres, including hip-hop, dance, pop, fusion and holiday, and a tempo slider lets users adjust BPMs to take their mixes from chillout deep house to frenetic EDM. Regardless of your mini-DJ’s level of musical experience or sound-engineering skills, the app intelligently creates legit professional-sounding dance music that invariably will get people on their feet and moving to the beats.
Combining two activities that kids love (painting and music) Kapu Bloom Tunes lets kids paint the world with music. This sweet digital toy may seem simplistic—there are no recording or sharing options—but young musicians will delight in seeing how their finger paintings are brought to life through colors and sounds. Players dig for, find, then decorate the seeds of a melody flower, which are planted in the ground. By painting the soil and watering the seeds, the resulting plants bloom with music. Tickling plants causes them to sing a variety of familiar melodies and nursery rhymes, and spinning petals leads to even more musical interludes.
This delightful music-making app is designed for preschoolers and older, and lets them explore how sounds are made using a variety of different, ordinary household objects, such as an empty soda bottle or a rubber band. Kids can listen to and learn how to play sounds created with virtual homemade instruments, at the same time developing a better understanding of how sounds are made in the real world. The app’s simple, intuitive interface makes it perfect for younger users, and the ad-free play environment makes it easy on parents’ wallets, too.
Although it’s not precisely a music-making app per se, Adventures of Poco Eco—Lost Sounds is a dreamy and visually-stunning music-adventure game that’ll have you and your kids hooked from the start. Featuring straightforward puzzles and a gorgeous electronic soundtrack composed by acclaimed Hungarian musician and artist Iamyank, players are drawn into a mesmerizing neon wonderland where they are tasked with helping an explorer named Poco Eco complete his mission of finding the lost sounds of his tribe. This multi-award-winning app is less like a typical puzzle-adventure game and more like a meditative musical journey across a dozen 3D-animated game levels.
For ages 6 & up. Available for iOS, $3.99, and Android, $2.99.
Loopimal
Take one part plug-and-play music maker and one part covert coding tutorial and the results would be Loopimal, a cool digital building app that lets nascent electronica musicians create neat animations powered by sounds. Users can create music loops by using pre-programmed blocks that provide both melodies and character animations that can be layered over various beats. With its easy-to-use interface, kids can learn how arranging and repeating blocks in certain sequences can add up to different sounds and movements of cutely-illustrated animals, including a bear, a pig, an octopus, a sloth, a bird and a yeti. Although the app is missing save and share options, young users will enjoy experimenting with sounds and animations in this entertaining app.
Conceived by musician and educator Michael Emenau, Easy Music is premised on the theory that before kids can effectively learn how to play music, they first need to learn how to listen to it. Through this appealing, interactive app, kids learn how to recognize notes, pitch, rhythm and melody by exploring different animated worlds and interacting with a color-coded keyboard that helps budding musicians begin the journey toward playing music by ear. Bonus: there are no ads or in-app purchases, a welcome relief from the growing deluge of overly commercialized mobile apps aimed at kids.
For ages 5 & up. Available for iOS, $3.99 and Android, $10.99.
Magic Piano
From classical to contemporary pop, Magic Piano has gamified tickling the virtual ivories. The app even makes someone who’s all thumbs sound like a piano prodigy. Players follow beams of onscreen lights, which guide fingertips to hit the right notes. Rhythm and tempo can be adjusted to suit a player’s fancy, adding his or her own sense of musical style to some familiar and not-so-familiar songs. There’s also an option to switch instrument modes, which range from baroque harpsichord to new wave synthesizer. The app supports 13 languages and the premium music catalog currently boasts more than 1,000 songs, with new songs added daily. For those who want access to the entire songbook, subscription plans start at $2.99 weekly.
For ages 5 & up. Available for iOS and Android, free with in-app purchases.
Medly Music Maker
Downloaded more than half a million times, award-winning Medly Music Maker already has been named to numerous “Best of” lists, including Apple’s Editor’s Choice and Best App of 2016. The free version of the app comes with 12 instruments, with 100 more—ranging from house synths to classical violins, and hundreds of drum and FX samples—available through in-app purchases. Amateur and professional musicians alike can create songs in a variety of genres through a simple visual interface where notes are drawn onscreen. The app is compatible with Apple Watch, allowing users to open, play and control Medly-created songs directly from their wrists.
For ages 10 & up. Available for iOS, free with in-app purchases.
Keezy
Addictive and delightful are just two words to describe Keezy, a quirky musical instrument-slash-sound sampler app that helps wannabe beatboxers of all ages create and record their own custom beats and loops with just a few taps. Keezy comes pre-loaded with 15 sound boards—created by popular alternative musicians, including Reggie Watts, Tegan and Sara, The Mast, Francis and the Lights, and Reni Lane—which can serve as the basis for users’ musical creations. Additional sounds can be recorded on each of the eight colored tiles, which are tapped to play back or pressed and held to loop. There’s also a free companion Drummer app from Keezy for those who want to take their beats to the next level.
Portland is bursting into bloom and with COVID restrictions lightening families are bursting out of their front doors eager to celebrate the arrival of Spring. This time of year special to locals. It fills the city with much-needed color and a multitude of fun activities are available to parents with kids of all ages. Get outside with the whole family this spring! Breathe the fresh air, go for a hike, take a bike ride, plant a garden…but don’t stop there! Read on for inspiration on your next spring adventure!
Evelyn Cirignott
Jump on a bike! There are tons of awesome bike paths for families with riders of all sizes to explore. Here are some of our favorites!
Volunteer to help Friends of Trees plant new trees. Fill up the water bottles, roll up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty. Be prepared to learn a lot about all the different kinds of Portland trees.
