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.

The past few decades have turned us into creatures in need of constant entertainment.  Video games, movies, iphone apps and social media sites put entertainment right at our fingertips.  Have you ever wondered what kids used to play with?

These wooden toys by Canadian artist, Gary Taxali bring to mind a time when simpler toys enthralled us for hours.  Not unlike watching a burning fire, the perpetual motion of the Whirly Man or clickity-clack noise of the Woodpecker toy will capture the attention of the young and old alike.

Gary Taxali's wooden toys are available exclusively at Chapters both instore and online for $12.95 each.

It really is a lost art.  The traditional Thank You card has gone by the wayside in lieu of firing off a quick email - if we even do that.  Nothing will ever replace the impact of sending a handwritten note of thanks.  We think it's important to teach our kids this simple, yet important social etiquette.

Starting them young is the key and the World of Thanks kits make writing a Thank You card fun.  These boxed sets include 10 cards and matching envelopes along with 6 sheets of stickers all printed with a fun, child-like theme.  This is a perfect christmas gift that kills two birds with one stone; your kids get a great gift AND they have what they need to send Thank You's for their gifts.

We discovered the World of Thanks set at McBurney Junction in Langley for $21.99.