The Savvy Five: Outdoor Toys

Spring is in the air and it’s time to get outside for some fun and games (sans screens). So for this month’s SavvyFive, we bring you our favourite picks for outdoor toys:

iBert Safe-T-Seat
Good for: Making sure your bike doesn’t sit gathering dust in your garage just because you’re a parent now.
Why It Made the List: This brand-new-to-Canada (and parent-invented) bike seat allows the whole family to get outside and experience the joys of cycling together, while offering a lot of advantages over other bike seats. Less expensive than a trailer, the iBert allows for better interaction with your child than in a rear-mounted seat. Also, it offers a better centre of gravity and more comfort than other front-mounted seats due to its innovative ‘Stinger’ attachment assembly (the seat can be removed in just 15 seconds). The iBert is designed for children who weigh up to 38 pounds and are at least 12 months old and able to sit upright and straight while wearing a helmet. (Available at www.ibert.ca, $139.95)

Nite Ize® Meteorlight LED Ball
Good for: Keeping the game going all night long.
Why It Made the List: This rubber ball lights up through an internal LED light that can be switched on and off. The size of a tennis ball, it’s perfect for a game of late-night catch or a backyard sleepover, and it even floats, which makes it great for playing at the beach or the lake. (Available from www.llbean.com, $12.95 US)

Orange Marker Cones
Good for: Making the game seem more ‘official’ and keeping it safe.
Why It Made the List: Kids love using these cones to mark off goals or sidelines, and parents like them because they make the game more safe. They are also great for beginner bike-riders to practice turning around (set them up in a row) and for putting out on the street if there is a street hockey game in progress to warn drivers in advance to slow down. And beyond the sports, you’ll be amazed what other uses your kids’ imaginations will come up with for them! (Available at Canadian Tire, $6.99)

OgoSport Mini Super Sports Disk
Good for: Multi-sport fun and a great new way to play catch.
Why It Made the List: Ogo stands for Oh Go Outside and with their high-strength elastic membrane, these award-winning foam rings (the set includes two, as well as one ball) encourage just that. They can be used to catch and throw balls up to 150 feet high, enjoyed as throwing disks by themselves or adapted to other sports, such as tennis, volleyball and baseball. Great for water play, too, as they won’t sink in the pool. (Available at Chapters/Indigo, $24.95)

Giobas Large Pinwheel
Good for: Bringing back the old days.
Why It Made the List: Sometimes you just want to run around outside and chase the wind, and this extra-large and extra-bright pinwheel is just the companion for that. For the younger set, it’s fun to look at from the comfort of the stroller. Plus, the sturdy wooden stick can even be buried in the ground. (Available at Mastermind Toys, $6.95)

Remember, getting outside and having fun isn’t just for kids. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

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