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Top 9 Active Gifts for Children

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 29, 2011

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Encourage the children in your life to enjoy physical activity and build it into their play time. I've included some games that can turn the much-maligned videogame console into a fitness center, as well as more traditional active gifts. These gift suggestions can help kids learn that being active is fun and help them lead a healthy active life. Some of gifts were suggested by Anne Mejia Downs, assistant professor of physical therapy at the University of Indianapolis, in a press release, November 2006.

1. Yamax Digi-Walker 200 Pedometer

Yamax Digiwalker 200Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber

Nothing beats a pedometer for recording total daily activity. You can make a family game of it with everybody wearing a pedometer and giving small rewards for winning each week. The Yamax Digi-Walker is considered to be one of the most accurate pedometers on the market, yet is inexpensive. Be sure to get the extra safety strap to keep it attached to your waistband so you don't lose it. If you've been disgusted with the poor accuracy of freebie or cheap pedometers, you need to get the Digi-Walker.

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2. Geopalz Pedometer - Walk to Win

Geopalz Pedometer Activity TrackerWendy Bumgardner © 2010

The Geopalz pedometers come in fun shapes, including Skelanimals, fantasy, edgy, and cutesy. They are pretty accurate and easy to use. Besides the attraction of the shape, users can log their steps on the Geopalz.com web site and earn awards and prizes. This combo makes the Geopalz a great incentive for kids to move more.

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3. Nintendo Wii Game Console

Nintendo Wii Game ConsoleCourtesy of Pricegrabber
The Wii uses motion-sensing technology to get you up off the couch and moving around to interact with your on-screen games. The various sports games can even help players improve their coordination and perform better on the tennis court or ballfield. If you find your children hunkered down, addicted to videogames, it is a good investment to switch to a Wii and get them more active.
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4. Nintendo Personal Trainer: Walking

Nintendo DS Personal Trainer WalkingPhoto courtesy of Pricegrabber

The Nintendo DS Personal Trainer: Walking for the Nintendo DS gaming console is geared towards the youth market to get them moving. You get two activity monitors so you can get two people involved. Wear the monitors to trace your steps and pattern of activity. Because there is no number display on the monitors, you only know you have reached your daily step total by a red or green light or checking on the Nintendo DS gaming console. There are challenges and coaching to move more. It works best for a child or youth who uses their gaming console several times a day.

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5. Dance Dance Revolution

Dance Dance Revolution Disney Channel EditionCourtesy of Pricegrabber
Put that video game console to a good use. The kids can really rack up the pedometer steps following dance moves to popular songs. Not only will they get cardio exercise, but it builds coordination, balance, rhythm, reaction time and motor control. Hmm, maybe you'll be sneaking some time with DDR yourself when you're "too busy" to make it to the gym!
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6. Twister Moves

Twister MovesCourtesy of Pricegrabber
The new Twister variation uses a CD with two DJs to call out directions for 100 different moves. Each player has and individual mat to follow along. Like DDR, this builds balance, coordination, flexibility, reaction time and motor control. Hmm, again, I think we who are parent and grandparent age could use a lot more that, too!
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7. Cranium Hullabaloo

Cranium HullabalooCourtesy of Pricegrabber
This game prompts kids to jump, dance and run around and encourages following directions, color and shape recognition and coordination. It was awarded the Toy Industry Association's 2003 Game of the Year. It's geared for children age 4 and up.
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8. Pedometer Challenge Charts

A great addition to giving a pedometer, these charts can be used for a virtual walk across the USA, walking to Hawaii, or walking across the Wild West.
Publisher's Site

9. Pedz Pedometer

Pedz PedometerWendy Bumgardner © 2009

These are fun-shaped pedometers designed for kids. They come with access to the MyPedz web site where kids can track their steps and play games and earn points for other healthy activities. It's a fun interactive way to encourage your kids to be more active.

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