Finding That Perfect Gift Will Make Someone a Happy Camper

Believe it or not, this is the perfect season to purchase gifts for any camper on your list. As we are in the off-season for camping, a lot of stores with camping gear hold their sales. The same goes for on-line retailers. So if you see that perfect new gadget, like the latest headlamp, go ahead and order it now.

It is also the time to think about all of the winter sports you would like to enjoy in the coming winter season and the equipment that you or your family may require. Kids grow quickly and they may need new outdoor clothing, including snowsuits, as well as new skates, skis etc.

So let’s think about what winter sports your family may want to enjoy this year.

Skiing is a wonderful sport and kids as young as 3 can become quite proficient at it very quickly. Skiing includes both downhill and cross-country skiing. X-country in a hilly terrain may be more of a challenge for younger kids, but starting off on a flat surface can give them a great introduction to the sport.

I remember how my son started skiing on a frozen Rice Lake when he was just 4.5 years old. Slowly shuffling his feet forward, one step at a time. Oh, it seemed like such hard work. But it definitely paid off.

Last year, when he was almost 7, Mark effortlessly made it through the 5km trail at Hardwood Hills, near Barrie, Ontario. Up and down, up and down, as his parents could hardly keep up with him.
Such a wonderful moment in a beautiful, silent and sunny forest...

The same goes for skating. Getting a new pair of ice skates is such an exciting time for any kid. Starting slowly, perhaps with a support, when they are little, kids quickly learn and progress.

As with anything else, good skiing or skating lessons will help your child to improve their technique, and as they say: it is easier to form good habits right away than to break old bad habits.

Snowshoeing is becoming a new favourite with families, as it is easy to learn at any age and does not require much of equipment, just snowshoes. It can be done just about anywhere where there is some snow base.

Another all-time favourite is tobogganing, but this year forget all the clumsy wooden toboggans and cheap plastic saucers. Go for Zipfy, the new wave, ultimate toboggan. Become the king or queen of the hill! They can be found at many stores near you, including Mastermind in Toronto, or at Amazon.com

For long winter nights you can pick up a game of Wildcraft!, a 2009 winner in eco-friendly toys. It teaches how to recognize different plants and herbs and what they are used for. That is a great skill to have for a lifetime, so teach your kids and learn yourself as well.