Walkabout
Some people have asked me how I go about deciding what to write in this blog. A lot of it comes from research and shopping a lot, but sometimes I just kind of stumble onto stuff. Today is one of those days.
I came across GeoPalz not that long ago, and was pretty much hooked on the concept from the start. The gist is this: kid-friendly pedometers that strap onto wrists or shoes. I’m enamored because not only are they super cute and come in a bajillion designs to suit every interest and taste, but also because they provide an incentive to be used.
There’s an online social networking component to GeoPalz. Kids are encouraged to log on everyday to post the number of steps their pedometer tracked for them – with an anti-cheat function built in, plus a ‘vigorous activity’ tracker for gym class or just running around. As they add steps, they earn ‘points’ that take them through a virtual map of the GeoPalz world. At certain checkpoints they score virtual trophies and free real world goodies – including gift cards for iTunes and Farmville, or more activity-driven items like frisbees and soccer balls.
From a parent’s perspective, the benefit is pretty obvious. GeoPalz is giving you the opportunity to gift your kid with something that won’t glue them to the screen of their choice – other than logging their steps – but encourage and incent them to get active. If you’re wanting to see if your investment pays off, parents are actually sent a weekly email detailing their kids progress, plus some fun motivational facts and ideas to keep kids off the couch and on their feet.
The price is reasonable as well. The original series runs for $15 a pop, while the second generation (pictured above) is just $25. Great if you’re shopping for say, a niece or nephew, your best friend’s kid, or even considering it as a pricy stocking stuffer for your own children or grandchildren. Check out their virtual store and pick the pedometer that’ll best suit your kid giftee’s style – from sporty soccer balls and gothic skeletons to world adventure-inspired and hippie dippy 60s throwbacks, there’s no shortage of choices. Even parents can get on board and track their steps as well. And yes, they do ship to Canada.
If you’re with me on what a great, refreshing gift idea this is, then you’ll be psyched to hear I’ve got one GeoPalz to give away. All you have to do to enter is:
1) Leave a comment below before December 2nd and tell me what GeoPalz you’d most like to win – hint: check out their online store for ideas. Be sure to include your name and email address when you post your comment (not in the comment!) so I can contact you if you win!
2) Entries are limited to one per person per email address (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 2nd to select the winner, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry Time: Subscribe to my blog (not just the comments) for a bonus entry. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll earn a bonus entry automatically as long as you post a comment below.
As always, you’re welcome to give me a shakedown if you want full rules & regs by emailing canadiangiftguide -at- gmail – dot- com. Happy trails!
Canadian Gift Guide 
I like the skull and guitars one, my son would love that. It would also help him get away from his video games/computer/tv usage.
I love the Butterfly V2
I like LayLay, or either of the butterflies, if for a girl 🙂 Marcus or Lucas would be my choice for a boy!!
Diego!!
I love the Diego Skelanimal V2!
I’m a subscriber!
Thanks Erin, you’ve earned a bonus entry.
I like the heart one.
Wow, it is hard to choose, they are all so cool. I guess the Sunburst Compass is probably my favorit though!
skull kitty seems like something my son would like
spynaert@hotmail.com
i WOULD CHOOSE THE BUTTERFLY V2 IF I HAD A CHOICE. I AM A SUBSCRIBER!
Thanks Susan, you’ve earned a bonus entry.
I JUST love the Butterfly!!! SO pretty ❤ But agreed, so many cool ones its hard to choose! 😀
I really like the Kit Skelanimal V2!!
neat idea
I showed my daughter and she liked the cat one!
I’d pick the Butterfly V2
Subscribe to blog.
Thanks Gemma, you’ve earned a bonus entry.
great gift
I love the football.
I would love to give the Butterfly V2 to my fiance’s niece. She’s extremely active and would get a big kick out of this. It’d make a great stocking stuffer item.
I’m also a subscriber.
Great – can you tell me what email your subscription is under (just the start is fine) so I can confirm you’re on the subscriber list?
i like skull kitty
our daughter loves butterflies, so i think i’d say the butterfly V2 (although there are a lot of really cute ones to choose from!)
i’d like the kit skelianimal! so cute!
I like Diego skeleanimal or peace sign for my daughter. My son would want the football! cool idea !