Visit the Audubon Society. Birding families may enjoy learning about native birds in this beautiful Sanctuary.
If you have an hour or two to spare load up all the kids and head to Forest Park for a lusciously green family hike.
Hit one of our amazing local parks! There's more than you can fit in in one season.
Too rainy to hike? No problem. Take the family bowling instead. Portland’s bowling alleys are slowly opening pack up. Check out these alleys (always check to find out about their COVID rules) and then knock out a few pins.
Go on a spring break getaway. Load the kids into the car and explore Oregon. Not sure where to start with your planning? Check out these locations.
Take an urban walk. If you are needing an extra big dose of spring head on over to Laurelhurst Park. Lap the perimeter of the park, visit with the baby ducks (just remember not to feed them), and head over to the play structure!
Bloom baby bloom! Check out some incredible displays of flowers in this beautiful rose city. If you don't want to travel far take a walk around your neighborhood. Greet strangers, touch trees, be silly, and stop to smell the flowers!
Dance among the tulips at the Woodburn Tulip Festival. From March 19thuntil May 2nd at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm you can enjoy the annual Tulip Festival! There will be hay rides, trains, slides, delicious food, and plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family. Tulips of every color and size are scattered throughout the farm. It’s basically a dream come true.
OCVA via Flickr
It’s officially Farmer’s Market season! You could easily spend an entire Saturday morning wandering the Portland State University Farmer’s Market. Nibble on fruits and veggies, buy flowers for the kitchen table, and enjoy the local live music.
Not sure what to do over a long weekend? We suggest visiting the Oregon Coast. Head to Depoe Bay. It will be whale watching season and you’ll definitely want to catch sight of a magnificent whale tail!
Did you know that Hoyt Arboretum covers over 189 acres and about 6,000 trees!? Stop by the visitor center first and grab a free kids’ map that is full of exciting challenges and activities that you can do together on one of the many hiking trails!
Go for a hike. These easy trails are fun for even your youngest little hikers.
Try fishing. Spring is the perfect time for kids to try to reel in their first catch. Check these local fishing spots out for your family experience.!
Spring sunsets are the best in Portland. Have a picnic and watch the sun go down here.
Hike our very own dormant volcano of Tabor. Bring the dogs and let them play in the off-leash area then soak in the views of downtown.
Splish, Splash. Browse this list and make your way through all your favorite Portland Indoor Pools!
Wander around The Portland Nursery and let everyone pick a small plant or pack of seeds. Then go home and spend time nurturing this new growth.
Kirt Edblom via Flickr
Need new kid clothes? Go shopping at these consignment stores. Get all of the clothes you need at an affordable price at these shops that carry new and gently used items.
Go on a PNW road trip. We've got some awesome options for you all rounded up here.
Cozy up with your kids and listen to a local podcast. There are tons being created by and for local families.
Sip some ramen! The kids ramen bowls at Boke Bowl are rich, flavorful, and reasonably priced!
Take a drive to the gorgeous coastal town of Manzanita! We recommend keeping an eye out on the weather and picking the first sunny windy day to go fly a kite!
Take the kids to Omsi! That's right! It has reopened and there are plenty of awesome exhibits to check out.
Visit the Children’s section at Powell’s Bookstore. Make a special trip to the downtown flagship store, grab a coffee for you and hot chocolate for the littles, and sit in the children’s section reading books!
Make a play date and host a craft day! Get inspiration for your next project here.
Get science-y at home! Try one of these awesome at-home projects with your kiddos.
Stay in and get cooking. Check out these child friendly crock pot recipes, get out the aprons, ingredients, and cooking materials and let this meal become a family affair.
This holiday season may not be like any other but one tradition still remains: sending Christmas cards to friends and family. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined The Royal Family who released their Christmas card earlier in the week.
The card is an illustration Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland took of the family at their home in Montecito, California. The card was released through Mayhew, an animal welfare organization. They captioned the photo, “We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community.”
We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. 💜 From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🎄🐶🐱
Find out more! 👉 https://t.co/5o2RHLveRMpic.twitter.com/uBV19F6Odt
Earlier this week The Royal Family released their holiday greetings and as usual they don’t disappoint. Prince William and Duchess Kate posed in a casual country setting with their three children while Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall released a photo from their garden.
Kensington Palace announced on Instagram, “The Duke and Duchess are delighted to share a new image of their family, which features on their Christmas card this year🎄.”
Prince William, Duchess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis pose upon bales of hay at their country home, Anmer Hall. Louis with his wide open-mouthed smile steals the show as he laughs for photographer Matt Porteous.
Clarence House also posted a sneak peek of this year’s official Christmas card from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The photo features the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall sitting on a bench in a beautiful garden surrounded by flowers in full bloom at Birkhall, their Scottish estate.
If summer weather has to end, at least we can look forward to some fun in the snow. FUNBOY changed the game when it comes to pool inflatables, now they are taking winter sports to the next level. A retro-inspired, après chic collection of essential snow accessories recently launched.
The winter collection was created to inspire families to safely get outdoors this holiday season and make memories to last a lifetime. These products were created for the perfect snow day experience. These lightweight and portable snow sleds come in a variety of retro prints and classic shapes to elicit memories of nostalgic snow play.
The FUNBOY Winter Bloom Snow Toboggan Sled ($59) features rapid inflate and deflate valve, dual handles for easy downhill grip, hand pull rope included.
The FUNBOY Retro Plaid Snow Tube ($49) has a reinforced rubber base with directional grooves helps keep the sled going straight downhill for endless fun.