Traveling this holiday season? Wondering how in the world to keep the kids from screaming their heads off in mid-air? Watercolors are messy, and crayons have a nasty habit of rolling to the back of the plane. But Wikki Stix — thin, bendable wax-like sticks that can be fashioned into any shape, and cost just a few dollars — stay put. My kids recently received packets of Wikki Stix at an Italian restaurant that was apparently tired of cleaning up crayon scuffs. They contorted the sticks into cursive semblances of their names, fashioned animals and braided bracelets from them and made rainbows on the table as we awaited our meal. No muss, no fuss — and very contented kids.
6 Last-Minute Kid Gifts, Both Practical and Whimsical
If you're still scrambling to find Christmas gifts for the kids, here are some unconventional (or ingenious) playthings and products out there. Bonus: we've included gift ideas for Mom and Dad, to help make holiday travels a little less onerous.