One of the most popular gift items at Christmas is board games. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment and fun, they also encourage friends and family to spend time together -  a family that plays together stays together.

Konexi from the Wonder Forge, is a 3D word building game where each player takes turns adding letters to build a teetering skyscraper. The longer the word, the higher your points and the more precariously balanced it becomes. You can spell your words upward, downward or sideways, but there will come a point when gravity kicks in and Konexi will collapse.

Konexi is just making its way into the Canadian market. It is available at Splash Toys in Vancouver as well as online from Amazon for $21.99. You can also visit wonderforge.com (the game distributor) for a list of major US retailers if you plan to head south.

Walking to and from school used to be the norm when we were kids. You didn't think twice about it. Now, with the world feeling so much more dangerous for our kids, the thought of letting them walk puts fear in the hearts of many parents. We want them to be safe but we also want them to have a taste of the freedom that we were able to enjoy by roaming the neighbourhood.

iSAFE Backpacks may be the answer. This line of backpacks and messenger bags have all the usual compartments for books and papers as well as cell phones and ipods, but what makes these bags different is that they come equipped with a built-in personal alarm and red strobe light. Concealed under a flap on the shoulder strap, the alarm is activated by simply pulling the cord. You can watch the video demonstration here.

iSAFE bags comes in a variety of colours and fabric designs. They are designed for people ages 8 and  up and the pack weighs only 2.3 pounds with the alarm batteries. Not bad at all.

iSAFE backpacks and messenger bags are available online starting at $39.99.

Summer is finally here - both with the weather and with the end of school! Now it's time for vacation and that means road trips! What do you do to keep your kids, or yourself, busy as you watch the miles tick by?

A good, old fashioned game of Tic Tac Toe will keep them their minds and their hands occupied.  The Yes or No Tic Tac Toe game set is handmade right here in Maple Ridge, BC by Mizzonk, whose name is inspired by a monk's devotion to contemplation and his work. More than just a game, this beautifully crafted set it is a work of art. Measuring only 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 5 1/4",  it is a perfect travel sized game-on-the-go.

This limited edition game set is available in black MDF ($85), Solid Western Cedar ($125) and the actual game pieces are Eastern Hard Maple. You can order online from mizzonk.com with payment available through Paypal.

With several of us here at Stimuli falling into the thirty-something age bracket, it goes without saying that there are a lot of little people in our lives. Our friends, siblings and even customers are having children, en masse it would seem. The question is…what do you get them for a gift?

Since we are the generous "aunty" and not the parent, we tend to go for something a little more luxurious yet still practical. We recently discovered Pico Charlie Cole, a Canadian company that specializes in linens, blankets and baby wear.  There's two items that caught our eye; the Take Me Home Gift Set that holds a receiving blanket and baby hat, both embroidered with a lovely saying.

We couldn't resists a little oohing and awing over the Perfect Pair Twin Tee Set. Made of 100% cotton jersey, the tee is available in white, natural and grey.

These two Pico Charlie Cole items are available at The Passionate Home in Langley. Did you know they've just moved into a brand new, bigger location right across the courtyard in McBurney Lane? Go check out the new space - it's breathtaking!

We may have mentioned a time or two that those of us here in the Stimuli offices have a little bit of a shoe fetish. While we are usually obsessing over shoes to shod our feet with, we can't deny that pint-sized versions leave us squealing with delight as well.

Robeez, the trusted name in children's first footwear, has created mini rain boots; Splish Splosh for girls and Feeding Frenzy for boys. Featuring a non-slip, water-repellant outsole, Robeez rain boots have loops at the top and a velcro closure for easy on and off. Not only will your little one's feet stay warm and dry, they'll be the most fashion forward tots in town.

We found the Robeez rain boots at Love Those Shoes in Cloverdale for $35.99. Robeez is also sold at many other boutiques including Kidazzles in White Rock,  Babycheeks in South Surrey, Panda Shoes in Langley, Baby Blossom and The Baby Giraffe Children's Boutique both in Abbotsford. For a complete list visit the Robeez Store Locator.